River, stream, or creek camping near Chicago

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

98% (123 reviews)
98% (123 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Chicago

4 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Chicago

98%
(26)

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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
98%
(111)

Gun Smoke Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Grant Park, IL
Beautiful camping spots with fire pit and picnic table. Seasoned Firewood is available for purchase. Three beautiful sites with campfire pits and area for tents. Sites 1&2 overlook a manicured range. Site 3 is nearby. Waivers must be signed to use range, Hipcamp is not liable for range use. Car, suv, truck, trailer and smaller RV parking. 15 minute drive to Cedar Lake, 10 minutes to Badlandz Paintball Field. No electrical hookup, no plumbing. (Yet) Porta potty provided
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$50
 / night
97%
(44)

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 heated by a toasty 89,000 BTU wood stove. 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
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 
$45
 / night

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

Value Prop
Value Prop

River, stream, or creek camping near Chicago guide

Overview

Looking to camp near Chicago, Illinois and be close to a river? Look no further than Hipcamp, where you'll find over 250 options that fit your preferences. From riverside sites to secluded spots tucked away in the woods, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), Welcome to our Magical Woods (66 reviews), and Pole Run Pen (65 reviews). With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $15, you're sure to find a campsite that fits your budget. Plus, popular amenities like trash disposal, campfires, and pet-friendly spaces make your camping experience even better. Don't forget to enjoy popular activities like snow sports, paddling, and boating while you're there!

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.