Cook County Forest Preserves offer cabin accommodations just 15-20 miles from Oak Park, with most properties situated along the Des Plaines River valley at elevations of 580-650 feet. These cabins serve as convenient base camps for exploring the region's glacial moraines and wetland ecosystems. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F, requiring adequate heating systems which all cabins provide.
What to do
Kayaking on Bullfrog Lake: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers kayak rentals at $15 per hour, including life vests. The lake is small but perfect for beginners. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes one Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: The Palos trail system near Camp Bullfrog Lake provides extensive single-track mountain biking paths suitable for various skill levels. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day," shares a reviewer.
Rock climbing indoors: Camp Sullivan features an activities barn with a rock climbing wall, making it a good option for rainy days. "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," notes a camper.
Urban camping experience: For those seeking an urban cabin experience, consider staying at The Vaudeville, which offers access to city amenities. "It was safe, and everyone was so friendly and kind. The neighbors welcomed us and by the time we had to leave we felt like we were part of the community. There is easy access to public transportation."
What campers like
Clean, heated cabin facilities: Most cabin options near Oak Park feature clean, well-maintained facilities. A Camp Reinberg visitor reports, "While the camp sites are small, the amenities are super clean and the rentable cabins are as well."
Trail access from campsites: Many cabins provide immediate access to forest preserve trail systems. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. 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," notes a Bullfrog Lake visitor.
Proximity to Chicago attractions: Cabins near Oak Park offer the unusual combination of nature and city access. One Michigan City Campground guest shared, "This is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. You are close to Indiana Dunes and the downtown area of Michigan city. Good food, shops are close by."
Affordable firewood: Several forest preserve campgrounds include firewood with your stay or offer it at reasonable prices. "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," mentioned a camper at Bullfrog Lake, while a Camp Reinberg visitor noted, "Free firewood and you can purchase more for just $5."
What you should know
Limited water access at RV sites: Some campgrounds have water limitations. At Camp Reinberg, "There are no water spigots at the RV sites. The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site. You can get water, it's just an inconvenience for you and them."
Gate closures after hours: Many Cook County Forest Preserve campgrounds implement security gates with restricted hours. "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. What if there was an emergency?" reported one Sullivan camper.
Wildlife considerations: Prepare for wildlife encounters, especially at more rural locations. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s'mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night," warns a visitor to Honeysuckle Hollow.
Variable shower quality: Shower facilities can vary significantly between campgrounds. "The handicap shower drain is clogged, making the floor extremely slippery from soap scum of previous showers. The stall also doesn't lock so it swings right open," noted a Camp Sullivan visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers numerous activities for children. "The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids!"
Flat campsites for safety: When camping with young children, look for level sites. Honeysuckle Hollow provides "easy pull in sites and lots of walk-in availability. Sites are almost all flat thankfully, so no weird slopes to sleep on and easy for babies/toddlers to stay safe."
Noise considerations: Campgrounds vary in noise levels, especially on weekends. "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)," notes a Sullivan visitor, while another warns the campground can be "really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday."
Tick prevention: Some areas require extra precautions for children. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair," advises a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: At Chicago Northwest KOA, "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."
Electric-only sites: Many cabins and RV sites near Oak Park offer electric hookups without full services. "We were in a 90 ft premium pull through spot. Nice campground that is maintained. There is a pool, fishing pond, and playground for kids," notes a Michigan City Campground visitor.
Limited site space: RV campers should check site dimensions before booking. Camp Sullivan campsites are described as "TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. I supposed this would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape, but as far as campgrounds go it was about 3x the price for less than half the space."
