Campground near chicago

[outdoors5]

Any good family friendly and safe campgrounds near Chicago?  Our family will be passing through in late June or possibly early July.  What are the minimum days that we could stay to get a feel for the city.  We do not have a lot of time but can stay one to three nights.

[mkcom1]

Hello
    I am a native to Chicago and can honestly say that camping around Chicago sucks or for the most part is nonexistant.  Two places that I would reccomend are not very close to Chicago so getting a feeling for the city would involve an hour or so drive into the city.  Jellystone in Calodonia Wisconsin has been recently refurbished and looks very nice.  I stayed there about 7-8 years ago before the new owners bought it, but I hear very good things about it and plan on making it up in early June myself.  Another idea is the Indiana dunes national lakeshore.  I understand that the sites are non electric and it would mean a drive of an hour or so to the city but I hear good things about the place.  I try to get as far away from the city as I can.  Chicago is a Great city though and June is a perfect time.  If you are in need of refferals for anything feel free to contact me.  I.ve seen just about everything here at one time or another.   just not the greatest place to camp

[Mike Up]

Hello
I am a native to Chicago and can honestly say that camping around Chicago sucks or for the most part is nonexistant. Two places that I would reccomend are not very close to Chicago so getting a feeling for the city would involve an hour or so drive into the city. Jellystone in Calodonia Wisconsin has been recently refurbished and looks very nice. I stayed there about 7-8 years ago before the new owners bought it, but I hear very good things about it and plan on making it up in early June myself. Another idea is the Indiana dunes national lakeshore. I understand that the sites are non electric and it would mean a drive of an hour or so to the city but I hear good things about the place. I try to get as far away from the city as I can. Chicago is a Great city though and June is a perfect time. If you are in need of refferals for anything feel free to contact me. I.ve seen just about everything here at one time or another. just not the greatest place to camp

Here's a vote for the Indiana Dunes State Park, it's a brand new park because they completely rebuilt it. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park Campgroud from what I hear is small and with no hookups at all. I actually had some trouble with a National Park Ranger playing the Barney Fife role and harrassing us when it was past sunset. We were not even on the beach but were parked off the road in the area. I called him in and complained. You will be ticketed if you're in the area past sunset which is undoable for anyone who works a normal job. If I can't use it, I don't want my taxes going to it!
 
The State Park is the opposite though The sites are electric but as with any national/state park in Indiana, no water or septic at the site. You have to go to a common place to get water and dump your waste. You also can walk around at any time without the fear of being harrassed.
 
The State Park is just about the most popular campground in the Chicago area except for Starved Rock which I've never beent to yet (always booked). The Indiana Dunes State Park has to be reserved also long before your trip or you won't get a site. So with both of these campgrounds, there's no camping on a whim, it must be planned months a head of time to make reservations.
 
We went in April where it was in the 40s and 50s and we were able to get a very nice site and it wasn't crowded at all. We were able to see many sunsets privately without being surrounded by hundreds of people at the beach. Myself, I'd go out of season as I'm not a person that wants to be around crowds, I like being in my own private area away from others. Then again, I live and work around everyone, camping to me is to get away from the crowds, not jump in.
 
Here's some pictures of our Dunes Trip.
 
Have a good one.

[sacrawf]

I have been pleased with the Illini State Park in Marsailles, Illinois.  Like the others suggestions, you are still a drive from Chicago. (74 miles).  Quiet park, very near the town, with antique shops, grocery store, I&M Canal trail, and a short drive to Starved Rock State Park.

I am hoping soon to go to the Chain of Lakes State Park at Richmond, IL, which would be about 70 miles away as well.  Haven't been there yet.  Illinois Beach State Park at Zion is just about 50 miles North of downtown.

[haroldPE]

Here's another vote for IN Dunes SP.  It's probably as close to the city as you want to be.  With the NP right there, the area also abounds with hiking trails.  MI City not far to the east for anything else you may need.

[erich0521]

I also vote for Indiana Dunes SP.  Do book online via Indiana's reservation system or by phone as it is popular.  

An added feature to the park is that you would not have to drive into the city.  The South Shore Line (commuter electric rail) will take you in the middle of downtown including stops near the Shedd Aquarium.  There is a stop literally at the entrance to the SP.

Here is a short list of what I recommend to site see:
1. Wrigley Field (even if you hate baseball this is the palace for the game).
2. Sears Tower or for shorter lines, the Hancock building to get a wonderful view of the city.
3. Shedd Aquarium is great..buy tickets online ahead of time to shorten lines.
4. Museum of Science and Industry.  I love this hands on place.
5. Magnificent Mile for shopping, etc.
6. restaruants:  too many to name but there are great ones.

http://www.nictd.com/ is the website for the train.

I really think you need 3 days to see everything but at least 2 if you have the time.  Enjoy your trip.