Best Campgrounds near Riverdale, IL

Camping near Riverdale, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different camping styles.

What to do:

• Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. Many campers enjoy the scenic paths that lead to the beach. One visitor mentioned, "It’s only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times."
• Beach Access: At Warren Dunes State Park Campground, you can enjoy the beach after a day of hiking. A reviewer said, "The beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
• Fishing and Boating: Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park offers access to the Illinois River, perfect for fishing and kayaking. One camper noted, "There’s some really decent restaurants around this area... you’ll definitely want to take a spin in the Illinois River."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park. A visitor shared, "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!"
• Wooded Campsites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by the wooded sites at Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park. One camper said, "We had good cell service but obviously the trees prevented Starlink."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground are great for families. A reviewer mentioned, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park. One camper warned, "The mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites."
• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Warren Dunes State Park Campground, can be noisy due to nearby roads and trains. A visitor noted, "You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night."
• Site Size: Campsites can be close together at places like Michigan City Campground. One camper mentioned, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."

Tips for camping with families:

• Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with nearby attractions, like Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park, which has a beach and friendly staff. A camper said, "We found ourselves walking around and encountering an abandoned hotel... which was pretty cool."
• Bring Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, especially at Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park, it's wise to pack plenty of bug spray. One reviewer shared, "I honestly couldn’t wait to leave!"
• Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities, like Blackwell Family Campground, which offers activities for kids.

Tips from RVers:

• Site Selection: Choose sites with enough space for your RV, especially at Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park. A camper advised, "If you have an RV or 5th Wheel, choose Grand Falls."
• Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the necessary hookups. Warren Dunes State Park Campground offers electric hookups, which many RVers appreciate.
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Michigan City Campground noted, "Good for one or two nights."

Camping near Riverdale, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and be ready for the unique quirks of each campground!