Best Campgrounds near West Chicago, IL

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, West Chicago, IL has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—West Chicago is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near West Chicago, IL. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near West Chicago, Illinois (80)

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Recent Reviews near West Chicago, IL

498 Reviews of 80 West Chicago Campgrounds



Guide to West Chicago

Camping near West Chicago offers a great escape into nature, with several campgrounds that cater to different preferences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. With over 13 miles of trails, you can enjoy beautiful waterfalls and stunning overlooks. One visitor mentioned, "I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls."
  • Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some fishing. The lake is known for its bluegill, walleye, and perch. A camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Boating: If you enjoy being on the water, Rock Cut State Park Campground offers a great spot for boating and kayaking. One reviewer noted, "With more than 3,000 acres of wetlands, tall grasses, and protected forest preserves, Rock Cut SP packs a punch."

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the picturesque surroundings. A visitor at Starved Rock Campground said, "Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds, like Blackwell Family Campground, offer activities for kids. One family shared, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around."
  • Convenient Amenities: Campgrounds like Illinois Beach State Park provide essential amenities. A camper mentioned, "The bathrooms were old and wet, but the campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, especially Rock Cut State Park, have poor cell reception. One camper noted, "Verizon and AT&T both had only 1 bar."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots like Big Foot Beach State Park Campground can get busy. A visitor remarked, "The campground was full for the weekend but emptied out on Sunday."
  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, such as Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol policies. A camper mentioned, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Blackwell Family Campground that offer activities for kids. One parent said, "Many spots here have a good amount of spacing and privacy which is great."
  • Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Pleasant Creek Campground suggested, "We had a wonderful time to ourselves."
  • Plan for Early Nights: Since many campgrounds close their gates after dark, plan to settle in early. A visitor noted, "The gates close an hour after sunset and reopen at sunrise."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Rock Cut State Park mentioned, "The park was old and not updated."
  • Arrive Early for Best Spots: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly, so arrive early to snag a good site. One RV owner at Illinois Beach State Park said, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have outdated facilities. A visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake noted, "The bathrooms being horrible. Hot water for showers did not work and floors were nasty."

Exploring the west Chicago, IL campground scene can lead to memorable experiences in nature, whether you're camping with family or enjoying a solo adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near West Chicago, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near West Chicago, IL is Blackwell Family Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

  • What parks are near West Chicago, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near West Chicago, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.