Campgrounds near Chicago IL

There is also Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin.

The Cook County Forest Preserves have opened up 5 locations for camping in the last year, 3 with RV sites with electricity. We live near the Camp Reinberg site (northwest suburbs) and were very impressed with what they've done to upgrade and modernize the facilities. If you want to be off 80 Sullivan would be closest; Bullfrog would be closer to 88. If your plans include going into the city, Reinberg might be better as there is a commuter train station about 5 minutes away. Any of these are less than an hour from downtown. Starved Rock is a great park but probably more like 2 hours away. Check the link and see what fits your plans - they're a little pricy (by my state/county/national park standards) but are convenient and newly renovated.

Cook County Forest Preserve Camping

Nearest to Chicago is Blackwell Forest Preserve. Off I88

Farther out is Shabbona Lake State Park off of US 30.

The casino is Hollywood Casino just off I-80. Concrete sites with water and electric and just a short downhill walk to the Casino.
Hickory Hollow is halfway to Quad Cities so the poster must be thinking of another. There is also Martin Campground in Joliet but it is not highly rated.

Hickory Hollow (I think that's the name) - decent CG near Joliet area. Starved Rock SP is beautiful; has electric hookups in many sites. May be booked up on weekends. Both just off I-80.

Green river oaks in Amboy new owners took over a few years ago

There are 2 campgrounds off of I80 near Joliet. One is in a casino, the other is a commercial campground. I am away from home and RV so I can't provide details but rvparkreviews should.

We grew up in Geneva, IL - 40 miles west of the Loop. When we went back we looked for a place as well. Best we could do was Sycamore.

check out Indiana Dunes state park- you can take the south shore line to Chicago. I think its a little over an hour drive.