RV camping near Skokie, Illinois offers convenient options within 30-50 miles of the Chicago suburb. The area features primarily flat terrain with elevations ranging from 580-720 feet above sea level, with most campgrounds situated near lakes or forest preserves. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature ranges of 45-75°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides access to a small lake stocked for catch-and-release fishing. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes one visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Mountain biking trails: The Palos trail system connects directly to Camp Bullfrog Lake with miles of singletrack. "We aren't huge into bike trails, but we did bring our bikes after I read about the trail systems. The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here," reports a camper who visited the area.
Lakefront relaxation: At Sycamore RV Resort, guests have access to fishing ponds and a swimming area. "Beautiful spot, very peaceful. We've been here for 3 months. There are two lakes, catch and release fishing. A small beach with a snack shack," writes one long-term visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. A visitor to Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort notes: "Friendly staff who were quick to respond to any issues. $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad."
Proximity to Chicago: Several campgrounds offer quick access to the city while providing natural settings. "Really nice campground. No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors," writes a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the natural surroundings and animal sightings. One Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor reported: "The hiking here is AWESOME with a bajillion different routes right from the campground. 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."
What you should know
Limited water hookups: Several campgrounds near Skokie require filling tanks at central locations rather than offering site connections. At Hollywood Casino RV Resort, a visitor notes: "No water before 4/15. Not a bad spot. Average and relatively inexpensive."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise from nearby roads or facilities. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, a camper mentioned: "The only down fall is the constant ambient sounds of highway traffic which is about 1/2 mile away from route 90."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area have limited availability, especially during summer months. For Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort, a visitor advises: "Plan ahead! The location requires a 2 night stay minimum."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas during summer months. At Sycamore RV Resort, a visitor shares: "Campground is very well maintained with gravel pads. Nice lake for fishing and a beach area for the kids to go swimming."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds provide play areas for children. A visitor to Fox Bluff CottageS & RV reports: "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful."
Activity centers: Some campgrounds feature indoor recreation spaces for rainy days. "We've developed quite a lovely community of really nice people. Personally, I love the view of the river. There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails," notes a Fox Bluff camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully as some sites have challenging access or limited room. At Grass Lake Marina and RV Park, an RVer shares: "This is a no frills campground with super nice people and great place to let the pups run, play, swim, and walk. We had water and 50amp, with a black water dump once or twice a week at your RV's site."
Pad conditions: Surfaces vary widely between campgrounds, from gravel to concrete. At Sycamore RV Resort, an RVer notes: "Reliable full hookups. Very clean and well cared for property; especially the laundry and bathroom/shower areas. Postage stamp space on gravel but we had things to do outside the resort."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for proper leveling. At Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort, a camper recommends: "You can tell they're trying to remodel some of the sites. There is lots of grass so all the rain this weekend and we weren't muddy was awesome! The pull throughs were really long."
