- Riverside Camping
The best river, stream, or creek camping near Evanston
97% (64) • 11 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Evanston
A Creek Runs Through It
1. A Creek Runs Through It
93%
(15)
35mi from Evanston · 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)
39mi from Evanston · 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
The Aloha Ranch
3. The Aloha Ranch
100%
(19)
50mi from Evanston · 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
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
4. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
83%
(9)
State park 28mi from Evanston · 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 38mi from Evanston · 185 sites
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Private Lake Mary Channel Camping
6. Private Lake Mary Channel Camping
100%
(6)
44mi from Evanston · 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
Creekside Dunes
7. Creekside Dunes
45mi from Evanston · 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
Indiana Dunes National Park
8. Indiana Dunes National Park
95%
(41)
National park 43mi from Evanston · 66 sites
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
97% (64) • 11 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Evanston
A Creek Runs Through It
1. A Creek Runs Through It
93%
(15)
35mi from Evanston · 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)
39mi from Evanston · 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
The Aloha Ranch
3. The Aloha Ranch
100%
(19)
50mi from Evanston · 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
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
4. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
83%
(9)
State park 28mi from Evanston · 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 38mi from Evanston · 185 sites
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Private Lake Mary Channel Camping
6. Private Lake Mary Channel Camping
100%
(6)
44mi from Evanston · 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
Creekside Dunes
7. Creekside Dunes
45mi from Evanston · 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
Indiana Dunes National Park
8. Indiana Dunes National Park
95%
(41)
National park 43mi from Evanston · 66 sites
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
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.
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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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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M
Megan
August 2025
Tent
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.
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Y
Yasmine
August 2025
Tent
This spot is perfect for a one tent camp. You could tell the owner put a lot of work into this spot. The two dogs we brought did really well off leash and loved diving off the docks at Lake Mary.
Check out Cup of Joe in town for good coffee. Make sure to bring your kayaks ( we did not ) as the little creek does take you straight to the lake.
Lastly this spot is hidden within a neighborhood just as an fyi, but I definitely think it’s worth trying out.
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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
See moreB
Bill
August 2025
Tent
Bobbie at Aloha Ranch was amazing! Great communication and such a wonderful host. Property was very fun and secluded. Thank you!
See moreB
Ben
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
Great host, great place! Tips: bring bug spray and the water heater is a 6 gallon dudad. Great for camping, though. Enjoyed the rocking swing.
See moreAmanda
July 2025
With pets
I loved this place sooo much. The location was perfect and the private beach that we were able to go to from the Host was AMAZING! I unfortunately had to come later and leave earlier but I already booked another stay cause I cannot stop thinking about it! This was absolutely needed after a rough week. Cannot wait to go back. Highly recommend.
See moreK
Kate
July 2025
Tent
Such a great spot! Beautiful and easy to get to !
See morej
jordan
July 2025
Tent
With pets
The site is exactly as advertised. Due to storms i wasnt able to check out lake mary sadly but im sure having a direct channel into the lake would have been nice. The camp site is small and very close to 2 back yards from neighbors so unfortunately you have to be pretty quiet. You also may have trouble pitching a very large tent due to the small size of the site. Overall a good place to camp thanks for the experience 👍
See moreA
Ann
July 2025
Tent
Bobbie was a great host and very responsive. She checked on us when there was a thunderstorm and recommended a cool fishing spot near by. This would be a great hip camp if there was a porta-potty or outhouse. You do have to drive across a grass field to get to the sites, but this made it very secluded and far from the house which we appreciated. There are dogs but we did not see or hear them. The horses roam the front part of the property, but not by the campsites. This did mean that upon coming and going there are two gates that need to be opened and closed which took a little extra time.
See moreT
Taylor
June 2025
Tent
Great spot to camp. Firewood provided!! Would definitely recommend it.
See moreC
Christian
June 2025
Tent
Had a great time at this site. Bobbie was very helpful and responsive to questions we had leading up to our visit. There were also some weather concerns that popped up the day-off as we were prepping to drive out to the site. Bobbie was very communicative and transparent about everything ("weather isn't great, it could be muddy, you might not have a good time, want to reschedule?" type stuff along with some photos).
The weather ended up clearing up and was ok and we still went out (in spite of the rain) and were glad we did!
There's a lovely forest clearing with a picnic table / fire pit area that was nice and secluded (although we were the only campers on the property that night). But overall loved the place, would highly recommend and will likely come back in the future
See moreM
Michael
May 2025
Tent
With kids
We're the sort of Hipcampers that like to engage with the host a bit. It not essential, as we're there to camp, and we know that hosts have a range of preferences themselves. But, if a host meaningfully engages with us, in any fashion, it adds to our enjoyment. Here, Bobbie certainly shared some quality time with us, and, in particular, with our 4 year old. She happily offered to pen the horses and dogs so that we could meet and feed them. She allowed us to have the same experience with her chickens. And, she shared her very exciting future plans for the land. We had already enjoyed her camping site and its seclusion, way back on the far end of her property. And, getting to know her and her animals a bit absolutely added to the trip. Thanks, Bobbie!
See moreS
Skydell
May 2025
16 ft car
The campsite was perfect for us. Lots of trails to walk and it was great having a little river running right by the land.
Bobbie was great and very welcoming. We can't wait to camp there again.
See moreJ
Jeremy
May 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a great overnight stay, and enjoyed the site. It was very quiet, felt very remote, despite being easy to get to and the owner is super nice. We stopped on our way out to let my youngest feed a few carrots to the horses, which she loved. We'll definitely go back, and highly recommend this spot.
See moreD
Davin
November 2024
Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
Derek was super helpful and responsive! Cute RV and super comfy bed! Has all your amenities and nice and quiet. Highly recommend!
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