Forest camping near Chicago

Watch the sunrise over Lake Michigan or fish in the Illinois River on a camping escape near Chicago.

95% (134 reviews)
  1. United States
    —
  2. Illinois
    —
  3. Chicago
95% (134 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Chicago

Stories from the community

The Mannex! Indiana Dunes Nat'l Pk
L
Laurie
3 days ago
24 ft Class C
With pets
1 night at The Mannex! Indiana Dunes Nat'l Pk
Camping at Mannex was great! Clean, great utilities, welcoming host. Located within minutes of Lake Michigan, beautiful beach and sunset. Bike trail to the beach is easily accessed, restaurant with live music just down the road. Pet friendly, too! Thank you, Geoff!
See more
Bear Bottom Ranch
L
Lisa
2 weeks ago
Tent
Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch
Beautiful chunk of land! And Meredith was VERY helpful when I had to confront the possibility of hanging my hammock outside on a rainy night - she pointed me to a horse shelter where I could hang my hammock & stay dry, and I had a really lovely night.
See more
Big rock forest preserve right around the corner. Hiking trails. Allows horses! I’ll allow horses on the farm. Ask me on advance to set something up. Camp with your horses!
K
Kathleen
May 2025
Tent
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
We had a great experience here and would love to come back again soon! Thank you Kimberly :)
See more
Bear Bottom Ranch
C
Cooper
May 2025
Tent
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch
It was very private and secluded and it was a nice open area.
See more
Bear Bottom Ranch
D
David
May 2025
16 ft Class C
Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch
The campground was amazing ! Nice and private with wonderful hosts will definitely come back and stay soon !
See more
Bear Bottom Ranch
B
Bryce
May 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch
I would highly recommend this campsite, it's only an hour from Chicago and has a Walmart and a few restaurants nearby. The sites are spaced fairly far apart that we only saw another camper once. Fire pit was nice and we were able to use a broke down tree for fuel but the Walmart does sell firewood.
See more
Bear Bottom Ranch
J
Jonathan
May 2025
13 ft travel trailer
With kids
Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch
When we pulled in, there were other campers occupying site 1. So we went straight to site 2. Both sites are not within view of each other so this was a very private camp spot! We enjoyed our stay here and even got to walk around their property a bit.
See more
Bear Bottom Ranch
I
Imad
May 2025
15 ft campervan
Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch
Meredith’s land is beautiful and peaceful. Campsite 2 was quiet and located next to a creek and trees where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of running water and birdsongs. The fire ring was large and well-placed, and the picnic table was clean and well-maintained. The toilet box was also clean. Firewood is available throughout the site. A great spot and great host with ontime communication.
See more
Big rock forest preserve right around the corner. Hiking trails. Allows horses! I’ll allow horses on the farm. Ask me on advance to set something up. Camp with your horses!
B
Benjamin
May 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
Great spot with lots of open sky. Very communicative and kind host, fresh eggs and firewood were great!! Not super quiet but nothing too disruptive or loud.
See more
Bear Bottom Ranch
C
Chris
April 2025
15 ft campervan
1 night at Bear Bottom Ranch
Such a beautiful spot! I loved my stay and would loved go back!
See more
Bear Bottom Ranch
A
Alison
November 2024
Tent
Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch
Everything was clean and perfect. Such a nice secluded area and very private for our dogs to free roam. We will be returning!!
See more
Bear Bottom Ranch
M
Monstersofdamidway
November 2024
16 ft car
1 night at Bear Bottom Ranch
Very nice and peaceful site! Great spot for a nice quick getaway. Definitely would recommend!
See more

5 top forest campgrounds near Chicago

  • Bear Bottom Ranch
  • Bear Bottom Ranch
  • Bear Bottom Ranch
93%
(75)

Bear Bottom Ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · Yorkville, IL
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
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
  • Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
  • Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
  • Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
98%
(21)

Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers

10 sites · Tents5 acres · Big Rock, IL
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 May 1 through Sept 30 (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. 💕🙏
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
$25.20
 / night
  • The Mannex! Indiana Dunes Nat'l Pk
  • The Mannex! Indiana Dunes Nat'l Pk
  • The Mannex! Indiana Dunes Nat'l Pk
100%
(2)

The Mannex! Indiana Dunes Nat'l Pk

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Beverly Shores, IN
The Man's Annex aka the Mannex is located on Scenic US HWY 12 to the South and The South Shore Commuter Rail to the North.  The campsite is very clean, tidy and safe.  The main pebble parking area slopes gently to the North so you will want levelers if you're in a camper.  I have a brand new RV Pedestal complete with 50 and 30amp service, a mechanical timer for the LED lights encompassing the parking area as well as a rheostat so you can dim the lights.  I have a 40" firepit with spark arrestor (please use to be in compliance with local laws) as well as a polywood octagonal picnic table and well water with 100' hose.  Trash and human waste is to be carried out.  Please keep your camper to the east of the blue and yellow birdhouses as access to the building is needed.  Tent campers can pitch a tent on the grassy area east of the fire pit or anywhere in the woods. The location is great!  You're inside the dunes national park and only 1.35 miles to the beach.  Just north of the train tracks is the Calumet bike path.  .35 to the west is a gas station with a bathroom, the south shore train station (day trip to Chicago anyone?), a great restaurant and liquor store as well.  Bikes are HIGHLY recommended to be able to help facilitate your exploring of this very unique part of the country. If you're a birder and you don't already know, bring your binocs, this is one of the best birding towns in the Midwest / country due to the location and it's biodiversity.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
$125
 / night
  • A Creek Runs Through It
  • A Creek Runs Through It
  • A Creek Runs Through It
96%
(13)

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!
Pets
Campfires
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$40.50
 / night
  • Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
  • Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
  • Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(55)

Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest

2 sites · Lodging56 acres · Crown Point, IN
Learn more about this land: Come enjoy a stay at the rustic Hruby Ranch. 50 acres of private land to explore. A cozy comfortable excursion tent with queen bed. There are trails throughout of which you are free to explore. And our animals will surely delight. A fire pit is always a wonderful way to end the day. Located 12 minutes from I 65 and 15 minutes from downtown Crown Point and 20 from Valporaiso. If the beach is more your style, we are 25 minutes from the Indiana dunes and Lake Michigan! We are in winter/inclimate weather conditions, all stays are hike in and out approximately 150yards from the barn and stable areas.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$100
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Forest camping near Chicago guide

Overview

Camping near Chicago, Illinois in the forest? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 310 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot in the woods or a site with easy access to hiking trails, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like East Woods on the IL River (342 reviews), Mulln-Heim Vineyards (135 reviews), and Blooming Bus Farms (82 reviews). With popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, trash disposal, and toilets, plus activities such as horseback riding, swimming, and off-roading, your camping experience will be one for the books. And with an average price of $50 per night and options as low as $20, camping has never been more affordable!

Popular Chicago trips

All
RV parks & camping
Camping with hiking
Camping with fishing
River, stream, or creek camping
Glamping
Cabins
Camping with swimming

Top parks near Chicago

Duck Lake Public Reserved Land
Hoffmaster State Park
Grand Haven State Park
Muskegon State Park
Great River Bluffs State Park
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Lincoln State Park
Harrisville State Park

Top cities near Chicago

Grand Rapids
Milwaukee
Fort Wayne
Plainfield
Columbus
St Louis
Indianapolis
Cincinnati

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me
Hipcamp campgrounds near me
Best RV camping near me
Hipcamps ready for RVs near me
Best glamping near me
Cabins, yurts, treehouses and more