The best campgrounds near Aurora, Illinois with horseback riding

Looking to get away and reconnect with nature? Hipcamp has you covered with over 180 camping options near Aurora, Illinois. Whether you're into pitching a tent or parking your RV, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. For those who prefer to stay close to the city, check out The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! with 136 rave reviews. If you're looking for a farm-style camping experience, don't miss R&L Farm with Tent & RV Camping or The Old Rugged Barn, both with 51 reviews. With prices starting as low as $10 per night and popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping adventure. Enjoy wildlife watching, hiking, and fishing in the stunning natural surroundings. Book your campsite now and start planning your outdoor escape!

98% (488)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to get away and reconnect with nature? Hipcamp has you covered with over 180 camping options near Aurora, Illinois. Whether you're into pitching a tent or parking your RV, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. For those who prefer to stay close to the city, check out The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! with 136 rave reviews. If you're looking for a farm-style camping experience, don't miss R&L Farm with Tent & RV Camping or The Old Rugged Barn, both with 51 reviews. With prices starting as low as $10 per night and popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping adventure. Enjoy wildlife watching, hiking, and fishing in the stunning natural surroundings. Book your campsite now and start planning your outdoor escape!

98% (488)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Willowthorne

97%

(251)

42mi from Aurora · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Lynwood, IL

Discover the Charm of Willowthorne: Your Rustic Sanctuary Amid Natural Beauty. Willowthorne invites you to revel in the natural allure and organic rhythm of life on the farm, fostering enduring memories that extend long after your visit. Nestled within a serene 9-acre organic blueberry farm , Willowthorne emerges as an idyllic escape where the sunsets are sublime, and the night sky brims with twinkling stars, and the hosts are charming and delightful. This unique getaway marries the essence of organic farming, educational pursuits, and warm hospitality to create an unparalleled outdoor experience. Catering to tent camping aficionados and retreat groups, our pastoral campgrounds are graced with picturesque views of a tranquil pond and willow trees. While our space welcomes the modest charm of tents, small RVs, and campers, we maintain a rustic essence without power hook-ups, encouraging guests to connect with nature. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a personal fire ring and table for your convenience. Our area offers an incredible variety of recreational and sightseeing activities. Find peace and tranquility among nature or travel just 25 miles north to visit the heart of Chicago! We are central to many Illinois, Indiana and Michigan State Parks and beaches. Several good restaurants and breweries are also nearby. PLEASE NOTE: Please drive slowly and cautiously through our property. We are an active farm with a lot of activity all year round. Please pitch your tent in the designated campground area. In support of conservation of the natural ecosystem, please refrain from broadcast pesticides, i.e. Raid, Yard Guard, etc. Spraying skin, clothing, and personal property with mosquito repellent in your designated camping is fine. Our farm has beehives placed at a safe distance from the campsites to ensure guest safety. Obey posted signs and please stay out of designated work areas OBSERVE FIRE SAFETY. Leave fire ring in designated spot. Never leave fire unattended. No fires on windy days. Extinguish fire before leaving campsite. Please read: https://www.hipcamp.com/journal/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fire-safety For Your Convenience: Firewood: Purchase bundles of wood on site as non-local wood can disrupt the local ecosystem through disease or invasive species. Feel free to collect any small, fallen twigs for kindling. (Wood in stacked piles is not for burning but reserved for mushroom cultivation and other projects.) Honey: We offer honey harvested from blueberry blossoms in spring and the rich flavors of black locust and clover in late summer. Blueberries: Come July, partake in our U-pick blueberry farm, an experience seamlessly woven into your stay. Misc. We also offer a variety of organic garden vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. Kindly inquire on availability upon arrival if you are interested in any of these farm fresh goodies. Catch-and-Release fishing is welcome. We look forward to having you enjoy the natural beauty at Willowthorne!

2. Welcome to our Magical Woods

98%

(244)

35mi from Aurora · 9 sites · Tents · Marseilles, IL

Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to Starved Rock, numerous parks, lakes, hiking, fishing and boating sites, stores, and restaurants. We have 4 well spaced campsites complete with fire pit, picnic table and a couple of chairs ready for you at your campsite. Rent 1 or rent them all! Just bring your tent or your hammock! Your initial firewood . lighter, trash and recycling cans, and firestarters are brought to your site before you arrive. Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you. We are LBGTQ+, LatinX and Very Family Friendly. Everyone is welcome here. Message us when you are 30 minutes out, so we can you our tractor to help bring your things to your site. Same at check out. Just let us know 30 mins before you are ready to go and we will help you pack out! Sorry you will not be able to drive your vehicle to your site. This keeps the woods quiet for all of our guests. Each site is just a few hundred feet from the parking area. The magical woods is located along the bridle trails behind our horse farm. Sorry, we do not offer trail rides as we have show horses. However you are welcome to arrange a visit to meet the animals when you arrive. We have horses, a miniature horse, a mule, miniature sheep and a very sweet goat named Hairy. There are about 50 chickens wandering the yard all day and we have 3 dogs and 3 cats that are always around. They are used to other dogs. At night we have a lovely lullaby of owls, night birds, insects and frogs. Sometimes you can even hear sounds from the Illinois River and railway a miles away. Barges, trains (not many) tug boats, and the interesting sounds that come with them. Listen carefully, can you tell them apart?

3. Millbrook Trail Rides

96%

(110)

18mi from Aurora · 1 site · Tent · Newark, IL

We are a horse farm that offers trail riding to the public. We have 50 acres of wooded land with a creek running through it. We have plenty of space and we are happy to provide you with a fun camping experience! Our campsite is private and convenient. Please be warned that a loud train goes through at night!

4. The Aloha Ranch

100%

(19)

47mi from Aurora · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Harvard, IL

We have 26 acres of land to have fun on and enjoy nature! Turtles, rabbits, deer, possums, and snakes are just a few of the wildlife that you may encounter. The Kishwaukee river runs along the property bringing a variety of creatures as well as a nice place to cool off on hot days. You can find wild berry trees and beautiful flowers. Enjoy campfires and gaze upon the vast sky full of stars at night. There are multiple camping sites, some surrounded by trees and others in open fields to suit your preference and camping vehicle. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our 26 acres surrounded by the Kishwaukee River. Small trails, secluded yet near food, shopping and activities. Pet friendly, bon fires, barbecuing, gorgeous sunrises and tranquil sunsets. We are a family run small farm with dogs, horses, ponies and chickens. Only 1 hour 20 minutes from downtown Chicago and 1 hour from Ohare airport. Near Wisconsin border, Fox River, Lake Geneva, Rush Creek, Volo Museum & Antiques. Look up things to do in McHenry as well.

Public campgrounds near Aurora

Des Plaines Campground

27mi from Aurora · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

Equestrian Campground

42mi from Aurora · 8 sites · in Kankakee River State Park

A shallow part of rock creek, near the campground.

100%

(1)

Chippewa Campground

42mi from Aurora · 94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kankakee River State Park

100%

(1)

Potawatomi Campground

46mi from Aurora · 105 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kankakee River State Park

93%

(28)

Starved Rock Campground

49mi from Aurora · 128 sites · Tents, RVs · in Starved Rock State Park

Stories from the community

J

James

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Welcome to our Magical Woods

Fantastic piece of land and fantastic people! It was quiet and beautiful, perfect kind of spot for cozy and secluded camping. Heidi couldn’t have been more nice and helpful, it was really a phenomenal experience. Can’t say enough good things, definitely try this out!

E

Eric

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Welcome to our Magical Woods

Easy to get to, great spot, tons of room. It's a horse farm with lots of friendly animals running around. (But the camping area is down a small trail and secluded). Heidi brought us fresh eggs in the morning and the roosters made sure we didn't over sleep and waste our day. I'd def come back here. Thanks

H

Hazzan Sarah

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at Willowthorne

The view over the lake at sunrise was absolutely beautiful! Even the rain couldn’t detract from how lovely our stay was.

E

ERICH

November 2025

21 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Willowthorne

I had planned on only staying the first night, but it was so peaceful and the host so accommodating that I decided to stay another night. Mike was kind enough to spend some time with me telling me about the land in the history surrounding it, as well as a brief tour of the various gardens and small store where they have fresh honey, jams, etc. lovely place and will love to stay here in the spring to see everything growing!

E

ERICH

November 2025

21 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Willowthorne

Perfect little getaway from Chicago. The description and pictures are accurate. The hosts were extremely communicative and very friendly. Got to chat with both of them a little bit. Will definitely stay here again!

K

KATE

October 2025

16 ft campervan

1 night at Willowthorne

Two nicely laid out large shaded campsites facing a pond. Cute working farm between a field and what felt like busy suburban life driving in. Camp area was pretty quiet but I could hear traffic noises. Tables, grill, toilet and running water for hand washing. They offer organic jams and sauces made there on the farm. A nice little addition that make Hipcamp sites unique.

K

Katie

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Millbrook Trail Rides

Nice property. Gorgeous sunset. Portapottie is on the other side of the property which I wish I knew beforehand as I may have camped elsewhere. It's a bit dark since it's in a barn and has no hand sanitizer so just make sure you've got a flashlight and hand sanitizer if needed. The instructions say if you have a car small enough with high clearance you can cross the bridge (mine was too big to drive across which is fine), but the owner said the bridge isnt built to be driven across. So for anyone thinking of driving to your campsite, just be aware of that! :)

D

Drew

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Welcome to our Magical Woods

This is our 3rd time camping here. We love the land. And Heidi is an amazing host who always goes above and beyond

E

Eva

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Willowthorne

Absolutely loved Gosia and Mike! It was such a great experience and so close to the city!!!

Julia

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Welcome to our Magical Woods

We enjoyed our stay. The description was perfect and Heidi was very helpful in helping us take our gear to our site. We had a wonderful night's stay. The load of wood provided was really nice. The fresh eggs were a nice extra too!

Chelsea

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Welcome to our Magical Woods

My family and I loved camping on Heidi's land. It was our daughter's first time camping, she is 6 months old. They have dogs on their property and my daughter loved the pomeranian. All of their dogs were super friendly and great with our daughter. We had the camp site next to the ravine, very beautiful. The site was big, lots of space. Heidi and her husband were wonderful hosts! We definitely recommend the stay! The property was easy to find and we had good cell service.

M

Mike

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

A really great spot and a really amazing experience being around the horses. Can't wait to visit again.

G

Gerald

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Willowthorne

Super easy and peaceful. I plan to be back. For camping.

j

jessica

September 2025

16 ft campervan

2 nights at Willowthorne

Wonderful little spot. Would highly recommend. Private feeling and great hosts.

D

Deanne

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

My daughter and I love camping and horses and this was the perfect mix!! Loved our site, we were able to set up hammocks and have a nice fire. The train is loud at night but it kinda makes it more of an adventure. The horses coming into our site was just the most epic and amazing thing. Host is so sweet and we cannot wait to come back to do a trail ride! Note: the road to the site is very bumpy so keep this in mind with vehicle. Recommend!!

C

Cyndi

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Welcome to our Magical Woods

We had an excellent experience. The campsite was absolutely massive for our group of 17 people. I would definitely come here again.

s

sarah

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

Wonderful place- private and so special with the horses and other animals on the property nearby! Kids love to play in the creek and meet the horses!

Emily

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Welcome to our Magical Woods

A last-minute change of plans, we originally reserved Meadow's Edge, but Heidi offered to move us to a different site that was a better fit for our needs. Arrival instructions were clear, but you do need to read them. When you get to the (correct) driveway, there are a few buildings where the horses are tended, and the parking lot and campground are beyond. You drive past the buildings through a field, with horses on the left, until you reach the wooded area. An orange portapotty marks the campground entrance. The camp site had everything we needed for a night - picnic table, fire pit and accessories, space for a tent, and recycling/garbage bins. The walk from the parking area to our site was not far, but we took Heidi up on the tractor help at the start and used the cart provided when leaving, as we had some heavy things. Easy, private, clean, peaceful. There was some noise from surrounding area (distant music, truck noises), but not problem. Tiller visited us when we were packing up and what they say about him is true. Horses and chickens also very cool. Would recommend and would stay again.

Alexander

September 2025

18 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Willowthorne

Charming, peaceful place to spend the night. Warm, welcoming, and helpful hosts. Grateful to have come across this gem, I'll be back for sure!

Darius

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Willowthorne

Beautiful setting, woodsy and private. Great to have a port o potty and wash sink next to the site. The only negative is that this is still a "close to urban" site and you'll hear loud car and motorcycle mufflers occasionally and there is some live music venue across the farm fields, and you'll hear the music playing and announcing until like 1130pm Fridays and Saturdays. Otherwise, the hosts are super friendly.