Cabin camping near Matteson, Illinois provides access to the Palos Forest Preserve system, one of the largest concentrations of woodlands in Cook County with over 15,000 acres of protected land. Elevations range from 580 to 800 feet above sea level, creating diverse habitats across the region. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F, while spring and fall can see temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night.
What to do
Hiking trails at Kankakee River State Park: The park offers extensive trails suitable for all experience levels, from short paths to longer routes along the river. "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," noted one Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor.
Mountain biking: Trail systems near some campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for cyclists. "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," explains a camper about the trail network near Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Kayaking and boating: Several campgrounds offer water access for paddling. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports one reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
What campers like
Privacy variations at Sand Creek: The campground offers different site configurations to suit preferences. "The tent sites are very private as we were the only ones there for the night. Plenty of space tucked among the trees," shares a visitor to Sand Creek Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. "The bathroom and shower facilities were clean and camping staff very friendly and helpful. It was our first time tent camping and the sites were very clean and nice," reports a camper at Sand Creek Campground.
Lake access: Some campgrounds feature swimming areas. At Lakeshore Camp Resort, guests appreciate the water features: "Positive insights—hook ups work and the pool and lake were both swimmable. The playground was nice for kids," notes one review.
What you should know
Shade availability varies significantly: Certain campgrounds have limited tree cover, which affects site comfort. "Not much shade available" and "I am directly in the sun in my spot" are common complaints at Camp Sullivan, while other campgrounds offer more wooded options.
Weekend noise levels: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels on weekends. "It did get a little noisy at night but that sometimes happens," mentions a reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake, while others note noise from nearby highways, trains, or recreational activities.
Seasonal considerations: Weather can significantly impact camping experiences. "We visited Palos early this week (mid-April) for a very very chilly three days. The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy," shares one camper about their spring visit.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for bad weather: Consider cabins for unpredictable weather periods, especially spring and fall. "There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups," notes a visitor to Camp Sullivan.
Free firewood benefit: Some campgrounds include firewood with your stay. "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," explains a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor, offering a cost savings for families.
Nature education opportunities: Several campgrounds provide wildlife viewing or educational activities. "We had a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" shares a Potowatomi Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Kankakee River: Sites vary significantly in size and positioning. "Our camp site was #2. For the most part, all of the 30/50 amp sites are very similar. Can't really say one appears to be better than the rest. Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," explains one RVer visiting the area.
Limited water hookups: Not all campgrounds provide full RV hookups. "No water hooks up. Water on site but not ideal," reports a visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake, suggesting campers arrive with tanks filled.
Gate closure policies: Some campgrounds restrict overnight access. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! What if there was an emergency? An ambulance would have had to rush the gate," cautions a Camp Sullivan visitor.
