The best camping near Cary with fishing

·

In Cary, anglers have their pick with over 600 campsites catering to fishing—expect everything from quiet riverbanks to stocked ponds. Nightly rates start at $20, with the average hovering around $45. You’ll find hot showers, pet-friendly spots, and clean toilets across most sites. If you want a local favorite, check out Millbrook Trail Rides (81 reviews) for shaded trails near the water, Bear Bottom Ranch (60 reviews) for open skies and easy lake access, or Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶 (31 reviews) for a tipi stay just steps from the stream. Besides fishing, hiking and swimming round out the list of things to do. You won’t have trouble finding a spot that fits your style and puts you close to the water.

97% (368) 653 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cary

A Creek Runs Through It

1. A Creek Runs Through It

94%
(16)
16mi from Cary · 1 site · Tent, RV
I love sharing this beautiful piece of land with other nature lovers. You feel like you're out in the middle of the woods yet if you drive 5 minutes to Randall road there's any restaurant or store you could ever need. I look forward to sharing this space with you!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$41
 / night
The Aloha Ranch

2. The Aloha Ranch

100%
(19)
20mi from Cary · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$50
 / night
Auch Farm.

3. Auch Farm.

100%
(67)
39mi from Cary · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Rustic Escape on an 8-Acre Homestead, Agro-Tourism Retreat, Pines, Trails and Wetland Views Step into a peaceful, off-grid retreat on our 8-acre working homestead, where open grassy fields meet whispering pines, and nature invites you to slow down. Set up camp in the wide-open meadow or follow a quiet trail through the woods to a secluded, wooded site overlooking untouched wetlands. This stay blends rustic camping with simple farm life, goats, chickens, fields, and wetland edges all in one place. It’s the perfect spot to relax in a hammock, stargaze by the fire, or kick back and stay a while. We border protected wetland conservation land, offering a truly remote and rustic experience, secluded, yet still close to town for anything you might need. Please note: This is boondocking/Dry camping only. There are no toilet facilities, so we ask campers to bring a bucket, sawdust, and pack everything out. It’s your stuff, we don’t want it. Farm Life Bonus: We share the land with friendly goats and egg-laying hens. You’re welcome to say hello, feed the goats (they LOVE weeds, feel free to
Pets
Campfires
from 
$43
 / night
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

4. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

83%
(9)
State park 27mi from Cary · 224 sites
Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Rock Cut State Park

5. Rock Cut State Park

100%
(6)
State park 38mi from Cary · 266 sites
Four seasons of fun await at this rock-cut wilderness within day-trip distance of Chicago.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶

6. Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶

97%
(44)
44mi from Cary · 1 site · Tent, RV
Peace and quiet served daily-no other tents in sight! This is off the beaten path next to the Fox River with no other campers nearby. You can bring your own RV/tent/campervan or choose to stay in the tipi. There are two kayaks with life jackets labeled for guests to use during their stay. As you drive on the dirt road to the site there are farm fields to your left and the Fox River is straight ahead. If needing to to get groceries, Walmart and Aldi's are about 5 minutes away. Local towns are Mukwonago and East Troy. Chicago is 90 minutes away and Milwaukee and Lake Geneva are 30. Fork in the Road and David Alan Alan's Smokehouse & Saloon are popular restaurants in Mukwonago. Or you can try mead in East Troy at the Hive! The Alpine Valley Music Theatre is 15 minutes away. Location is near I-43 & Highway 83. Summerfest is the world's largest musical festival and it is located 30 minutes away. You can Venmo or use cash while you are at the campsite to purchase wood for one dollar a piece. There is also charcoal available with the site along with a weber grill. Lastly, the river might give you muddy toes-consider it a souvenir! But feel free to bring some water to rinse off and keep things fresh.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$72
 / night
Bear Bottom Ranch

7. Bear Bottom Ranch

92%
(129)
45mi from Cary · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Millbrook Trail Rides

8. Millbrook Trail Rides

96%
(111)
45mi from Cary · 1 site
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!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night
Ice Age Retreat

9. Ice Age Retreat

99%
(58)
48mi from Cary · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Surrounded by the Kettle Moraine Forest, we purchased this property in October of 2022 to be closer to nature and to share this property with you. We look forward to hosting you. The forest provides many opportunities enjoy! Close to the Ice Age Hiking Trail, Blad Bluff Scenic Overlook within walking distance of our retreat. Hiking, Moutain Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe, Horse Back Riding and much more
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

10. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

100%
(4)
State park 46mi from Cary · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Rehm Acres

11. Rehm Acres

100%
(5)
23mi from Cary · 1 site
Offering a great little spot to overnight as a rest area between Chicago and Milwaukee only 2 miles off of 294. Nothing special but a low-cost option to park and relax. We do have donkeys and roosters that can make noise and do have morning traffic, but the area is indeed rural and the property is relaxing. Only can support tents, vans, or small RV pull behinds up to 20 feet. Total of 5 acres with a couple locations to park depending on what your preference is, whether more remote in the back of the property, or by the house close to the outhouse. One night only.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
$20
 / night
Rolling Oaks Campground

12. Rolling Oaks Campground

50mi from Cary
Rolling Oaks Campground stands out as a unique family-owned destination, nestled along the picturesque Fox River just 7 miles south of Sandwich, Illinois. Since 1969, this campground has been a cherished retreat for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Open from mid-April to mid-October, weather permitting, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages. At Rolling Oaks, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. Families can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. The campground hosts special events throughout the summer, featuring music and dancing on Saturday evenings, farmers markets, and delightful cart rides. Guests can also partake in community dinners such as spaghetti suppers, corn boils, and pig roasts, creating lasting memories together. For those looking to cool off, the campground boasts a well-maintained outdoor swimming lake. Additional conveniences include a propane exchange station, a dump station, firewood for sale, and a snack bar offering delicious options like burgers and pizza. The nearby town of Sandwich provides ample shopping, dining, and laundry facilities, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Rolling Oaks Campground features a variety of RV sites, including pull-thru, back-in, partial, and full

In Cary, anglers have their pick with over 600 campsites catering to fishing—expect everything from quiet riverbanks to stocked ponds. Nightly rates start at $20, with the average hovering around $45. You’ll find hot showers, pet-friendly spots, and clean toilets across most sites. If you want a local favorite, check out Millbrook Trail Rides (81 reviews) for shaded trails near the water, Bear Bottom Ranch (60 reviews) for open skies and easy lake access, or Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶 (31 reviews) for a tipi stay just steps from the stream. Besides fishing, hiking and swimming round out the list of things to do. You won’t have trouble finding a spot that fits your style and puts you close to the water.

97% (368) 653 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cary

A Creek Runs Through It

1. A Creek Runs Through It

94%
(16)
16mi from Cary · 1 site · Tent, RV
I love sharing this beautiful piece of land with other nature lovers. You feel like you're out in the middle of the woods yet if you drive 5 minutes to Randall road there's any restaurant or store you could ever need. I look forward to sharing this space with you!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$41
 / night
The Aloha Ranch

2. The Aloha Ranch

100%
(19)
20mi from Cary · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$50
 / night
Auch Farm.

3. Auch Farm.

100%
(67)
39mi from Cary · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Rustic Escape on an 8-Acre Homestead, Agro-Tourism Retreat, Pines, Trails and Wetland Views Step into a peaceful, off-grid retreat on our 8-acre working homestead, where open grassy fields meet whispering pines, and nature invites you to slow down. Set up camp in the wide-open meadow or follow a quiet trail through the woods to a secluded, wooded site overlooking untouched wetlands. This stay blends rustic camping with simple farm life, goats, chickens, fields, and wetland edges all in one place. It’s the perfect spot to relax in a hammock, stargaze by the fire, or kick back and stay a while. We border protected wetland conservation land, offering a truly remote and rustic experience, secluded, yet still close to town for anything you might need. Please note: This is boondocking/Dry camping only. There are no toilet facilities, so we ask campers to bring a bucket, sawdust, and pack everything out. It’s your stuff, we don’t want it. Farm Life Bonus: We share the land with friendly goats and egg-laying hens. You’re welcome to say hello, feed the goats (they LOVE weeds, feel free to
Pets
Campfires
from 
$43
 / night
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

4. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

83%
(9)
State park 27mi from Cary · 224 sites
Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Rock Cut State Park

5. Rock Cut State Park

100%
(6)
State park 38mi from Cary · 266 sites
Four seasons of fun await at this rock-cut wilderness within day-trip distance of Chicago.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶

6. Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶

97%
(44)
44mi from Cary · 1 site · Tent, RV
Peace and quiet served daily-no other tents in sight! This is off the beaten path next to the Fox River with no other campers nearby. You can bring your own RV/tent/campervan or choose to stay in the tipi. There are two kayaks with life jackets labeled for guests to use during their stay. As you drive on the dirt road to the site there are farm fields to your left and the Fox River is straight ahead. If needing to to get groceries, Walmart and Aldi's are about 5 minutes away. Local towns are Mukwonago and East Troy. Chicago is 90 minutes away and Milwaukee and Lake Geneva are 30. Fork in the Road and David Alan Alan's Smokehouse & Saloon are popular restaurants in Mukwonago. Or you can try mead in East Troy at the Hive! The Alpine Valley Music Theatre is 15 minutes away. Location is near I-43 & Highway 83. Summerfest is the world's largest musical festival and it is located 30 minutes away. You can Venmo or use cash while you are at the campsite to purchase wood for one dollar a piece. There is also charcoal available with the site along with a weber grill. Lastly, the river might give you muddy toes-consider it a souvenir! But feel free to bring some water to rinse off and keep things fresh.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$72
 / night
Bear Bottom Ranch

7. Bear Bottom Ranch

92%
(129)
45mi from Cary · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Millbrook Trail Rides

8. Millbrook Trail Rides

96%
(111)
45mi from Cary · 1 site
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!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night
Ice Age Retreat

9. Ice Age Retreat

99%
(58)
48mi from Cary · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Surrounded by the Kettle Moraine Forest, we purchased this property in October of 2022 to be closer to nature and to share this property with you. We look forward to hosting you. The forest provides many opportunities enjoy! Close to the Ice Age Hiking Trail, Blad Bluff Scenic Overlook within walking distance of our retreat. Hiking, Moutain Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe, Horse Back Riding and much more
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

10. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

100%
(4)
State park 46mi from Cary · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Rehm Acres

11. Rehm Acres

100%
(5)
23mi from Cary · 1 site
Offering a great little spot to overnight as a rest area between Chicago and Milwaukee only 2 miles off of 294. Nothing special but a low-cost option to park and relax. We do have donkeys and roosters that can make noise and do have morning traffic, but the area is indeed rural and the property is relaxing. Only can support tents, vans, or small RV pull behinds up to 20 feet. Total of 5 acres with a couple locations to park depending on what your preference is, whether more remote in the back of the property, or by the house close to the outhouse. One night only.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
$20
 / night
Rolling Oaks Campground

12. Rolling Oaks Campground

50mi from Cary
Rolling Oaks Campground stands out as a unique family-owned destination, nestled along the picturesque Fox River just 7 miles south of Sandwich, Illinois. Since 1969, this campground has been a cherished retreat for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Open from mid-April to mid-October, weather permitting, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages. At Rolling Oaks, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. Families can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. The campground hosts special events throughout the summer, featuring music and dancing on Saturday evenings, farmers markets, and delightful cart rides. Guests can also partake in community dinners such as spaghetti suppers, corn boils, and pig roasts, creating lasting memories together. For those looking to cool off, the campground boasts a well-maintained outdoor swimming lake. Additional conveniences include a propane exchange station, a dump station, firewood for sale, and a snack bar offering delicious options like burgers and pizza. The nearby town of Sandwich provides ample shopping, dining, and laundry facilities, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Rolling Oaks Campground features a variety of RV sites, including pull-thru, back-in, partial, and full

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