94% (67) • 6 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Chicago
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
96%
(24)
27mi from Chicago · 6 sites
This is a hidden gem in the outskirts of Gary. Located on the Calumet river is this amazing horse farm with 3 horses and 4 ponies. It’s 1 mile off of the 80/94 and 65 highway. Only a 45 min drive from Chicago. We also offer free parking to Miller Beach on Lake Michigan which is only a 10 min drive to there and the Indiana Dunes. Theres also Deep River Dam where you can drop your kayak and do some fishing less then a mile away.
Pet fee 50 dollars for 1st pet
25 dollars for 2nd pet (75)
2 max pets
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$90
/ night
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
2. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
38mi from Chicago · 2 sites
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
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
Creekside Dunes
3. Creekside Dunes
37mi from Chicago · 2 sites
Wooded lot very close to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, located close to downtown Chesterton, Indiana!Just minutes from your spot, discover outdoor fun at Indiana Dunes State Park, where forest, dunes, and beach await, or hike through the wetlands and scenic landscapes on the Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trail. Closer to town, wander the nature paths and boardwalks of Coffee Creek Preserve, or enjoy biking and strolls along the Prairie Duneland Trail for a mix of easy adventure and beautiful scenery — all within about 15 miles of your campsite.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
Kankakee River State Park
4. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
State park 46mi from Chicago · 207 sites
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
5. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
100%
(2)
State park 50mi from Chicago · 185 sites
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
RC River Retreat
6. RC River Retreat
47mi from Chicago · 1 site
Relax and unwind on the river! Whether alone, a couple, group or family everyone will enjoy this beautiful home. Relax by the river, fire pit or fireplace and enjoy! This home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, kitchen, living room and some nooks and crannies to relax.
With Wi-fi, Dish tv, charcoal and gas grill (bring your own charcoal or propane), games, books and indoor/outdoor stereo system.
2 public ramps within 5 miles to launch your watercraft or just fish off of the dock.
Non-smoking.
The space
We have done our best to offer you and your guests a comfortable stay. Each room has plenty of storage. There are dressers and closets for your belongings. The kitchen should have all your cooking needs.
Guest access
The house is all yours! The garage and the shed are for the private use of the owners.
Other things to note
There are many outdoor games (corn hole, Ladder Ball, yard Yahtzee, yard Jenga and Yard Connect Four).
So there's no surprises; we have satellite dish for internet. Due to the limited options of our rural location, this may result in spotty internet that is also impacted by the weather.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$240
/ night
94% (67) • 6 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Chicago
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
96%
(24)
27mi from Chicago · 6 sites
This is a hidden gem in the outskirts of Gary. Located on the Calumet river is this amazing horse farm with 3 horses and 4 ponies. It’s 1 mile off of the 80/94 and 65 highway. Only a 45 min drive from Chicago. We also offer free parking to Miller Beach on Lake Michigan which is only a 10 min drive to there and the Indiana Dunes. Theres also Deep River Dam where you can drop your kayak and do some fishing less then a mile away.
Pet fee 50 dollars for 1st pet
25 dollars for 2nd pet (75)
2 max pets
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$90
/ night
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
2. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
38mi from Chicago · 2 sites
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
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
Creekside Dunes
3. Creekside Dunes
37mi from Chicago · 2 sites
Wooded lot very close to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, located close to downtown Chesterton, Indiana!Just minutes from your spot, discover outdoor fun at Indiana Dunes State Park, where forest, dunes, and beach await, or hike through the wetlands and scenic landscapes on the Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trail. Closer to town, wander the nature paths and boardwalks of Coffee Creek Preserve, or enjoy biking and strolls along the Prairie Duneland Trail for a mix of easy adventure and beautiful scenery — all within about 15 miles of your campsite.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
Kankakee River State Park
4. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
State park 46mi from Chicago · 207 sites
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
5. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
100%
(2)
State park 50mi from Chicago · 185 sites
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
RC River Retreat
6. RC River Retreat
47mi from Chicago · 1 site
Relax and unwind on the river! Whether alone, a couple, group or family everyone will enjoy this beautiful home. Relax by the river, fire pit or fireplace and enjoy! This home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, kitchen, living room and some nooks and crannies to relax.
With Wi-fi, Dish tv, charcoal and gas grill (bring your own charcoal or propane), games, books and indoor/outdoor stereo system.
2 public ramps within 5 miles to launch your watercraft or just fish off of the dock.
Non-smoking.
The space
We have done our best to offer you and your guests a comfortable stay. Each room has plenty of storage. There are dressers and closets for your belongings. The kitchen should have all your cooking needs.
Guest access
The house is all yours! The garage and the shed are for the private use of the owners.
Other things to note
There are many outdoor games (corn hole, Ladder Ball, yard Yahtzee, yard Jenga and Yard Connect Four).
So there's no surprises; we have satellite dish for internet. Due to the limited options of our rural location, this may result in spotty internet that is also impacted by the weather.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$240
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Camilla
October 2025
With pets
We had a wonderful stay. Nice to have a getaway like this so close to the city. We enjoyed the site- absolutely beautiful view of ponies and goats. Camper was worn and comfortable and very well stocked. There’s some highway noise but it becomes like white noise- I didn’t notice it really. The host was incredibly nice and helpful and communicative. We hope to return.
See more
Vanisa
September 2025
With kids
The Hruby Ranch was everything we were hoping for and more. You can tell immediately that there is a lot of love put into the property. It is very well maintained and easy to do our overnight getaway, having comforts of home and still outdoor camping feeling. Seeing both sunset and sunrise from our site was so special. The animals were our kiddos favorite along with the trampoline!
Thank you Tom and Ally for the hospitality, we hope to make this at least an annual getaway.
See more
s
smita
September 2025
With kids
We had such a wonderful stay here! Derek is a very helpful and responsive host. My daughter absolutely loved all the animals — cats, dogs, horses, and goats — which made the trip extra special. The location is perfect, close to the beach and just a short drive from Chicago, so it was both relaxing and convenient. We would definitely love to come back again.
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Amanda
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
Love this place so much, this was my second time back and plan to come again next summer. Beautiful spot and beautiful beach 10 min away. It’s close to Illinois so it’s a short drive. Highly recommend
See moreB
Ben
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
Great host, great place! Tips: bring bug spray and the water heater is a 6 gallon dudad. Great for camping, though. Enjoyed the rocking swing.
See moreAmanda
July 2025
With pets
I loved this place sooo much. The location was perfect and the private beach that we were able to go to from the Host was AMAZING! I unfortunately had to come later and leave earlier but I already booked another stay cause I cannot stop thinking about it! This was absolutely needed after a rough week. Cannot wait to go back. Highly recommend.
See moreD
Davin
November 2024
Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
Derek was super helpful and responsive! Cute RV and super comfy bed! Has all your amenities and nice and quiet. Highly recommend!
See more
