Camping cabins near South Holland, Illinois provide shelter in an area with hot, humid summers and cold winters that receive about 40 inches of annual precipitation. The region sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level in the Chicago metropolitan area, with access to both forest preserves and waterfront recreation options. Most cabin facilities operate from April through October with limited winter availability.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers direct access to miles of mountain biking trails. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," according to one visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Kayak rentals: Several campgrounds provide on-site water recreation. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Rock climbing: Some facilities offer indoor climbing options for campers. At Camp Sullivan, "There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," mentions one reviewer who appreciated the activity options.
Wildlife viewing: The forest preserves host diverse wildlife. At Kankakee River State Park, campers reported, "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 campers like
Clean facilities: The bathrooms at several campgrounds receive positive feedback. A visitor to Michigan City Campground noted, "The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing."
Security features: Some campgrounds offer controlled access. "Love the secure entrance and key card access. Pool and bathrooms were clean," reported one reviewer at Michigan City Campground.
Free firewood: Several Cook County Forest Preserve locations provide wood with your stay. At Camp Reinberg, a camper mentioned, "Free firewood and you can purchase more for just $5."
Privacy between sites: While site spacing varies considerably between locations, some offer good separation. At Kankakee River State Park, a camper shared, "Spacious sites with lush jungle-like greenery grown in between, which provides perfect privacy."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. Availability can be limited at popular times.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. At Sand Creek Campground, a reviewer noted, "You are surrounded by farmland, so we were greeted every morning by donkey braying. It didn't bother us. There are also noises of cars and the train coming through."
Gate closures: Several campgrounds secure their facilities overnight. "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok," reported a camper at Camp Shabbona Woods.
Limited shade: Newer campgrounds may lack mature trees. "We stayed in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade," mentioned a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor.
Varying site sizes: Many campgrounds offer a range of site types. "Some spots were out in the open, others along the tree line, and a few in the woods. All sites had a picnic table, fire ring, and seemed fairly level," according to a Sand Creek Campground review.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with young children, consider sites near play areas. A visitor to Oak Lake RV Resort said, "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."
Animal encounters: Some facilities offer educational wildlife programs. At Camp Reinberg, they provide seasonal events like "group hikes and geocaching contests" according to one reviewer.
Swimming options: Check for water recreation that's appropriate for children. "We were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river)," noted a Kankakee River State Park visitor.
Cabin heating: For cooler weather trips, verify which cabins offer climate control. Camp Reinberg provides "air conditioned/heated dining hall" facilities that complement their cabin accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Water access differs significantly between campgrounds. At Camp Reinberg, "The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site. You can get water, it's just an inconvenience for you and them."
Site leveling: Most RV sites are relatively flat but preparation helps. "The RV sites are concrete, flat, and easy to get into," according to a Camp Reinberg visitor.
Pull-through availability: Larger rigs should check for appropriate sites. At Michigan City Campground, they offer "90ft pull-through sites with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite."
Gate width: Some campgrounds have narrow entrances. A Michigan City Campground visitor advised, "When you are checking in with trailer make sure you don't turn left to the office. It will be hard to turn around."
