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!
