Boutique camping sites around Brookfield, Illinois offer an escape from city life without a long drive. The Cook County Forest Preserves maintain several campgrounds within 30-45 miles of Brookfield, providing camping access on over 70,000 acres of protected natural areas. Temperatures range from summer highs in the 80s to winter camping conditions that can drop below freezing, requiring appropriate gear for seasonal stays.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides fishing access directly from the campground. "We kayaked in the lake and it's small but nice," notes a visitor to Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, while another camper mentions "I can hear fish jumping from the water" during quiet evenings.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the forest preserves. According to one visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake, "The hiking here is AWESOME with a bajillion different routes right from the campground. We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk."
Mountain biking: The single-track trails near several Brookfield-area campgrounds attract serious cyclists. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails," reports a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Beach activities: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers Lake Michigan beach access within an hour's drive. "The lake and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype. The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic!" shares one visitor.
What campers like
Year-round access: Several glamping facilities near Brookfield maintain winter operations. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," reports a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake who lives nearby and takes "midweek camping trips to break up the work week."
Clean facilities: Camp Sullivan receives praise for its upkeep. "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. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Natural areas surrounding Brookfield glamping sites offer wildlife spotting opportunities. A visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake reports they "saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk" during their stay.
Recreational amenities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers built-in entertainment. "The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids! We're going back this summer. This is not private or rustic camping but still very fun and relaxing," shares a recent visitor.
What you should know
Train noise: Multiple campsites near Brookfield experience railroad disruptions. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground notes: "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine."
Limited facilities: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups but not full services. "There is no water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal," reports one Camp Bullfrog Lake camper. Another adds, "We had a back in sight #69... The sight had 50 amp electric hook ups but no water or sewer connections."
Seasonal considerations: Dunewood Campground visitors note weather challenges: "Brutally hot but otherwise nice... Loved the proximity of this campground to Lake Michigan!" Summer temperatures can make shade a premium commodity at most sites.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping in Brookfield, Illinois requires advance planning. "The entrance was hard to find. It was near the intersection of Oak and 147th I believe. There's a restaurant across from it," warns a Camp Sullivan visitor, highlighting the need for detailed arrival information.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Chicago Northwest KOA offers family-friendly amenities. "Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean. Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground," notes a visitor.
Insect preparation: Bring appropriate supplies for bugs. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," reports a visitor to Honeysuckle Hollow. They recommend "a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites carefully for family needs. "We tent camped, but could see the cabin grounds which looked nice. However, important to note dogs are not allowed inside the cabins," shares a Camp Sullivan visitor, while another at Honeysuckle Hollow suggests to "avoid the first 2 sites from either end as the ones closest to the main loop aren't very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many glamping sites near Brookfield offer electric-only service. "No water or dumping hook up. Electric only," notes a Camp Sullivan visitor. Another camper adds: "Very difficult to contact staff to book reservation. When we got there they told us they double booked us and requested we move after we got set up."
Site dimensions: Honeysuckle Hollow Camping Area has site-specific considerations. "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance," advises an RVer.
Leveling requirements: Most sites provide level pads for easy setup. "All pads seemed nice and level. Only offered electric service," reports a visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park, while another camper notes the sites are "pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet."
