Cabin camping options near River Forest, Illinois range from basic tent sites to full-service glamping experiences with modern amenities. Located in the Midwest region characterized by rolling terrain and seasonal weather fluctuations, the campgrounds provide year-round options with varying levels of service. Most cabins stand within forest preserves that feature lakes, ponds, and extensive trail systems.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing opportunities: At Dunewood Campground, visitors can enjoy the clear waters of Lake Michigan. "The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by. This loop is best for tent camping. The other loops are basically all rvs. The boat launch to the fox river was nice too but it does get busy," reports one camper.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: The trail systems near glamping accommodations in River Forest offer extensive riding options. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," noted a visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Climbing the dunes: For a physical challenge, some campgrounds feature unique terrain formations. "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," shares a camper about their experience at Indiana Dunes State Park.
What campers like
Easy access to water recreation: Lakes and waterways provide recreation without traveling far from camp. "The lake and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype. The beach and dunes are the star of this show, but the campground is a good supporting actor," according to a visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Privacy at select sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options. "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers," notes a review for Fox Den Campground.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds catering to families provide extra activities. "This is a very nice campground. A lot of locals go there to get away for the weekend," mentions a reviewer about Lakeshore Camp Resort, which offers activities beyond typical camping.
What you should know
Varying levels of site privacy: Site layouts differ significantly between campgrounds. "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. I supposed this would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape, but as far as campgrounds go it was about 3x the price for less than half the space," reports a camper at Camp Sullivan.
Wildlife awareness needed: Some campers report active wildlife at night. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s'mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down."
Tick prevention important: Particularly in wooded areas, bugs can be an issue. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick, but they literally fall out of the trees into people!"
Tips for camping with families
Bring extra towels for water activities: Many campgrounds offer multiple water recreation options. "The beach was well maintained, and had lifeguards during certain hours, which gave me a little bit of extra comfort in bringing my kids to the lake. It had really nice bathroom facilities, and changing room facilities there," a visitor comments.
Pack screen tents for bug protection: Especially during summer months, a screened area provides relief. "With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair."
Consider weekday visits for quieter experience: "The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week," notes a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow, highlighting the benefits of non-peak timing for families.
Tips from RVers
Check hookup locations before setting up: "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance."
Know campground road restrictions: Some locations have limited access hours. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting. What if there was an emergency?"
Consider partial hookup limitations: "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us- we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves. Our site was right between the playground and beach trailhead, but still private."
