Best Campgrounds near Chicago, IL

Chicago's camping options include Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, which sits close to both the city and Lake Michigan's shoreline. The grounds have a mix of shady and open sites to match what you're looking for. Illinois Beach State Park has good-sized campsites that let you walk right to the beach. Kids have plenty to do here, which makes family camping trips easy. You can hike the park trails to see different natural areas throughout the property. Most people camp here in spring and fall when the weather is nice and there aren't as many people around. Summer gets crowded but swimming in the lake helps on hot days. You can camp in winter too, though some services might not be available. Both campgrounds are just a short drive from Chicago so you can still get back to the city when needed. Make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during busy seasons. These spots work well whether you're planning a quick weekend or staying longer, giving you both nature and easy city access.

Best Camping Sites Near Chicago, Illinois (67)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    28 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    12 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."

    "One of the few places close to Chicago on a lake. It was quiet and expensive. The staff was very friendly. The showers were hot."

    2. Camp Sullivan

    13 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0041

    $35 - $250 / night

    "Our purpose for camping was visiting our adult children who live in Chicago but both have roommates."

    "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."

    3. The Vaudeville

    3 Reviews
    Chicago, IL
    3 miles
    +1 (312) 420-4204

    "There is easy access to public transportation. It was HOT and there are no plug ins or use of generators so plan accordingly"

    4. Blackwell Family Campground

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

    $20 - $30 / night

    "If your looking to camp near Chicago, this is the spot! Only complaint is you get locked in an hour after sunset, but still worth coming here."

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

    5. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    123 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "A quick drive from chicago this campsite is a real good place to get away from the city and enjoy the outdoors. It’s one of my favorite places to go within an hour’s drive."

    "I walked up the path and found that the neighboring campsite winds back there. We could sort of see them, and definitely hear them, but we still felt separate."

    6. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $20 - $23 / night

    "Well kept grounds, clean bathrooms and showers, open year round, SUPER close to the National park."

    "This is a state park which has an entrance fee and camping you can reserve. The area is beautiful. Big dunes, lovely water. On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake."

    7. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    65 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "Came for a 1-night camping trip from Chicago. The drive was about an hour. Very beautiful and diverse trails: beach, dunes, forest, prairie and wetlands."

    "Came for a 1-night camping trip from Chicago. The drive was about an hour. Very beautiful and diverse trails: beach, dunes, forest, prairie and wetlands."

    8. Camp Reinberg

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

    $45 - $60 / night

    "The staff is so helpful, well maintained, nice trail system. We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again."

    "Located in the Norwest suburb of Palatine, this campground is super accessible from Chicago and a fun getaway for suburban camping. Grocery stores and modern conveniences are minutes **away. **"

    9. The Fawn Flats

    Be the first to review!
    Oak Park, IL
    5 miles
    +1 (618) 946-7614

    $35 - $75 / night

    10. Camp Shabbona Woods

    1 Review
    Calumet City, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 67 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Chicago, IL

572 Reviews of 67 Chicago Campgrounds



Guide to Chicago

Camping near Chicago offers a great escape from the city hustle, with plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are campgrounds that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, have beautiful trails. One visitor mentioned, "Recommend e-bike as some hills. Campground is clean and feels safe."
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds such as Warren Dunes State Park Campground are close to the beach. A reviewer noted, "The beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
  • Fishing and Boating: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. One camper shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park said, "The bathrooms were old and wet, but the campground itself was very nice."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer decent spacing between sites. A reviewer at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "Many spots here have a good amount of spacing and privacy which is great."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Dunewood Campground provide activities for kids. One parent noted, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Dunewood Campground warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night."
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for children, like Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park. One parent said, "Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again!"
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, it's wise to bring bug spray. A camper at Dunewood Campground learned this the hard way, stating, "I honestly couldn’t wait to leave!"
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed, "The lake was beautiful and we hiked a few of the trails."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have smaller sites that may not accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted, "The site we were at was smaller and narrow."
  • Look for Full Hook-Ups: If you need amenities, check for campgrounds with full hook-ups. A camper at Illinois Beach State Park mentioned, "The campground itself was very nice with good size sites and lots of room."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake said, "Good if you want to be close to the city but otherwise it’s not very worth it."

Camping near Chicago offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the bugs and book your spot early!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Chicago, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chicago, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 28 reviews.

What parks are near Chicago, IL?

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

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