Best Campgrounds near Park Forest, IL

Camping near Park Forest, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park, provide access to scenic trails. One camper mentioned, "We stayed 2 nights and the campground was thickly wooded and beautiful."
• Beach Access: If you love the water, Indiana Dunes State Park Campground is just a short walk from the beach. A visitor shared, "It’s only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times."
• Fishing and Boating: Tippecanoe River State Park Campground offers great spots for fishing and canoeing. One camper noted, "We rented a canoe and did a paddle/float trip on the river."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Indiana Dunes State Park Campground stated, "Clean br/shower houses. Would recommend."
• Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the helpfulness of campground staff. A camper at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground mentioned, "The friendly park security directed us to the campground."
• Wooded Sites: Campers love the privacy offered by wooded sites. A review for Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park highlighted, "Nice private spot and lots of shade."

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A camper at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground warned, "The mosquitoes are absolutely terrible due to the campground's proximity to the river."
• Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, particularly on weekends. A visitor at Michigan City Campground noted, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "The campsite overall is beautiful... but the bathrooms were horrible."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and water activities. Lakeshore Camp Resort has a floating water slide and playgrounds, making it great for families.
• Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near roads. A camper at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night."
• Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially during peak season. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Tippecanoe River State Park Campground noted, "The sites are typical state park. No privacy for most."
• Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. Camp Bullfrog Lake offers electric and water at all sites.
• Avoid Busy Times: If you prefer peace and quiet, try to camp during the week. A camper at Big Rock Campground shared, "Fortunately it was only about 25% full."

For those seeking the best camping near Park Forest, IL, these campgrounds offer a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family fun.