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Best Campgrounds near Joliet, IL

508 Reviews

The camping landscape around Joliet, Illinois encompasses a mix of public and private campgrounds supporting varied overnight experiences. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs and Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort in Joliet represent the range of facilities available, from tent sites to cabin accommodations. Several campgrounds like Leisure Lake Resort and Leisure Lake Membership Resort feature lake access and dedicated tent and RV areas, while Martin's Camping Ground provides basic facilities for travelers along Interstate 80. Channahon State Park Campground and McKinley Woods-Frederick's Grove offer more nature-oriented settings focused on tent camping within 15 miles of downtown Joliet.

Camping facilities in the area operate on varied seasonal schedules, with several properties closing between November and March. "Sites are ok. Very close together. Traffic from I-80 is loud. Staff is very nice. Cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen," noted one visitor about Martin's Camping Ground, highlighting a common theme in the region where highway proximity creates noise challenges at some locations. Reservation requirements differ by property, with most private campgrounds requiring advance booking while some public areas permit walk-in use. Water access becomes a consideration in early spring, as noted in a review mentioning "No water before 4/15" at Hollywood Casino's RV area. Camping in this region primarily occurs at developed facilities rather than dispersed sites, with most properties maintaining paved or gravel pads for RVs and designated tent areas.

The camping experience near Joliet typically balances urban proximity with outdoor recreation options. Many campgrounds provide lake or river access, with Kayak Morris specifically accommodating boat-in camping along waterways. According to visitor feedback, highway noise impacts several campgrounds, particularly those adjacent to Interstate 80, making site selection important for those seeking quiet experiences. Bathroom quality varies significantly across properties, with both exceptionally clean facilities and outdated amenities mentioned in reviews. Family-oriented activities constitute a strength at properties like Leisure Lake Resort, which features "fishing lake, miniature golf, activities" per camper reports. RV campers benefit from multiple full-hookup options, while tent campers face more limited choices with Channahon State Park and McKinley Woods providing the most nature-focused tent camping experiences in the immediate area.

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Best Camping Sites Near Joliet, Illinois (79)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    20 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."

    2. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Rockdale, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 744-9400

    "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant."

    "Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."

    3. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 726-3173

    "If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."

    4. Kayak Morris

    11 Reviews
    Morris, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "You get to see tugboats and barges go up and down the Illinois river right from your campsite."

    "Small and hidden right on the Illinois River. Received a free night of camping with a whole day of kayaking which is absolutely recommended."

    5. Leisure Lake Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 741-9405

    $37 / night

    "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"

    6. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    22 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."

    7. Leisure Lake Membership Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 741-9405

    "Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week."

    "The beach and lake were always well maintained, and we had often enjoyed live music at the pavilion. You can even play mini golf here! I would highly recommend for anyone that can invest."

    8. Martin Campground

    2 Reviews
    Shorewood, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 726-3173

    $25 - $45 / night

    "We just purchased our first Winnebago and needed a spot close to home for a quick trial run. We have three small boys and they were very excited to camp."

    9. McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove

    3 Reviews
    Channahon, IL
    9 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    10. Channahon State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Channahon, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 467-4271

    "It is a bit away from businesses. However if you arrive by car you drive through the quaint town.  Arriving by bicycle is even better. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp."

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Recent Camping Photos near Joliet, IL

172 Photos of 79 Joliet Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Joliet, IL

508 Reviews of 79 Joliet 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.

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Pleasant Creek Campground

    lives up to it's name, good option for Starved Rock area

    Because of it's layout, you never get a true sense of how big the whole campground is (50 acres). The largest and most open area is on top of the hill (the Highlands) but there are other areas that are shadier and more close to nature (Alcove way, Creekside, Oak Grove, the Glades). 
    Depending on the time of year, the creek may not be running, but the fishing pond is always full. Many activities in well maintained areas. It's a new campground and the general store hasn't built up much inventory yet. The firewood is dry and burns well. 

    Fire pits are basic steel circles, bring your own grill. 

    There's one central restroom with showers, clean and spacious, but it can be a walk from some areas (long hills too). 

    There are small cabins for rent and long-term sites are available.

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

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

  • Ray S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great campground with everything you would need

    This was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Nature’s Way RV Park

    Relaxing

    Clean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Starved Rock Family Campground

    Nice little campsite!

    Well maintained and large campground. Sites aren’t stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level. I will say the grounds by our site seemed to have a fly/other sewer fly problem in the ground? I don’t know. Seemed to need a treatment of some sort. L7 is more in a wide open area so if you want more trees, book more in the middle of the campground. Bathrooms are well maintained and cleaned. Laundry facility easy. Bummed our trip got cut short by a RV maintenance issue.

  • 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.

Guide to Joliet

Camping near Joliet, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Scenic Beauty: Campers rave about the picturesque views at Starved Rock Campground. A visitor said, "Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained grounds at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "Clean br/shower houses. Would recommend."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Blackwell Family Campground is noted for its welcoming vibe. A reviewer mentioned, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policy: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper pointed out, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Pleasant Creek Campground may have fewer amenities. One visitor noted, "The bathrooms are old, not much space to help kids in toilet or shower area."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, "It’s very crowded."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Blackwell Family Campground that offer activities for kids. One parent said, "The ranger did stop by around 5 or 6ish with some activities for the kids to do."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground shared, "Recommend e-bike as some hills."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A visitor at Starved Rock Campground mentioned, "We had a great portion and oh so good as well" when referring to local dining options.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A reviewer at Big Rock Campground noted, "Bring plenty of hose for water connections."
  • Arrive Early: Since many campgrounds are first-come, first-served, getting there early can help secure a good spot. A camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t forget to check out local attractions. A visitor at Thomas Woods Campground said, "The trails are both wooded and hilly, but there's also a large prairie nature walk."

Camping around Joliet, Illinois, offers a mix of nature, family fun, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re in an RV or tent, there’s a spot for you to enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there good tent camping options around Joliet?

Tent campers near Joliet have several appealing options within reasonable driving distance. Starved Rock State Park Campground offers a quiet, wooded setting that tent campers particularly appreciate, with picturesque surroundings reminiscent of northern Wisconsin. Great Falls Campground at Illini State Park is another excellent choice, featuring plenty of trees for hammocking and beautiful river views. The park maintains clean bathroom facilities that tent campers will appreciate. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Camp Bullfrog Lake provides peaceful tent sites with basic amenities including water and toilets. Kayak Morris is also worth considering for tent campers who enjoy paddling, offering a more rustic experience.

What are the best campgrounds near Joliet, Illinois?

Several excellent campgrounds are located within easy driving distance of Joliet. Channahon State Park Campground is right in town, offering convenient access to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail - perfect for cyclists and those wanting to explore the quaint surrounding area. For those seeking a simple stopover with full hookups, Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground provides level sites and proximity to both Chicagoland Speedway and major highways. Other notable options within a short drive include Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort for those who enjoy gaming amenities, and Leisure Lake Membership Resort for water-based recreation opportunities.

How far are the nearest year-round campgrounds from Joliet?

Year-round camping options near Joliet are somewhat limited due to Illinois' seasonal climate, but several facilities operate throughout the winter months. Glenwood RV Resort in Marseilles, just 5 minutes south of I-80 and approximately 30 miles southwest of Joliet, offers year-round accommodations primarily for RVers. For those needing a quick overnight option during any season, the Walmart Supercenter in Joliet permits overnight parking in their spacious lot. Blackwell Family Campground, about 35 miles north of Joliet, operates during winter weekends (Friday-Saturday) when weather permits, offering a closer option for weekend getaways with electric hookups and modern bathrooms.

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