- Riverside Camping
The best river, stream, or creek camping near Elmwood Park
96% (377) • 20 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Elmwood Park
A Creek Runs Through It
1. A Creek Runs Through It
93%
(15)
29mi from Elmwood Park · 2 sites
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
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
2. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
96%
(24)
36mi from Elmwood Park · 6 sites
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
Bear Bottom Ranch
3. Bear Bottom Ranch
92%
(129)
44mi from Elmwood Park · 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
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
4. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
83%
(9)
State park 36mi from Elmwood Park · 224 sites
Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Channahon State Park
5. Channahon State Park
State park 41mi from Elmwood Park · 25 sites
This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Millbrook Trail Rides
6. Millbrook Trail Rides
96%
(111)
44mi from Elmwood Park · 1 site
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
Gun Smoke Ranch
7. Gun Smoke Ranch
98%
(163)
45mi from Elmwood Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful camping spots with fire pit and picnic table.
Seasoned Firewood is available for purchase.
Four beautiful sites with campfire pits and area for tents/RVs.
Sites 1 and 2 overlook a manicured range, creek, and are covered by pines. Site 3 and 4 are open sky, with easy pull-up parking for the big campers or RVs. 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, and Badlandz Paintball Field. Sollitt Tap is a few miles west. It has the best burgers!
No electrical hookup, no plumbing. (Yet)
Porta potty provided, hose available at the house.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
8. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
46mi from Elmwood Park · 2 sites
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
The Aloha Ranch
9. The Aloha Ranch
100%
(19)
50mi from Elmwood Park · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$50
/ night
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
10. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
100%
(2)
State park 41mi from Elmwood Park · 185 sites
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
11. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 43mi from Elmwood Park · 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
Indiana Dunes National Park
12. Indiana Dunes National Park
95%
(41)
National park 44mi from Elmwood Park · 66 sites
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Creekside Dunes
13. Creekside Dunes
46mi from Elmwood Park · 2 sites
Wooded lot very close to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, located close to downtown Chesterton, Indiana!Just minutes from your spot, discover outdoor fun at Indiana Dunes State Park, where forest, dunes, and beach await, or hike through the wetlands and scenic landscapes on the Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trail. Closer to town, wander the nature paths and boardwalks of Coffee Creek Preserve, or enjoy biking and strolls along the Prairie Duneland Trail for a mix of easy adventure and beautiful scenery — all within about 15 miles of your campsite.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
Private Lake Mary Channel Camping
14. Private Lake Mary Channel Camping
100%
(6)
48mi from Elmwood Park · 1 site
Tent Camping Site on Lake Mary’s Channel. Private place to pitch a couple tents, hammocks, enjoy a campfire, and most importantly enjoy access to Lake Mary & Lake Elizabeth via a short channel which is only steps from the door of your tent!
The channel is shallow, while you cannot swim from the campsite to the lake you can easily launch kayaks and after 850ft of paddling you are out on Lake Mary!
15minute safe sidewalk or quiet neighborhood road walk to Lance Park from camping site. The park also has ample parking. Drive time from camping site to the park is only 2minutes! Lance Park has a wonderful pubic beach swimming area. The water quality of Lake Mary is amazing with great clarity and no algae or seaweed growth. It also has a public boat launch. The park also hosts the “AquaNut” Water Show every Wednesday and Saturday nights in the summer!
Lance Park also has a clean and very large handicap accessible porta potty that can be used 24/7.
Twin Lakes has a cute Main Street with lots of fun to be had. There are also several restaurant/bars on Lake Mary or Lake Elizabeth.
Lake Elizabeth can be accessed by a small waterway that connects the lakes. Kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes can easily float under a lower foot and car bridge. Larger and taller motorized boats cannot move between lakes.
This camping site offers such a fun and inexpensive way to get outdoors this summer!
Pets
Campfires
from
$49
/ night
96% (377) • 20 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Elmwood Park
A Creek Runs Through It
1. A Creek Runs Through It
93%
(15)
29mi from Elmwood Park · 2 sites
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
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
2. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
96%
(24)
36mi from Elmwood Park · 6 sites
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
Bear Bottom Ranch
3. Bear Bottom Ranch
92%
(129)
44mi from Elmwood Park · 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
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
4. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
83%
(9)
State park 36mi from Elmwood Park · 224 sites
Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Channahon State Park
5. Channahon State Park
State park 41mi from Elmwood Park · 25 sites
This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Millbrook Trail Rides
6. Millbrook Trail Rides
96%
(111)
44mi from Elmwood Park · 1 site
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
Gun Smoke Ranch
7. Gun Smoke Ranch
98%
(163)
45mi from Elmwood Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful camping spots with fire pit and picnic table.
Seasoned Firewood is available for purchase.
Four beautiful sites with campfire pits and area for tents/RVs.
Sites 1 and 2 overlook a manicured range, creek, and are covered by pines. Site 3 and 4 are open sky, with easy pull-up parking for the big campers or RVs. 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, and Badlandz Paintball Field. Sollitt Tap is a few miles west. It has the best burgers!
No electrical hookup, no plumbing. (Yet)
Porta potty provided, hose available at the house.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
8. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
46mi from Elmwood Park · 2 sites
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
The Aloha Ranch
9. The Aloha Ranch
100%
(19)
50mi from Elmwood Park · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$50
/ night
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
10. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
100%
(2)
State park 41mi from Elmwood Park · 185 sites
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
11. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 43mi from Elmwood Park · 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
Indiana Dunes National Park
12. Indiana Dunes National Park
95%
(41)
National park 44mi from Elmwood Park · 66 sites
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Creekside Dunes
13. Creekside Dunes
46mi from Elmwood Park · 2 sites
Wooded lot very close to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, located close to downtown Chesterton, Indiana!Just minutes from your spot, discover outdoor fun at Indiana Dunes State Park, where forest, dunes, and beach await, or hike through the wetlands and scenic landscapes on the Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trail. Closer to town, wander the nature paths and boardwalks of Coffee Creek Preserve, or enjoy biking and strolls along the Prairie Duneland Trail for a mix of easy adventure and beautiful scenery — all within about 15 miles of your campsite.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
Private Lake Mary Channel Camping
14. Private Lake Mary Channel Camping
100%
(6)
48mi from Elmwood Park · 1 site
Tent Camping Site on Lake Mary’s Channel. Private place to pitch a couple tents, hammocks, enjoy a campfire, and most importantly enjoy access to Lake Mary & Lake Elizabeth via a short channel which is only steps from the door of your tent!
The channel is shallow, while you cannot swim from the campsite to the lake you can easily launch kayaks and after 850ft of paddling you are out on Lake Mary!
15minute safe sidewalk or quiet neighborhood road walk to Lance Park from camping site. The park also has ample parking. Drive time from camping site to the park is only 2minutes! Lance Park has a wonderful pubic beach swimming area. The water quality of Lake Mary is amazing with great clarity and no algae or seaweed growth. It also has a public boat launch. The park also hosts the “AquaNut” Water Show every Wednesday and Saturday nights in the summer!
Lance Park also has a clean and very large handicap accessible porta potty that can be used 24/7.
Twin Lakes has a cute Main Street with lots of fun to be had. There are also several restaurant/bars on Lake Mary or Lake Elizabeth.
Lake Elizabeth can be accessed by a small waterway that connects the lakes. Kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes can easily float under a lower foot and car bridge. Larger and taller motorized boats cannot move between lakes.
This camping site offers such a fun and inexpensive way to get outdoors this summer!
Pets
Campfires
from
$49
/ night
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.
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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.
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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!
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E
Eric and Aline
November 2025
36 ft Class A
With pets
Lovely spot. Follow instructions carefully and you’ll be fine. Worked great as we were reconnecting w/family.
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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.
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B
Brian
October 2025
Tent
With pets
The host, John, is a super nice guy and very accommodating. We showed up on the wrong date (by accident - my mistake) and he was very flexible about it and we ended up staying the night. Very nice campsites and we will definitely plan on coming back to visit.
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J
Jennifer
October 2025
19 ft campervan
As advertised. I was welcomed and happened to have the place to myself. Just what I needed & kindly available on very late notice.
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
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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!
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M
Megan
October 2025
Tent
With kids
My family and I had an awesome time camping at Steve’s thoughtfully laid out campground. The ground was soft and level so the tents were super comfy. Lots of seating on stumps surrounding a clean fire pit. Watching the moon reflect on the water was magical!
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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!!
See moreM
Malaika
September 2025
Tent
Steve’s campsite was a lovely quiet spot that was private enough that we felt comfortable sleeping in the tent without the cover up. It was really peaceful and the trees covering the spot made it very secluded despite being in a neighborhood! Steve was very responsive and attentive as a host. 11/10 would stay there again!
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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
See moreD
Daniel
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Love coming back to this site! Owners are kind and responsive, and the sites are clean and accessible! My kids are a huge fan of the swing set and the trampoline on the premises.
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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!
See moreD
Dan
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
What a great location. Every stay my family creates new memories. John is a great host. See ya whenever the 4th stay will be.
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