89% (39)
Top-rated campgrounds
89% (39)
Top-rated campgrounds
Stories from the community
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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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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Megan
September 2025
2 nights at Glamp Chicago Yurt Urban Campsite
Awesome experience! I previously tent camped at Glamp Chicago (great experience) and this time the yurt was available. It was PERFECT. The decor is cute, the extra accommodations provided are thoughtful and add to the allure of staying in a yurt. Recommend and will definitely be back!!!
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Jayden
August 2025
Tent
This place was awesome!! It was my first trip to Chicago, and the site provided a cozy place to relax
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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
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Erinn
August 2025
With kids
I Loved camping at Rocking Horse Camp. Derek is a wonderful host. It is such a a peaceful place. I can't wait to go back!
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Sara
July 2025
With kids
We enjoyed staying by Derek's RV with our 3 kids. It is cozy, comfortable and romantic with the animals and nice nature. The highway is quite close, you can hear it, but otherwise everyting was great. Nice beaches, restaurants are close. Derek is very helpful and kind. I recommend it!
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John
July 2025
Tent
Best part is the location. It’s walking distance to tons of restaurants, and bike stations are just around the corner, making it super easy for us to explore the city . The tent setup itself was extremely comfortable and well thought out clean, cozy, and stylish inside . Wonderful landscaping. We felt safe the entire time , and really enjoyed how accessible everything was . You’re right in the city , so it’s definitely not silent at night but they thoughtfully provide earplugs, and we were still able to sleep well. That said , this is urban camping , just like it says in the listing . Just come in with the mindset that it’s camping but in the middle of Chicago and you ll love it. If you re looking for a city adventure with a twist , this is a fantastic option.
Things we brought that helped make our stay more comfortable.
* Ended up buying a box fan at the Walgreens across the street, since it was the middle of summer.
* Sound machine for sleeping
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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.
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Lindsey
July 2025
With kids
This spot is a gem on the outskirts of Gary, IN that you would never know was there. Our family of four enjoyed camping here. It was a hot July so we were thankful for the camper with AC. The camper was well supplied with bath towels and bedding provided. It was so nice to step out onto the porch and see horses and goats grazing as well as listen to the birds and wildlife. We enjoyed the fire with supplied firewood. It’s close enough to Chicago that we took a day there. Most of the time we went to the beach. The host was so kind to allow us to park in town for free and walk to the beach. We were there for the Fourth of July and Marquette beach park was a great spot to watch fireworks. Our stay was pretty smooth despite a few hiccups but the host was readily available and helpful if we ever needed him. I would stay here again.
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Ethan
June 2025
Tent
My wife and I had a great time camping here during our weekend getaway to Chicago. We had to change some plans last minute and were happy to find that this site was available! It was private which was nice, the area was also very clean and spacious. Bob was also very nice in his messages and over the phone when we called with questions. We had a great time by the fire playing games and sharing drinks, should we come to Chicago again we would definitely stay here again!
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Lev
June 2025
Tent
this was a fantastic site in a really cool location— it embodied the spirit of chicago well, where one can encounter surprisingly beautiful natural spaces in the midst of a sparse, aggressive urban landscape. i really enjoyed my stay and would come again!
overall pros:
- affordable!!
- well-stocked (there is a keurig! body wipes! tea!) with thoughtfully chosen furniture- the bed was actually comfortable, and it was nice to see an host doing something other than the absolute bare minimum
- good host communication
- accessible public transportation
- walkable groceries, park, laundromat, and gym
reminder to bring
- robe/slippers so you can scoot off to the portapotty
- water!!! seriously, bring water.
- wet wipes (for bathrooming)
- sleep mask— it stays fairly bright throughout the night due to streetlights and etc
- a lint roller (see below)
cons
- “Getting There/Directions” might be improved by an aerial map that highlights points of access: the alley was a bit difficult to find, and the adjacent street access was not mention
- parking (advice: Be creative but not stupid. Obey signs, chicago LOVES towing)
- the jute rug, while useful and aesthetically pleasing, sheds A LOT. you will get little twine-hairs all over everything.
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Jerry
May 2025
Tent
So this review is coming from a Hipcamper whose favorite sites so far include 80 private acres in the Black Hills, a mountain top site in the Rockies, a ledge high along the Blue Ridge and on the Superior waters in the UP.
But we had a concert and a Cubs game to attend and this turned out to be an excellent base camp for us. Aside from the fact I even found a campsite in Chicago.
Regardless of the fact you are right in middle of the 3rd largest city in the nation, that is the charm. The traffic and the noise is really a part of the experience. We never felt uncomfortable or unsafe. Including anywhere we walked. The site is located in a great area.
Eating options are endless within walking distance. We walked the Cubs game.
The site itself is fully landscaped and welcoming. Definitely its own oasis. The yurt was perfect in all ways for comfort. We simply rented both sites available so we had all the property to ourselves. I would suggest it, personally. We pitched a tent on the strip as that’s where I slept.
The port-o-let was perfect. The firepit was a nice as it was a little cold during our stay. We made use of the power available and a nice extension cord is provided.
The parking is challenging, but you have to understand you’re in Chicago.
The host communicated well and does a lot to help you make the most out of your stay.
At the end of the day for me anyway, life is an adventure. And this was a perfect way to create the great experience for us.
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Mike
April 2025
Tent
It’s a fantastic spot both in the accommodation and access to public transport (the 94 and 76 bus stops are right there). Also, having IHOP, Popeyes, and Walgreens within short walking distance was very nice.
The host was very easy to work with and the yurt was very comfortable. I will be going back again — six stars out of five!
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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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