Camp Bullfrog Lake offers lakeside camping accommodations within the Cook County Forest Preserves near Palos Park, Illinois. The area sits at approximately 623 feet above sea level in terrain characterized by post-glacial moraines and kettle lakes. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences throughout the year.
What to Do
Mountain biking on extensive trail systems: The Palos area contains some of the region's best single-track trails connecting directly to several campgrounds. "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 Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor.
Kayaking on small inland lakes: Several campgrounds offer water recreation options with equipment rentals available. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," shares a Camp Bullfrog Lake camper.
Wildlife viewing year-round: The forest preserves provide habitat for diverse wildlife species. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park reported, "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."
What Campers Like
Clean, updated facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high on camper priorities in this area. "The bathrooms are warm, clean and offer showers. The central bathrooms are clean, heated and offer showers," notes a camper from Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Convenient camping near urban areas: The proximity to Chicago makes these campgrounds popular for weekend trips. "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," mentions a Camp Sullivan visitor.
Lake access and fishing opportunities: Water features enhance the camping experience. At Dunewood Campground, "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there."
What You Should Know
Noise considerations: Many campgrounds in the area experience noise from nearby transportation corridors. "You are within walking distance to the beach within the park. The sight had 50 amp electric hook ups but no water or sewer connections," notes a visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park.
Site selection matters: Site features vary significantly within campgrounds. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, a camper observed, "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small."
Weekend crowds: Plan accordingly for busier periods. "The campground was full, but not overcrowded. Very friendly neighbors and camp staff," reports an Indiana Dunes State Park visitor.
Tips for Camping with Families
Plenty of kid-friendly activities: Organized programs keep children engaged. A visitor to Lakeshore Camp Resort shared, "This was a fun campground. 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."
Look for heated options in cooler months: Some campgrounds offer temperature-controlled accommodations. "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 Camp Sullivan reviewer.
Consider beach safety at lakefront sites: Supervision is essential at water access points. "Be careful in the lake, because rip current often take young visitors out too far and into dangerous waters," cautions an Indiana Dunes State Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Many area campgrounds offer electric only. At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, a visitor noted, "We stayed for 4 nights in June in a pull thru FHU. The mosquitos were pretty vicious... a couple of the regulars said it was the worst they'd been in years."
Dump station conditions vary: Plan ahead for tank management. A visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park mentioned, "Two dump stations made wait minimal," while another campground visitor reported less favorable conditions.
Site dimensions and privacy: Research specific sites before booking. "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded," reported a Lakeshore Camp Resort visitor, contrasting with Indiana Dunes State Park where "sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet."
