94% (265) • 18 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Chicago
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
96%
(24)
27mi from Chicago · 6 sites · Lodging
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
A Creek Runs Through It
2. A Creek Runs Through It
93%
(15)
37mi from Chicago · 2 sites · RVs
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!
Pets
from
$41
/ night
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
3. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
38mi from Chicago · 2 sites · Lodging
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
Indiana Dunes National Park
4. Indiana Dunes National Park
95%
(41)
66 sites · Dune Acres, Indiana
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Channahon State Park
5. Channahon State Park
25 sites · Channahon, Illinois
This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Bear Bottom Ranch
6. Bear Bottom Ranch
92%
(129)
47mi from Chicago · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Millbrook Trail Rides
7. Millbrook Trail Rides
96%
(111)
48mi from Chicago · 1 site · Tent
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!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$27
/ night
Creekside Dunes
8. Creekside Dunes
37mi from Chicago · 2 sites · Lodging
Wooded lot very close to the Indiana dunes national lake shore located close to down town Chesterton Indiana!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
RC River Retreat
9. RC River Retreat
47mi from Chicago · 1 site · Lodging
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
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
10. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
83%
(9)
224 sites · Zion, Illinois
Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
11. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
22 sites · Channahon, Illinois
Experience an echo of the expansive natural prairies of an Illinois past when you come to Des Plaines Fish & Wildlife Area. The tranquil vibes of the park will refresh your soul. The smooth flowing rivers and natural prairie lands stretch across the horizon—making that campfire glow all the more spectacular.
There is so much diversity at this park; woodland turns to farmland, prairie turns to swamp, calm waters turn to rushing rivers. This makes for an exceptional array of epic outdoor activities to partake in. We’re talking something for nature lovers and huntsmen alike. The fishing here is on point, with bass, walleye, northern pike, and catfish jumping at the bait on the banks of Miliken Lake and Kankakee River. Explore the acres of naturally preserved beauty, embrace the lush water sources, and just have a hell of a good time all around at this park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kankakee River State Park
12. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
207 sites · Limestone, Illinois
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
13. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
100%
(2)
185 sites · Channel Lake, Illinois
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
94% (265) • 18 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Chicago
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
96%
(24)
27mi from Chicago · 6 sites · Lodging
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
A Creek Runs Through It
2. A Creek Runs Through It
93%
(15)
37mi from Chicago · 2 sites · RVs
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!
Pets
from
$41
/ night
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
3. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
38mi from Chicago · 2 sites · Lodging
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
Indiana Dunes National Park
4. Indiana Dunes National Park
95%
(41)
66 sites · Dune Acres, Indiana
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Channahon State Park
5. Channahon State Park
25 sites · Channahon, Illinois
This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Bear Bottom Ranch
6. Bear Bottom Ranch
92%
(129)
47mi from Chicago · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Millbrook Trail Rides
7. Millbrook Trail Rides
96%
(111)
48mi from Chicago · 1 site · Tent
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!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$27
/ night
Creekside Dunes
8. Creekside Dunes
37mi from Chicago · 2 sites · Lodging
Wooded lot very close to the Indiana dunes national lake shore located close to down town Chesterton Indiana!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
RC River Retreat
9. RC River Retreat
47mi from Chicago · 1 site · Lodging
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
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
10. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
83%
(9)
224 sites · Zion, Illinois
Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
11. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
22 sites · Channahon, Illinois
Experience an echo of the expansive natural prairies of an Illinois past when you come to Des Plaines Fish & Wildlife Area. The tranquil vibes of the park will refresh your soul. The smooth flowing rivers and natural prairie lands stretch across the horizon—making that campfire glow all the more spectacular.
There is so much diversity at this park; woodland turns to farmland, prairie turns to swamp, calm waters turn to rushing rivers. This makes for an exceptional array of epic outdoor activities to partake in. We’re talking something for nature lovers and huntsmen alike. The fishing here is on point, with bass, walleye, northern pike, and catfish jumping at the bait on the banks of Miliken Lake and Kankakee River. Explore the acres of naturally preserved beauty, embrace the lush water sources, and just have a hell of a good time all around at this park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kankakee River State Park
12. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
207 sites · Limestone, Illinois
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
13. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
100%
(2)
185 sites · Channel Lake, Illinois
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
B
Brian
November 2025
Tent
Site 1 was perfect. We had a couple nice days before the snowstorm hit to enjoy the trails and bonfire pit. We were there to winter camp so snow was a plus. Plenty of down limbs if run short on wood. Stores were close and bbr was easy to find. Recommend if you like privacy.
See more
J
Jawad
November 2025
Tent
This is a beautiful site just 1.5 hours from downtown. Also, didn't knew silver springs state wildlife park was just 5 mins from here. I would come here in spring and summer when the creek level is enough for paddling.
See more
Jimmy
November 2025
16 ft car
Extremely private as described. Nice area. We didn't get to spend much time there but we would recommend it to anyone looking for a private spot. 2WD accessible even with a sedan. Thanks!
See more
K
Katie
October 2025
Tent
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! :)
See moreS
Santos
October 2025
Tent
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.
See moreC
Carlos
October 2025
12 ft pop-up camper
Un lugar hermoso que se disfruta lo unico traer tu propio generator si quieres luz
See more
J
Jonathan
October 2025
13 ft travel trailer
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!
See more
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.
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M
Mike
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
A really great spot and a really amazing experience being around the horses. Can't wait to visit again.
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D
Deanne
September 2025
Tent
With kids
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!!
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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.
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Dave
September 2025
15 ft travel trailer
Wonderful piece of property fantastic hosts my third or fourth time here had a great time every single trip will highly recommend this
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s
sarah
September 2025
Tent
With kids
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!
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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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S
Stephanie
September 2025
8 ft travel trailer
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.
See moreC
Carlos
September 2025
12 ft pop-up camper
With kids
It is a beautiful place for camping.
It is very quiet.
See moreI
Imad
August 2025
Tent
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!
See moreC
Christy
August 2025
Tent
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!!!!
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Allan
August 2025
6 ft campervan
With kids
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 !
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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
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