W
William M.
Traveler
TravelerDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Excellent and clean
Super great here, some bugs, people were quiet
Camping near Willowbrook, IL
82 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options near Willowbrook, Illinois include several established campgrounds within an hour's drive of the suburban area. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs offers year-round camping with accommodations for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping, while Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville provides seasonal camping from May through September. These mixed-use campgrounds typically feature electric hookups, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, accommodating both tent campers and RV travelers seeking convenience close to Chicago's western suburbs.
Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with some locations like Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest remaining open year-round. Winter camping options are limited due to typical Midwestern weather conditions. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering full amenities including showers and electric hookups, while others provide more basic accommodations. As one visitor noted about Blackwell Family Campground, "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home. They have discounted rates for Dupage county residents and have electric at all sites and great prices for firewood."
Campers frequently mention the surprising amount of natural beauty available despite proximity to urban areas. The region features a mix of forest preserves, state parks, and private campgrounds, many situated near water features like lakes or rivers. Several campgrounds provide recreational opportunities including hiking trails, fishing, and boating access. While sites can be relatively close together at some locations, many still offer adequate privacy. According to a reviewer at Camp Reinberg, "Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc. The preserve bumps up next to neighborhoods and major roads depending how far in you get, but the main trails are easy to follow." Noise levels vary by location, with campgrounds farther from major highways generally providing a quieter experience.
Best Campgrounds near Willowbrook (82)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
"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."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability2. Blackwell Family Campground
"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability3. Camp Sullivan
"Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern."
"There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability4. The Vaudeville
"There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"
5. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
"You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."
"You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."
from $25 / night
Check Availability6. Martin’s Camping Ground
"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."
7. Camp Reinberg
"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!"
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability8. Paul Wolff Campground
"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."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability9. Big Rock Campground
"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"
"Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply"
from $18 - $35 / night
Check Availability10. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
"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."
Drive Time
- 11 min from Chicago, IL
- 53 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr from Kenosha, WI
- 1 hr 3 min from Michigan City, IN
Recent Camping Photos near Willowbrook, IL
214 Photos of 82 Willowbrook Campgrounds
Andrew S.
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Marc W.
Blackwell Family Campground
Katherine T.
The Vaudeville
Katelyn G.
Martin’s Camping Ground
Tyler J.
Backyard Bonfire
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage & RV Resort
Lyn B.
Fox Bluff CottageS & RV
Amanda K.
Big Rock Campground
Brian O.
McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Recent Reviews near Willowbrook, IL
699 Reviews of 82 Willowbrook Campgrounds
- AAbdulrahman A.
ScoutBig Rock Campground
Beautiful And Quite
Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply
- HHolly B.
GuideChicago Northwest KOA
A bit of a drive
It was a bit of a drive to Chicago but nothing overly horrible. We went in October and it was very busy. Lost of activities for the family. We arrived very late but the staff was very gracious and hospitable. The grounds were well kept. They had trash pick up. Nice laundry area. The surrounding area was very nice and rural. We took our dogs on the architecture boat tour.
- EEd B.Traveler
Lakeshore Camp Resort
looks like a dump at first glance but found out it’s storm damage
Trailer was nice plenty to do. A lot of seasonal sites. was a pleasant enough stay. Looks like a converted Yogi Bear campground. A lot of storm damage around the campground. Pools were clean, bathrooms and shower houses are a bit dated but clean. They are about every 5 rows/streets. You can rent golf carts which seems the main mode of transportation. Nice rowboat lake with a beach for swimming. Small fast food restaurant small menu weird hours and more expensive that your normal fast food places. All in all it was a nice place and activities are plenty close to Chicago and one of the closest, also very close to the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan.
- RRichard C.Scout
Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Ok
JJust ok. Facilities were disappointing
Stuart K.
LegendLakefront Cabins - Shabbona Lake
Lakefront Seclusion Meets Cabin Convenience at Shabbona Lake
Tucked along the shore of shimmering Shabbona Lake, just under two hours west of Chicago mind you, are two rustic yet welcoming camp cabins at this particular SP. These modest structures, each around 200 sq ft, offer a cozy hideaway for up to six people. Facing southeast over the lake, the cabins are shaded and tucked away for privacy, with only a nearby boat launch dock reminding you of civilization.
Inside, the cabins keep it simple: two basic rooms in each, with electricity, baseboard heat, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. There are no cooking facilities or bathrooms (which I have to admit, I was surprised to learn) although there is a multi-leveled adjustable BBQ grill along with a very good sized firepit, so bring your own plans for cooking meals and preparing food. Guests rely on nearby campground amenities, including showers with running hot water, flush toilets, potable water, a dump station and the handy Camp Store that is a very short walk from these cabins and comes stocked with supplies, snacks, firewood and fishing gear.
What sets these cabins apart is the lakefront view combined with practicality. You step right from your door onto a serene, wooded lakeshore offering a perfect perch for early-morning fishing, sunrise coffee on the veranda or unwinding at sunset. The proximity to stocked waters featuring large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, channel catfish, walleye and muskies adds fishing convenience, while the quieter, smaller-scale lodging feels exclusive. Additionally, the Camp Store’s rentals(boats, bait, paddleboats) keep the fun within reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Reserve early as only two cabins exist, and they’re popular from May 1 through October 31 on ExploreMoreIL™; (2) Drive gently on the access path as the lake road can be narrow and shaded; (3) Expect no kitchen or plumbing, so prep meals or plan to dine at nearby Pokanoka’s Dockside Restaurant that sits inside the SP on the western side of the lake or, for a short drive to Shabbona, check out Shabbona Café, Chumley’s Pizza followed by some sweets at Screamers Ice cream after saving campfire cookouts for the fire ring; (4) Bring your own bathrooms habits as restrooms are shared in the main campground; and (5) Check out the Camp Store early for spare fishing poles, firewood or ice cream before being tempted into relaxation.
Happy Camping!
Kathy B.LegendIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Amateur hour
Nicely laid out campground with mature trees. Level sites. All with electric hookups. Was greeted by very kind person at the booth. You need to know that on Sundays check-in is until 5 PM as campers from the weekend have until 5 PM to vacate their sites. Of course you can check in early if they leave. The way the campground is laid out, there are no pass that lead to the bathrooms. Therefore, people are constantly cutting through your site to get to their restrooms.
- ssusan F.
RangerIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Beautiful location and great campground!
Nice sites, well spaced. Campground is well maintained with nice bathrooms and showers (we were there after a massive storm in early June and there had been some flooding in the bathrooms). From the campsite, walk through the forest and Dunes to the beautiful beach. Our dog was in heaven!
- CChris L.Traveler
Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Great Location and Camp Hosts
Clean facilities, great camp hosts, and can’t beat the location. Campsites have a fire pit and table. One of the few spots to stay in the area.
Bring bug spray
Guide to Willowbrook
Camping accommodations near Willowbrook, Illinois range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spaces within 45 minutes of this western Chicago suburb. Most local campgrounds operate between April and October with limited winter options. The terrain consists primarily of restored prairie with some wooded areas, creating a mix of open and shaded sites across the region's forest preserves and private campgrounds.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers direct connections to extensive trail systems. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits. 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," notes Josh M.
Kayaking opportunities: Several campgrounds near Willowbrook provide water recreation. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," according to Layla P.
Archery practice: Some forest preserves maintain dedicated archery facilities. Blackwell Family Campground features "an archery range, and some ranger programs," as Jen E. mentions.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower buildings are frequently cited as well-maintained. "The bathhouses are newer and kept fairly clean. I don't think they're checked everyday though because the ladies stalls were out of toilet paper our second morning," notes Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan.
Chicago proximity: The short drive from urban areas makes these campgrounds convenient for weekend trips. At Paul Wolff Campground, "There are a large number of RV pads overlooking the prairie and a few along a grove of trees. I was lucky once to see the equestrian area full of campers with their horses," reports Marisa A.
Wildlife viewing: Despite suburban locations, campers regularly spot diverse wildlife. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," according to Hatie P.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Most campgrounds have limited natural separation between sites. "Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean," Lawrence B. notes about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. Some operate on a first-come basis like Big Rock Campground: "Even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability," according to Melissa C.
Resident discount pricing: Many county-operated campgrounds offer significantly reduced rates for county residents. "They have discounted rates for Dupage county residents and have electric at all sites and great prices for firewood. Sites are level and clean and they have modern bathrooms," shares Marc W. about Blackwell Family Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly hiking: Trails vary in difficulty but many accommodate beginners. "The hiking here is AWESOME with a bajillion different routes right from the campground," says Hatie P. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Weekend activities: Some campgrounds organize regular events. At Camp Reinberg, one camper noted, "Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests."
Group camping options: Designated areas accommodate larger family gatherings. Blackwell Family Campground offers dedicated group sites: "Each group site has a nice cooking are 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," explains John R.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup extensions: Some campgrounds have unusual water access layouts. At Big Rock Campground, "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" advises Amanda K.
Limited shade considerations: Newer campgrounds often have young trees providing minimal coverage. "Most of the sites in the middle are wide open with little shade but nice summer breezes," notes Marisa A. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Highway noise levels: Some RV parks have road noise. At Martin's Camping Ground, "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by to I-80. There's a lot of traffic given the proximity to Chicago," warns Iris A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Willowbrook, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Willowbrook, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Willowbrook, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
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