Camping options near Park Forest, Illinois include both state and county-managed areas within a 40-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows reaching the teens. Fall camping season typically extends into late October with lower humidity levels and temperatures ranging from 45-65°F, creating more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
What to do
Climbing activities: At Camp Sullivan, visitors can access indoor climbing facilities during scheduled hours. "There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," notes a reviewer, making this an option for families looking for structured recreation.
Paddling opportunities: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers affordable kayak rentals at $15 per hour including life vests. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," explains a reviewer who enjoyed time on the water despite the lake's modest size.
Hiking trails: The trails at Kankakee River State Park provide accessible walking paths along the river. One camper mentioned, "We loved riding our bikes along the river and just being away from the hustle and bustle." The park features "a long and wide" bike path suitable for both hiking and cycling.
Sand dune exploration: Indiana Dunes State Park features the "3 Dune Challenge," a hiking route over the tallest dunes. As one visitor explains, "The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot." The trail system connects the state and national park sections, allowing campers to walk between the two areas.
What campers like
Quiet surroundings: Despite being within an hour of Chicago, some campgrounds offer surprising tranquility. A Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor shared, "Really enjoyed this campground. Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean."
Convenient Chicago access: Camp Sullivan provides a strategic location for city visits. One reviewer noted it's "probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago" and has been operating "about 5 years in existence." The campground features "clean facilities with a few trails" and is described as "somewhat woodsy."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain good bathroom facilities. At Indiana Dunes State Park, visitors appreciate the "nicer showers" with one camper stating it was "the nicest showers that I've been to to date." Another reported that "the buildings have great architecture" and the campground has "plenty of space in between sites."
Nature center access: Indiana Dunes State Park offers educational facilities adjacent to the campground. "The nature center is right next to the campground," mentions one reviewer. Another noted they enjoyed the "great job marketing and managing the 3 Dunes Challenge" with shirts and vinyl stickers available at the visitor center.
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise issues. At Indiana Dunes State Park, one camper warned, "It's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long." For tent campers particularly, "there was nothing to block the sound, and it kept waking me up."
Gate closures: Camp Shabbona Woods and other Cook County Forest Preserves lock entrance gates overnight. One visitor at Camp Sullivan reported, "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning!" This timing restriction can cause problems for early departures or late arrivals.
Water availability varies: At Kankakee River State Park, a camper noted, "There are vault toilets, water, and trash cans in each loop." Meanwhile, another campground visitor warned, "No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal."
Campsite spacing considerations: Site dimensions and privacy vary significantly between campgrounds. A reviewer at Camp Sullivan observed, "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded." Meanwhile, at Indiana Dunes State Park, sites were described as "decent spacing, level sites and well kept."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When visiting with children, consider proximity to play areas. At Dunewood Campground, facilities include "a camp sink for dishwashing" and nearby "shower house was clean with good hot water." The campground offers "spacious sites" that work well for families.
Camp Sullivan regularity: Some families make regular visits to specific campgrounds. One parent shared, "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods)."
Wildlife encounters: Nature centers often provide animal interactions. A visitor to Kankakee River State Park noted, "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!"
Heat considerations: Summer temperatures can make playground use difficult. As one camper explained about Kankakee River State Park, "Playgrounds are unfortunately exposed so it was not suitable for the 100 degree days we had."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Many area campgrounds offer electric-only sites. At Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, however, "sites are full hookup" and the campground includes "a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering."
Size restrictions: Check site dimensions before booking larger units. One reviewer noted that at Camp Sullivan, "We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded," while another at Indiana Dunes State Park stated, "We have a 37' motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around."
Pre-arrival water filling: Since many local campgrounds lack water hookups, prepare accordingly. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park advised, "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us - we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves."
