The best forest glamping near Highland, Illinois

Looking for a unique camping experience in the forest near Highland, Illinois? Hipcamp has over 130 options for you to choose from, all featuring glamping accommodations and forest terrain. Some of our top campsites, such as Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews), and Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors (216 reviews) offer popular amenities like showers, toilets, and campfires. And for those looking for adventure, popular activities include wind sports, surfing, and paddling. With an average price of $30 per night and options as low as $15, you're sure to find the perfect glamping spot in the forest.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Highland

Looking for a unique camping experience in the forest near Highland, Illinois? Hipcamp has over 130 options for you to choose from, all featuring glamping accommodations and forest terrain. Some of our top campsites, such as Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews), and Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors (216 reviews) offer popular amenities like showers, toilets, and campfires. And for those looking for adventure, popular activities include wind sports, surfing, and paddling. With an average price of $30 per night and options as low as $15, you're sure to find the perfect glamping spot in the forest.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Highland

1. Hidden Ridge - at Otter Lake

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48mi from Highland · 1 site · Lodging

At Hidden Ridge, you will have the essential comforts of home while enjoying the serenity of a natural, peaceful setting. You will sleep on comfortable queen-size bed within a 14x16 canvas wall tent which is secured to a stilted deck providing beautiful views of the lake. A private outhouse with flushing toilet, hot shower and an outdoor cooking area are also available. More than just two of you? There is plenty of space for cots, air mattresses and additional tents. We encourage our guests to relax and recharge their spirits by unplugging from their electronic devices. Play games which are available at the camp. Enjoy boating, skiing or fishing on Otter Lake - you can have your boat in the water within minutes from camp! Sit quietly and watch the fish jump - you may even see an eagle fly by. Snuggle by the fire, roast marshmallows or sip a glass of wine from the local winery. To ensure your experience is as authentic as possible, Hidden Ridge is off grid. There is no electricity; enough water is provided for quick showers and bathroom use. Enjoy firelight, lanterns and cooking on an open fire or grill! We do provide cooking essentials. Winter heating is provided by a small propane heater. Our water is not suitable for drinking. Please bring drinking water with you. Verizon and AT&T service coverage is good - just plan to recharge from your automobile. Learn more about this land: Experience authentic camping in a private wooded hideaway located at Otter Lake, Girard, Illinois, just 10 minutes from old Route 66. Experience authentic camping in a private wooded hideaway located at Otter Lake, Girard, Illinois, just 10 minutes

2. Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

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366 sites · Carlyle, Illinois

Visit now because Eldon Hazlet could easily become the next hotspot of Illinois environmental adventure. With its open fields, breezy lakeside views, and expansive collection of wildlife, the largest park in Illinois is no less than a treasure. Partake in your favorite pastimes or try something new! Set sail on the lake, have a romantic picnic, take a dip in the pool: the options are endless! There’s nothing quite so relaxing as breathing in the fresh air at Eldon Hazlet.

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3. Beaver Dam State Park

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76 sites · Chesterfield, Illinois

With such different ecosystems (we’re talking farmland, open fields, woodlands, lake, and a marsh) wrapped up in one park, Beaver Dam is the place to go see a vast variety of plants and animals. Hike any of the trails and have fun trying to keep count of all the creatures you see! Bring your bow and arrows to the archery range, or spend your time hunting the area. Getting the winter blues? Beaver Dam is open and ready for ice skaters or cross country skiers. Don’t just take our word for it, get down here!

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4. Washington County State Recreational Area

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39 sites · Nashville, Illinois

Echoed by mourning dove calls that reverberate through the dew-licked pines and dotting the county's sun-kissed hillsides, Washington County State Recreational Area is teeming with fauna. This near-fifteen-hundred-acre ecological oasis is nestled just four miles from Nashville in southern Illinois―a far cry from it’s adjacent concrete jungles, aside from the skyscraper-like pines. And, criss crossed by the area’s two small creeks, Washington County State Recreational Area is inundated with well-populated, stable populations of largemouth bass and other like-sized game fish. Even if you’re not a fan of dancing bobbers, you’ll find situational ecstasy while dining under one of the park’s lake-hugging picnic pavilions, bathed in sunset yellows―and, let's face it, everyone’s a fan of solar acrobatics paired with well-made egg salad.

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5. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

135 sites · Ramsey, Illinois

With its rolling hills and timbered shoreline, Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area has become a popular spot for relaxation and recreation. Visitors enjoy quiet strolls in the forest, secluded picnicking, as well as more energetic activities.Fishing is huge here, so the lake is managed by draw-downs and stocking. Some species found are largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappie. Hit up the concession stand for supplies. Other popular pastimes include hunting (dove, pheasant, quail, deer) and winter sports like fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating. There’s even a 13-mile designated snowmobile trail.

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6. Pere Marquette State Park

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30 sites · Grafton, Illinois

See one of the most beautiful state parks in Illinois.

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Public campgrounds near Highland

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Illini Campground

20mi from Highland · 366 sites · Tents, RVs · in Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

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Beaver Dam Campground

34mi from Highland · 76 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaver Dam State Park

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Washington County Campground

38mi from Highland · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Washington County State Recreational Area

White Oak Campground

40mi from Highland · 90 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

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Pere Marquette Campground

49mi from Highland · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pere Marquette State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Stephanie

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Hidden Ridge - at Otter Lake

My husband and I have stayed here twice, and everything has been perfect both times. The property is beautiful and private, and the host provides so many thoughtful elements. It’s a perfect way to get out in nature without having to deal with all of the packing and preparation required for a typical camping trip.

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Kevin

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hidden Ridge - at Otter Lake

Had a great time. Excellent communication, spacious tent, plenty of wood and everything we needed. Close to 2 small towns for food and ice cream. Fire pit was ready when we got there, all we had to do was toss in a match and start cooking!

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Andrew

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Hidden Ridge - at Otter Lake

My wife and I made our second trip to Hidden Ridge to celebrate our 10th anniversary. The last time we stayed it was cold and raining the entire time and we still had such a great time that we knew we needed to come back. This place is genuinely a great find! We are normally tent campers so this setup almost feels like cheating and we compare it to renting out a cabin for the weekend. Probably the best part though is the responsiveness of the hosts. We did have a few hiccups with the water system while we were there but were always able to get ahold of the hosts and they got us back up and running quickly. It really does come across that they want you to enjoy your time at this location.

Brett

May 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hidden Ridge - at Otter Lake

We stayed at Hidden Ridge for the weekend and had an amazing experience. The campsite is secluded, yet still very easy to find. You can tell Terri put a lot of thought and care into every detail. The outdoor kitchen station was fully stocked with everything we needed—silverware, plates, cups, cooking utensils, and more. The bathroom and shower area was clean and super convenient. The glamping tent was spotless, and the bed was comfortable. One of my favorite moments was waking up in the morning and enjoying the peaceful view from the tent’s back porch. Terri also had plenty of firewood ready to go. It had rained just two hours before we arrived, but the fire pit and logs were all covered and dry—such a thoughtful touch. And to top it all off, the place is pet-friendly! My cattle dog had the time of his life exploring the area. I truly can’t wait to come back and stay here again. Highly recommend!

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staci

May 2025

With pets

4 nights at Hidden Ridge - at Otter Lake

I don't know what I was expecting when I reserved this little camping spot, but it surpassed any and all expectations! This place is ADORABLE ... and cozy and homey and relaxing ... it was just perfect. And Teresa was a great host who checked in to make sure we had everything we needed. We travel to this part of Illinois on a regular basis to visit family/friends, and I have no doubt that we'll be staying here again in the future.

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Nicholas

November 2024

Weekend Trip to Hidden Ridge - at Otter Lake

We had a great time staying at Hidden Ridge. Teresa had everything ready to go when we arrived and all we really had to bring was clothes, food, and water. We also brought a cast iron skillet so we could cook over the fire, but there is a charcoal grill there also. There’s no electricity on the property so you’ll also want to bring a headlamp or lantern in the event it’s raining and you can’t use the tiki torches. The property itself is really unique and situated up on a ridge overlooking the lake. We loved sitting out by the fire overlooking the lake. The tent itself is super welcoming and my wife definitely appreciated the actual bed in it. On one of the rainy afternoons we played a board game in the tent and still had a great time. The shower and bathroom were great to have and hot running water was definitely a camping luxury. We would highly recommend staying here and have already told several friends about it!