Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Sullivan offer cabin experiences near Frankfort, Illinois, roughly 30-35 miles from downtown. Both campgrounds sit within Cook County Forest Preserves at elevations between 600-700 feet, providing wooded settings with varying levels of shade. The area features numerous small lakes and ponds with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during camping season.
What to do
Hiking and mountain biking trails: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, trails connect directly to campsites. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," notes Josh M. The interconnected trail system works well for day hikes or longer excursions.
Kayaking on small lakes: Several campgrounds offer kayak rentals for exploring their small lakes. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports Layla P. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Most rental operations run from 9am-5pm during summer months.
Swimming and beach activities: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground provides access to Lake Michigan swimming. "The beach and dunes are the star of this show, but the campground is a good supporting actor," writes Greg S. Swimming areas at the lake include designated sections with lifeguards during summer daytime hours.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses at several campgrounds. "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked," mentions Layla P. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Another camper at Dunewood Campground notes, "The shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus."
Easy access from Chicago: The proximity to Chicago makes these campgrounds popular weekend getaways. "It's probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. About 5 years in existence. Clean facilities with a few trails," explains Bill M. about Camp Sullivan. Most sites are within a 45-60 minute drive from downtown Chicago.
Spacious sites at certain campgrounds: Some locations offer more room between sites than others. At Indiana Dunes State Park, Jon S. mentions, "All pads seemed nice and level. Only offered electric service. Beach access is close by." Most premium sites include concrete pads for RVs and separate tent areas.
What you should know
Limited shade at some locations: Several campgrounds have minimal tree cover. At Camp Sullivan, a camper reports, "I am directly in the sun in my spot. There is trash in it as well." Sites near the perimeter often have better shade options.
Train noise can be disruptive: Proximity to rail lines affects sleep quality at some campgrounds. At Indiana Dunes, Kaley A. 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 you can deal with that, you'll be just fine."
Variable seasonal maintenance: Kankakee South KOA shows different conditions through the year. "The campground was nice and clean. Nothing super fancy but all the necessities were great and price was very reasonable," Jennifer D. reports. Most campgrounds perform major maintenance in early spring and late fall.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity matters: Selecting a site near play areas helps with younger children. At Oak Lake RV Resort, Sadie H. shares, "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."
Consider Halloween weekends: Special events during fall make for memorable family camping. "We always go in October on one of their Halloween weekends and just have a blast. They provide scheduled activities, nightly movies, haunted hay rack rides," explains Tracy C. about Kankakee South KOA. Reservations for themed weekends often need to be made 3-6 months in advance.
Check for activity scheduling: Some campgrounds offer more structured programs than others. At Camp Sullivan, Shane S. notes, "There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall. There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups." Activity schedules typically run Friday-Sunday with fewer options midweek.
Tips from RVers
Be prepared for varying hookup options: Electric-only sites are common at state parks. At Indiana Dunes State Park, Greg S. advises, "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us—we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves." Water fill stations are typically available near campground entrances.
Check pad length and width: Some sites have limitations for larger rigs. "Sites #4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," mentions Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. "We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded," says Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan, highlighting the smaller site dimensions at some campgrounds.
Gate lock timing varies: Security measures may affect late arrivals. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning!" reports Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan. Most campgrounds require advance notice for after-hours arrival, with specific procedures for each location.
