Camping opportunities near Worth, Illinois include a mix of county forest preserves and RV parks within a 35-mile radius. The region's landscape consists primarily of flat terrain with scattered woodlands, typically at elevations of 600-700 feet above sea level. Winters can bring freezing temperatures while summer highs often reach 85°F with moderate humidity, creating a season for camping that runs strongest from April through October.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access at Camp Bullfrog Lake offers extensive trail networks for all skill levels. "The hiking here is AWESOME with a bajillion different routes right from the campground. 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," wrote one visitor who enjoyed the biodiversity.
Water activities: Kayak rentals available at several locations for reasonable rates. 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 a recent camper who enjoyed time on the water.
Climbing the sand dunes: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground presents a unique physical challenge. A camper notes, "If you are able, do the 3 dune challenge. It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list." The park does an excellent job marketing this activity with commemorative merchandise available.
Outdoor sports: Mountain biking options exist within the forest preserves. One visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake explained, "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."
What campers like
Proximity to Chicago: Blackwell Family Campground offers easy access for urban residents. As one reviewer highlighted the convenience: "This is a little gem in DuPage County. We live in the area and went here when our child was a baby, as we didn't want to be far from home."
Clean facilities: Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort maintains well-kept amenities. "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!" reports one satisfied visitor who appreciated the maintenance standards.
Natural surroundings: Camp Sullivan provides woodsy atmosphere despite urban proximity. "There are lots of trees and it is somewhat woodsy. The best thing to me is Jack Gibbons's, a restaurant directly across the street," noted one camper who enjoyed both nature and nearby conveniences.
Beach access: Indiana Dunes State Park delivers lake experiences with well-maintained shorelines. A visitor mentioned, "The beach was well maintained, and had lifeguards during certain hours, which gave me a little bit of extra comfort in bringing my kids to the lake."
What you should know
Site spacing varies widely: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Camp Sullivan, sites can feel crowded as "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded."
Noise factors: Train sounds affect multiple campgrounds in the region. At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, one camper warned about "trains going through and blasting their horns all night long. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine but us tent camping there was nothing to block the sound."
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense without shade. At Blackwell Family Campground, "The sites are crushed limestone and are level and wooded," offering some relief from summer temperatures.
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites book quickly, especially at county parks. At Blackwell, "Stay here several times each year. Only down side of the park is that it is only open on the weekends."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between locations. Martin's Camping Ground received mixed reviews: "Bathroom and showers were clean. Thought it strange that you needed a combination to get in the bathroom."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Camp Sullivan offers special activities for children. "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods)," noted a family with young children.
Safety considerations: Pick sites away from busy roads when possible. Some parks like Martin's Camping Ground are right next to major highways: "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by to I-80."
Cabin options: Several parks offer alternatives to tent camping. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold."
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences. "The visitor center is nice, fairly large and the workers were very friendly. They had one of the nicer programs that I have been to in the state," reported a parent who visited Indiana Dunes State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Water access varies by season and location. At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, one RVer cautioned about seasonal restrictions: "No water before 4/15" - important for early spring travelers.
Site leveling: Most RV sites require minimal adjustment. "Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean," reported an RVer at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Dump station availability: Check accessibility before arrival. At Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground, "Our sewer connection was nearly buried," indicating maintenance issues at some facilities.
Gate restrictions: Overnight security measures can affect early departures. At some forest preserves, they "lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning!"
