The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Thornton, IL

458 Reviews

Campgrounds throughout the Thornton, Illinois region range from developed facilities to cabin camping experiences within an hour's drive of Chicago. Camp Bullfrog Lake offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with boat-in access, while Camp Shabbona Woods provides tent and cabin options with drive-in access. The area features several established campgrounds operated by county forest preserves and state parks, with many locations offering electric hookups, showers, and reservable sites for weekend getaways.

Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during summer months when facilities fill quickly. "This campground is super accessible from Chicago and a fun getaway for suburban camping. Grocery stores and modern conveniences are minutes away," noted one visitor about Camp Reinberg. Road access is generally good throughout the region with most sites accessible via paved roads. The camping season typically runs from April through October, though some locations like Camp Bullfrog Lake operate year-round. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and the potential for thunderstorms, making spring and fall popular camping seasons. Cell coverage is generally reliable throughout the area due to proximity to urban centers.

Campers consistently highlight the unexpected natural experiences available so close to metropolitan Chicago. The forest preserves and state parks create green oases where visitors can disconnect without traveling far from the city. Waterfront locations receive particular attention in reviews, with visitors appreciating fishing opportunities and water access. "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home," shared one camper about Blackwell Family Campground. Many sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking and biking trails. Noise levels vary by location, with campgrounds closer to highways occasionally experiencing road noise, while sites tucked deeper into forest preserves offer more peaceful surroundings. RV campers have numerous options with electric hookups, while tent campers can find both developed sites and more rustic experiences.

Map showing campgrounds near Thornton, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Thornton, Illinois (61)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9785

    $20 - $138 / night

    "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."

    2. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0041

    $35 - $250 / night

    "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."

    3. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    4. Camp Shabbona Woods

    2 Reviews
    Calumet City, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

    5. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $23 / night

    "We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening."

    "This campground was very nice and clean and for a packed park was very quiet and we did not feel too close to the sites next to us. "

    6. Lakeshore Camp Resort

    16 Reviews
    Portage, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 762-7757

    $49 - $57 / night

    "We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."

    "A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."

    7. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Lowell, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 374-5941

    "You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open."

    "Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly."

    8. Emerald Trails Campground

    1 Review
    Beecher, IL
    16 miles
    Website

    $25 - $45 / night

    9. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Manhattan, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (708) 258-6040

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."

    10. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 726-3173

    "If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 61 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Thornton Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Thornton, IL

138 Photos of 61 Thornton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Thornton, IL

458 Reviews of 61 Thornton Campgrounds

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Oak Lake RV Resort

    We came for a weekend… Stayed nearly 2 weeks! Oak Lake RV Resort is where family memories are made.

    6 people, 1 pup & a 44.4' Keystone Sprinter... Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever! From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless. Where else does that??

    We originally booked August 22–25, extended to the 29th & then lucked into staying through Labor Day weekend. We canceled our other plans because Oak Lake had everything we wanted & more!!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!

    Rebecca deserves a huge shoutout for going above & beyond! Tom & Marianne, the owners, are amazing hosts who clearly pour their hearts into making Oak Lake special. Even the coin operated laundry was a lifesaver & convinced us we need a washer/dryer in our camper for future impromptu stays 😂.

    We’re already talking about being put on the list for a seasonal site for next year bc we know we’ll be back again & again. Oak Lake RV Resort is Newton County’s hidden gem!!! If you’re searching for fun, hospitality & true family camping memories... THIS is the place!! Hands down, every time.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there

  • D
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Rock Campground

    Needs some shade

    This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade.

    The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?

    It is very close to the cities so we will stay here again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Camp Shabbona Woods

    Not the best but acceptable

    Stayed the weekend. Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can’t keep your vehicle close to your campsite. The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Michigan City Campground

    66$ for a good overnight!

    Staying here started off as a last minute thing as we’re driving through and made no arrangements for overnight lodging. With our rooftop tent, staying here was no problem! There was water hookups and electricity if desired, although we didn’t use them.

    The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing.

    I do recommend this place, however, few things to know: the campground space is tight. You will be pretty close to people around you, many with kids. It seems kind of like a family retreat type of location and honestly? It’s a whole vibe and if that’s for you, then this place is too!

    #GoAnyway

Guide to Thornton

Camping near Thornton, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park said, "The bathrooms were old and wet, but the campground itself was very nice."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of the staff. At Michigan City Campground, one camper remarked, "The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your camp site."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views and wooded areas. A reviewer at Dunewood Campground mentioned, "The campground was thickly wooded and beautiful."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A camper at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground warned, "The mosquitoes are prolific and abundant! We left early."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted, "Sites are smallish. Most sites have some shade, but little privacy in between."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A reviewer at Weko Beach Campground mentioned, "The bathhouse looked bad. You could hike the wooden walkway trails over the dunes easily."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with ranger-led programs. A camper at Blackwell Family Campground shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around."
  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Opt for campgrounds with spacious sites. A visitor at Illinois Beach State Park said, "The sites are well dispersed so you don't feel like you are on top of other campers."
  • Plan for Beach Days: Make sure to visit nearby beaches. One camper at Weko Beach Campground noted, "The best part was having the beach 2 min from our doorstep."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Michigan City Campground mentioned, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds with electric and water hookups. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park said, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted, "You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night."

Camping around Thornton, IL, has its perks and challenges. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Thornton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thornton, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

What parks are near Thornton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Thornton, IL that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park.

Keep Exploring