Camp Bullfrog Lake and Chicago Northwest KOA offer affordable cabin camping options near Lake Bluff, Illinois. The terrain ranges from wooded riverside sites to more open camping areas with established camping loops. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, but several locations provide heated cabin accommodations for year-round access. Most sites require advance reservations, especially during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking the Chain O'Lakes system: At Fox Den Campground, visitors can explore multiple connected lakes without navigating river sections. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," notes camper Cora M.
Mountain biking trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides direct access to extensive mountain biking networks. "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," says Josh M. The trails attract serious cyclists with top-quality equipment.
Horseback riding and archery: Multiple activities beyond water recreation keep families busy at Turner Lake South. "There is so much to do at this campground. Horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing. There is also a park for the kids in several areas," explains Meg K., who appreciated the diverse recreation options.
What campers like
Access to fishing opportunities: Turner Lake South offers quiet fishing from designated piers. "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," according to Julia B.
Budget-friendly camping options: Non-electric tent sites at several locations provide affordable overnight options. "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," shares Addison G. about Turner Lake South.
Privacy between sites: Thomas Woods Campground offers secluded sites with natural buffers. "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," reports Matt K.
What you should know
Gate closure policies: Some campgrounds implement strict access rules. At Camp Sullivan, "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting," warns Lisa S.
Wildlife encounters: Expect encounters with local wildlife throughout the region. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," cautions Meg about Honeysuckle Hollow. At Turner Lake South, another camper noted, "Had some raccoons at night even after we locked up everything in the car."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. "The bath house was clean and well lit. Fire pits are slightly raised steel troughs with a heavy adjustable grill," reports Brian O. about Turner Lake South, while others mention less maintained facilities at different locations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Chicago Northwest KOA provides scheduled events for children. "This campground has really grown on me a lot. My family and i have seen the newer owners clean it up, remodel sites, add new equipment for children and added more activities too!" explains Cella W.
Consider cabins for cooler months: Heated accommodation options extend the camping season. "The cabins feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold. The hiking here is awesome with a bajillion different routes right from the campground," notes one camper about Camp Bullfrog Lake's climate-controlled units.
Scout playgrounds before booking: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for different age groups. "There are three play grounds, a pool, water slides, a kids water activity area, beach, water obstacle course, inflatable slide, RC car track, laser tag, mini golf, giant chess," lists Garret K. about Jellystone Park's extensive amenities.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: At Honeysuckle Hollow, check site details carefully. "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," advises Debra M.
Dump station access: Plan for potentially busy facilities during peak times. "The dump station was near the entrance to the camping loop and had potable water. It was also very busy and we had to wait when filling up and again when dumping," reports Tina about Honeysuckle Hollow.
Limited shade at newer sites: Some camping areas lack mature trees. "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," notes Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, recommending mountain biking as an alternative to sitting at camp during hot days.
