The best star host camping in Illinois

·

Illinois might be notoriously flat—the state’s highest natural point, Charles Mound, is easily eclipsed by Chicago's Willis Tower—but there are still plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures in the Land of Lincoln. Head to the windswept shores of Lake Michigan, grab your backpack and hit the trail in the Shawnee National Forest, or hop in your RV and set out along Route 66. With more than 300 state parks to explore, and a huge choice of campgrounds, glampsites, and cozy cabin rentals, campers have options to suit all four seasons. Summer is peak season, so book well in advance.

99% (3.8K) 174 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Illinois

Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

1. Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

100%
(844)
Palmer, IL · 5 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, high tunnel 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. 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. Supposedly our house is haunted and there are a couple of haunted sites within 15 miles of the farm. Nearby Taylorville has a Walmart, Aldi, Kroger, and many small local businesses. There is a YMCA and a few parks. Lake Sangchris State Park is close by. The capital of Illinois, Springfield is 35 miles from the farm.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Glamp Chicago Yurt Urban Campsite

2. Glamp Chicago Yurt Urban Campsite

97%
(17)
Chicago, IL · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Welcome to Glamp Chicago: Chicago’s Premier Urban Glamping Experience Discover the perfect fusion of city vibrance and outdoor serenity at Glamp Chicago, Chicago's only enchanting urban glamping retreat. ✨ Where Boho Chic Meets Urban Comfort Step into our stylish sanctuary, thoughtfully designed with eclectic décor and modern amenities to create a luxurious yet down-to-earth retreat. Our oversized safari tent is adorned with plush bedding, curated furnishings and kitchenette, giving you the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. 📍 Prime Location for Every Adventure Compared to other glamping options, Glamp Chicago is uniquely positioned to deliver an urban escape without compromising on luxury or location. Spend your day exploring iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and Navy Pier, diving into local foodie favorites, or uncovering hidden gems in bustling neighborhoods. 🌟 Plan Your 2026 Glamp Chicago Stay Around Chicago’s Spring & Summer Events! Spring and summer are the heartbeat of Chicago’s cultural calendar, and there’s no better way to experience it all than by staying at Glamp Chicago, your luxurious urban oasis. With so much happening, our site is a prime location for access to the city's most vibrant festivals, concerts, and events. 🎶 Can’t-Miss Events in 2026: • Chicago Cubs Baseball (March – October) • Grant Park Music Festival (June-August) • Lollapalooza (August) • Northalsted Market Days (August) • Open House Chicago (October) 🔥 Nights to Remember As the city lights twinkle overhead, gather around your personal fire pit to swap stories, share laughter, and enjoy a nightcap. Our gated setting offers a secure, intimate space to unwind from the day's adventures while embracing the hum of the city under the shadows of the city skyline. 📆 Don’t Wait—Reserve Your Stay Now! Whether you're attending the city’s most iconic events, celebrating a special occasion, or simply seeking a unique escape, Glamp Chicago is your gateway to unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Our prime location ensures you’re always close to the action while enjoying the serenity of a private retreat. • Act fast—availability for spring and summer 2026 will fill up quickly!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$48
 / night
Foreaker Farm/Creek Side Valley

3. Foreaker Farm/Creek Side Valley

98%
(31)
Washburn, IL · 3 sites
Great place for train lovers! Many train enthusiasts come and take pictures and videos Great place for fishing and relaxation! Kayaking down the creek Our specified 2 acres has been turned into a park like setting with beautiful trees and the creek around it! Small town near by with amenities ..
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night
Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

4. Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

Thomson, IL · 2 sites
Fin and Feather is a rustic campground located right on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters, known for its true “camping in nature” experience and stunning sunsets. Every site looks out over the water with a perfect sunset view! These primitive sites are large, shaded, and hammock-friendly. The ground is sandy, but the beach is not known as a swimming location. Fin and Feather sits where the main channel of the Mississippi River meets Spring Lake, part of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. There’s plenty of wildlife to watch and endless nature to enjoy. The Great River Bike Trail runs parallel to the campground, with direct access from camp. We offer canoe and kayak rentals, and the lake is an excellent place to paddle (it closes to all boat traffic on October 1st as part of the wildlife refuge during duck hunting season). Firewood is available for purchase. A small camp store on-site carries essentials like ice, and the nearby towns of Thomson and Savanna offer additional supplies. There’s so much to do in the area—but with the peacefulness of the campground, you may just want to relax and enjoy the view!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Buena Vista Farms

5. Buena Vista Farms

95%
(52)
Chapin, IL · 10 sites
Buena Vista Farms was created first as a wedding venue, thus the Beautiful Views all around developed for great photo ops. After 5 years hosting events on our 130 acre farm, we developed a campground. Tiny Home cabins have been added more recently for groups of up to 21 people. What should the next phase of development be? This summer we are working on the office to add gift shop and camp store in the Old Grain Bin. We welcome weekend RV'ers, and those who want a Glamping experience in the Tiny Home cabins as well as work campers who stay a bit longer. We will keep a few RV spots open all winter. Learn more about this land: Buena Vista Farms means beautiful view! We offer Full Hook up RV sites (60 feet wide) that are up to 90 feet long for Big Rigs.   Lots of green space, star filled skies, a pair of swan on the lake, woods for hiking, lakes for fishing with canoes, kayaks and paddle boats.   There is a Spa with a Reflexologist on call and common area with Satellite TV and exercise equipment. It is a quiet and peaceful place to stay and just relax.   We offer Tiny Home Cabins and Furnished Apartments, for Glamping experiences.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$65
 / night

Illinois might be notoriously flat—the state’s highest natural point, Charles Mound, is easily eclipsed by Chicago's Willis Tower—but there are still plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures in the Land of Lincoln. Head to the windswept shores of Lake Michigan, grab your backpack and hit the trail in the Shawnee National Forest, or hop in your RV and set out along Route 66. With more than 300 state parks to explore, and a huge choice of campgrounds, glampsites, and cozy cabin rentals, campers have options to suit all four seasons. Summer is peak season, so book well in advance.

99% (3.8K) 174 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Illinois

Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

1. Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

100%
(844)
Palmer, IL · 5 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, high tunnel 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. 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. Supposedly our house is haunted and there are a couple of haunted sites within 15 miles of the farm. Nearby Taylorville has a Walmart, Aldi, Kroger, and many small local businesses. There is a YMCA and a few parks. Lake Sangchris State Park is close by. The capital of Illinois, Springfield is 35 miles from the farm.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Glamp Chicago Yurt Urban Campsite

2. Glamp Chicago Yurt Urban Campsite

97%
(17)
Chicago, IL · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Welcome to Glamp Chicago: Chicago’s Premier Urban Glamping Experience Discover the perfect fusion of city vibrance and outdoor serenity at Glamp Chicago, Chicago's only enchanting urban glamping retreat. ✨ Where Boho Chic Meets Urban Comfort Step into our stylish sanctuary, thoughtfully designed with eclectic décor and modern amenities to create a luxurious yet down-to-earth retreat. Our oversized safari tent is adorned with plush bedding, curated furnishings and kitchenette, giving you the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. 📍 Prime Location for Every Adventure Compared to other glamping options, Glamp Chicago is uniquely positioned to deliver an urban escape without compromising on luxury or location. Spend your day exploring iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and Navy Pier, diving into local foodie favorites, or uncovering hidden gems in bustling neighborhoods. 🌟 Plan Your 2026 Glamp Chicago Stay Around Chicago’s Spring & Summer Events! Spring and summer are the heartbeat of Chicago’s cultural calendar, and there’s no better way to experience it all than by staying at Glamp Chicago, your luxurious urban oasis. With so much happening, our site is a prime location for access to the city's most vibrant festivals, concerts, and events. 🎶 Can’t-Miss Events in 2026: • Chicago Cubs Baseball (March – October) • Grant Park Music Festival (June-August) • Lollapalooza (August) • Northalsted Market Days (August) • Open House Chicago (October) 🔥 Nights to Remember As the city lights twinkle overhead, gather around your personal fire pit to swap stories, share laughter, and enjoy a nightcap. Our gated setting offers a secure, intimate space to unwind from the day's adventures while embracing the hum of the city under the shadows of the city skyline. 📆 Don’t Wait—Reserve Your Stay Now! Whether you're attending the city’s most iconic events, celebrating a special occasion, or simply seeking a unique escape, Glamp Chicago is your gateway to unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Our prime location ensures you’re always close to the action while enjoying the serenity of a private retreat. • Act fast—availability for spring and summer 2026 will fill up quickly!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$48
 / night
Foreaker Farm/Creek Side Valley

3. Foreaker Farm/Creek Side Valley

98%
(31)
Washburn, IL · 3 sites
Great place for train lovers! Many train enthusiasts come and take pictures and videos Great place for fishing and relaxation! Kayaking down the creek Our specified 2 acres has been turned into a park like setting with beautiful trees and the creek around it! Small town near by with amenities ..
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night
Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

4. Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

Thomson, IL · 2 sites
Fin and Feather is a rustic campground located right on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters, known for its true “camping in nature” experience and stunning sunsets. Every site looks out over the water with a perfect sunset view! These primitive sites are large, shaded, and hammock-friendly. The ground is sandy, but the beach is not known as a swimming location. Fin and Feather sits where the main channel of the Mississippi River meets Spring Lake, part of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. There’s plenty of wildlife to watch and endless nature to enjoy. The Great River Bike Trail runs parallel to the campground, with direct access from camp. We offer canoe and kayak rentals, and the lake is an excellent place to paddle (it closes to all boat traffic on October 1st as part of the wildlife refuge during duck hunting season). Firewood is available for purchase. A small camp store on-site carries essentials like ice, and the nearby towns of Thomson and Savanna offer additional supplies. There’s so much to do in the area—but with the peacefulness of the campground, you may just want to relax and enjoy the view!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Buena Vista Farms

5. Buena Vista Farms

95%
(52)
Chapin, IL · 10 sites
Buena Vista Farms was created first as a wedding venue, thus the Beautiful Views all around developed for great photo ops. After 5 years hosting events on our 130 acre farm, we developed a campground. Tiny Home cabins have been added more recently for groups of up to 21 people. What should the next phase of development be? This summer we are working on the office to add gift shop and camp store in the Old Grain Bin. We welcome weekend RV'ers, and those who want a Glamping experience in the Tiny Home cabins as well as work campers who stay a bit longer. We will keep a few RV spots open all winter. Learn more about this land: Buena Vista Farms means beautiful view! We offer Full Hook up RV sites (60 feet wide) that are up to 90 feet long for Big Rigs.   Lots of green space, star filled skies, a pair of swan on the lake, woods for hiking, lakes for fishing with canoes, kayaks and paddle boats.   There is a Spa with a Reflexologist on call and common area with Satellite TV and exercise equipment. It is a quiet and peaceful place to stay and just relax.   We offer Tiny Home Cabins and Furnished Apartments, for Glamping experiences.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$65
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

The best star host camping in Illinois guide

Where to go

Chicago & Around

Once you’ve marveled at the skyscrapers and filled up on hot dogs in Chicago, you’ll find several of Illinois’ most impressive state parks within day-trip distance of the Windy City. Cool off at Illinois Beach State Park along the shores of Lake Michigan, hike to waterfalls and camp in the woods at Starved Rock State Park, or admire the fall foliage in Matthiessen State Park. For winter campers, Rock Cut State Park is a hotspot for cross-country skiing.

Great Rivers Country

Nineteenth-century towns, vineyards, and scenic river valleys provide a change of pace in Western Illinois. Hop between towns like Peoria, Moline, and Galena along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers; spot bald eagles in Grafton, or rent a cabin at nearby Pere Marquette State Park. Mississippi Palisades State Park is another regional highlight, where you can hike, rock climb, or cross-country ski, depending on the season. 

Land of Lincoln

Illinois’ bucolic heartland was the long-time home of Abraham Lincoln, and historic sites are scattered around the countryside between Springfield, Bloomington, and Decatur. If you’re up for one of the world’s most famous road trips, drive your RV on down to Springfield, the birthplace of Route 66, or if woodland views and lake fishing are more your jam, head to Walnut Point State Park, Wolf Creek State Park, or Sangchris Lake State Park.

South Illinois

The rambling Shawnee National Forest stretches over much of southern Illinois, encompassing miles of hiking and horseback riding trails between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Take your pick of some of the state’s most rewarding hikes, including the River to River Trail and the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail, and don’t miss the extraordinary rock formations of the Garden of the Gods. First-come, first-served campsites are available at several NF campgrounds, or you can pitch your tent or park your RV in the dispersed camping areas.