Cabin and yurt camping near Bradley, Illinois offers year-round accommodations within 45 miles of the city. Most sites operate seasonally with limited winter availability, though some facilities maintain heated options during colder months. The region features several lakes with fishing opportunities and sits near the Kankakee River watershed, creating diverse camping environments ranging from wooded settings to lakeside retreats.
What to do
Fishing and kayaking: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides immediate access to a small fishing lake with rental kayaks for $15 per hour including life vests. Camp Bullfrog Lake attracts anglers and paddlers throughout the warm season. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes a visitor from summer 2025.
Mountain biking trails: Access miles of dedicated single track directly from your campsite. "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," explains a Camp Bullfrog Lake reviewer who regularly visits for midweek escapes.
Shooting range: The Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area maintains a public gun range alongside camping facilities. "The gun range is awesome and good hunting spots as well," reports a visitor who appreciates the $12 nightly camping fee and primitive accommodations that allow generator use.
What campers like
Year-round cabin options: Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area offers affordable camping with basic amenities at $12 per night. "It's $12 a night. Pretty clean campground run by the DNR, lots of acreage to explore. No real trails but if you don't mind roughing it plenty to explore," mentions a frequent visitor who lives nearby.
Heated facilities: Campgrounds with winter accommodations maintain climate-controlled washrooms. "Bathrooms were warm and clean. There's also a little store on site that was open until 10:00 PM," notes a camper who stayed at Camp Bullfrog Lake during colder weather.
Organized activities: Lakeshore Camp Resort schedules regular weekend events from mid-May through September. "Activities for the kids are all weekend and evenings are busy with golf carts parades. The adult fun goes to the wee hours on busy holiday weekends," describes a visitor who appreciates the active social atmosphere.
What you should know
Varying site sizes: Many Bradley area campgrounds feature tight spacing between sites. "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded," warns a Camp Sullivan visitor who found the proximity to neighboring campers challenging.
Limited water access: Several campgrounds have restricted water service. "Do remember to bring power source for your phone such as a power bank and water to drink, the water there taste funny," advises a Willow Slough camper who otherwise enjoyed the fishing opportunities.
Gate restrictions: Some facilities lock entrance gates overnight. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting," reports a Camp Sullivan visitor who encountered access challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Request sites near play areas when traveling with children. "Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a looong day of driving. Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp," shares an Oak Lake RV Resort visitor.
Water activities: Oak Lake RV Resort maintains a swimming pond with inflatable obstacles during summer months. "Super clean water and beach area with inflatables- so fun! They do require wristbands which cost $10 a day but that includes bumper boats and unlimited paddle boat rentals," explains a repeat visitor.
Yurt options for families: Several campgrounds near Bradley offer yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional tent camping. "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)," notes a Camp Sullivan visitor who regularly brings three children under age seven.
Tips from RVers
Texting services: Kankakee South KOA provides text message ordering for firewood and supplies with delivery to your site. "Firewood, ice, etc. could be ordered via text and delivered. Trash pick up daily," reports a visitor who found the staff friendly and pricing reasonable.
Hookup limitations: Check water and electrical connections before booking. "No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors," notes a Camp Bullfrog Lake RVer who had to adjust to limited connections.
Arrival assistance: Oak Lake RV Resort provides staff to guide large rigs into sites. "From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless," shares a visitor traveling with a 44-foot Keystone Sprinter who extended their planned weekend stay to nearly two weeks.
