Camp Bullfrog Lake offers tent and RV sites near Olympia Fields, Illinois, with most sites providing electric hookups and fire pits with free oak firewood. The campground connects to miles of mountain biking and hiking trails accessible directly from campsites. Weather conditions typically allow for comfortable camping from spring through fall, with heated cabins available during colder months.
What to do
Hiking the dune trails: At Indiana Dunes National Park, visitors can experience unique terrain with sandy trails. "Could hear Trains throughout the night. Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink. great shading from trees and very green!" notes Truly W. The park offers multiple trail difficulty levels suitable for different hiking abilities.
Mountain biking: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides direct access to extensive trail systems. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," writes Josh M. The single-track trails are considered some of the best in the area, with varying difficulty levels.
Lake activities: Many campgrounds feature lakes for swimming and fishing. "The pond is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," mentions Layla P. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Kayak rentals cost approximately $15 per hour and include life vests. Fishing opportunities are available at multiple locations, with Camp Bullfrog Lake stocked seasonally.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Michigan City Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "The campground was very clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. It was a short drive to Lake Michigan," says Michael D. The gated entrance provides added security for campers and their equipment.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Trails and camping areas offer chances to see local 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," shares one camper about their experience near the trails. Early morning is typically best for wildlife spotting.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Olympia Fields, Illinois, Kankakee South KOA provides this unique accommodation. "The campground was nice and clean. Nothing super fancy but all the necessities were great and price was very reasonable!" reports Jennifer D. Yurts offer a comfortable middle ground between tent camping and cabin rental.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from spring through fall, with limited winter availability. "We stayed here for two nights recently. This is our second time staying at this campground...we also stayed here in 2019. Our camp site was #2," shares Tim K. about his return visit to Camp Bullfrog Lake. Some sites like Michigan City Campground remain open year-round.
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise. "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 Kaley A. about Indiana Dunes State Park. Light sleepers should consider earplugs or select sites further from train tracks.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer months and holidays. "Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp," mentions Sadie H. Bookings should be made 3-6 months in advance for peak season weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near play areas for convenience with children. "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). Highly recommend," says Dane S. about Camp Sullivan.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming opportunities. "Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever! Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s'mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories," shares Nadiehsda B. about their extended stay.
Organized activities: Many campgrounds schedule family-friendly events. "We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars," reports Chad Y. about his experience at a local campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Oak Lake RV Resort offers spacious pull-through sites for larger rigs. "We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless," notes Nadiehsda B. Sites are not always clearly marked, so confirming with staff upon arrival is recommended.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," reports Katherine T. Most RV sites offer 30-amp service, with some providing 50-amp connections.
WiFi performance: Internet service quality varies significantly between locations. Michigan City Campground offers "the best wifi I have seen at a campsite," according to Craig C. Cellular reception is generally strong near Olympia Fields but may be limited at more remote camping areas.
