2018 Family Bike Camping Lineup

We are thrilled to announce our 2018 lineup of family bike camping trips!

This year's series is designed to showcase the amazing diversity of routes and destinations that can all be reached in less than 30 miles. 

We have something for everyone: easy to advanced, bike trails, street riding, off-road, and a mini-tour. 

Out Our Front Door is a supportive community of cyclists so whether you are trying family bike camping for the first time or are an experienced cycling family, we hope you join us on one of our fun rides listed below.​

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June 15–17
North: Dan Beard
27 miles each way – Moderate / Advanced

Over the river and through the woods! We’ll be riding the beautiful Des Plaines River Trail as it winds through northern Cook County to Camp Dan Beard. Participants get a taste of off-road touring with a gravel trail that features scenic passages along the river with spots of sand and sometimes mud. An open-meadow group campsite offers plenty of space for the children to roam and explore. On Day Two, we will explore the River Nature Center, featuring a short, kid-friendly walking trail, live animals, interpretive displays, and a great indoor play space.
 
Due to the rugged nature of the unpaved Des Plaines River Trail, this ride is categorized as moderate to advanced in difficulty. Mountain bikes and wide tires, while helpful, are certainly not required. Past participants have rocked this route on all types of bike: bakfiets, commuter, longtail, single speed, and bike with trailer. If you're up for an adventure, you can do it!
 
Click here for registration and details.

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July 6–8
Southwest: Bullfrog Lake
28 miles each way – Easy / Moderate

Set among the breathtaking Palos Forest Preserve – beloved by mountain bikers, and the largest natural area in Cook County – Camp Bullfrog Lake is a family-friendly campsite with amenities such as kayaking on the lake and the nearby Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center with walking trails, animals, interpretive exhibits, and an indoor play space. This route is all city miles (plus a few suburban ones too), with bike lanes and side streets whenever possible.
 
On Day Two, you can walk or ride the countless trails with your children. Although swimming is not permitted at Bullfrog Lake, the nearby Burbank Water Park is a great stop on the way to the campground or on the way back.
 
Click here for registration and details.

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August 10–12
South: Shabbona Woods
29 miles each way – Easy

Travel south over bridges, canals, and railroads to a hidden gem among the industrial past of Chicago: Camp Shabbona Woods. At twenty-nine miles from Logan Square and sixteen miles from Hyde Park, this is an accessible low-stress ride, suitable for beginners and experienced riders. The route is almost entirely on bike paths or bike lanes that include the Lakefront Path, the new South Lake Shore Drive extension bike lanes, Calumet Park, Wolf Creek Park, and the Burnham Greenway.
 
The facilities at Shabonna Woods are excellent and amenities include the Sand Ridge Nature Center with animals, exhibits, and walking trails, as well as the Green Lake Aquatic Center across the street featuring a zero-entry pool for the little kids, a lazy river, and a water slide: campers get half-off admission.
 
Click here for registration and details.

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August 31 – September 3
Mini-Tour: Indiana Dunes
29-38 miles each day – Advanced

If you are ready for some serious mileage, are curious about trying bike touring with your family, and are looking for a breathtaking ride and destination, then this trip is for you!

We depart from Logan Square and traverse the South Side of Chicago via the Lakefront Trail and the Burnham Greenway to our first night at Camp Shabbona Woods where we'll tent camp. Day two, we enter Northwest Indiana and follow the Oak Savannah Trail and Prairie Duneland Trail to Indiana Dunes State Park for tent camping. On day three, we return to Camp Shabbona Woods to cabin camp. Day four sees our triumphant return home to Chicago. At Indiana Dunes, in addition the the dunes and beach, there are numerous walking trails through diverse natural areas.

This ride is characterized as advanced. Given the longish nature of the daily miles (for family biking) with no rest days, it is recommended that participants be strong cyclists with prior family bike camping experience.

Click here for registration and details.

Looking forward to a great season outdoors!!!

❤️ your Out Our Front Door Family Adventure Team

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––––– RESOURCES –––––

LOOKING FOR WHEELS TO RENT?
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Visit our friends at 
​Four Star Family Cyclery

A great way to get comfortable riding with your children and meet other families is to participate in a Kidical Mass ride. These local rides are organized by Chicago Family Biking and take place in a dozen Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs. They all feature kid-friendly routes – usually 2-4 miles total – and often have fun themes and destinations. The Chicago Family Biking Community is a wonderful resource to talk all things bikes, kids, routes, and gear with fellow Chicagoland parents. Come join us!

Third Coast Birth and Family Services is our primary start point and generously provides water, a restroom, and space for the kids to play while we gather and load up. Third Coast offers comprehensive birth and family support to Chicago families through a variety of classes, workshops, labor and postpartum doulas, child development consultations, and a beautiful space for your to build your village.

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