Camp Bullfrog Lake and several other campgrounds provide accessible camping near Glenview, Illinois, within 60 miles of downtown Chicago. The region features varied terrain with elevations ranging from 580 to 820 feet, providing a mix of woodland, prairie and lake environments. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer cooler temperatures and fewer insects.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Camp Bullfrog Lake features direct access to miles of interconnected trails. According to Josh M., "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." The trails accommodate various skill levels and connect to the larger Cook County Forest Preserve trail system.
Kayaking rentals: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, kayaks are available for $15 per hour and include life vests. Layla P. notes, "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around." The small lake size makes it manageable for beginners and families.
Wildlife viewing: Turner Lake South offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities along its waterways. Cora M. shares, "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far."
Mountain biking trails: The area features dedicated mountain bike trails suitable for various skill levels. Tim K. observed at Camp Bullfrog Lake, "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."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Thomas Woods Campground offers secluded camping spots set back from main roads. One camper notes, "I've been here two other weekends. Generally quiet and many of the tent spots are spaced out enough to provide privacy and quiet. Firewood is cheap on-site and delivered to your site on demand."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Glenview, Illinois, Chicago Northwest KOA provides yurt accommodations as an alternative to traditional tent or cabin camping. The campground maintains "very nice sites" with "a lot of activities for kids on the weekends," making it suitable for families exploring yurt camping options around Glenview.
Waterfront locations: At Turner Lake South, proximity to water enhances the camping experience. Julia B. explains, "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by."
Clean facilities: Fox Den Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and campsites. According to Ian C., "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Honeysuckle Hollow, electrical access can be challenging. One camper warns, "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."
Weekend crowds: Many campgrounds in the area experience significant crowding on summer weekends. At Turner Lake South, "The public come here to launch boats in the summer it's sad to watch," notes one reviewer, suggesting weekday visits when possible.
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly in wooded areas. A camper at Honeysuckle Hollow advises, "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats."
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons actively search for food at campsites after dusk. At Turner Lake South, Julia B. reports, "Had some raccoons at night even after we locked up everything in the car." Food storage in vehicles and thorough cleanup before nightfall is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Best family sites: Indiana Dunes State Park offers family-friendly campsites with good spacing. Jon S. reports, "All pads seemed nice and level. Only offered electric service. Beach access is close by. Lots of geocaching and challenging hikes, including the three dune challenge."
Activity planning: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provides structured activities for children throughout the day. Glenn T. notes, "Very big campground with mostly seasonals. Atmosphere is the perfect balance of fun and relaxing. Lots of fun activities."
Bathroom facilities: For families with young children, Camp Sullivan has modern facilities but inconsistent maintenance. One reviewer cautions, "It's ridiculous there are two bathroom stalls and complete strangers have to pass a toilet paper roll between the stalls- for the price I'd expect more."
Budget options: For affordable family camping, Turner Lake South offers basic sites at reasonable prices. According to Addison G., "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing and privacy: At Fox Den Campground, RV sites offer better spacing than at other nearby options. Debra M. explains, "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad. Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads."
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups but limited water and sewer connections. At Camp Sullivan, one RVer noted, "No water or dumping hook up. Electric only. Would only stay here again in a pinch. The only upside is that it is very close to Chicago."
Reservation timing: For RVers seeking spacious sites, advance planning is crucial. Christopher R. advises about Fox Den, "It has the electrical hookups that we need and has a bath house that is close to where you camp. And within 5 miles of the campground, you have the amenities that you need in case you forgot something along the way."
Seasonal considerations: For comfort in an RV, timing matters significantly. At Chicago Northwest KOA, weekend crowds thin substantially during shoulder seasons. One camper observed, "The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week."
