Camp Bullfrog Lake and Emerald Trails Campground are both pet-friendly campgrounds near Olympia Fields, providing additional options beyond Camp Sullivan for those traveling with dogs. Most sites in the area require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when temperatures average 80-85°F. The region features several forest preserves with connecting trail systems that allow for extended hiking with pets.
What to do
Fishing and kayaking: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, visitors can rent kayaks for $15 per hour, including life vests. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes reviewer Layla P. The small lake provides a peaceful setting for beginner paddlers.
Mountain biking: Miles of trail systems connect directly to camping areas. "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," mentions Josh M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. The Palos area contains some of the region's best maintained single-track trails suitable for various skill levels.
Rock climbing: Camp Sullivan offers an activities barn with a rock climbing wall that remains open during regular hours. As one camper notes, "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." This provides an alternative activity during inclement weather.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Kankakee River State Park maintains well-kept bathroom facilities that campers consistently rate highly. "Bathrooms were warm and clean. There's also a little store on site that was open until 10:00 PM," mentions Lawrence B. Additionally, Linda N. reports, "The shower house was good. We went during July 4th so it was busy but the team came out to clean up promptly."
Seasonal activities: Indiana Dunes State Park offers year-round recreational opportunities. "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," shares Greg S. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing on the same trail systems used for hiking in warmer months.
Wildlife viewing: Natural settings around campgrounds provide opportunities for animal spotting. "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 one camper about the Palos area near Camp Bullfrog Lake. Early morning and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campgrounds in the region offer different levels of site separation. At Dunewood Campground, "The sites are decently private with good tent pads," according to Katherine T. However, at other locations like Martin's Camping Ground, "Sites are very close. You can watch the traffic on the highway from your camper," notes Jim L.
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation routes. At Indiana Dunes State Park, "It's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine," warns Kaley A. Similarly, highway noise affects Martin's Camping Ground and Lakeshore Camp Resort.
Water restrictions: Not all campgrounds offer water hookups at individual sites. Camp Sullivan has electric-only sites with no water hookups. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, one camper noted "No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal." Campers should arrive with filled water tanks or portable containers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Emerald Trails Campground offers shaded sites near playground equipment. "Very relaxing, and very quiet. Great shade from tall trees, and a large pond to Fisher paddle boat," says Maurice. Kankakee River State Park also features playgrounds, though they lack shade during summer months.
Educational programming: Several campgrounds offer nature programs suitable for children. Camp Sullivan and Indiana Dunes State Park maintain nature centers with regular programming. According to a visitor at Kankakee River State Park, "We loved riding our bikes along the river and just being away from the hustle and bustle."
Site selection for tents: Families tent camping should research specific site characteristics. "We had four sites on Osage loop for tent camping. Two were very small (14&15), and little grass for tent setup, fine for RV or trailer campers... 16&17 were amazing for tents!! Open, tall trees for our tight rope and hammocks and shade," advises Shannon H. about Kankakee River State Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited dump stations: RV campers should plan waste management carefully. At Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, "Sites are full hookup," according to holly S., which eliminates the need for dump station access. However, at Camp Sullivan, "No water or dumping hook up. Electric only," reports Nomad Nurse Z, requiring a drive to the nearest dump facility.
Site leveling challenges: Many area campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Martin's Camping Ground, a reviewer noted that spaces were "small, muddy, and un level." RVers should bring leveling blocks and extension cords, as one Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor mentioned, "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."
Gate access timing: Some campgrounds restrict after-hours entry. Camp Sullivan reportedly locks gates with padlocks overnight until 7 AM, which could affect early departures. Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Olympia Fields have defined quiet hours but vary in how strictly they enforce entrance and exit policies.
