- Camping with Snow sport
The best camping near Downers Grove with snow sports
95% (260) • 654 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Downers Grove
A Creek Runs Through It
1. A Creek Runs Through It
94%
(16)
22mi from Downers Grove · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$41
/ night
The Commons Oak Savanna
2. The Commons Oak Savanna
92%
(25)
42mi from Downers Grove · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
(NOTE) Greenwood Rd and Illinois Rt 120 are the same...Google uses Greenwood Rd, and the State prefers Illinois Rte 120)
Get away from it and commune with nature in a pre-settlement natural oak savanna with oaks and hickories of 200-400 years. 25-acre woodland completely fenced and surrounded by cropland and woods with no homes or roads within a half mile. Experience the land as the nomadic Indian tribes saw it. Trails cross the property. Hawks, owls, turkeys, and occasional bald eagles, along with finches, woodpeckers, doves, and martins fill the sky; while deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits roam the grounds. Only two camps are available to keep the setting pristine and primitive and a third site can be used behind the sheds if you encounter unexpected weather.
Pets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Welcome to our Magical Woods
3. Welcome to our Magical Woods
98%
(244)
46mi from Downers Grove · 6 sites
Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to Starved Rock, numerous parks, lakes, hiking, fishing and boating sites, stores, and restaurants.
We have 4 well spaced campsites complete with fire pit, picnic table and a couple of chairs ready for you at your campsite. Rent 1 or rent them all! Just bring your tent or your hammock! Your initial firewood . lighter, trash and recycling cans, and firestarters are brought to your site before you arrive.
Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you.
We are LBGTQ+, LatinX and Very Family Friendly. Everyone is welcome here.
Message us when you are 30 minutes out, so we can you our tractor to help bring your things to your site. Same at check out. Just let us know 30 mins before you are ready to go and we will help you pack out! Sorry you will not be able to drive your vehicle to your site. This keeps the woods quiet for all of our guests. Each site is just a few hundred feet from the parking area.
The magical woods is located along the bridle trails behind our horse farm. Sorry, we do not offer trail rides as we have show horses. However you are welcome to arrange a visit to meet the animals when you arrive. We have horses, a miniature horse, a mule, miniature sheep and a very sweet goat named Hairy. There are about 50 chickens wandering the yard all day and we have 3 dogs and 3 cats that are always around. They are used to other dogs.
At night we have a lovely lullaby of owls, night birds, insects and frogs. Sometimes you can even hear sounds from the Illinois River and railway a miles away. Barges, trains (not many) tug boats, and the interesting sounds that come with them. Listen carefully, can you tell them apart?
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
4. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 31mi from Downers Grove · 22 sites
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
Gebhard Woods State Park
5. Gebhard Woods State Park
100%
(1)
State park 37mi from Downers Grove · 2 sites
Birds and boats, turtles and trails. Find all of the above and more at Gebhard Woods State Park. Enjoy this little world as you picnic by the shady lake, take a boat out to fish, and explore the trails weaving through the park. No matter the season, no matter the weather, the park is open and raring to go! Check out the variety of birds, bring your horse around for a trot, there is a million ways to have fun at Gebhard Woods!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
6. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
48mi from Downers Grove · 1 site
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
Kankakee River State Park
7. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
State park 41mi from Downers Grove · 207 sites
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
8. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
100%
(4)
State park 44mi from Downers Grove · 92 sites
Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road (otherwise known as Route 30) about an hour west of Chicago and find yourself amidst 1,550 acres of rolling prairie! Shabbona Lake encompasses a unique mix of habitats, providing superb outdoor recreation in an untarnished environment. There’s prairie restoration areas where you can spy a variety of native wildflowers and grasses. Spot your feathered friends on their vacation in the 15-acre migratory waterfowl seasonal nesting area.And for the fishers: the park concession stand sells bait and tackle and rents boats, so you can take a spin and cast a line on the 318.8-acre lake. Tent, RV and cabin camping is available, as well as endless picnicking opportunities. FYI: no booze is allowed in the park, so maybe save your famous margs for another occasion.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
9. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
83%
(9)
State park 46mi from Downers Grove · 224 sites
Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Illini State Park
10. Illini State Park
100%
(7)
State park 49mi from Downers Grove · 100 sites
Pack a picnic basket for a romantic or family-filled lunch on the shores of the Illinois RIver.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
95% (260) • 654 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Downers Grove
A Creek Runs Through It
1. A Creek Runs Through It
94%
(16)
22mi from Downers Grove · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$41
/ night
The Commons Oak Savanna
2. The Commons Oak Savanna
92%
(25)
42mi from Downers Grove · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
(NOTE) Greenwood Rd and Illinois Rt 120 are the same...Google uses Greenwood Rd, and the State prefers Illinois Rte 120)
Get away from it and commune with nature in a pre-settlement natural oak savanna with oaks and hickories of 200-400 years. 25-acre woodland completely fenced and surrounded by cropland and woods with no homes or roads within a half mile. Experience the land as the nomadic Indian tribes saw it. Trails cross the property. Hawks, owls, turkeys, and occasional bald eagles, along with finches, woodpeckers, doves, and martins fill the sky; while deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits roam the grounds. Only two camps are available to keep the setting pristine and primitive and a third site can be used behind the sheds if you encounter unexpected weather.
Pets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Welcome to our Magical Woods
3. Welcome to our Magical Woods
98%
(244)
46mi from Downers Grove · 6 sites
Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to Starved Rock, numerous parks, lakes, hiking, fishing and boating sites, stores, and restaurants.
We have 4 well spaced campsites complete with fire pit, picnic table and a couple of chairs ready for you at your campsite. Rent 1 or rent them all! Just bring your tent or your hammock! Your initial firewood . lighter, trash and recycling cans, and firestarters are brought to your site before you arrive.
Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you.
We are LBGTQ+, LatinX and Very Family Friendly. Everyone is welcome here.
Message us when you are 30 minutes out, so we can you our tractor to help bring your things to your site. Same at check out. Just let us know 30 mins before you are ready to go and we will help you pack out! Sorry you will not be able to drive your vehicle to your site. This keeps the woods quiet for all of our guests. Each site is just a few hundred feet from the parking area.
The magical woods is located along the bridle trails behind our horse farm. Sorry, we do not offer trail rides as we have show horses. However you are welcome to arrange a visit to meet the animals when you arrive. We have horses, a miniature horse, a mule, miniature sheep and a very sweet goat named Hairy. There are about 50 chickens wandering the yard all day and we have 3 dogs and 3 cats that are always around. They are used to other dogs.
At night we have a lovely lullaby of owls, night birds, insects and frogs. Sometimes you can even hear sounds from the Illinois River and railway a miles away. Barges, trains (not many) tug boats, and the interesting sounds that come with them. Listen carefully, can you tell them apart?
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
4. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 31mi from Downers Grove · 22 sites
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
Gebhard Woods State Park
5. Gebhard Woods State Park
100%
(1)
State park 37mi from Downers Grove · 2 sites
Birds and boats, turtles and trails. Find all of the above and more at Gebhard Woods State Park. Enjoy this little world as you picnic by the shady lake, take a boat out to fish, and explore the trails weaving through the park. No matter the season, no matter the weather, the park is open and raring to go! Check out the variety of birds, bring your horse around for a trot, there is a million ways to have fun at Gebhard Woods!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
6. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
48mi from Downers Grove · 1 site
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
Kankakee River State Park
7. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
State park 41mi from Downers Grove · 207 sites
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
8. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
100%
(4)
State park 44mi from Downers Grove · 92 sites
Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road (otherwise known as Route 30) about an hour west of Chicago and find yourself amidst 1,550 acres of rolling prairie! Shabbona Lake encompasses a unique mix of habitats, providing superb outdoor recreation in an untarnished environment. There’s prairie restoration areas where you can spy a variety of native wildflowers and grasses. Spot your feathered friends on their vacation in the 15-acre migratory waterfowl seasonal nesting area.And for the fishers: the park concession stand sells bait and tackle and rents boats, so you can take a spin and cast a line on the 318.8-acre lake. Tent, RV and cabin camping is available, as well as endless picnicking opportunities. FYI: no booze is allowed in the park, so maybe save your famous margs for another occasion.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
9. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
83%
(9)
State park 46mi from Downers Grove · 224 sites
Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Illini State Park
10. Illini State Park
100%
(7)
State park 49mi from Downers Grove · 100 sites
Pack a picnic basket for a romantic or family-filled lunch on the shores of the Illinois RIver.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Mitch
4 days ago
Tent
With pets
This was a beautiful site right on the creek, as advertised! There were a few great spots to pitch a tent and hang a hammock. Though the host's home is visible, it's far enough away to feel somewhat private. She left us a good-sized table firepit that cooked up food for two well and we had plenty of kindling available nearby. We brought our own firewood so I'm not sure if the host offers any. Plenty of room to park and there were lots of nice animal noises throughout the day & night for that wilderness feel. I'd recommend this for a low-key site that feels close to nature.
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J
James
November 2025
Tent
Fantastic piece of land and fantastic people! It was quiet and beautiful, perfect kind of spot for cozy and secluded camping. Heidi couldn’t have been more nice and helpful, it was really a phenomenal experience. Can’t say enough good things, definitely try this out!
See moreE
Eric
November 2025
Tent
Easy to get to, great spot, tons of room. It's a horse farm with lots of friendly animals running around. (But the camping area is down a small trail and secluded). Heidi brought us fresh eggs in the morning and the roosters made sure we didn't over sleep and waste our day. I'd def come back here. Thanks
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S
Sarah
November 2025
50 ft fifth wheel
Steve was an awesome host. After we got parked he explained some things he had to offer. I got lavender bunches, honey, and a book written by Steve himself. I teared up when he was explaining the true story of a princess he met at the age of 95, who has an incredible story… I am looking forward to reading it. We spent Halloween night here, without any scary stuff happening, and we lived to tell another story. Thanks Steve.
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D
Drew
October 2025
Tent
This is our 3rd time camping here. We love the land. And Heidi is an amazing host who always goes above and beyond
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Julia
October 2025
Tent
We enjoyed our stay. The description was perfect and Heidi was very helpful in helping us take our gear to our site. We had a wonderful night's stay. The load of wood provided was really nice. The fresh eggs were a nice extra too!
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Chelsea
October 2025
Tent
With kids
My family and I loved camping on Heidi's land. It was our daughter's first time camping, she is 6 months old. They have dogs on their property and my daughter loved the pomeranian. All of their dogs were super friendly and great with our daughter. We had the camp site next to the ravine, very beautiful. The site was big, lots of space. Heidi and her husband were wonderful hosts! We definitely recommend the stay! The property was easy to find and we had good cell service.
See moreJ
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!
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B
Brian
October 2025
Tent
The Commons Oak Savannah is a beautiful property and was the perfect setting for our 1930's themed camp-out. The hilly 1/2 mile cow lane from the highway back to the campsite passes through fields and woodlands and lends a feeling of travelling to a distant place and time, and we had no problem negotiating it our 1928 Model A Ford. The site itself is surrounded by woods with ancient oaks to the north, east and south, and we enjoyed the magnificent sunset over the open fields to the west. Darkness brought the sounds of screech owls and even the distant yips and howls of coyotes. The site itself was large and well mowed, and we found an abundance of wood in the brush pile concealed in the tall grass next to the lane. Prospective campers may want to note that there is a small group of well-maintained honey bee hive boxes adjacent to the site, but they ignored us completely and did not even stray into our camp. The host, Steve, was very congenial, with excellent communication via both hipcamp messaging and phone texting, and his interest in helping us enjoy our experience was readily apparent. I heartily recommend The Commons Oak Savannah to campers seeking a tranquil and authentic experience and hope to return many times myself.
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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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C
Cyndi
September 2025
Tent
With kids
We had an excellent experience. The campsite was absolutely massive for our group of 17 people. I would definitely come here again.
See more
G
Gwen
September 2025
Tent
I had a great camping here. A great place to enjoy the peaceful nature. Great host!
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Emily
September 2025
Tent
A last-minute change of plans, we originally reserved Meadow's Edge, but Heidi offered to move us to a different site that was a better fit for our needs. Arrival instructions were clear, but you do need to read them. When you get to the (correct) driveway, there are a few buildings where the horses are tended, and the parking lot and campground are beyond. You drive past the buildings through a field, with horses on the left, until you reach the wooded area. An orange portapotty marks the campground entrance. The camp site had everything we needed for a night - picnic table, fire pit and accessories, space for a tent, and recycling/garbage bins. The walk from the parking area to our site was not far, but we took Heidi up on the tractor help at the start and used the cart provided when leaving, as we had some heavy things. Easy, private, clean, peaceful. There was some noise from surrounding area (distant music, truck noises), but not problem. Tiller visited us when we were packing up and what they say about him is true. Horses and chickens also very cool. Would recommend and would stay again.
See moren
narlycharley
September 2025
Tent
Steve was a great host. Great with communication. The property was very pretty. Had to cut down and process our own dead wood. The path to the wooded area is grass with very tall thick grass/plants in the center. If you have a vehicle with a nice (painted) front lower bumper, keep scratching in mind. I plan on staying again.
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R
Rachel
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Heidi has such a special spot! We had such a relaxing, fun time. Our site had everything we needed and more. Heidi was so helpful getting our stuff to our site for us and it was easy to walk stuff out with a wagon. The trails are clearly marked and easy to maneuver. It was an easy drive to many good hiking spots. We also love all of the animals! Tiller, one of the dogs, was a regular visitor and such a good boy! Our son loved going to visit the barn each day to visit the animals and Heidi was so welcoming in introducing us to the animals and showing us around. We will absolutely be back!
See moreJ
Janina
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Heidi's welcome to our magical woods site was perfect for my family. There are a few sites, and their operation is smooth and feels visitor oriented. Heidi is very kind. The sites have the most useful basics. Trash and recycling, wood starters, lighters, and trash bags. There is a grill to drop over the firepit. The sites are all in heavily sided area, with no traffic sounds. We loved that it was not drive up, and the family helpfully and without hesitating carried our things via tractor. We had the pondside paradise space. We fit 7 people, 3 tents ama 3 hammocks. Note that each site has an entry and exit for the tractor. You have to adjust to camping across those wide paths. Our site may have been the most private, as we were at the end of the tractor road/path. The stream in the description is at the bottom of a huge green ravine. Heidi's family have tied a rope such that you can clamber down the ravine edge. The pond is lovely, albeit very small and slowly drying up. Despite being near water, there were no bugs, as Heidi had promised! It took some time to understand the path to the port-o-potty. Many of the other sites seemed to be closer or open to the tractor road. The overhead trees were glorious and we heard woodpeckers, coyotes, and possibly a wolf. Loved the barn cats, dogs, sheep, goat, chickens, mini horse and chickens. Tiller visited a few times too - A quiet, very gentle dog. 20-30 min from starved rock and mathiessen . Highly highly recommend!
See moreV
Vince
August 2025
Tent
With pets
My son and I enjoyed our 2-day campout along with our dog. The site was quiet and very private. There were no other campsites nearby, a huge bonus. It was a bit overgrown when we arrived, but we were able to quickly clear an area for our tent and tarp. I’m sure we will try go back in the future. The location was convenient to my NW suburban home.
See moreL
Lauren
August 2025
Tent
With kids
This was our second time staying on Heidi’s beautiful land. Another perfect camping trip!
See moreL
Lor
July 2025
Tent
With pets
Heidi was an unbelievable host! The sites are very happy private and pleasant to be in. I cannot recommend this spot enough, especially if you’re looking to enjoy all the national parks in the area. The proceeds that are made from these camping sites go towards the equestrian therapy that Heidi graciously runs. Everything about this place is loving safe and beautiful.
See moreN
Nameless
July 2025
Tent
With pets
Had a great time. Heidi and tiller are great hosts!!!
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