Camp Bullfrog Lake and Chicago Northwest KOA offer cabins within an hour's drive of Rolling Meadows. The relatively flat terrain around Rolling Meadows sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level with suburban development interspersed with forest preserves and wetlands. Multiple camping options exist with varying levels of privacy, from tent-only sites to full-hookup RV pads and glamping accommodations.
What to do
Mountain biking from camp: 20+ miles of trails at Camp Bullfrog Lake connect directly from campsites. "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 mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," notes one visitor.
Kayaking on multiple lakes: $15/hour rentals at Turner Lake South provide access to connected waterways. "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," writes a camper. Kayaking routes range from sheltered ponds to connecting channels.
Horseback riding: Guided trail rides near Chain O'Lakes State Park provide 1-2 hour excursions. "There is so much to do at this campground. Horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing. There is also a park for the kids in several areas," mentions a Turner Lake visitor.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Thomas Woods Campground offers secluded spots for weekend escapes. "I biked to this campground from the Woodstock Metra station. While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here. Nobody else was camping within sight of me, which was nice," writes a visitor who appreciated the solitude.
Proximity to urban amenities: Located just 30 minutes from Rolling Meadows, many campgrounds allow quick access to suburban conveniences. "Remote but close to civilization. This is our favorite place to camp. It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything," writes a reviewer about Fox Den Campground.
Complimentary firewood: Several area campgrounds provide free firewood with site rental. "We chose site 4 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade. The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes a Camp Bullfrog visitor.
What you should know
Summer crowds at water access points: Boat launches get congested between 10am-2pm on summer weekends. "Chain o' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season. We canoe, and both times we stayed there it was October, so I can't tell you how crowded, but the vast number of picnic areas must be there for a reason," explains a Turner Lake camper.
Campground gates may close overnight: Camp Sullivan restricts evening access. "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?" notes one concerned visitor.
Variable site privacy: Research specific site numbers before booking. "Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean. There's also a little store on site that was open until 10:00 PM. Firewood was still wet and hard to burn," reports a Camp Bullfrog visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused weekends: Jellystone Park Millbrook hosts themed events for children. "My family and I have been going to Jellystone in Millbrook for the past 4 years now. The last 2 years have been the best out of the 4. This location has been taken over by new management and they are absolutely the greatest!" shares an enthusiastic family camper.
Budget-friendly glamping alternative: Non-electric tent sites at Turner Lake South cost as little as $12/night. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner," notes a camper who found value in the basic accommodations.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide the best animal sightings. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," writes a Turner Lake visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup availability: Reserve well in advance for sewer connections. "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer. The best sites for those hoping for privacy are in Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East," advises one experienced camper. Early weekday arrivals improve chances for premium sites.
Electric post location varies: Check site diagrams before booking. "DO NOT FORGET your bug spray the files are huge. The upside of lots of bugs are lots of bird watching. Many pretty varieties. These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad," warns a Honeysuckle Hollow camper.
Weekend vs. weekday experience: Significant difference in crowds and noise levels. "We stayed here for a week over the summer in 2021. We had a back-in site on the north side of the campground. The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week," notes a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor.
