Camp Bullfrog Lake offers year-round cabin camping 30 minutes from Chicago's western suburbs. Located in Willow Springs, the property features various heated cabin accommodations with amenities including electricity and picnic tables. Sites include a complimentary firewood bundle and fire rings at each location. The lake provides fishing opportunities while the surrounding forest preserves offer extensive hiking and biking trails accessed directly from the campground. Many sites feature water views while maintaining proximity to urban conveniences. Bathroom facilities are heated and include showers, with water not always potable during certain seasons.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Access miles of single-track mountain biking directly from Camp Bullfrog Lake. The trail system connects to numerous routes throughout the forest preserve. "We really like this place and was about a 30 minute rude from our place in the western burbs. Some of the areas best mountain bike single track is right here," notes one visitor.
Lake activities: Rent kayaks for $15 per hour (life vests included) at Camp Sullivan. While Bullfrog Lake is relatively small, it provides a peaceful paddling environment. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports a camper.
Rock climbing: Try the indoor rock climbing wall at the activities barn at Camp Sullivan. Multiple families note this as a highlight for children. "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," mentions one visitor.
What campers like
Beach access: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers direct beach access via hiking trails from the campground. "There is a nice nature trail to the beach. If you are able, do the 3 dune challenge. It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list," shares one camper.
Proximity to Chicago: Several glamping sites near Lyons offer convenient access to downtown Chicago via public transportation. "It's probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. About 5 years in existence. Clean facilities with a few trails," notes a visitor to Camp Sullivan.
Wildlife viewing: The forest preserves surrounding these campgrounds support diverse wildlife. "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," reports a camper who explored the trails around Dunewood Campground.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Lyons experience railroad noise throughout the night. "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," notes a visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Limited water hookups: While most campgrounds offer electric service, water connections vary. "No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet," mentions a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Security measures: Some campgrounds implement strict security protocols. "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 a camper at Camp Sullivan.
Tips for camping with families
Camp Sullivan amenities: Michigan City Campground provides excellent facilities for families including secure entrance with key card access. "Love the secure entrance and key card access. Pool and bathrooms were clean, although the bathroom could use a slight update," mentions a family visitor.
Firewood availability: Check campground policies on firewood. Some provide it free while others sell bundles. "Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue," notes a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Shower facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms are modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds. There are trails to walk," shares a family staying at Camp Sullivan.
Tips from RVers
Premium sites: For those glamping close to Lyons, Illinois in larger RVs, Michigan City Campground offers 90-foot pull-through sites with full hookups. "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. The cement patio was large with a picnic table and an adjacent fire pit," reports an RVer.
Reservation windows: Campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. 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," mentions an RVer at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Utility limitations: Most glamping sites near Lyons offer electric hookups, but water and sewer connections vary. "Very difficult to contact staff to book reservation. When we got there they told us they double booked us and requested we move after we got set up. No water or dumping hook up. Electric only," cautions an RVer at Camp Sullivan.
