Camp Bullfrog Lake, situated about 30 miles southwest of Inverness, Illinois, offers camping opportunities within the Cook County Forest Preserve. The area features rolling terrain with wooded sites surrounded by a mix of oak, maple and hickory trees. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with mosquitoes being most active in June and July, requiring proper preparation for outdoor activities.
What to do
Fishing and water activities: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides lake access for fishing and kayak rentals at $15 per hour including life vests. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes Layla P.
Hiking trail exploration: Multiple interconnected paths range from beginner-friendly loops to more challenging routes. "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," reports Josh M., who enjoys midweek camping trips at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Mountain biking adventures: Honeysuckle Hollow at Chain O' Lakes State Park features extensive trail systems ideal for mountain bikers. "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," a camper explained after enjoying the extensive network.
Horse riding experiences: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers horse trails and seasonal rental services. "There is so much to do at this campground. Horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing," reports a visitor who appreciated the diverse recreation options.
What campers like
Quiet weekday escapes: Campgrounds near Inverness clear out Sunday through Thursday, offering a more peaceful experience. "The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week," shares Tina from Thomas Woods Campground.
Clean, maintained facilities: Many campgrounds prioritize bathroom cleanliness. "Bathrooms were warm and clean. There's also a little store on site that was open until 10:00 PM," Lawrence B. notes about Camp Bullfrog Lake, though he mentions "Firewood was still wet and hard to burn."
Family-friendly amenities: Fox Den Campground at Chain O' Lakes State Park provides well-designed sites with appropriate spacing. "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," reports Ian C.
Waterfront glamping sites: Turner Lake South offers canvas accommodations in wooded settings near water. "The campsites are kinda small but not on top of each other. 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," Julia B. shares.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for ticks and mosquitoes, particularly in summer months. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," warns Meg at Honeysuckle Hollow, adding "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched."
Alcohol restrictions: Some forest preserves enforce no-alcohol policies while others allow it with restrictions. "Adult beverages must be in a solo cup," advises Ken who camped at Turner Lake South in Chain O' Lakes State Park.
Booking challenges: Reserve well ahead for summer weekends, especially for glamping close to Inverness, Illinois. "While these sites are usually slated for walk-ups on the weekends, it seems like a lot of people go early on Thursday or even Wednesday to secure their sites for the weekends," explains Marisa A. about Turner Lake South.
Campground differences: Each camping area within the same park may offer distinct experiences. "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees. In Honeysuckle you will have clear line of site to very close neighbor," reports Debra M.
Tips for camping with families
Select shaded sites: Heat management becomes important during summer months. "We were in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade," reports Layla P. who kayaked at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Consider glamping options: For families seeking comfort close to Inverness, Illinois, Chicago Northwest KOA provides structured activities for children. "Very friendly staff 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," shares Dan B.
Pack tick protection: With high tick populations in wooded areas, prevention becomes crucial. "Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair," advises Meg, who camps with small children.
Choose weekday visits: For quieter experiences with younger children, midweek stays offer advantages. "This is our favorite place to camp. It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything," explains Christopher R. about Fox Den, appreciating the balance of seclusion and convenience.
Tips from RVers
Check electric post locations: Some campgrounds have poorly positioned hookups. "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 Debra M. at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Verify water and sewer availability: Many campgrounds offer electric-only sites with central water access. "We had 50 amp, but no water/sewer, although there was a water spigot next to our site that we could use to fill up jugs of water. The dump station was near the entrance to the camping loop and had potable water," explains Tina about Thomas Woods Campground.
Arrive early on dump day: Dump stations become congested during peak checkout times. "It was also very busy and we had to wait when filling up and again when dumping," shares a reviewer, highlighting the importance of timing for RV services.
Consider site leveling requirements: Many RV sites require adjustments for comfort. "Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers. Electric is easily accessible, and water/sanitary is easy to get in and out of," notes Ian C. about Fox Den at Chain O' Lakes State Park.
