Best Family Camping Near Chicago

Vanessa M.:  Indiana Dunes State Park is a great place to swim in Lake Michigan, run off your kids' energy hiking up dunes and enjoy the native plants and animals that call the dunes home. The campground offers over 100 campsites and has a playground. Reservations accepted.

Vanessa M.:  Kankakee South KOA has something for everyone. Close enough to civilization with restaurant choices, golf courses and the Chicago Bears' training camp nearby (Go Bears!), it also has Kankakee River State Park close by which offers hiking and bike trails, canoeing and fishing. The campsite has a pool, playground, basketball and volleyball courts, as well as a game room and planned activities.

Vanessa M.:  This no-frills campground makes the beach the main star. Enjoy six and half miles of sandy Lake Michigan shores, plus dunes, marshes and wooded areas at Illinois Beach State Park. Swimming beaches and hiking and bike trails will make the kids forget all about their video games. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends during peak season.

Vanessa M.:  Just 15 miles from 6 Flags Great America! (Check out their camping package which includes discounted 6 Flags passes). Fish Lake Beach offers a long list of amenities like beach swimming with certified lifeguards, heated pool, hot tub, playground, mini golf, fishing piers, paddle boats, kayak rentals and dog park. Activities abound here from DJ family dance parties, hay rides, karaoke nights, kids arts & crafts and themed weekends.

This beautiful state park is an easy driving distance from downtown Chicago and features a beautiful landscape for camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. The park rents out fishing equipment, paddle boats and row boats, as well as life preservers for both kids and adults. Camp grounds are clean and well-spaced, featuring fire pits and options for both wooded areas as well as a more prairie-like aesthetic. Reservations are recommended but they often have spots for those who decide to camp at the last minute.

Vanessa M.:  Ranked in the top 10 of all Yogi Bear campgrounds in America, this family-friendly gem is loaded with activities and amenities to keep the whole family happy. The campground offers heated pools, kiddie pool, hot tub, playground, mini golf and arts and crafts classes for children and adults. Planned activities include: singalong hayrides with your favorite Yogi Bear characters, outdoor movie nights and themed weekend events. Nearby Silver Springs State Park, located about four miles away, is a great place to enjoy hiking, boating, and fishing.

Vanessa M.:  

The name alone is enough reason to visit! Situated on the shores of Geneva Lake, just outside the quaint town of Lake Geneva, there are plenty of family-friendly opportunities for fun. Pitch your tent at Big Foot for swimming, fishing, kayaking and six and half miles of hiking trails through woods and meadows, not to mention all the fun things to do in town. They accept reservations.

Vanessa M.:  Scenic Lake Shabbona is an ideal spot for camping, fishing, and enjoying over eight miles of hiking and cross country skiing trails. Bait, tackle, boat and kayak rentals available onsite. Dine at Pokanoka's Cafe, named after Chief Shabbona's wife, which boasts a magnificent view of the lake. Did you know the cafe can deliver takeout right to your boat!? Campground also offers playground, kids fishing area (with loaner poles) and paddle boat rental. Note that swimming is not allowed in Lake Shabbona.

Vanessa M.:  Want to check out Starved Rock or it's lesser known (therefore less crowded!) neighbor Matthiessen State Park? Stay just down the road at the Lasalle Peru KOA campground. With a swimming pool, playground, children's fishing creek, bike rentals and family activities such as hayrides and candy bar bingo, your family will never want to leave! There is even a dog park for your furry family members.