Another gem of Cook County's forest reserves for camping near the city is Camp Bullfrog Lake in Palos Preserves. Another gem of Cook County's forest reserves for camping near the city is Camp Bullfrog Lake, in the Palos Reserve System (and yes, you can hear bull frogs here). Choose between six campsites and one large group camp for up to 30 people, several cabins, or sites for motorhomes or trails, and explore the extensive system of nearby trails for hiking, trail running, or mountain biking. With Bullfrog Lake on your doorstep, you can enjoy ice fishing in the winter and kayaking and canoeing in the summer.
Biking in New York City: The 10 best places in New York to explore by bike. With 11 miles of river shoreline, this park is especially popular for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Would you rather stay on land? You can also walk, bike, or ride horses on the 4,000 wooded acres. All of the more than 200 campsites offer access to showers and electricity.
Cactus in Illinois? Yes, it exists in this 4,160-acre park that stretches along the shores of Lake Michigan. The diverse flora includes nopales, colorful wildflowers, oaks, prairie grasses, and sedges. If you're still bored, there are more than six miles of dunes and beaches to explore. This park has access to three natural lakes, plus seven smaller ones connected by the Fox River in a beautiful chain.
Needless to say, it's a paradise for boaters, water skiers, and fishermen. There are also six miles of hiking, biking and horse riding trails to discover before sleeping at one of 151 campsites. When it comes to rugged hiking, Fox Ridge State Park doesn't disappoint. The steep, densely wooded ridges will test your lungs and legs before opening you up to views of the valley that will dazzle your eyes.
No trip is complete without climbing 144 steps to the Eagle's Nest, from where you can enjoy sweeping views of the river. Campers can choose between 40 sites or two cabins. Just outside Rockford, you'll be able to spot deer, foxes, muskrats, and marmots on this park's 40-mile hiking trails and 23-mile bike trails. Or swim and sail in the sparkling waters of Lakes Pierce and Olson.
At night, you'll be ready to relax by the fire and tell the stories of the pioneers who passed through this historic area at one of the 210 premium campsites. With a height of 260 feet above Lake Michigan, the dunes of this southwestern Michigan park are a prime spot for hang gliding. If you're not ready for that level of adventure, climbing on foot also offers rigorous training and breathtaking views. Before entering your tent, enjoy a unique view of the sunset over the lake.
There's no shortage of things to do in this sprawling national park. During the day, you can climb 250-foot-high dunes and then dive into Lake Michigan. The park's varied terrain makes it a popular spot for a wide variety of birds, so bring binoculars. At nightfall, watch the stars and toast marshmallows at this campground with electric access and suitable for dogs.
There are also several inns nearby). The 10 most charming small towns near Chicago.
