Camp Bullfrog Lake
Sitting just under 25 miles from the heart of Chicago, Camp Bullfrog Lake is a pet-friendly camping destination open all year round. Set in wooded surroundings near Willow Springs, this lakefront campground is well worth a look for anyone keen to visit Chicago or looking to escape the city and get back to nature for a weekend.
The campground is run by Cook County and offers 5 tent campsites, 26 RV/tent sites with electricity, and 3 large cabins and 8 small cabins. Sites get their own picnic tables and fire rings, but please note that there are no water hookups here. Some campers have reported that there’s not a great deal of shade on some sites in the summer months.
Your dog is permitted on RV and tent campsites, provided they’re kept on a leash up to 8 feet long at all times. You’ll need to register your pup when you check in and make sure they’re supervised at all times. And as always, be sure to clean up after your dog whenever required. Please also note that pets (other than service animals) are not permitted in cabins.
While there’s no off-leash area or doggy beach available in this campground, there are still plenty of fun family activities to enjoy here. The highlight for many campers is of course making the most of the 16-acre lake. Single and tandem kayaks are available for rent, while some prefer to try their luck at fishing from the dock located at the camp’s southern end.
Back on dry land, you and your pup might like to explore the Palos Trail System. Stretching for some 42 miles through the surrounding terrain, the trail network is easily accessible from the campground and “pawfect” for energetic dogs. Just remember to keep your pup leashed at all times. Mountain biking is also popular, particularly on the 5.5-mile Orange Unpaved Loop trail, so don’t forget to pack your bike too.
All things considered, there’s plenty for you and your pup to enjoy when you set up camp for a night (or maybe a little longer) at Camp Bullfrog Lake. Check it out if you’re searching for a pretty nature escape within easy reach of Chicago.
