The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Chicago, Illinois

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping options in the United States! If you love the idea of glamping near a river in the vicinity of Chicago, Illinois, you're in luck! With over 220 available options that meet your accommodation preference, activity/terrain preference, and location, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Some of our top campsites in the area include Blooming Bus Farms (82 reviews), Escape to Nature (80 reviews), and CSC Permaculture Project (57 reviews). You'll find popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and cooking equipment, and popular activities like fishing and whitewater paddling. The average price per night is $35, and options are available for as low as $15. Happy camping!

94% (67)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping options in the United States! If you love the idea of glamping near a river in the vicinity of Chicago, Illinois, you're in luck! With over 220 available options that meet your accommodation preference, activity/terrain preference, and location, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Some of our top campsites in the area include Blooming Bus Farms (82 reviews), Escape to Nature (80 reviews), and CSC Permaculture Project (57 reviews). You'll find popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and cooking equipment, and popular activities like fishing and whitewater paddling. The average price per night is $35, and options are available for as low as $15. Happy camping!

94% (67)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

96%

(24)

27mi from Chicago · 5 sites · Lodging · Gary, IN

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

2. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest

93%

(57)

38mi from Chicago · 2 sites · Lodging · 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.

3. Creekside Dunes

37mi from Chicago · 2 sites · Lodging · Chesterton, IN

Wooded lot very close to the Indiana dunes national lake shore located close to down town Chesterton Indiana!

4. RC River Retreat

47mi from Chicago · 1 site · Lodging · Momence, IL

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.

Public campgrounds near Chicago

100%

(1)

Potawatomi Campground

49mi from Chicago · 105 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kankakee River State Park

Honeysuckle Hollow Campground

50mi from Chicago · 86 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Stories from the community

C

Camilla

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

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.

Vanisa

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest

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.

s

smita

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

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.

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

B

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.

Amanda

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

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.

D

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!