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Abdulrahman A.
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ScoutBig Rock Campground
Beautiful And Quite
Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply
Camping near Roselle, IL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The area surrounding Roselle, Illinois features several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, primarily offering weekend getaways for Chicago-area residents. Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville serves as a popular forest preserve destination with electric hookups and designated tent sites, while Camp Reinberg in Palatine and Camp Bullfrog Lake provide cabin options alongside traditional camping. Most facilities in the region cater to both tent and RV campers, with several offering cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort.
Camping in the Chicagoland area operates predominantly on a seasonal basis, with most developed campgrounds open from May through October. "Blackwell campground is very nice - surprisingly well-maintained with unique sites, many of which are large and private," noted one visitor about the DuPage County forest preserve. Reservations are typically required, especially for weekend camping when facilities fill quickly. Many campgrounds, including Blackwell, enforce strict entrance and exit policies, with gates closing after sunset. The region experiences moderate summer temperatures, though thunderstorms can occur frequently. Traffic noise remains a consistent factor at most locations due to their proximity to suburban roads and highways.
Campers consistently highlight the surprising natural feel of these forest preserve campgrounds despite their urban surroundings. Blackwell Forest Preserve receives praise for its wooded sites and recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and hiking trails. A frequent visitor mentioned, "Driving in here makes you forget you're in the middle town!" Several reviewers note the good spacing between sites at many of the forest preserve campgrounds, offering more privacy than might be expected in such a densely populated region. Family-friendly amenities are commonly mentioned in reviews, with activities like archery, fishing, and ranger programs available at select locations. Traffic noise presents the most common complaint, particularly at sites positioned near busy roads, though this is somewhat expected given the suburban context.
Best Campgrounds near Roselle (70)
1. Blackwell Family Campground
"Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."
"I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability2. Camp Reinberg
"Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."
"tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability3. Paul Wolff Campground
"Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."
"The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability4. Camp Bullfrog Lake
"Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life. Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."
"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."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability5. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
"The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."
"We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability6. Big Rock Campground
"Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"
"Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply"
from $18 - $35 / night
Check Availability7. Chicago Northwest KOA
"You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!"
"We stayed here for a weekend and there were plenty of activities for the kids...the staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean...our camp site was near the bathrooms, pool, and store so we were nice"
8. The Vaudeville
"There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"
9. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
"Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."
"We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."
from $43 - $73 / night
Check Availability10. Camp Sullivan
"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."
"There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 34 min from Chicago, IL
- 54 min from Rockford, IL
- 58 min from Kenosha, WI
- 1 hr 9 min from Racine, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Roselle, IL
196 Photos of 70 Roselle Campgrounds
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Art S.
Paul Wolff Campground
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Josh M.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Linda M.
Escape to Nature
Glenn T.
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Amanda K.
Big Rock Campground
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Christie S.
Chicago Northwest KOA
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Recent Reviews near Roselle, IL
521 Reviews of 70 Roselle Campgrounds
- HHolly B.
GuideChicago Northwest KOA
A bit of a drive
It was a bit of a drive to Chicago but nothing overly horrible. We went in October and it was very busy. Lost of activities for the family. We arrived very late but the staff was very gracious and hospitable. The grounds were well kept. They had trash pick up. Nice laundry area. The surrounding area was very nice and rural. We took our dogs on the architecture boat tour.
- MManny A.
TravelerBig Foot Beach State Park Campground
Simple and local
First time RV’ing with my wife and we were able to navigate pretty easily in our rented 30’. Arrived on a Monday, and as posted, there was no one so we checked in online(they sent an email to check in). Simple camp site with tons of space(almost double our RV), a long wood picnic table and a fire pit. Everything was great until we left. Dumping was straight forward, but the person in front of me was taking a little while to dump. They had came up to my RV and let me know the dump tank was backing up, which I had also experienced when I tried dumping. I called to ask for assistance on Thursday and they said they would send a ranger out. 45 minutes of waiting and a couple other RV’s after us and we ended up giving up and going to another site closer to home to dump. Great experience otherwise.
Stuart K.
LegendLakefront Cabins - Shabbona Lake
Lakefront Seclusion Meets Cabin Convenience at Shabbona Lake
Tucked along the shore of shimmering Shabbona Lake, just under two hours west of Chicago mind you, are two rustic yet welcoming camp cabins at this particular SP. These modest structures, each around 200 sq ft, offer a cozy hideaway for up to six people. Facing southeast over the lake, the cabins are shaded and tucked away for privacy, with only a nearby boat launch dock reminding you of civilization.
Inside, the cabins keep it simple: two basic rooms in each, with electricity, baseboard heat, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. There are no cooking facilities or bathrooms (which I have to admit, I was surprised to learn) although there is a multi-leveled adjustable BBQ grill along with a very good sized firepit, so bring your own plans for cooking meals and preparing food. Guests rely on nearby campground amenities, including showers with running hot water, flush toilets, potable water, a dump station and the handy Camp Store that is a very short walk from these cabins and comes stocked with supplies, snacks, firewood and fishing gear.
What sets these cabins apart is the lakefront view combined with practicality. You step right from your door onto a serene, wooded lakeshore offering a perfect perch for early-morning fishing, sunrise coffee on the veranda or unwinding at sunset. The proximity to stocked waters featuring large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, channel catfish, walleye and muskies adds fishing convenience, while the quieter, smaller-scale lodging feels exclusive. Additionally, the Camp Store’s rentals(boats, bait, paddleboats) keep the fun within reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Reserve early as only two cabins exist, and they’re popular from May 1 through October 31 on ExploreMoreIL™; (2) Drive gently on the access path as the lake road can be narrow and shaded; (3) Expect no kitchen or plumbing, so prep meals or plan to dine at nearby Pokanoka’s Dockside Restaurant that sits inside the SP on the western side of the lake or, for a short drive to Shabbona, check out Shabbona Café, Chumley’s Pizza followed by some sweets at Screamers Ice cream after saving campfire cookouts for the fire ring; (4) Bring your own bathrooms habits as restrooms are shared in the main campground; and (5) Check out the Camp Store early for spare fishing poles, firewood or ice cream before being tempted into relaxation.
Happy Camping!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendThousand Trails Pine Country
Shaded, Family-Friendly Country Retreat
There’s something instantly calming about rolling into a campground wrapped in tall pines and soft breezes, and Pine Country had that peaceful, easy feeling that made all of us exhale before we even found our site. This campground is expansive and welcoming, with full-hookup spots laid out across wide loops, plenty of shade, clean bathrooms and a friendly mix of families settling in for weekends or longer stays. Our boys loved wandering between the fishing pond and the small recreation areas and we ended the evening sharing freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that we made over an open fire on a Camp Chef black skillet munching them down at the picnic table while listening to the trees rustle above us. For families looking for a convenient home base near Rockford with lots of room to spread out, EZ access to town for supplies and a campground that really does feel safe and relaxed, Pine Country is an EZ pick. Highly recommended for young families seeking space, shade and a low-key, gentle setting to recharge.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Sycamore RV Resort
Peaceful Lakeside Pause in the Heart of Corn Country
There’s something so comforting about pulling into Sycamore RV Resort and seeing the sunlight dance across those two spring-fed lakes, giving you that immediate exhale that only a calm Midwestern campground can bring. The property is medium-sized, incredibly tidy and thoughtfully laid out, with full-hookup RV sites circling the water, a small sandy beach for summer splashing, clean restrooms and showers, simple playgrounds and EZ walking loops that make it feel both manageable and welcoming for families. The boys were in heaven the next morning when we drove over to Elleson’s Bakery for fresh homemade donuts still warm from the oven. Later we wandered through historic downtown Sycamore during Pumpkinfest, taking in the decorated storefronts and carved pumpkins lined up like a little parade. Back at the RV Resort, from what we saw, the best campsites are any of the lakeside slots on the western shore because they offer the prettiest sunrise views and the quietest pockets of the resort. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its peaceful lakeside setting, its clean and convenient amenities and its proximity to a charming small provincial Midwestern town that makes even a simple weekend feel memorable.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Holiday Acres Camping Resort
Country Calm with a Dash of Classic Campground Fun
The moment we pulled into Holiday Acres, that cozy ‘old-school campground’ feeling washed over us, with tall trees, winding lanes and a big, friendly welcome from the office that instantly made the boys sit up and take notice. The campground is beautifully laid out with roomy sites, full hookups, a well-kept swimming pond, mini golf, a little camp store and restrooms that were impressively clean for a busy family spot. After a long drive, the boys made a beeline for the playground and the pedal carts, and later that night we all sat under the string lights eating ice cream sandwiches from the camp store while fireflies blinked and buzzed through the trees. If you’re a family looking for somewhere safe, shaded and EZ-going with just enough activities to keep the kids happily worn out, this place absolutely fits the bill. Highly recommended for its friendly atmosphere, great kid-focused amenities and peaceful, wooded setting.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Gebhard Woods State Park Campground
A Tiny, Peaceful Hideaway by Nettle Creek
The soft hush of Nettle Creek and the canopy of old hardwoods set the tone the moment we rolled into the tiny family campground at Gebhard Woods, which I would describe as a simple and wooded pocket tucked along the historic I&M Canal in the very quaint nearby town of Morris that feels like stepping back into a gentler, slower rhythm. With only a very small number of walk-in and car-accessible sites, everything here is intentionally uncomplicated with basic picnic tables, simple fire rings, primitive vault toilets, functional stand-up grills, expansive shelter in case of rain and an abundance of shade. The entire campground opens up within EZ walking distance of the creek, footbridges and a canal path that our little ones immediately ran off to explore. One of my favorite moments came as we watched them marvel at all of the turtles they discovered near the creek banks, their laughter echoing under the trees while my husband and I stirred the campfire and breathed in that cool creek-bank air ... grateful for a night that asked so little of us except to be present. While Gebhard Woods is primitive in every way with no hookups, no frills and no store, it’s absolutely perfect for families who want quiet, nature and room for little imaginations to run wild with the best spots being the shaded sites closest to Nettle Creek where the breeze and water sounds soften everything just right. Highly recommended for families seeking peaceful simplicity, kid-friendly exploring and a truly low-key overnight in the woods.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Camp Reinberg
A Forest Preserve Escape for the Whole Family
From the moment we pulled into Camp Reinberg, our entire family felt something was unique and different about the peacefulness that you immediately encounter when arriving here to Camp Reinberg – it was the kind of quiet that settles over you long before the bags are unpacked, which felt remarkable considering how close this little retreat sits to suburban Palatine. This Forest Preserve of Cook County campground is modest in size with a mix of tent pads, a very small circuit of RV-friendly sites and several modern cabins that give it the feeling of a thoughtfully managed woodland outpost rather than a crowded complex. Amenities are simple but well-cared-for, including clean restrooms, hot showers, shaded picnic areas, a proper indoor camping kitchen and dining hall as well as a large open field for play complete with an enormous bonfire pit and BBQ grill area with direct access to the miles of hiking paths that wind through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. Our favorite moment came just before sunset when the boys darted between the oaks spotting chipmunks while we lingered at the picnic table with a thermos of hot cocoa, savoring the calm and popping in extra marshmallows for full effect. For families, this campground is genuinely recommended thanks to its safety, gentle trails and close-to-town convenience with the best site choice being either one of the tent pads along the wooded northeastern edge (sites#6-10) or the northernmost corner of the RV loop if you’re looking for a spot for your rig (#2-4), where the privacy and tree cover make the stay feel much more like a deep-forest escape.
Guide to Roselle
Camping sites near Roselle, Illinois range from forest preserves to lakefront destinations within a 30-mile radius of the city. The region sits at approximately 800 feet above sea level with a continental climate that includes warm, humid summers with average July temperatures around 85°F. Winter camping isn't widely available as most campgrounds close from November through April due to freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall.
What to do
Rock climbing and activities: At Camp Sullivan, campers can access a climbing wall in the activities barn. "There are trails to walk. There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," notes Shane S. The campground offers both cabin and tent sites for visitors.
Fishing opportunities: Blackwell Family Campground provides multiple fishing locations. "The fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release," explains Marisa A. The campground also features an archery range for visitors seeking additional activities.
Mountain biking trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers extensive trail systems. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here," writes Tim K. Another camper mentions, "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."
Kayaking on-site: Many campsites offer water recreation opportunities without leaving the grounds. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports Layla P. about her experience at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
What campers like
Easy access to Chicago: Proximity to the city makes these camping locations convenient weekend getaways. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," shares Autumn D. about their Blackwell Family Campground experience.
Clean facilities: Camp Reinberg receives praise for its maintenance standards. "This gem of a campground is run by the Cook County Forest Preserve District and the care they have for it shows! There are pavilions, air conditioned/heated dining hall, shower building, restrooms (seriously the cleanest I've ever seen, even the ceilings were cleaned!)" writes Susan L.
Free firewood: Some locations provide complementary firewood. "Free firewood and you can purchase more for just $5," notes Leo V. about Camp Reinberg. This can be a significant cost savings for weekend campers who would otherwise need to purchase wood for each night's campfire.
Privacy options: Several campgrounds offer secluded sites despite suburban locations. "My favorite site is #27 on the north loop road which makes you feel like you are alone in the woods," recommends Marisa A. about Paul Wolff Campground. Other campers mention seeking out wooded sites for better privacy.
What you should know
Site reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance planning. "Busy campground in July. Smaller, mainly RVs," reports Kaitlin M. about Paul Wolff Campground. Weekend availability is particularly limited during summer months.
Weather considerations: Summer weather can bring challenges. "The mosquitos were pretty vicious... a couple of the regulars said it was the worst they'd been in years," mentions Jenifer K. about Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Shower availability: Facilities vary widely between locations. "There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers," notes David W. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Price variations: Non-resident fees can be significantly higher. "It's pricey if you are from out of the county. We were hoping to camp at the primitive sites but they are walk-in only," explains Art S. Many forest preserves charge different rates for county residents versus visitors.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: The Chicago Northwest KOA offers structured activities for children. "Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground," writes Dan B.
Consider cabin options: Several campgrounds offer alternatives to tent camping. "They have cabins as an option too. Btw, nice fire-spitting show at the pavilion!" shares Yang L. about Camp Reinberg. Cabins can be particularly helpful for families new to camping.
Check swimming facilities: Water recreation areas provide entertainment for children. "The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids!" recommends Chloe N. about Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Bring bikes: Many preserves feature paved trails perfect for family cycling. "From the campground you have access to the entire Deer Park preserve and it's paved cycling and walking trails," explains Kelsey G. Bike-friendly paths allow children to explore safely.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup considerations: Access to water varies between campgrounds. "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" advises Amanda K. about Big Rock Campground. Having additional hose length can prevent frustrating setup experiences.
Leveling requirements: Site conditions can present challenges. "The spaces are pretty level. The trees will be terrific in about 20 years," notes Jeff G. about Big Rock Campground, indicating the open nature of newer sites without mature shade trees.
Gate closure times: Many forest preserves have strict access hours. "If you are staying here to see Chicago the gates close for the park an hour after sunset," warns Rich M. This can impact late-returning campers or those planning evening activities outside the campground.
Site size limitations: Some RV locations have space constraints. "All sites are electric, so if you are tent camping and want your fan or slow-cooker, then it's as good as it gets in the burbs," explains one reviewer, highlighting that electrical hookups are standard even at tent sites in some locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Roselle, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Roselle, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Roselle, IL is Blackwell Family Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.
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