Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Sullivan offer glamping options within 30 minutes of La Grange Park, Illinois. Both facilities are part of the Cook County Forest Preserve system and sit at elevations around 600 feet above sea level. Despite their proximity to Chicago, these sites maintain natural settings with oak-hickory forest coverage and connect to regional trail systems. Winter camping options exist with heated cabins at both locations.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: The Palos Forest Preserve trail system connects directly to Indiana Dunes National Park campsites. "The park has many well maintained hiking trails and cross country skiing trails in the winter," notes Anna G., who recommends watching for rip currents if swimming in Lake Michigan.
Kayaking on small lakes: Visitors can rent kayaks at Camp Bullfrog Lake for $15 per hour, which includes life vests. "The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports Layla P., though she mentions the campfire wood from the camp store "took forever to catch flames."
Three Dune Challenge: A popular hiking activity at Indiana Dunes State Park that many campers attempt. "The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," recommends Greg S., who found the hike manageable for those with moderate fitness levels.
What campers like
Proximity to Chicago: Most campgrounds in the region sit within 30-60 minutes of downtown Chicago. Josh M. from Camp Bullfrog Lake notes, "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. At Indiana Dunes State Park, a reviewer called it "one of the nicer showers that I've been to to date," while others note the convenience of dish washing stations and camp stores.
Seasonal activities: Thomas Woods Campground offers unique seasonal camping opportunities. "Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers," reports Marisa A., who enjoyed the combination of wooded sites and prairie hiking.
What you should know
Train noise: Many campgrounds in the Chicago area experience noise from nearby rail lines. One camper at Indiana Dunes State Park reported, "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."
Wildlife concerns: Raccoons and ticks require preparation. At Honeysuckle Hollow, a camper warned, "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched."
Site selection matters: At most campgrounds, site positioning affects privacy and shade. Tim K. noted at Camp Bullfrog Lake, "I believe this is a relatively newer campground. There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort focuses on family experiences with scheduled activities. "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)," reports Dane S., a parent who camps with three children under 7.
Playground access: When booking at Honeysuckle Hollow, one family camper recommends choosing sites strategically: "We chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms... avoid the first 2 sites from either end."
Beach time: Indiana Dunes provides supervised swimming. A visitor reported, "The beach was well maintained, and had lifeguards during certain hours, which gave me a little bit of extra comfort in bringing my kids to the lake."
Tips from RVers
Electric-only sites: Most forest preserve and state park campgrounds offer electric hookups but no water or sewer at individual sites. Lawrence B. from Camp Bullfrog Lake advised, "Really enjoyed this campground. Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean."
Water fill stations: At Honeysuckle Hollow Camping Area, one RVer noted, "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."
Space considerations: Chicago Northwest KOA accommodates larger rigs with some modifications. "It's on the smaller side and the RV sites are a little close together but they have it set up where your RVs doors open on opposite sides so it gives a little privacy," explains Michelle J.
