RV camping in Illinois

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Whether you’re escaping Chicago for a weekend getaway along the shores of Lake Michigan, hiking in the vast woodlands of the Shawnee National Forest, or kayaking and canoeing along the Kankakee and Kishwaukee rivers—RV campers have plenty to discover in Illinois. Variety is the name of the game in Illinois’ state parks. Park your rig by the beach at Illinois Beach State Park, hike to waterfalls and canyons in Starved Rock State Park, or camp and fish by the lake in Rock Cut State Park. Bringing your RV also means you can camp through all four seasons, and many RV campgrounds stay open year-round, with electric hookups so you can crank up the heating and fire pits for toasting some s’mores (officially the best way to stay warm). Enjoy hiking and leaf-peeping in the national forest through fall, then head to Mississippi Palisades State Park for cross-country skiing in winter.

96% (5K) 7,844 campsites

Top-rated RV parks in Illinois

Horseshoe Bend

1. Horseshoe Bend

99%
(681)
Roanoke, IL · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
WE ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2026 SEASON!! Family owned private campground since the 1940's. Very secluded and private. We offer a very unique experience that you will not find any public campground. I many ways we have a "private state park". Nice trails for hiking or biking. There is even a small "race track" in the bottom bowl near the creek. There are several direct access points to the creek for fishing or wading. We have miles of marked trails that are easy for everyone. Horseshoe Bend Main is a larger campground with four dispersed sites which a very spread out. This site has (3) 30 amp outlets for RV's. Porta potties are also provided. The Horseshoe Bend Creekside sites are designated spots that are on the West Panther creek bank. There are porta potties, but no electric or water.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Wine Trail Wilderness

2. Wine Trail Wilderness

100%
(684)
Pomona, IL · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa". Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest. It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy. Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes. We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit. We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience and believe all should enjoy this beautiful part of the country. LGBTQ are all welcome and accepted. We welcome all types of campers.
Electrical hookup
Pets
McCully Heritage Project

3. McCully Heritage Project

98%
(453)
Kampsville, IL · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The McCully Heritage Project is a 940- acre environmental center located one mile south of Kampsville, Illinois in beautiful and remote Calhoun County. We are a private non-profit left as the legacy of Howard and Eva McCully.
Pets
Shawnee National Forest

4. Shawnee National Forest

95%
(30)
National forest in Illinois · 172 sites
Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
Illini State Park

5. Illini State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Illinois · 100 sites
Pack a picnic basket for a romantic or family-filled lunch on the shores of the Illinois RIver.
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
Sun Retreats Rock River

6. Sun Retreats Rock River

Hillsdale, IL · 236 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Situated in the heart of the Midwest, Sun Retreats Rock River, formerly known as Sunset Lakes Resort, provides a premiere camping experience in Hillsdale, Illinois. At this award-winning resort, campers can set up their RV on our new seasonal sites with concrete pads and patios. You can also stay in one of our fully furnished two-bedroom vacation cottages. Cool off in our huge outdoor swimming pool, or stay active with outdoor recreations like a gem mining, basketball, horseshoes, tennis, and our rolle bolle court. Our pet-friendly campground also features a dog park for your four-legged family members. You'll find exciting attractions in The Quad Cities including riverboat cruises on the along the Mississippi River, just 15 minutes away.
Pets
Full hookups
Bear Bottom Ranch

7. Bear Bottom Ranch

92%
(129)
Yorkville, IL · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Bear Bottom Ranch! Our entrance is marked by 2 cross crossed American flags. Come and enjoy our 32 acres of wooded property where a creek runs through. We have gorgeous oak trees and walnut trees all throughout the property. If you looking for a private camping experience, this place is for you. We usually have a couple horses on the property and I have 3 unleashed dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. We will be at the top of the property. We hope you’ll enjoy our place!
Pets
Willowthorne

8. Willowthorne

97%
(262)
Lynwood, IL · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
East Woods on the IL River

9. East Woods on the IL River

97%
(332)
Ottawa, IL · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This 25 acre parcel was once owned by a sand mining company. There are mounds and valleys all along the Illinois River. We purchased the property in 1987, and cut in the road. The city of Ottawa recently annexed the property into the Ottawa city limits. It's like owning our own wild park.
Pets
Rock Cut State Park

10. Rock Cut State Park

100%
(6)
State park in Illinois · 266 sites
Four seasons of fun await at this rock-cut wilderness within day-trip distance of Chicago.
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

11. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

100%
(4)
State park in Illinois · 92 sites
Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road (otherwise known as Route 30) about an hour west of Chicago and find yourself amidst 1,550 acres of rolling prairie! Shabbona Lake encompasses a unique mix of habitats, providing superb outdoor recreation in an untarnished environment. There’s prairie restoration areas where you can spy a variety of native wildflowers and grasses. Spot your feathered friends on their vacation in the 15-acre migratory waterfowl seasonal nesting area.And for the fishers: the park concession stand sells bait and tackle and rents boats, so you can take a spin and cast a line on the 318.8-acre lake. Tent, RV and cabin camping is available, as well as endless picnicking opportunities. FYI: no booze is allowed in the park, so maybe save your famous margs for another occasion.
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
Lake Shelbyville

12. Lake Shelbyville

100%
(4)
Park in Illinois · 322 sites
Discover all the fuss behind this lake in central Illinois.
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
Mississippi Palisades State Park

13. Mississippi Palisades State Park

100%
(3)
State park in Illinois · 241 sites
See the mighty Mississippi River from a unique vantage point at this state park.
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
Escape to Nature

14. Escape to Nature

98%
(360)
Huntley, IL · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Each reservation includes firewood that is rough cut. Always call ahead when you are planning to enjoy a local attraction. This property is located on the outskirts of the village of Huntley. It is only an hour west of Chicago. This is a kid-friendly and pet friendly location. Our ducks, geese, turkeys and chickens will visit you, and you'll see likely see deer, raccoon, opossum, wild turkey, sandhill cranes, falcons, hawks, woodpeckers, coyotes and cardinals, all right from your seat in the backyard. What to do here: Hike all over our six acres of wooded countryside and nearby forest preserves and conservation district parks. If relaxation is your goal, order breakfast from our menu and skip the cooking. Downtown Huntley hosts an assortment of festivals, free concerts, and celebrations throughout the year. The Farmer's Market and antique shops are worth the visit. Check out these amazing area attractions! -The Illinois Railway Museum, within 10 miles, is the largest railway museum in the United States. Enthusiasts come from all over to ride on steam, diesel, and electric trains. (http://www.IRM.org) -Tower Hills Stables, Trail Rides, Horseback Riding Camp (ages 5 to 14), Riding Lessons, just 8 miles drive, (https://www.towerhillstables.net/.) -Summerfield Farm and Zoo, a privately owned zoo in rural Belvidere, IL, 3088 Flora Rd, Belvidere, IL 61008, a 30 minute drive. (https://summerfieldfarmandzoo.com/.) -Safari Lake Geneva, 45 minute drive to the north, Visit Safari Lake Geneva, Wisconsin's original drive through animal park. Feed and interact with a variety of animals from the comfort of your car (https://safarilakegeneva.com/). Additional suggestions include Santa's Village Amusement and Water Park in West Dundee, Randall Oaks Zoo, in Dundee on Randall Road, Minor League Baseball with Schaumburg Boomers or Kane County Cougars, Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Sullivan Mobile massage, Belvidere Park in Belvidere, IL, Volo Auto Museum, Department of Natural Resources Bike and Hiking Trails and fishing. When you're ready for a faster pace, head into Chicago, where the city offers unlimited attractions, museums, and amazing restaurants. We do not have full electric and water sites available. Try the Kane County Forest Preserve for this at https://kaneforest.com/location/paul-wolff. Need more ideas of things to do in the area? Ask us! We love being your concierge! Visit our website for additional ideas. HarmonyInnHuntley.com. FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂 Here are some answers to common questions. We provide camping toilets with a privacy tent. Check in starts at 4 PM and check out ends at 11 AM. Late check out is available for purchase as an extra for $10 per hour. ELECTRIC: If you need to use electricity to inflate a mattress or something just for a few minutes, an outdoor outlet can be found on the "lower garage" building. Just look to the left of the west facing garage door. WATER: If you need to use the garden hose to fill a 5-gallon bucket or smaller, you can use the garden hose attached to the back side of the house. Please be sure to turn the water off completely when you are done. CAR BATTERY: If your car battery dies and you need a jump David will help you if he is available. Otherwise, please call a towing service, such as Whitey's Towing. WOOD: We may have rough firewood available at no charge. We recommend campers bring their own hand saw or hatchet to cut it to the desired size. You may bring your own firewood. PICNIC TABLE/PATIOS: Please do not place any cooking device on the picnic tables. You can use a large log for this. Feel free to roll one to a desired spot. You may move the picnic tables if you would like to, we provide a limited number of picnic tables. Campers are not guaranteed that one will be available. Campers may use the patios by the house, we have 2 patios with firepits. INSECTS: If you find ground wasps or bees, just relocate your camp farther away from them. We do try to address these when we are made aware of them. We recommend bringing mosquito repellent. HAMMOCKS: Hammocks are acceptable if you protect the trees from any damage. EXTRAS (after you arrive): Please bring exact cash if you want to purchase extras after you arrive. Hip Camp does not have the capability to add extras after you have made your booking. ARRIVAL TIME: Your host would appreciate a message and phone call with your arrival time so that he can greet you and get you settled upon arrival. Remember, we have an added fee for arrivals after 10 PM.
Pets
Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

15. Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

100%
(845)
Palmer, IL · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We purchased our 45 acre farm in 1997, since then we have operated a sustainable small organic farm. In January of 2018 we purchased 58 more acres that is attached to our land. The property has a greenhouse and about a half acre of field that we raise vegetables and fruit on. We have a 3 acre pond with a naturally sustaining fish population, that we swim and boat in. We have some news for everyone from new campers to those that have visited before, we had our pond dredged this fall and winter (2025-2026). this was a much needed improvement for the ecology of the pond and it's inhabitants. We do want everyone to know it will look different for a while. There were trees that had to be removed from the north and east side of the pond, and until we can get the soil moved that came out of the pond, there will be piles of soil around the pond. The depth of the pond will be low until we receive enough rain to fill it back up (we didn't drain it completely, but it is much lower right now). We are keeping site 2 closed for 2026 so the grass has a chance to grow back. We will be adding a few more sites once the pond area is landscaped. There are hiking trails that go through many small pastures and woods with streams running through them. Plenty of wildlife, hiking and mountain biking areas. We have a certified kitchen at the farm and have products raised and/or made on the farm for folks to purchase. Ice is available at the farm $5/8 pound bag. Supposedly our house is haunted and there are a couple of haunted sites within 15 miles of the farm, Anderson Cemetery and Witch's Bridge. Nearby Taylorville has a Walmart, Aldi, Kroger, and many small local businesses. There is a YMCA and a few parks, in Taylorville. Lake Sangchris State Park is close by. The capital of Illinois, Springfield, is 35 miles from the farm.
Pets
Wildcat Springs Campground And Pool

16. Wildcat Springs Campground And Pool

94%
(18)
Hamilton, IL · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
Wildcat is a very nice campground operated by the Hamilton Park District in Hamilton IL. The Campground has 12 RV slots of various sizes and electric for tent camping. Water is also available at each camper site. There is also a dump station is on site. On the same property is a very nice public pool and one of the country's premier Disc Golf courses. Very quiet and peaceful surroundings. Just a half mile off of the Mississippi River. There is a single shower/restroom open for campers located on the North end of the pool house.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

17. The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

92%
(316)
Chicago, IL · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Twenty years of growing this farm... Not what grows here but the farm itself! Stone and brick pulled from the ground till we found the beautiful earth beneath and built an incredible community around it. Or rather, it grew itself from the energy that surrounds it. It's a special spot where you may happen upon a fire in the sugar shack while we boil city collected sap into maple syrup or have an open jam night with world class jazz musicians. Enjoy the morning serenade of our rooster! Really, just come and be here. Though we think we're pretty cool, a few things to note that you may not think are so cool: There is a train that runs directly behind the farm. Light sleepers, may want to bring ear plugs. We try to accommodate parking your car on site but it's weather and situation conditional. Assume the possibility that you may need to park on the street. Bring your tent to The Vaudeville! (RVs, campers, trailers, vans please see the ** at the bottom). Our urban farm is smack in the middle of Chicago only a 10 minute bike or train ride from Downtown, Lake Michigan, The Mag Mile and all Chicago has to offer! Bike the Lake Shore Trail, walk the 606, kayak the Chicago River, catch a blues show or Hawks game or just relax with the goats and chickens in the 9,000 square foot farm that we absolutely love to share with fellow campers! ** We have stopped hosting RVs, campers/vans, pull behinds and larger vehicles because we are finding it difficult to get them in the entrance gate but if you feel amazingly capable with your backing in skills in your rig and you're super patient, laid back and extra cool, let us know and we may be able to make it work!! :)
Pets
Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers

18. Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers

99%
(44)
Big Rock, IL · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Local Farm. Close enough to socialize. Far enough away to matter. Next door to “‘More Polish Pottery” in Big Rock IL. Near Dekalb, Sandwich, Plano, Hinkley, Big Rock, Aurora, and Sugar Grove. Many sites, bars, shops, and places to eat. Touching Big Rock forest preserve. Features egg stand. Private setting. Fire pit. Multiple spots to choose from. Great views. Pet friendly. Local showers and pool at local Plano YMCA. May see farm animals up close and personal. Please leave them at site. 11 min or less to Raging Waves Water Park. It’s right down the road! An hour commute or less to Chicago. Open early this year Feb 19th through Sept 30th (extended due to nice weather so if you can book it. You can stay.) The end of the season this year will be September 30th. And then we will be closed for the winter until May first. Unless otherwise specified. Usually closed for the winter months. Sugar Grove Family Fun Center up the road. Goat Yoga and Wholly Bean close by. Local forest preserve has toilets or bring your own porti-john. Bring your horses. Set up a temp spot. We have the space. And there is riding at the forest preserve right around the corner. Camp with your HORSES! We have a swing set and small child play sets. A trampoline. A tire swing. Y’all are more than welcome to use it. Just be respectful and make sure your children do not harm our land, animals, or gardens. 💕🙏 Now offering substantial fire wood bundles for 10 dollars a bundle. New egg and farm stand added this year. Two new picnic tables added.
Pets
Sonny Hills

19. Sonny Hills

100%
(82)
Eddyville, IL · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We live on 70 secluded acres adjoining the Shawnee National Forest area with some hiking opportunities, woods and water activities that we would love to share with you. Close to Garden of the Gods (10 min), Rimrock, Pounds Hollow, Belle Smith Springs, Lusk Creek and other trails. We are in the middle of the Shawnee surrounded by trees, our own lake, you can hike around and walk the land in solitude, yet we are only 25 minutes to Harrisburg. The closest grocery/merchandise store is only 5 minutes away. Cabin- 2BR-1 Q, 1 K/1 bath, sleeps 4, possible 5, with the foot stool/ table that makes a small child size bed. Completely modernized, with heating/ac. Full kitchen with stove, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, dual flex coffee maker, pots, pans, crock pot, toaster, all utensils. Coffee, creamer, sugar, cooking oil, aluminum foil and condiments. Laundry. Outside Grill. Large Great room, with native sandstone fireplace that is converted to gas for easy lighting. Back deck has beautiful views of the lake and hills. Enjoy the large front porch that adjoins the back deck and wraps around 3/4 of the cabin. Secluded, private. Firepit, plenty of DVD's and games, or stream your own channels with Wi-fi. Tent and RV camping sites: Shade and sunny areas available. RV pads for self-contained campers. One Electric space available. Water available from spigot and hose. No sewer. Clean Porta-Potty on premises. No showers. It is HIGHLY suggested that campers arrive at dusk or before sunset. The entrance to the area is not marked by lights, only a reflective triangle with the house number. The driveway is not lit, and the camp area also has no lights (better to see the stars). Contact us if arrival before nightfall is not possible and we can help guide you to the areas. Pets and service dogs welcome with notice. All dogs and people Must be dog friendly (owner has 5 Irish Wolfhounds). Dogs must have proof of vaccinations. Creeks, hills, hiking trails, and private pond full of bluegill and bass. Kayaks, paddleboards, canoe and boat for your use. NO lifeguard on duty. Life preservers/jackets must be worn when around the pond. There is a beach area for swimming. All above activities are done at your own risk, children must be supervised.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Happy Trails Farm Resort

20. Happy Trails Farm Resort

95%
(193)
Granite City, IL · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Happy Trails farm is a beautiful refreshing place that you can relax, and connect with the family farm life. We were established Oct. 27th, 2007, and it's our "Acres of Diamonds" (Earl Nightengale). There are 20.11 acres of farm life to share with you. We do many things to help keep the farm going, and moving towards being self supporting. Such as pony rides, birthday parties, weddings, camp outs, and so much more. We sell fresh laid farm eggs for $5 cash a dozen. To purchase eggs, call or text Nancy (618)601-4645 Pony rides are $30 cash, and by appointment only. They are hand led, and approximately 20-30 minute. The child will be hand led around the farm. If you would like to schedule a ride please message Maryann @ (618)610-9282. We also house and run Happy Trails Horse Rescue (501c3) non for profit, and accept donations. Some of the things you will experience and see are: volunteers helping out; horses, mules, donkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, turkey, goats, llama, and many others. We are a small and important resource to the overall well being of the community. We look forward to seeing you on the farm! Check-in is between 2pm-9pm. No late night check-ins. Cancellations must be made by 2pm the day before your reservation. Happy Trails Farm Resort is a great place to get lost and find a connection.  We are a small homestead family farm with many farm animals. Come pitch a tent under the farm stars. Happy Trails :)
Pets

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top national parks and forests in Illinois