Discover the best forest campgrounds near Cary, Illinois

United States
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Illinois
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Cary

99% (177 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cary

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top forest campgrounds near Cary

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(11)

The Commons Oak Savanna

2 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Woodstock, IL

Learn more about this land: (NOTE) Greenwood Rd and Illinois Rt 120 are the same...Google uses Greenwood Rd, and the State prefers Illinois Rte 120) Get away from it and commune with nature in a pre-settlement natural oak savanna with oaks and hickories of 200-400 years. 25-acre woodland completely fenced and surrounded by cropland and woods with no homes or roads within a half mile. Experience the land as the nomadic Indian tribes saw it. Trails cross the property. Hawks, owls, turkeys, and occasional bald eagles, along with finches, woodpeckers, doves, and martins fill the sky; while deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits roam the grounds. Only two camps are available to keep the setting pristine and primitive and a third site can be used behind the sheds if you encounter unexpected weather.

Bear Bottom Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents32 acres · Millbrook, IL

Welcome to Bear Bottom Ranch! 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. Ifare looking for a private camping experience, this place is for you. We usually have a couple horses on the property and I have two unleashed dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. We will be at the top of the property, keeping to ourselves. We hope you’ll enjoy our place!

A Creek Runs Through It

2 sites · RVs2 acres · Elgin, IL

When I first stepped foot on this property I literally fell to my knees in awe of the beauty. There were many offers on it but I had to have it so I offered well over asking price. It has been an adventure making it my own over the past 4 years. I even got a pet pig - Alice! I love sharing this beautiful piece of land with other nature lovers. It's rare to have property of this size with this beauty in a Chicago suburb. 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!

Rockford Ski Club Camp Site

20 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Rockford, IL

Learn more about this land:The Ski Club has 33 acres of prairie, forest, garden, and field. Beautiful forests with deer, turkey, and fox. The property leads to the Kishwaukee River where people can kayak or canoe. There is a view of the river valley from the camping field. The Ski Club has been a cooperative club for decades and members still ski and sled here. We are hosting a camping event for friends and Hip-campers Labor Day weekend (September 3rd - September 6th). The Club is easy to access off of Interstate 39. There is a gas station a half mile away and the city of Rockford is only a 10-15 minute drive away. People can camp in tents, car/vans, campers, or RVs in the mowed grass area. There is a well with limited amounts of water that is not drinkable but can be used to wash. There is electricity for phones, lights, games, etc. but will not power RVs. The club president can be reached at 8159794872

The Aloha Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · 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.

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Mayville Farm

2 sites · RVs11 acres · Wind Lake, WI

Our home and property was originally built by the Norwegian immigrants that emigrated to the US, settling and founding North Cape. This property has evolved and devolved in the last 170 years and I’m working hard to restore it all again. I also keep sheep for wool and ducks, chickens and geese for eggs.Learn more about this land:Hobby farm, just starting out. Historic property, sheep, ducks, geese, chickens. Very quiet, peaceful place! I also make soap (check out The Humble Soaping Company), home brew beers wines, meads, spirits and gardens abound all around the property! We do have pets, it can interact as much or as little as you’d like. Our place is the perfect one-night stop when traveling long distances!

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(5)

Ice Age Retreat

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Palmyra, WI

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

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(21)

Simply Maple Farm 🪶🏕️🛶

1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Mukwonago, WI

Reconnect with nature at our secluded campsite nestled next to the Fox River. You can bring your own RV/tent/campervan or choose to stay in the tipi. There are two kayaks labeled for guests to use during their stay and could use to fish The Fox River. 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 is a popular restaurant in Mukwonago or try Mead in East Troy at the Hive! The Alpine Valley Music Theatre is 15 minutes away. Location is near I-43 & Highway 83. You can Venmo or use cash while you are at the campsite to purchase wood for one dollar a piece.

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(26)

Auch Farm.

2 sites · RVs8 acres · Mount Pleasant, WI

A 8 acre homestead with open grass fields and Australian pines. There is a trail through the woods and a secluded woody camping area overlooking wetlands. Learn more about this land: Next to wetland natural preservation. Rustic and remote. Seclusion, yet close to all major resources. Relax, hammock, grassy fields kick back and stay a while….. Boon docking only, no toilet amenities available. bring a bucket and sawdust... take it with you. Its yours, we don't want it. We also have goats, chickens and pigs you can interact with if you choose. Goats love weeds. Please feel free to pick our weeds and feed them to the goats and pigs. :-) Fresh eggs every morning! ($5 a dozen)

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Indigo Zen Gardens

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Caledonia, WI

Come and enjoy the peace and serenity that is the Indigo Zen Garden. Wake up with the butterflies and smell the wild flowers dance through the wind. Easily pitch a tent or pull into our intentionally landscaped Nature spaces. Many trees and tall grasses provide adequate privacy and cover while spending time outdoors . Immerse yourself with the wildlife and environment by taking a stroll through our walking paths - or forage for seasonal goodies from many wild medicinal plants, herbs, as well as fruit trees that are available for harvesting during different times of the year. Campers can choose an interactive & immersive experience with their host : Military Veteran, Nature Artist & Water Advocate with more that 25 years experience connecting with Nature. Have your group safely guided & educated on the local plants & wildlife that inhabit the area! Take home your own hand carved & one of a kind wooden memento to remember your stay & all of the memories created.

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(21)

Camp Kettlewood

7 sites · Lodging80 acres · East Troy, WI

Founded in 2020, Camp Kettlewood is actually the second campground to have operated on this beautiful land. The property previously belonged to the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin- Badgerland Council. The Girl Scouts hosted outings and events here from 1967 through 2018. That's over 50 years of learning, laughing, building friendships, and making memories in the great outdoors! We knew that this land was special when we bought it. So, when we decided to turn this campground into...well...a campground, we wanted to respect that rich history and honor it in a new way. You'll notice the campsite signs are new, but the campsite names- like The Hilton, Mushroom Gulch, and Last Resort- are all original. That was purposeful, not only because we couldn't think of any better names (it's harder than you think!) but mostly because we wanted to show respect to what was here before us. We even created a new campsite and named it Oakwood Knoll, which was the previous name of this property. If you keep an eye out, you'll be able to see more subtle nods to the Scouts program incorporated into our decorations at the campsites! Our campsites are each set spaciously apart, so guests can have more privacy than they would at a traditional campground. Our premium sites are also designed for comfort and ease. When you arrive, the campsites are ready for you, so there's no setting up or tearing down. You'll also get to sleep in real beds, as opposed to sleeping in a bag on the ground. Guests can expect to enjoy electricity, flush toilets, coffee makers, propane grills, and the warm ambiance of string lights hung at each site. These sites are perfect for both campers and glampers. We're confident you'll get the perfect mix of relaxation, nature, and comfort during your stay. You'll also certainly get some great Instagram-able photos! Also, while you're here, check out the many places and activities located just a short drive from Camp Kettlewood. As our name suggests, we're adjacent to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, as well as many other parks and nature preserves. You can also enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, boating, and fishing in several nearby lakes. All within 20 minutes or less of our camp, making day trips a breeze! Thank you again for your interest in staying at Camp Kettlewood. We’re very excited to share our summers with you and we're honored to carry on the tradition of this property as a place for making memories- not only as a campground, but also as our home! We are blessed to live on-grounds in the renovated lodge, which was previously the Girl Scout's cafeteria and club house. We've put a lot of hard work into this land and we're pretty proud of what we've been able to accomplish. We hope you will be, too! Sincerely, - Simona & Jeremy Ebner, Owners Camp Kettlewood, Est. 2020

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Kettle House

2 sites · Lodging77 acres · Eagle, WI

We found our Kettle House in 1999 when we were in the market for a vacant parcel to pitch a tent after a long day of riding the single track trails in the State Forest. We are originally from Dane County Wisconsin, which like the Eagle area is graced with terminal moraine geology. A terminal moraine is where the last glaciation stopped and dropped everything it was carrying. These deposited sand and gravel hills and interim kettles, many of which include lakes and wetlands, are the topography we are inherently drawn to. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to better balance our city living with a country weekend retreat in such a special area. The site's historic ecosystems (woodland, savanna, prairie and aquatic) were in rough shape when we bought the property which had been suburbanized to large degree, but as ecologists, we knew there was lots of potential to restore the site and reclaim a special part of Wisconsin's natural environment. It is our responsibility and privilege to care for this property and you may see evidence of our regular site work during your visit. We hope you mostly see and enjoy a nice example of natural Wisconsin in various stages of restoration!Learn more about this land:This amazing property is located 20 minutes northeast of Geneva Lake and Delevan Lake, 75 minutes southeast of Madison, 45 minutes southwest of Milwaukee and 1.75 hours northwest of Chicago. It is situated within minutes drive of the gorgeous Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit parcels (10 minutes to Emma, 15 to John Muir, 5 minutes to McMiller trail heads). Additionally, the remarkable LuLu Lake State Natural Area is within a 10 minute walk down Nature Road. These nearby large scale natural areas offer many miles of trails and expanses of uninterrupted nature. Thus, we offer perfect accommodations for birders and outdoor recreationists, as well as family gatherings.In addition to the large public open spaces nearby, our site’s 77 acres are incrementally being restored and managed as woodland, savanna, prairie, wetland and aquatic native ecosystems. Miles of private mowed trails launch from the front door of the house, providing access to a beautiful private park with four fishing ponds. Hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and limited single track biking and fishing are allowed. The mid-century modern house is modest, partially renovated, and very well situated on the terraced site, with lots of indoor-outdoor views and amenities including two indoor wood burning fireplaces, outdoor hot tub, an outdoor fire pit on the patio, a gas grill, lots of bird feeding stations and patio seating. Spring and fall warbler migration are particularly wonderful times of year here!In the immediate yard of the house, a small outdoor heated pool frames a lovely rear yard that includes a fountain and a screen porch. A remnant gravel hill prairie covers what would typically be mowed lawn. Respecting the site’s plants while enjoying them will be expected of all guests, as is being courteous of all neighbors in this quiet rural setting. We have enjoyed this incredible property for 20 years and are at a point in our lives that we are ready to share it with others who will appreciate the opportunity to immerse oneself in a beautiful environment while not being far from three large metropolitan areas. The ease of access to nearby amenities, especially the State Forest trail systems and the Villages of Eagle, East Troy, Mukwonago and Palmyra (restaurants, gas stations, Old World Wisconsin, Alpine Valley, Elegant Farmer, Eagle Spring Lake, LuLu Lake and Crooked Creek, etc.) all make staying here very easy, relaxing, recreational and enjoyable. The house has the potential to sleep 10, with three private bedrooms (one queen bed and two double + twin bunk beds), a long living room couch and a super single fold down couch by the fireplace in the breezeway. Sheets and towels provided, to be laundered by guests. Two bathrooms include a walk-in shower and tub/shower. Washer and drier available. Kitchen includes gas stove and range, refrigerator, freezer, dorm dishwasher, microwave, toaster and general kitchen equipment, dishes and utensils.Skylights and lots of windows provide ample light and views of surrounding savanna that features a handful of old bur and white oaks, intermixed with hickories. Our favorite room is the living room where floor to ceiling windows make it feel as if you are sitting outside all year round. During the winter, a fire in the hearth with a drink and a game or movie on the flat screen TV offer a great place to kick back. If you can’t completely unplug, complimentary WiFi and a corner home office + artist’s easel in the breezeway allow for dedicated work and creative space.

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Forest camping near Cary guide

Overview

Looking to go camping near Cary, Illinois in the United States? Look no further than Hipcamp, where you'll find over 180 options tailored to your accommodation preference, activity/terrain preference, and location. With options as low as $10 per night and an average price of $39 per night, you can find the perfect campsite to fit your budget. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews, like The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (136 reviews), R&L Farm with Tent & RV Camping (51 reviews), and Willowthorne (45 reviews). Plus, popular amenities like cooking equipment, showers, and trash disposal make your camping experience even more enjoyable. And if snow sports, off-roading (OHV), or fishing are your thing, you're in luck, as these activities are popular in the area. Get ready for an unforgettable camping trip with Hipcamp!