The best river, stream, or creek RV parks near Elgin, Illinois

Looking to camp near Elgin, Illinois and enjoy the peacefulness of a river from the comfort of your RV? Hipcamp has over 410 options that match your accommodation preference, activity/terrain preference, and location. You'll find a variety of options that suit your budget, with average prices per night starting at $39 and options as low as $15. Browse through top campsites like Mulln-Heim Vineyards (342 reviews), Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), and Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews) and enjoy popular amenities like pets, potable water, and campfires. Participate in activities like horseback riding, fishing, and whitewater paddling to make your camping experience an unforgettable one.

96% (221)

Top-rated campgrounds near Elgin

Looking to camp near Elgin, Illinois and enjoy the peacefulness of a river from the comfort of your RV? Hipcamp has over 410 options that match your accommodation preference, activity/terrain preference, and location. You'll find a variety of options that suit your budget, with average prices per night starting at $39 and options as low as $15. Browse through top campsites like Mulln-Heim Vineyards (342 reviews), Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), and Horseshoe Bend (137 reviews) and enjoy popular amenities like pets, potable water, and campfires. Participate in activities like horseback riding, fishing, and whitewater paddling to make your camping experience an unforgettable one.

96% (221)

Top-rated campgrounds near Elgin

1. Bear Bottom Ranch

92%

(129)

32mi from Elgin · 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!

2. A Creek Runs Through It

93%

(15)

4.1mi from Elgin · 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!

3. The Aloha Ranch

100%

(19)

28mi from Elgin · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

We have 26 acres of land to have fun on and enjoy nature! Turtles, rabbits, deer, possums, and snakes are just a few of the wildlife that you may encounter. The Kishwaukee river runs along the property bringing a variety of creatures as well as a nice place to cool off on hot days. You can find wild berry trees and beautiful flowers. Enjoy campfires and gaze upon the vast sky full of stars at night. There are multiple camping sites, some surrounded by trees and others in open fields to suit your preference and camping vehicle. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our 26 acres surrounded by the Kishwaukee River. Small trails, secluded yet near food, shopping and activities. Pet friendly, bon fires, barbecuing, gorgeous sunrises and tranquil sunsets. We are a family run small farm with dogs, horses, ponies and chickens. Only 1 hour 20 minutes from downtown Chicago and 1 hour from Ohare airport.  Near Wisconsin border, Fox River, Lake Geneva, Rush Creek, Volo Museum & Antiques. Look up things to do in McHenry as well.

4. 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

5. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

100%

(4)

92 sites · Shabbona, Illinois

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

6. Millbrook Trail Rides

96%

(111)

33mi from Elgin · 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!

7. Crooked Creek Ranch

100%

(4)

48mi from Elgin · 1 site · Tent, RV

Wooded acres. Driving range. Starry sky's. Walking trails. Creek. Sledding hill. Wildlife such as deer, raccoons, fox, turkey, beaver, birds, to name a few. Abundant wood for fires.

8. Rolling Oaks Campground

37mi from Elgin · 51 sites

Rolling Oaks Campground stands out as a unique family-owned destination, nestled along the picturesque Fox River just 7 miles south of Sandwich, Illinois. Since 1969, this campground has been a cherished retreat for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Open from mid-April to mid-October, weather permitting, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages. At Rolling Oaks, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. Families can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. The campground hosts special events throughout the summer, featuring music and dancing on Saturday evenings, farmers markets, and delightful cart rides. Guests can also partake in community dinners such as spaghetti suppers, corn boils, and pig roasts, creating lasting memories together. For those looking to cool off, the campground boasts a well-maintained outdoor swimming lake. Additional conveniences include a propane exchange station, a dump station, firewood for sale, and a snack bar offering delicious options like burgers and pizza. The nearby town of Sandwich provides ample shopping, dining, and laundry facilities, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Rolling Oaks Campground features a variety of RV sites, including pull-thru, back-in, partial, and full

9. 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

10. 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

Public campgrounds near Elgin

Prairie View Campground

29mi from Elgin · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

100%

(2)

Turner Lake South Campground

29mi from Elgin · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Fox Den Campground

29mi from Elgin · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Honeysuckle Hollow Campground

29mi from Elgin · 86 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

100%

(4)

Shabbona Lake Campground

35mi from Elgin · 92 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

83%

(9)

Illinois Beach Campground

38mi from Elgin · 224 sites · Tents, RVs · in Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

Des Plaines Campground

47mi from Elgin · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

B

Brian

3 weeks ago

Tent

4 nights at Bear Bottom Ranch

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.

Joe

November 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Crooked Creek Ranch

Had another awesome trip here. I was allowed to hike to the creek and camp. It was so beautiful and peaceful. The dog and horses are very friendly and cool. The hoasts are very nice.

J

Jawad

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

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.

Jimmy

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

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!

V

Victoria

November 2025

19 ft travel trailer

1 night at Crooked Creek Ranch

Sandra is a wonderful, welcoming person, property is beautiful,site is clean , quiet & safe. I love the fall colors on the trees & hiking trails. I would recommend.

Joe

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Ranch

Great, beautiful place will definitely be back. Lots of firewood around, quiet and friendly. Has some cool horses.

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.

J

Joel

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Crooked Creek Ranch

What a wonderful Hipcamp experience! I received a very warm greeting from Sandra (and Koda!) who guided me down to the campsite. The site itself is private, tucked back in the woods, with plenty of space to spread out. Sandra had prepared the campfire, and there was tons of downed wood scattered about for gathering. I was able to ride my bike to a nearby restaurant that she recommended (No Prep Tacos—SO good), and slept so well in the peaceful tranquility of her property. I only wish I had more time to explore the property’s trails and brook. I will absolutely stay again the next time my travels bring me through the area!

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!

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!!

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

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.

M

Megan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Aloha Ranch

If you’re looking for a peaceful and untouched place to camp, the Aloha Ranch is it! Bobby was very communicative, and went out of her way to ensure we enjoyed our stay. She helped set us up at a local fishing venue with a beautiful castle and we spent two days enjoying the weather and solitude. Our campsite also had excellent stargazing! Highly recommended to anyone looking for a private getaway.

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!!!!