Best Campgrounds near West Chicago, IL

Campgrounds near West Chicago, Illinois are predominantly established locations within forest preserves and county parks, providing a nature retreat within a suburban setting. Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville stands as a popular option with electric hookups and wooded sites, while other nearby options include Paul Wolff Campground in Elgin and Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs. Most developed campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.

Camping availability around West Chicago is primarily seasonal, with many facilities operating from spring through fall. Blackwell Family Campground, for instance, operates from May through September, while Big Rock Campground remains open year-round. Several locations implement strict rules regarding after-hours access, with gates typically closing at sunset. The proximity to suburban areas means road noise can be noticeable at many campgrounds, particularly those near major thoroughfares. As one visitor explained, "While the sites are pretty close together, there are a few good ones that feel more secluded. Designated chip bark tent sites are level. The grounds are very well maintained."

Forest preserve campgrounds in this region provide surprising pockets of nature despite their urban surroundings. Many campers appreciate the convenient location for quick weekend getaways without traveling far from the Chicago metropolitan area. Electric hookups are standard at most developed campgrounds, making them suitable for both tent campers wanting some conveniences and RV users requiring power. Water access represents a common amenity, with several campgrounds situated near lakes offering fishing and boating opportunities. A camper noted, "Driving in here makes you forget you're in the middle town! Quite and roving park rangers which gives it a very safe feel around here." Visitors should be aware that alcohol policies vary by location, with some forest preserve campgrounds prohibiting alcohol consumption entirely. Most mixed-use campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly.

Best Camping Sites Near West Chicago, Illinois (80)

    1. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 933-7248

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."

    "I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."

    2. Paul Wolff Campground

    20 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."

    "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."

    3. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    21 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."

    4. Big Rock Campground

    18 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 232-5980

    $18 - $35 / night

    "Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"

    "Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."

    5. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."

    "tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"

    6. Chicago Northwest KOA

    16 Reviews
    Union, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!"

    "We stayed here for a weekend and there were plenty of activities for the kids...the staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean...our camp site was near the bathrooms, pool, and store so we were nice"

    7. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    67 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."

    "We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"

    8. Sycamore RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Sycamore, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 895-5590

    "Postage stamp space on gravel but we had things to do outside the resort. Nice walking path around the two ponds. The ponds are very low due to drought this summer."

    "Stayed here for a week, nice clean campground, quiet and beautiful lake for fishing, close to town, but yet just far enough out."

    9. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 824-2565

    $25 / night

    "If you find yourself out in these parts near Shabbona in north central Illinois it is because of either one of two reasons - you are incredibly lost and stumbled across this hidden natural preserve gem"

    "All within easy walking distance to the lake. Camp store and two boat rental spots allow for flexiblity on busier weekends."

    10. Fox Bluff CottageS & RV

    2 Reviews
    Yorkville, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 553-6323

    $65 - $95 / night

    "There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails."

    "The location requires a 2 night stay minimum."

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Recent Reviews near West Chicago, IL

527 Reviews of 80 West Chicago Campgrounds


  • Gina A.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Kankakee River State Park Chippewa

    $20 a day with with restrooms has NO shower area. No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper.

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    King's Campground

    Where Fireflies & Faith Meet Fresh Air & Farmland

    As a mom camping with my husband and kids, I loved how this Christ-centered campground felt both safe and family-friendly, with roomy sites that offer shade, fire pits, picnic tables and clean bathhouses close enough for those urgent kid trips. The layout makes it easy to relax while still keeping an eye on little ones and the amenities, whether tent pads or RV hookups, make setting up simple. What really stood out was the nearby fun and educational activity for kids, like a nature trail, nearby working farm, local park or our visit to Blackhawk Statue near Lorado Taft that gave the kids both excitement and a learning moment. At the end of the day, this is the kind of place where parents can unwind by the fire while the kids fall asleep happily worn out from their adventures.

  • Operation_Fun ..
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Could be better

    This seemed like it could be a really great campground, but it's not taken care of very well and felt a bit unsafe. 

    It's a huge park, yet the sites aren't very private. The mosquitoes and ticks are the worst I've experienced thus far, and the abandoned buildings by the beach feel like crack dens.

    We brought chairs and relaxed by the beach for a while, which was very peaceful and really made the trip.

    It's worth checking out if you're interested. I now understand why there are always sites available here when it seems every other campground is fully booked.

  • 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.

  • K
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Not communicable, fraud administration

    I reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.

  • 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

  • Tim L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Chill Vibes, quick get away from the city

    Far enough from the city lights, close enough to civilization. Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!


Guide to West Chicago

Camping near West Chicago, Illinois offers proximity to water recreation with several lakes and ponds available throughout the forest preserves. Many campgrounds in the area operate on different seasonal schedules, with some sites open year-round and others closing in late September or October. The region features a mix of wooded and open prairie campsites within a 30-45 minute drive from the city.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Silver Lake at Blackwell Family Campground provides excellent spots for catch and release fishing. "The fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release," notes one visitor.

Hiking trails: Burnidge Forest Preserve offers diverse terrain for hiking enthusiasts. "There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails. There are a lot of loops giving you options," explains a camper at Paul Wolff Campground.

Water recreation: Many local campgrounds provide lake access for boating, kayaking, and swimming. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around."

Mountain biking: Some forest preserves feature extensive trail systems for biking. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake shares, "Some of the areas best mountain bike single track is right here. There is fishing kayaking and hiking trails too."

What campers like

Proximity to Chicago: Many campers appreciate how accessible these campgrounds are from the metropolitan area. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," explains one Blackwell Family Campground visitor.

Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area typically maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. At Camp Reinberg, campers note "Bathrooms and showers decent" and another mentions they are "seriously the cleanest I've ever seen, even the ceilings were cleaned!"

Wildlife viewing: Despite being near urban areas, the preserves offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Paul Wolff Campground, campers report seeing "lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels."

Spacious sites: Several campgrounds provide ample room between sites. Big Rock Campground offers "wide, open spaces for kids to ride bikes and explore wildflowers," while a visitor describes sites at Sycamore RV Resort as "nice gravel pads" that are "easy access and site had plenty of room on each side."

What you should know

Site characteristics: Many RV sites have electrical hookups but variable shade. At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, "The spaces are roomy and a mix of open grass as well as more private wooded spaces. At least half of the spaces will accommodate large RVs."

Reservation systems: Some campgrounds require reservations while others operate on a first-come basis. Big Rock Campground is "Walkup only - no reservations taken. $35 a night is a bit steep."

Alcohol policies: Forest preserve districts have different rules regarding alcohol. Blackwell Family Campground prohibits alcohol, while Shabbona Lake and other state recreation areas may allow it with restrictions.

Water access: Water hookups at certain campgrounds may be limited or distant from sites. At Big Rock Campground, "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!"

Gate hours: Many forest preserves close their gates after sunset. A Blackwell visitor notes, "If you are staying here to see Chicago the gates close for the park an hour after sunset."

Tips for camping with families

Scout-friendly areas: Several campgrounds cater specifically to scout groups. At Blackwell Family Campground, "Each group site has a nice cooking area and open space for tents. We had a group of about 20 kids plus moms and dads, so we grabbed three sites in the same area."

Kid-focused activities: Campgrounds like Chicago Northwest KOA offer structured entertainment. "Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground," notes a recent visitor.

Educational opportunities: Some parks provide ranger programs and learning activities. Blackwell Family Campground features "an archery range, and some ranger programs. Very nice."

Safety considerations: Many families appreciate the security at local campgrounds. One visitor noted about Blackwell, "We take our kayaks to the lake during the summer and Illinois just did away with reg stickers this year."

Tips from RVers

Electrical connections: Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups. At Paul Wolff Campground, "Each site has water and electric. Trees are around the outside with few on the inside sites. All the sites have paved pads."

Dump station access: RV campers should note dump station availability and procedures. At Shabbona Lake, "the dump station has two spaces and the lines move right along. There is a place to take on water as you enter the campground."

Site spacing: Some RV areas have close quarters while others provide more space. A Sycamore RV Resort camper notes it can feel "piled on top of each other" while another mentions "Our site was wooded which we loved. Neighbors all around but still secluded."

Seasonal considerations: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Most forest preserve campgrounds close by late October, though Big Rock Campground remains open through winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping seasons in West Chicago?

The prime camping season around West Chicago runs from late spring through early fall (May-October). Summer offers full access to water activities, particularly at Chain O' Lakes State Park, where the Turner Lake South loop provides nicely private sites. However, be prepared for potential Illinois summer heat, especially at exposed sites like those at Big Rock Campground. Fall brings comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Spring can be lovely but occasionally wet, as campers at Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park discovered during record rainfall yet still enjoyed their stay. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, with limited or no winter operations.

Where can I find camping spots near West Chicago?

Several great camping options exist within an hour's drive of West Chicago. Blackwell Family Campground offers electric sites, modern bathrooms, and discounted rates for DuPage County residents, making it perfect for quick weekend getaways. For a more natural experience, Camp Reinberg provides extensive biking and walking trails with unique clearings and bridges. Other nearby options include Big Rock Campground, Paul Wolff Campground near Elgin, and Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area. For RV travelers, Glenwood RV Resort and Love's RV Hookup in Morris provide convenient options just off major highways.

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.