Cook County Forest Preserves offers several cabin camping options close to Riverdale, Illinois. The preserves contain more than 70,000 acres of natural areas with sites typically situated within 5-30 miles of Riverdale at elevations ranging from 580-720 feet above sea level. Winter glamping near Riverdale provides access to trails when temperatures average 25-35°F between December and February.
What to do
Mountain biking on single track trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides direct access to miles of mountain biking trails. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. We saw several vehicles carrying top of the line bikes in and out all day," notes Tim K., who visited Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Lake Michigan swimming and dunes climbing: Located approximately 40 miles from Riverdale, Indiana Dunes State Park combines beach access with unique ecological features. "The lake and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype. 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," reports Greg S. about his experience at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Obstacle course and swimming pond: Oak Lake RV Resort offers water recreation options less than 30 miles from Riverdale. "Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s'mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!" writes Nadiehsda B. after staying at Oak Lake RV Resort.
What campers like
Close-to-city escape: Camp Sullivan provides urban camping options just minutes from Riverdale. "Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds," shares Shane S. about Camp Sullivan.
Quiet wooded sites: The Dunewood Campground in Indiana Dunes National Park offers secluded sites within a forested setting. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus. The hosts were friendly," mentions Katherine T. about her stay at Dunewood Campground.
Clean facilities: Michigan City Campground maintains well-kept amenities for glampers seeking comfort. "This is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter. We stayed in the premium sites which were 90ft pull through with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite," reports Craig C. from his visit to Michigan City Campground.
What you should know
Train noise affects sleep quality: Several campgrounds near Riverdale experience railway disturbances. "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine but us tent camping there was nothing to block the sound," warns Kaley A. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Limited bathroom facilities: At Camp Sullivan, bathroom availability can be problematic during busy periods. "It's ridiculous there are two bathroom stalls and complete strangers have to pass a toilet paper roll between the stalls—for the price I'd expect more," notes G.M.
Seasonal differences in amenities: Water systems at some campgrounds operate seasonally. "The water is not yet potable so bring your own or check with the park team to ensure it's drinkable when you go," advises Hatie P. about early spring camping at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites strategically for easy playground access. "Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a looong day of driving. Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp," shares Sadie H. about Oak Lake RV Resort.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule early morning hikes for optimal wildlife spotting. "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. from her spring visit to Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Insect preparation: Pack strong mosquito repellent, particularly for evening activities. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," warns Katrin M. about her experience at Dunewood Campground.
Tips from RVers
Security features: Some campgrounds offer gated access requiring check-in. "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool," notes Shane M. about Michigan City Campground.
Hook-up limitations: Many forest preserve campgrounds provide electrical connections but limited water access. "Really nice campground. No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors," explains Kaitlin M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Arrival timing considerations: For pull-through sites, early arrival improves selection options. "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. I believe this is a relatively newer campground. There is NO shade during the day," observes Tim K. about the RV camping area at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
