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

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!

94% (265)

Top-rated campgrounds

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!

94% (265)

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. A Creek Runs Through It

93%

(15)

37mi from Chicago · 2 sites · RVs · Elgin, IL

I love sharing this beautiful piece of land with other nature lovers. 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!

3. 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.

4. Bear Bottom Ranch

92%

(127)

47mi from Chicago · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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!

5. Millbrook Trail Rides

96%

(110)

48mi from Chicago · 1 site · Tent · Newark, IL

We are a horse farm that offers trail riding to the public. We have 50 acres of wooded land with a creek running through it. We have plenty of space and we are happy to provide you with a fun camping experience! Our campsite is private and convenient. Please be warned that a loud train goes through at night!

6. 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!

7. 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.

Camper favorites near Chicago

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Bear Bottom Ranch

92%

(127)

47mi from Chicago · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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!

Millbrook Trail Rides

96%

(110)

48mi from Chicago · 1 site · Tent · Newark, IL

We are a horse farm that offers trail riding to the public. We have 50 acres of wooded land with a creek running through it. We have plenty of space and we are happy to provide you with a fun camping experience! Our campsite is private and convenient. Please be warned that a loud train goes through at night!

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!

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

95%

(40)

Dunewood Campground

38mi from Chicago · 66 sites · Tents, RVs · in Indiana Dunes National Park

Channahon Campground

40mi from Chicago · 25 sites · in Channahon State Park

83%

(9)

Illinois Beach Campground

42mi from Chicago · 224 sites · Tents, RVs · in Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

Des Plaines Campground

43mi from Chicago · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

A shallow part of rock creek, near the campground.

100%

(1)

Chippewa Campground

47mi from Chicago · 94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kankakee River State Park

Equestrian Campground

47mi from Chicago · 8 sites · in Kankakee River State Park

100%

(1)

Potawatomi Campground

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

Prairie View Campground

49mi from Chicago · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Fox Den Campground

49mi from Chicago · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

100%

(2)

Turner Lake South Campground

49mi from Chicago · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Honeysuckle Hollow Campground

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

Stories from the community

K

Katie

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Millbrook Trail Rides

Nice property. Gorgeous sunset. Portapottie is on the other side of the property which I wish I knew beforehand as I may have camped elsewhere. It's a bit dark since it's in a barn and has no hand sanitizer so just make sure you've got a flashlight and hand sanitizer if needed. The instructions say if you have a car small enough with high clearance you can cross the bridge (mine was too big to drive across which is fine), but the owner said the bridge isnt built to be driven across. So for anyone thinking of driving to your campsite, just be aware of that! :)

S

Santos

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Bear Bottom Ranch

I loved hearing the owls and seeing the horse in the morning. This was a lovely piece of land and I would definitely recommend camping here.

C

Carlos

October 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Un lugar hermoso que se disfruta lo unico traer tu propio generator si quieres luz

J

Jonathan

October 2025

13 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to A Creek Runs Through It

When we pulled up to the site, Kristen made sure we knew exactly where to park and gave us the layout of her land. It was nice to be able to park our camper there while we visited the nearby town. This site was quiet and private. We felt very safe here. Kristen communicated well and we knew everything we needed to know before even showing up. We would definitely camp here again!

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.

M

Mike

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

A really great spot and a really amazing experience being around the horses. Can't wait to visit again.

D

Deanne

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

My daughter and I love camping and horses and this was the perfect mix!! Loved our site, we were able to set up hammocks and have a nice fire. The train is loud at night but it kinda makes it more of an adventure. The horses coming into our site was just the most epic and amazing thing. Host is so sweet and we cannot wait to come back to do a trail ride! Note: the road to the site is very bumpy so keep this in mind with vehicle. Recommend!!

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.

Dave

September 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Wonderful piece of property fantastic hosts my third or fourth time here had a great time every single trip will highly recommend this

s

sarah

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

Wonderful place- private and so special with the horses and other animals on the property nearby! Kids love to play in the creek and meet the horses!

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.

S

Stephanie

September 2025

8 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Our pups loved this place! Three sites that were a good distance apart, no one bothered us, and the site was well maintained. You could definitely fit a couple tents per site if you're going with family! Porta poty was very clean and easily accessible.

C

Carlos

September 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

It is a beautiful place for camping. It is very quiet.

I

Imad

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Second time this summer. Great spot! Peaceful, clean, well taken care of, and surrounded by nature. Meredith was a wonderful host and made everything easy. Highly recommend!

C

Christy

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Millbrook Trail Rides

We had an incredible time!!! The train bridge made it feel so magical, and waking up the grazing horses near our tent was the delight of my trip so far!!!!

Allan

August 2025

6 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Great place to get away from the city! The spot was amazing ! The horses are beautiful. The Vibes where the best ! Will be coming back !

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

S

Samantha

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Great private site. Loved going for a walk and seeing the horses. Only downside, which is just the reality of camping, was the mud by the firing from rain a few days before hadn’t been able to dry because it was in a shaded part of the site making it tough to use. Just to be aware of if it had rained recently. Great place!

C

Catherine

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Honestly, a great campsite. The owners were friendly and brought us firewood. We only stayed for a night, but I wish it was longer would definitely recommend staying here.

J

Jean

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Great camping. Beautiful sites. All sites are very private and exclusive.