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The best river, stream, or creek RV sites near Elmwood Park
96% (304) • 15 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
Bear Bottom Ranch
2. 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
Millbrook Trail Rides
3. 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
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
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
5. 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
Gun Smoke Ranch
6. 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
The Aloha Ranch
7. 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
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
8. 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
9. 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
96% (304) • 15 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
Bear Bottom Ranch
2. 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
Millbrook Trail Rides
3. 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
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
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
5. 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
Gun Smoke Ranch
6. 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
The Aloha Ranch
7. 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
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
8. 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
9. 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
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
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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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.
See moreP
Patrick
September 2025
Tent
We arrived on Saturday morning. Another group left shortly after so we had the place to ourselves. Lots of property to roam around on. Played football all in the grassy hill and had the most fun using the shooting range. Great firewood available and some nice spots to set up camp. Will definitely be back and bring more people! Thanks again, John!
See moreB
Bram
September 2025
30 ft campervan
We stayed at John’s ranch for two nights and wished we could’ve stayed longer. John is an excellent host that helps you with whatever you need. I would recommend this place to anyone
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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.
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N
Natalia
September 2025
14 ft campervan
With pets
Great host.
Super responsive and helpful.
Easy to communicate.
We had great times! And our few dogs too.
Thank you so much!
Highly recommended!
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