Camp Bullfrog Lake offers cabin and tent options just 30 miles from Wayne, Illinois, providing a compromise between nature immersion and urban proximity. This area features both established campgrounds and glamping accommodations throughout the western Chicago suburbs, with temperatures ranging from 70-85°F in summer and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The terrain is primarily flat with small lakes and prairie remnants typical of northern Illinois.
What to Do
Kayak fishing access: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, you can bring your own kayak or rent one for $15 per hour including life vests. One visitor noted, "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around."
Mountain biking trails: Trails connect directly to several campsites with varying difficulty levels. A camper remarked, "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."
Antiquing excursions: Located within 5 miles of Chain O' Lakes State Park, several antique shops offer good browsing. According to a regular visitor, "Close to some great places for antiquing if you don't want to hike the trails or fish."
Horseback riding: Seasonal riding opportunities exist at some parks with dedicated trails. "There are horse/snowmobile trails, but no equestrian campground," notes one visitor who explored the various activity options.
What Campers Like
Secluded tent sites: Thomas Woods Campground offers walk-in tent sites that provide more privacy than standard layouts. A camper described it as having "spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers."
Lakefront fishing: At Turner Lake, some tent sites allow fishing directly from your campsite. A visitor explained, "I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site! The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque."
Quiet weekday camping: For those able to camp midweek, Fox Den Campground offers a more peaceful experience. According to a visitor, "This campground is within a couple hours of Chicago so it makes a nice getaway for the weekend. Things were pretty filled up when we came here. However there is plenty of space around to find a spot on your own."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and dusk offer the best wildlife spotting times. One camper shared, "I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far."
What You Should Know
Insect considerations: Ticks are common in wooded areas, requiring regular checks. A parent cautioned, "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks."
Site privacy varies: Many campgrounds have mixed site layouts with varying degrees of seclusion. One camper at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort observed, "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. There are about 8 tent/pop up sites and the rest of the campground is for RVs."
Wildlife precautions: Raccoons are active after dusk, requiring proper food storage. As one camper warned, "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched."
Water quality: Several campgrounds have seasonal potable water availability. A visitor noted, "The water is not yet potable so bring your own or check with the park team to ensure it's drinkable when you go."
Tips for Camping with Families
Glamping accommodations: For families new to camping, Chicago Northwest KOA offers more comfortable options. A visitor shared, "My family stayed here a few years back and although it is a small campground it meets the standards of what you should expect of a KOA. Nice bathrooms, decent size level sites."
Wildlife education opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs during summer weekends. One parent mentioned, "We loved the well pump. We explored the campground both tent and rv. Both areas were well spaced out with enough privacy."
Playground access: Multiple parks feature playgrounds near camping areas. According to a camper, "This is a great campground. The jump pad, pool, and playground were a big hit with our kids."
Beach safety: Most swimming areas lack lifeguards and have varying water conditions. A visitor cautioned, "The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there. This is not private or rustic camping but still very fun and relaxing."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Camp Sullivan offers electric-only sites with central water access. A camper noted, "No water or dumping hook up. Electric only. Would only stay here again in a pinch. The only upside is that it is very close to Chicago."
Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring blocks. "The campsite was very clean and the fire pit and table were in good condition. Our site was very shaded and quiet at night."
Dump station congestion: Plan for potential wait times at shared facilities, particularly on Sundays. One RVer warned, "The dump station was near the entrance to the camping loop and had potable water. It was also very busy and we had to wait when filling up and again when dumping."
