The Forest Preserves of Cook County offer cabin camping options within 30 miles of Chicago's city center. These glamping sites near Palos Heights, Illinois provide visitors with rustic accommodations surrounded by nearly 70,000 acres of protected woodland. Winter camping is available at several locations where temperatures typically range from 25-40°F during colder months, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F.
What to do
Kayaking on Bullfrog Lake: Rent kayaks for $15 per hour at Camp Bullfrog Lake where life vests are included. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes a camper who enjoyed time on the water.
Mountain biking trails: Access extensive trail systems directly from campsites in the Palos area. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits. 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," shares a regular visitor to the area.
Beach activities at Indiana Dunes: Drive approximately 45 minutes to Indiana Dunes State Park Campground for swimming and hiking. "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. The nature center is right next to the campground," recommends a visitor who enjoyed the park's natural features.
What campers like
Free firewood bundles: Sites at Camp Bullfrog Lake provide complimentary oak firewood with each reservation. "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. For the most part, all of the 30/50 amp sites are very similar," reports a return visitor who appreciated the consistent quality.
Clean bathroom facilities: Most glamping sites close to Palos Heights, Illinois maintain modern washrooms with hot showers. "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked," notes one Bullfrog Lake visitor, while another mentioned they were "warm and clean" during cooler weather.
Bird watching opportunities: Early risers can enjoy diverse bird populations in the forest preserves. "Amazing chirping of the birds in the morning. Just beautiful piece full with nature," shares a camper who appreciated the natural soundtrack at their site.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Many campgrounds in the area feature sites with minimal separation between neighbors. A visitor to Camp Sullivan noted, "The campsites are 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."
Train noise at some locations: Several campgrounds near transportation corridors experience intermittent 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. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine but us tent camping there was nothing to block the sound," warns a camper at Indiana Dunes.
Seasonal water availability: Some sites have limited water access during shoulder seasons. At Dunewood Campground, facilities receive high marks but with caveats: "Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink. Great shading from trees and very green!" However, another visitor noted, "Only one indoor water faucet working but this may be a COVID casualty."
Tips for camping with families
Book cabins early: Family-friendly glamping accommodations fill quickly, especially during summer months and 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). Highly recommend," shares a regular visitor to Camp Sullivan with three children under age seven.
Bring insect protection: Mosquitos can be problematic in wooded areas, particularly during evenings. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," reports a camper at Dunewood.
Research shower facilities: Bathroom conditions vary widely between campgrounds. A family at Sullivan recounted their experience: "The following review was done by my thirteen year old daughter. I agree with the shower problems and add that it was our final cold showers in disgusting conditions that lead us to write the review...When I took a shower I found a small frog in it and I wish I was joking about that."
Tips from RVers
Electric-only hookups: Many Forest Preserve sites offer electricity but require self-contained water tanks. At Indiana Dunes State Park, one RVer advised, "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us- we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves."
Varied site lengths: Check specific site dimensions when booking for larger rigs. "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," notes an RVer who stayed at Bullfrog Lake.
Dump station quality concerns: Some locations have outdated or difficult-to-use dump facilities. "What's worse is the dump station I was forced to use. OMG what a disaster. It's a relic from decades ago. Uneven and puddles of 'water' all over the dump area. Really happy to track that into my coach and truck, not," warns a visitor to Jellystone Park Millbrook.
