Camp Bullfrog Lake provides year-round cabins and camping facilities 15 miles from Justice, Illinois in the Cook County Forest Preserve system. The property spans nearly 40 acres with direct access to extensive trail systems and a small fishing lake. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F, while winter camping options include heated cabins for protection from below-freezing temperatures.
What to do
Kayaking opportunities: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, rentals cost $15 per hour and include 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 one visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Hiking trail exploration: Indiana Dunes State Park offers both beginner and moderate trails with unique sand-based hiking experiences. A visitor commented, "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot."
Mountain biking networks: Extensive single-track trails connect throughout the forest preserves near Justice. A camper at Camp Sullivan noted, "There are trails to walk. 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."
What campers like
Convenient proximity to Chicago: Campgrounds near Justice offer urban escape without long drives. A camper at Dunewood Campground observed, "Management was very attentive to making sure the campground was quiet and calm. The lady checking me in warned me that we were staying among a cyclist group and to let them know if they got too rowdy."
Clean facilities: Most glamping options near Justice maintain well-kept restrooms and common areas. At Michigan City Campground, a reviewer stated, "This is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter. We stayed in the premium sites which were 90ft pull thought with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite."
Shade availability: Sites with tree coverage provide relief from summer heat. One camper at Chicago Northwest KOA mentioned, "We paid for the deluxe patio site, which had no sewer. Site was not level but it had a lot of shade which was nice."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic or train noise. A visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park commented, "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."
Security measures: Several campgrounds use gate systems for controlled access. At Michigan City Campground, a camper noted, "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool."
Seasonal restrictions: Water systems at some campgrounds shut down during colder months. A visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake pointed out, "The water is not yet potable so bring your own or check with the park team to ensure it's drinkable when you go."
Tips for camping with families
Adventure activities: Some glamping sites near Justice offer structured recreation. At Jellystone Chicago, a family reported, "The pool is nice as well as the hot tub. The hot tub is supposed to be adult only but it isn't really enforced. That's a little disappointing. The mini golf was really neat... The playground gets a thumbs up from my son."
Beach access options: Several locations provide lake swimming within driving distance. One family at Indiana Dunes observed, "The beach and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype. The campground itself is pretty typical of a state park- decent spacing, level sites and well kept."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic in wooded areas during summer. A camper warned, "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening."
Tips from RVers
Dump station quality: Facility maintenance varies significantly between campgrounds. A reviewer cautioned, "What's worse is the dump station I was forced to use. OMG what a disaster. It's a relic from decades ago. Uneven and puddles of 'water' all over the dump area."
Site spacing concerns: Some RV sites offer limited privacy between neighbors. A visitor mentioned, "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded."
Electric-only options: Many glamping sites near Justice provide electric hookups without water or sewer connections. One camper noted, "No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors."
