57 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several RV campgrounds serve the River Forest area within a 30-mile radius, offering options from basic electric hookups to full-hookup RV campsites with 50-amp service. Camp Bullfrog Lake provides electric hookups with 30-amp service and level concrete pads suitable for medium-sized motorhomes. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort in Joliet offers full hookups with 50-amp electrical service for larger rigs. "Sites are ok size. Pretty level," noted one visitor about Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort. Sycamore RV Resort accommodates big rigs with pull-through sites and includes water, electric, and sewer connections. Most RV sites at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort feature full hookups with spacious gravel pads, though some campers report tight spacing between neighboring sites.
Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round with varying amenities. Dump stations are limited at certain locations, with a camper at Camp Sullivan noting "there is no dump station and we're told the nearest one is about 20 minutes away." Cell service varies significantly by provider, with T-Mobile coverage reported as weak at some locations. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays from May through September. The Great Lakes Naval Training Center RV Campground requires military credentials for entry but offers lakefront views with concrete pads. Dogs are permitted at most parks, though specific breed restrictions may apply. Sites with both 30-amp and 50-amp service tend to fill quickly during summer months.
"No tent camping allowed but pop up trailers on up are welcome. Very nice grounds that are quiet. 10 minute drive to town. 20 minutes from Dekalb. Some Covid 19 restrictions."
"Stayed here for a week, nice clean campground, quiet and beautiful lake for fishing, close to town, but yet just far enough out."
"Friendly staff who were quick to respond to any issues. Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly."
"Did laundry….so quiet we slept hard.! Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
"The new pool, the game room, the playground,the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful. We've developed quite a lovely community of really nice people."
"The location requires a 2 night stay minimum."
from $65 - $95 / night
Check Availability"I stayed here for two weeks when I first started rv'ing full time while I finished up work and finalized the selling of the house. It has a well maintained laundry and shower facility. "
"The pull throughs were really long. We like dispersed sites so we wouldn’t have like this park ‘in season’ when it’s packed."
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Located just due east on the outskirts of little known Morris, Illinois just off I80, this little roadside stand isn’t the largest Love’s I’ve ever seen, but it sure does pack a punch. "
"Rating as a truck stop/overnight and not campground rating We pulled in around 10pm, easily backed in with no obstacles, hook ups were all easy and convienent and we were on I80 again before 7
You"
from $37 / night
Check Availability"Last minute online reservation...They only have. 4 or 5 RV sites...full hook ups...about $60+-...right near gas pumps but any noise did not bother us weary travelers...Only downside was showers were not"
from $40 - $599 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $75 - $90 / night
Check Availability"I enjoy the secluded area and found the people to be friendly and helpful"
"These spots are not big rig friendly. We are 35' and barely fit. I believe ours is one of the bigger sites, so beware. As stated, there is electric hookup but no water at the site."
"Thank goodness Michael answered phone Happy to help.us out
No pull through Electric only Small clean park
Decided to just park in parking lot and leave tow on
Leaving early in the morning"
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability
TravelerFriendly staff who were quick to respond to any issues. Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant. No wi-fi found except at hotel. Good phone connection. Garbage cans throughout park. Minutes from I & M Canal entrance on Houbolt and from JJC and I-80.
TravelerWe pulled in around 4:30 in the evening. The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites. Since the weather was cooler , it was pretty sparse with other campers. We stayed 2 nights over the weekend. You are within walking distance to the beach within the park. The buildings have great architecture. The sight had 50 amp electric hook ups but no water or sewer connections, and we knew that going in. We had a back in sight #69. There was plenty of space on all sides. We have a 37’ motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around. The sight also had a wood picnic table and fire ring for a wood fire pit. We will definitely be back! I wish I had taken more photos from the beach and beach pavilion.
LegendRolling Oaks is one of those wonderfully old-school Midwestern campgrounds that feels less like an RV resort and more like a little summer community that has been evolving for generations out here in the rich corn patches of central IL. Family-run since 1969, the sprawling, shady property sits along the Fox River with its very own lake and a decidedly RV-centric personality, where curb appeal is just as important (if not more) than the actual mobile confines people are living in. A substantial portion of the campground is occupied by long-term and seasonal residents, complete with patios, sheds and occasionally elaborate outdoor entertaining spaces, which gives Rolling Oaks an unusual neighborhood feel rather than the transient atmosphere of most CGs.
While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHS and LOWS along with a fresh batch of photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Water is the star here, with a swimming lake, pool and direct access to the Fox River making this particularly appealing if you bring kayaks, canoes or tubes; (2) Plenty of shade and a mixture of full-hookup, partial-hookup and pull-through RV sites plus tent camping accommodate just about every style of camper; (3) Playgrounds, volleyball, horseshoes and a game room give kids plenty to do without leaving the property; (4) Summer weekends have an almost throwback campground-community atmosphere with dancing, cart rides, farmers’ markets, spaghetti dinners, corn boils and pig roasts; and (5) Being only a few miles from the village of Sandwich makes supplies easy while putting you in prime position for the enormously popular Sandwich Fair (if you manage to time your stay here to coincide with this annual attraction).
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The large population of seasonal and long-term campers means portions of Rolling Oaks can feel more like a permanent RV neighborhood than a campground; (2) All that community activity means summer weekends aren't exactly designed for campers seeking solitude and P&Q; and (3) The CGs sprawling layout means the experience can vary considerably depending upon where you land with front sections feel busier and more transient, while areas farther back become increasingly more residential.
Insider’s Tip: For the best balance of scenery, shade and quiet, head toward the far side of the lake, away from the busiest weekend activity. And if you're thinking of bringing a kayak or canoe, definitely bring it as direct Fox River access is one of Rolling Oaks' biggest advantages.
Happy Camping!
LegendThe state park is located within the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Park (formerly National Lakeshore), so don't get confused by this. There also is a national park campground, but it's closed in the winter.)
This state park has a nice layout because the sites seem to be staggered so that they don't back up to each other. Also, there is a good buffer space behind the sites and decent space between each site.
All sites have 20- 30- and 50-amp service available, plus almost all are a combination of a concrete pad and asphalt apron. Note that just because they're paved doesn't mean all of them are level. Each site has a fire pit and it appeared they all have grill grates on them.
One nice touch is that some sites have wider asphalt aprons so if you have a longer rig, you can put your towing vehicle or your towed vehicle off to the side once your rig is in place. Also, the ADA sites are nicely laid out with larger concrete pads so that even the fire pits are in the concrete section for ease of access.
Note that after Nov. 1, the water is shut off and bathrooms are shut down until spring, although there are vault toilets available.
You will hear a pretty regular stream of train whistles at this campground, but they aren't so loud as to be disruptive.
You can hike to the 1929 Dunes Pavilion and a large beach on Lake Michigan. The best hiking activity, however, and also easily accessible by walking from the campground, is the series of dune trails. The Nature Center, which sits between the campground and the trails, has some good visitor's information about the dunes, the flora and fauna, and the history of the area.
Once you finish seeing what you want in the state park, there's still the entire national park to see. Plus, there's a multi-use trail that runs for 9 miles along the state park and into the national park.
Cell service for Verizon was two bars but speeds seem to be good. Less signal and speed for Google Fi, but not terrible.
TravelerWe booked here sight unseen due to temporary employment in the area.
What a terrible mistake.
The best thing was, that there is "full hook up" here???
This place is old and run-down to say the least, there's not a flat spot on any of the roads. The sites are dirt with something green in between. The stinkest water we've ever smelled, horrible!!! Our sewer connection was nearly buried. There is a laundry area, I don't know what it's like, I'd never wash our close in that nasty water, we found a Laundromat. The lots are verious sizes of tiny. Most sites you're back to back to your neighbor. Your door faces your other neighbor's door, it's like you shared a site. We asked for a picnic table and got one, but when we left for a week, when we returned it was gone! Despite the high rent, there's no internet or cable TV, basically no emenities. We were told there was planned activities, but we weren't there long enough to find out. There's a area for long-term, yearly sites. Several of the trailers in that area were old with beat up decks, some surrounded by junk.
We installed interior security cameras to keep an eye on our rig. Then stayed in a hotel until we changed our job location.
We can't image a worse location. I should be condemned.
We feel bad for those who are on the road and fall into this trap for a place to stay on the way, or close to Chicago.
TravelerThis is actually our second visit here. It’s only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times. It’s a unique location about .5 miles from the actual beach and there’s a path/boardwalk that takes you right there. This is one of the few state parks that has a year-round heated bathroom with shower, so even with our popup camper we were able to take advantage of the decent weather for our first trip of the year. Sites are decent sized and have asphalt driveways with concrete pads. Sites are electric only, but there’s several water fills, even in winter. Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season. Be aware that because it shares an entrance to the state park beach, entering on a summer Saturday or summer Sunday can take upwards of 45 minutes or more.
LegendLocated just 7 miles south of nearby Sandwich, which is by no means a roaring metropolis mind you, but certainly a nice quaint Midwestern town that will offer up a small bit of refuge and resource, should you need anything while staying out in these parts. This hidden campground gem, which is incredibly homey and likely a communal outpost for many fellow campers for more than the past half century, sits right on the Fox River and therefore offers pretty stunning views as well as great access to some decent fishing and kayaking.
While incredibly family friendly, Rolling Oaks, which is also pet-friendly, offers an abundance of amenities in addition to river access, including: horseshoe pits, playground with slides and swings, volleyball courts, 2 outdoor swimming pools and a maintained lake perfect for cooling off during the heat, propane exchange station, covered pavilions, scattered picnic tables, stand-up BBQ grills and fire rings, snack bar with sandwiches, burgers, wings and pizza as well as all of the traditional hook-ups (electric 30 / 50 amp, water and sewage) for pull-thru, back-in partial and full sites for RVs and 5th Wheelers. The bathroom and shower facilities are not amazing, but decent. Further down the road is a general store where you can buy those items that are ‘must-haves’ and for everything else, it’s just a short drive to nearby Sandwich.
What I love most about Rolling Oaks Campground, unlike many of the other available nearby options is that this location really feels as though it perfectly balances the seasonal ‘year rounders’ who rock up with their RVs for the annual stretch and those that are simply looking for a long weekend getaway, whether it be in their RV or for those of us that want to pitch up for the night in our tent cabins. There’s also a very strong community vibe here, which happens as a result of countless activities, group get-togethers and themed events, such as larger-than-life celebrations around the traditional holidays like 4th of July, Memorial and Labor Days, Halloween, etc. From potluck dinners and line dancing to hog roasts as well as line dancing and live music on the weekends, there’s a lot to enjoy here at Rolling Oaks.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you time it right – and I certainly would do a bit of work to do so with the family en towe – I would time your visit during the Sandwich Fair, which is one of the largest and most enjoyed statewide celebrations offering up traditional carnival rides, sweets & treats as well as other diversions like tractor pulls and pie eating contests; (2) Here you are located to some of the best state parks in the entirety of Illinois, whether that’s Shabbona Lake SP to the north, which offers up some pretty amazing fishing as well as proper hunting grounds or Starved Rock SP to the south, providing you with countless trails to hike and dells to scale; (3) For those wanting to dip their canoe or kayak in the water, I highly recommend that you first engage the Fox River that this property straddles or, if you are looking for something a bit different and slightly more challenging, check out nearby Illinois River, where the expanse is greater and the currents much more challenging and you should be easily able to spot one of the many bald eagles that call this river home; (4) When you grow weary of foraging for that next meal in the remnants of your onboard RV mini-fridge and want to try out some local fare, check out Old Mill Tavern, which is an old-school saloon, but features great fried chicken on the weekend, or Newark’s Country Kitchen for some great down home Midwestern comfort food, whether you are looking for biscuits & gravy for breakfast or fried catfish for lunch or dinner; and (5) If you are a die-hard foodie like me and don’t mind a slightly longer drive to discover two of the most amazing restaurants in the area, then head on over to Ottawa for Lone Buffalo, which operates both as a high-end micro brewery and secretly serves up some of the best gastro-pub food you’ll ever enjoy of which, I HIGHLY recommend the fish-n-chips OR make your way west down I80 to Ladd, where you’ll discover the best fried chicken of your life at Rip’s Chicken (and don’t forget to order the slaw, crispies and fried pickles, which completes the otherwise cholesterol-fueled meal!).
Happy Camping!
ScoutA pull through style RV park. Great if you have a toy hauler style camper, but if you're used to boondocking/ dispersed camping. Very very few spots with shade and trees. Felt like a trailer park not camping.
GuideWow! What a State Park inside the National Park! Spacious, beautiful, and a big surprise on Lake Michigan South East. Indiana. Towering trees, San dunes, marshland, and fifteen miles of beach shore parklands. If you haven’t been, go! This is a year round play land. Camping is surrounded by forest, electric only, bathrooms/showers ((vault and flush), and clean for state park standards. Bring your, bikes, kayaks, beach attire, and hiking boots for spring, summer, and fall. Bring snowshoes and cross country skis in winter.
River Forest camping options sit within the northwest Chicago metro area where the Des Plaines River meets suburban landscapes. The area experiences distinct Midwestern seasons with summer humidity and winter freezes affecting camping conditions from May through October. Most RV campgrounds near River Forest maintain concrete or gravel pads for stability during spring rain.
Fishing opportunities: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers catch-and-release fishing with rentable equipment. "Beautiful little lake" notes Lawrence B., making it ideal for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Mountain biking trails: The extensive trail network at Camp Bullfrog Lake provides miles of riding options directly from campsites. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day," reports Tim K.
Beach swimming: Sycamore RV Resort maintains a designated swimming beach during summer months. "Nice fishing ponds and fun beach!!" mentions Abby W., making it a popular spot for cooling off when temperatures rise.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds prioritize bathroom cleanliness despite high usage. "Bathrooms are immaculate and are locked with electronic key cards," reports Marc W. about Sycamore RV Resort's facilities.
Helpful staff: Fox Bluff Cottages & RV provides guidance for first-time visitors. "Plan ahead! The location requires a 2 night stay minimum," advises Ann S., highlighting the reservation requirements.
Nature surroundings: Multiple campgrounds offer walking paths around water features. "There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails," shares Gina H. about Fox Bluff Cottages & RV.
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds pack RVs closer than others. "Piled on top of each other. Also, almost everything is gravel," notes Mike F. about spacing at Sycamore RV Resort.
Winter limitations: Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort restricts certain services seasonally. "No water before 4/15," reports David N., indicating that water hookups shut down during freezing months.
Noise factors: Proximity to transportation corridors affects some locations. "Rail yard behind the row of trees. I believe they were humbling train all night long," mentions James B. about Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort.
Playground access: Family-oriented campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful," describes Gina H. about the facilities at Fox Bluff Cottages & RV.
Cabin alternatives: When weather turns challenging, consider cabin options. "There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold," shares Hatie P. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Wildlife viewing: Morning wildlife watching opportunities exist throughout the region. "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," reports Hatie P.
Parking guidance: Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort staff assists with site positioning. "When we arrive, the host will bring you to your site and just listen to his directions and he will get you into your site perfectly. I asked if I could bring him on my future trips. I've never parked so easily," shares Marc W.
Road conditions: Internal campground roads require slow navigation at some locations. "The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit," mentions Ron R. about Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort.
Water quality considerations: Well water at some RV campgrounds near River Forest contains minerals. "The park water is high in Iron," notes Ron R., suggesting campers might want to bring drinking water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near River Forest, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near River Forest, IL is Sycamore RV Resort with a 4.1-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near River Forest, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 57 RV camping locations near River Forest, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
