Camp Bullfrog Lake's pet-friendly accommodations include tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping options within the Cook County Forest Preserve District. Pets must be leashed at all times while at the campground, with hiking trails accessible directly from campsites. The primitive tent area near the back of the park features tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern poles. Clean shower facilities and restrooms are available for all campers, though water spigots may be located at a distance from some sites. Each campsite comes with a free bundle of oak firewood for use in the provided fire pits.
Multiple hiking and mountain biking trails surround Camp Bullfrog Lake, offering excellent options for exercising dogs on leash. The campground's lakeside location provides beautiful views and fishing opportunities, though little shade exists for tent campers during hot summer days. Nearby Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park also welcome pets on their trails and designated beach areas. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area, including deer, raccoons, and various bird species, so keeping pets secured is essential. The campground gate closes at 10 PM, requiring campers to plan accordingly when traveling with pets.
$20 - $138 / night
"Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life. Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."
"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."
$35 - $250 / night
"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."
"There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."
$20 - $30 / night
"Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."
"I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."
$25 / night
"There is so much to do her, wineries and breweries nearby. The beaches are not too crowded. Pet friendly and lots to do for children. This is one of our favorite vacation spots."
"give you a great view of Lake Michigan. Bathroom rooms and shower were super clean. Dog friendly campsite and right next to the lake!"
$43 / night
"We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening."
"Was rainy, but still enjoyed walking the beach. Staff extremely pleasant & helpful. Pavilion services was closed for construction. There is an area on the Beach where you can walk your dogs."
"If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."
$25 / night
"They are busy but spots are large and neighbors are not close by. Lots of kids. Great for families and pet friendly."
"Driving into rural northern IL felt like leaving the craziness behind. I brought my dog to an animal-friendly area of the beach, which was small and secluded."
$45 - $60 / night
"Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."
"tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"
$49 - $57 / night
"We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."
"A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."
$25 - $45 / night
"We just purchased our first Winnebago and needed a spot close to home for a quick trial run. We have three small boys and they were very excited to camp."
TravelerSmall campground but very friendly. A plus was the full hookups. The sights are very close together. Management is not over bearing and very friendly. Dog friendly lots of dogs this weekend nice size dog park! You overall great weekend
TravelerWe stayed in the off season in a site close to the laundry facility and office. Great campground for families. Our site was smaller however, no one was around us so it seemed bigger. They do have nice premium sites in the front. Loved that it is gated and and key card access after hours. Has a dog park and a playground for the kids.
ScoutWe’ve been staying at this resort for several months now, and wanted to share some feedback based on our experience.
The pool only opened mid-summer.
Water quality has been very bad. On one occasion, our pet had stomach issues after drinking tap water, which was concerning. The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day, and we’ve had to install a five-stage filtration system just to make it usable.
We’ve also noticed that rules aren’t enforced consistently, and it sometimes feels like certain guests are treated unfairly. For example, while we were told that personal kiddie pools aren’t allowed, we’ve counted at least six others set up around the park.
Package delivery is only permitted under special circumstances, and only if pre-approved by staff.
Had an incident where a staff member criticized my swimsuit at the pool, despite it being modest and similar to what others were wearing. I wore this swimsuit to many pools for many years. Additionally, the beach area is often closed even during posted open hours, and pool hours or updates aren’t clearly communicated—you have to inquire to get any information.
The storm shelter is typically locked, making it inaccessible in emergencies, which is a major concern.
We’ve also had to fix the swing set at the playground ourselves multiple times, as it’s been broken for a while. Many of the park’s facilities and amenities are showing their age and could benefit from updates and maintenance.
That said, there are aspects we’ve truly enjoyed, and they’re the main reasons we’ve continued our stay: the spacious layout of the RV park, a nice lake, beach, pool, gym, and a dog park.
TravelerMany very nice permanent sites. We loved the dog park along with the many activities available. We come here at least once a year. Check out their information on their website.
If you want a quick local get away this is the place.
GuidePros - playground, pool, well kept grounds, helpful staff, gated/swipe card access, ponds, close to area attractions, decent campground WiFi, small fire ring, small dog park
Cons - tight spaces, BYO grill, bad showers, dirty/tight bathroom area
The mens room is just gross. Water in the stalls because showers don’t drain. Water in the shower never gets hot. Missing shower heads with pressure that almost tears your skin. Can barely squeeze into the tiny stall. Toilets are gross.
GuideWe used it as an over night stop right off of 94. It was perfect for that. It would also be perfect spot to stay longer if wanted to be in the area. Grounds were nice. Clean bathrooms, laundry, dog friendly, pool, office is friendly and has a store with game room. Nice dog park. We are in a 40ft with tow and did not need to unhook.
ScoutGreat stop for the night, It's new, gated and has basic amenities like a General store, Dog park and basketball court and tennis ball court for some activities if you have kids. Plenty of space and Convenient. We reserved and checked in online. The only complaint I had is the site we were at showed a ground fault on the 50amp Circuit so I had to use the 30 amp circuit but it's Nov so no need to run dual ACs minor issue but still make sure your using your EPM devices.
LegendAs we were driving eastbound on I80 that day, we spotted the Love’s RV Hookup, which is a new concept that this oversized fueling depot / travel store has been working on for the past year or so. Having checked out one of their other locations in Bloomington earlier in the year, which I have to admit, I was fairly impressed by, we decided to stop in here to have a look. Located just due east on the outskirts of little known Morris, Illinois just off I80, this little roadside stand isn’t the largest Love’s I’ve ever seen, but it sure does pack a punch.
If you do find yourself hustling and bustling east or west along the I80 corridor and are in need of a pit stop or an overnight stay, then the good folks at the Love’s RV Hookup have you covered. While the other Love’s I have stopped by seem enormous by comparison, this spot felt more like a corner convenience store that also had a fairly large fueling bay (4 double-sided pumps) in the front, primarily for cars and SUVs.
As you pull in, there’s 4 spots earmarked to the right of the entrance for RV’s. As you pull further along in front of the Love’s fueling bay, on the other side, an additional 6 or so slots exist for other RVs to park. In all, there’s 10 back-in RV slots available and inside you’ll find that there’s 7 individual shower stalls (all of which were in pristine, brand-new shape when we stopped by) along with a laundry facility, which we were happily surprised by, as well as a designated RV dump service, propane refill station and all of the typical hook-ups (water, 30 / 50 amp electric and sewage) along with WiFi. Inside, there’s of course the Love’s retail market, which was just decent, an ATM, Hardee’s and Naf-Naf (think Subway, but instead, Middle Eastern food). There’s even a small dog park here. As I hinted at, quite a lot here for such a small location.
If you would like something more substantial to eat, just head back west on I80 to the next exit, where if you head north there’s an IHOP, Chili’s, Bellacino’s Pizza or you can head on back to the TA Travel Center where they actually have a proper sit-down 24 hour restaurant called R-Place. If instead of heading north, you drive south on the main drag (Road 47), there’s a Buffalo Wild Wings, Pizza Hut, Starbuck’s, Wendy’s, Culver’s, Dunkin' and Burger King. But if you want something a bit more memorable, I would recommend either Morris Diner & Pancake House or La Casa Michoacana. And if you don’t mind a slightly longer drive back towards Ottawa, there’s 2 amazing places I would recommend that you won’t soon forget: Hank’s and Lone Buffalo.
Should you want to actually enjoy a bit of the nature around these parts, you can continue to head south on N. Division Street / Road 47 where you’ll come to 2 parks: Goold and Chapin, where either would make for a great place to stretch your legs, walk the dog or grab a picnic. If you’d like something a bit more splendid, then head on over to William G. Stratton SP or Gebhard Woods SP where you will be able to hike the I&M Canal State Trail.
While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:
Convenience: 5
Safety & Security: 4
Quality: 5
Peace & Quiet: 4
Amenities: 3
Overall, I scored this location a 4.
Happy Overnighting!
TravelerFriendly staff who were quick to respond to any issues. Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant. No wi-fi found except at hotel. Good phone connection. Garbage cans throughout park. Minutes from I & M Canal entrance on Houbolt and from JJC and I-80.
Camp Bullfrog Lake offers tent sites, cabins, and RV camping within a 30-minute drive from Burbank, Illinois. The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 600 feet in the Palos Forest Preserve region. Weather conditions vary seasonally with humid summers reaching 85-90°F and winter temperatures often below freezing, affecting camping conditions and trail accessibility.
Mountain biking on single-track trails: Access miles of dedicated trails directly from Camp Bullfrog Lake. "Some of the areas best mountain bike single track is right here. There is fishing kayaking and hiking trails too," notes geoff in his review.
Kayak rentals on small lakes: Rent kayaks for $15 per hour including life vests at Camp Bullfrog Lake. "The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," shares Layla P., adding that the experience provides a pleasant diversion despite the limited size.
Hike the 3 Dune Challenge: A moderate hiking experience at Indiana Dunes State Park. "If you are able, do the 3 dune challenge. It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list," mentions Jackie H. The trail includes three tall sand dunes with views of Lake Michigan.
Wildlife watching on forest preserve trails: Look for herons, songbirds, deer, and other wildlife. "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," says Hatie P. about the trails at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Modern bathroom facilities: Camp Reinberg receives praise for clean facilities. "The bathrooms are modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds," notes Shane S., highlighting the campground's maintenance standards compared to other options.
Free firewood with stays: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Burbank provide complimentary firewood. "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," Josh M. mentions about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Lake Michigan sunset views: Campers appreciate the evening lake views. "The sunset on Lake Michigan from the dunes was awesome. We walked between the state and national parks," Jeffrey S. reports from his stay at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Walking distance to stores: Some campgrounds offer convenient access to supplies. "It's a great location if you're seeing family and friends in the area. And it's within walking distance to stores and restaurants," notes The School for Y. about Camp Sullivan.
Train noise affects sleep quality: Railroad proximity creates noise issues at several campgrounds. "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," explains Kaley A. about her experience at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Limited water hookups: RV campers should arrive with full water tanks. "There is NO water hookup. Electric only," reports Nomad Nurse Z about Camp Sullivan, a consideration when planning pet-friendly camping near Burbank.
Seasonal weather challenges: Summer heat can be intense at exposed sites. "We stayed here for two nights recently... There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," warns Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Reservation systems vary by location: Blackwell Family Campground has specific booking requirements. "The website is very descriptive when it comes to photos and explaining the campsite (I.e if it's wooded or open) which I loved. I feel like I was able to pick the perfect spot," shares Autumn D.
Choose sites near playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-focused amenities. "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)," Dane S. says about Camp Sullivan, which offers family-friendly features.
Wildlife education opportunities: Several preserves offer nature programs. "The nature center is right next to the campground," notes Jackie H. about Indiana Dunes State Park, providing opportunities for children to learn about local ecosystems.
Short-duration trial camping: For families new to camping with pets, consider weekend trips. "Our trip to Camp Sullivan was mostly a test run to determine how our new dog handled camping," explains Megan R., adding details about the campground's pet policies.
Check swimming conditions: Lake Michigan beaches have variable conditions. "Be careful in the lake, because rip current often take young visitors out too far and into dangerous waters," warns Anna G. about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Electric-only sites require planning: Arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks. "We just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves," Greg S. advises about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Dump station availability: Several campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations. "Two dump stations made wait minimal," notes Jeffrey S. about his RV experience at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Site size and accessibility: Dunewood Campground offers larger sites for bigger rigs. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," Katherine T. reports.
Gate closure times affect evening plans: Pay attention to campground access hours. "There is a gate that is closed at 10pm every night and opened again in the morning," Susan L. mentions about Camp Reinberg, information particularly important for RVers planning evening trips with pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Burbank, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Burbank, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Burbank, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 54 dog-friendly camping locations near Burbank, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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