- Waterside Camping
The best lakeside camping near Machesney Park
94% (97) • 772 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Machesney Park
Ice Age Retreat
1. Ice Age Retreat
99%
(58)
40mi from Machesney Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Surrounded by the Kettle Moraine Forest, we purchased this property in October of 2022 to be closer to nature and to share this property with you. We look forward to hosting you. The forest provides many opportunities enjoy! Close to the Ice Age Hiking Trail, Blad Bluff Scenic Overlook within walking distance of our retreat. Hiking, Moutain Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe, Horse Back Riding and much more
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
Paradise Quarry
2. Paradise Quarry
97%
(53)
49mi from Machesney Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to our beautiful property! This is a very special place, located an hour from Chicago and only minutes from the west suburbs, you will be transported to another time! This has to be the best “swimming/ fishing hole” in Chicagoland and you can have it all to yourself.
The property features 20 acres of woods, prairie and an 8 acre lake!!! The lake is crystal clear because it’s so deep (reportedly 125 ft) and is sandy on the bottom. We created a massive beach area with many camping spots to choose from. The kids will love exploring the trails on foot and on bike. Everyone will love lounging under the umbrellas on the comfy chaise lounges and enjoying the views.
You won’t want to leave, but if you need to restock, there a gas station 1/4 mile away and full service grocery store and restaurant under a mile away. We even get pizza delivered! There’s a nice driveway of gravel that leads to a nice open field for RV campers. Tent campers can continue to the beach and set up in style.
The property was once an active quarry and was then basically abandoned for 40-50 years. Nature took over over, Trees matured, the stocked lake grew some massive fish. A few years ago we started camping out there and just loved it. We’ve worked hard to make it amazing and we want to share it with you.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$108
/ night
Spring Creek Organic Farm
3. Spring Creek Organic Farm
78%
(18)
39mi from Machesney Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful country setting in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois. Dating from 1890, this land has never been plowed or disturbed. Beautiful nightscapes of stars and constellations and nearby lakes and rivers make this an ideal camping spot. The permaculture gardens and the land need constant care and upkeep. When a tree dies it becomes home to the redhead woodpecker. The hummingbird loves the trumpet vine! We never spray chemicals and would appreciate it if you did not smoke or vape.
Lake Le-Aqua-Na is just 3 miles away and reopened in 2022 with brand new roads, nature walks, and swimming hole. Other lakes nearby are Apple River Canyon and Mt Carroll. Shop in nearby Lena, Cedarville or Freeport, IL and Monroe, Wisconsin.
Learn more about this land:
The trees shade the camping sites at Spring Creek Farm. The wood swing can be enjoyed by guests as they relax and enjoy the view. Birds frequent the property and you may be visited by our ginger male cat as he surveys his territory. Night skies are beautiful, and on clear nights the Milky Way is visible along with the Big Dipper and other constellations.
There is an outdoor fire pit to cook meals, or you can use a low copper fire pit for campfire enjoyment. Parking is available on the campground for smaller cars. Please leave your campsite clean so no woodland creatures are harmed and the landscape is kept in a safe condition for the next camper.
The Composting Toilet (weather permitting) is available and plenty of potable water from our Spring-fed Well.
We recycle in the country so please separate trash, paper, glass, and plastic into separate bags which can be left on the driveway when you leave.
Please let Dr. Wanona know if you'd like to join for a gentle flow yoga mat class, 30 or 60-minute massage, or a Permaculture Garden Tour. Add a deeper experience to your stay at Spring Creek Farm!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Rock Cut State Park
4. Rock Cut State Park
100%
(6)
State park 3.2mi from Machesney Park · 266 sites
Four seasons of fun await at this rock-cut wilderness within day-trip distance of Chicago.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area
5. Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area
100%
(1)
State park 41mi from Machesney Park · 138 sites
Create happy memories at a lake with a funny-sounding name.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Painted Turtle Campsite
6. Painted Turtle Campsite
100%
(6)
40mi from Machesney Park · 1 site
Waterfront Tent Site on Lake Mary’s Channel
Pitch your tent and launch your kayak just steps from your site.
Enjoy a private, peaceful camping experience with direct water access. Whether you’re hanging a hammock between the trees or gathering around the campfire, this site serves as your personal gateway to the beautiful Twin Lakes.
The Waterfront & Access
• Paddle-In Paradise: Launch your kayaks directly from the campsite. It’s a scenic, easy 850-foot paddle through the shallow channel out to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Mary.
• Explore Two Lakes: Another, much shorter channel connects Lake Mary to Lake Elizabeth—perfect for low-profile watercraft to glide under the footbridges and explore both lakes in one trip.
• Pristine Water: Lake Mary is known for its incredible clarity and lack of seaweed/algae, making it a dream for paddlers.
• Complimentary firewood for your campfires, all I ask is that you please be respectful of how much you use because I want to offer this amenity to all guests this summer!
Local Fun at Lance Park (2-Min Drive / 15-Min Walk)
A safe sidewalk or quiet neighborhood stroll leads you to Lance Park, which offers:
• Swimming: A wonderful public beach with great water quality.
• Entertainment: Catch the famous “AquaNut” Water Show every Wednesday and Saturday night during the summer!
• Convenience: Lance Park’s bathrooms are open from 7am to 10pm, 24/7 access to a clean, handicap-accessible porta potty facility porta potty, with ample parking.
The Twin Lakes Lifestyle
Experience the charm of a classic lake town. The site is just minutes away from:
• Downtown Twin Lakes: A cute Main Street with local shops and energy.
• Dining: Several popular restaurant-bars are located right on the shores of Lake Mary and Lake Elizabeth.
Note: The channel is too shallow to launch large, power boats, and it is too shallow for swimming directly at the campsite. The public beach at Lance Park is your go-to spot for a dip!
Pets
Campfires
from
$49
/ night
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
7. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
100%
(2)
State park 44mi from Machesney Park · 185 sites
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Kegonsa State Park
8. Lake Kegonsa State Park
100%
(3)
State park 43mi from Machesney Park · 82 sites
Discover Lake Kegonsa's serene waters, lush trails, and family-friendly camping.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
9. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
100%
(4)
State park 45mi from Machesney Park · 92 sites
Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road (otherwise known as Route 30) about an hour west of Chicago and find yourself amidst 1,550 acres of rolling prairie! Shabbona Lake encompasses a unique mix of habitats, providing superb outdoor recreation in an untarnished environment. There’s prairie restoration areas where you can spy a variety of native wildflowers and grasses. Spot your feathered friends on their vacation in the 15-acre migratory waterfowl seasonal nesting area.And for the fishers: the park concession stand sells bait and tackle and rents boats, so you can take a spin and cast a line on the 318.8-acre lake. Tent, RV and cabin camping is available, as well as endless picnicking opportunities. FYI: no booze is allowed in the park, so maybe save your famous margs for another occasion.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
94% (97) • 772 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Machesney Park
Ice Age Retreat
1. Ice Age Retreat
99%
(58)
40mi from Machesney Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Surrounded by the Kettle Moraine Forest, we purchased this property in October of 2022 to be closer to nature and to share this property with you. We look forward to hosting you. The forest provides many opportunities enjoy! Close to the Ice Age Hiking Trail, Blad Bluff Scenic Overlook within walking distance of our retreat. Hiking, Moutain Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe, Horse Back Riding and much more
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
Paradise Quarry
2. Paradise Quarry
97%
(53)
49mi from Machesney Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to our beautiful property! This is a very special place, located an hour from Chicago and only minutes from the west suburbs, you will be transported to another time! This has to be the best “swimming/ fishing hole” in Chicagoland and you can have it all to yourself.
The property features 20 acres of woods, prairie and an 8 acre lake!!! The lake is crystal clear because it’s so deep (reportedly 125 ft) and is sandy on the bottom. We created a massive beach area with many camping spots to choose from. The kids will love exploring the trails on foot and on bike. Everyone will love lounging under the umbrellas on the comfy chaise lounges and enjoying the views.
You won’t want to leave, but if you need to restock, there a gas station 1/4 mile away and full service grocery store and restaurant under a mile away. We even get pizza delivered! There’s a nice driveway of gravel that leads to a nice open field for RV campers. Tent campers can continue to the beach and set up in style.
The property was once an active quarry and was then basically abandoned for 40-50 years. Nature took over over, Trees matured, the stocked lake grew some massive fish. A few years ago we started camping out there and just loved it. We’ve worked hard to make it amazing and we want to share it with you.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$108
/ night
Spring Creek Organic Farm
3. Spring Creek Organic Farm
78%
(18)
39mi from Machesney Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful country setting in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois. Dating from 1890, this land has never been plowed or disturbed. Beautiful nightscapes of stars and constellations and nearby lakes and rivers make this an ideal camping spot. The permaculture gardens and the land need constant care and upkeep. When a tree dies it becomes home to the redhead woodpecker. The hummingbird loves the trumpet vine! We never spray chemicals and would appreciate it if you did not smoke or vape.
Lake Le-Aqua-Na is just 3 miles away and reopened in 2022 with brand new roads, nature walks, and swimming hole. Other lakes nearby are Apple River Canyon and Mt Carroll. Shop in nearby Lena, Cedarville or Freeport, IL and Monroe, Wisconsin.
Learn more about this land:
The trees shade the camping sites at Spring Creek Farm. The wood swing can be enjoyed by guests as they relax and enjoy the view. Birds frequent the property and you may be visited by our ginger male cat as he surveys his territory. Night skies are beautiful, and on clear nights the Milky Way is visible along with the Big Dipper and other constellations.
There is an outdoor fire pit to cook meals, or you can use a low copper fire pit for campfire enjoyment. Parking is available on the campground for smaller cars. Please leave your campsite clean so no woodland creatures are harmed and the landscape is kept in a safe condition for the next camper.
The Composting Toilet (weather permitting) is available and plenty of potable water from our Spring-fed Well.
We recycle in the country so please separate trash, paper, glass, and plastic into separate bags which can be left on the driveway when you leave.
Please let Dr. Wanona know if you'd like to join for a gentle flow yoga mat class, 30 or 60-minute massage, or a Permaculture Garden Tour. Add a deeper experience to your stay at Spring Creek Farm!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Rock Cut State Park
4. Rock Cut State Park
100%
(6)
State park 3.2mi from Machesney Park · 266 sites
Four seasons of fun await at this rock-cut wilderness within day-trip distance of Chicago.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area
5. Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area
100%
(1)
State park 41mi from Machesney Park · 138 sites
Create happy memories at a lake with a funny-sounding name.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Painted Turtle Campsite
6. Painted Turtle Campsite
100%
(6)
40mi from Machesney Park · 1 site
Waterfront Tent Site on Lake Mary’s Channel
Pitch your tent and launch your kayak just steps from your site.
Enjoy a private, peaceful camping experience with direct water access. Whether you’re hanging a hammock between the trees or gathering around the campfire, this site serves as your personal gateway to the beautiful Twin Lakes.
The Waterfront & Access
• Paddle-In Paradise: Launch your kayaks directly from the campsite. It’s a scenic, easy 850-foot paddle through the shallow channel out to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Mary.
• Explore Two Lakes: Another, much shorter channel connects Lake Mary to Lake Elizabeth—perfect for low-profile watercraft to glide under the footbridges and explore both lakes in one trip.
• Pristine Water: Lake Mary is known for its incredible clarity and lack of seaweed/algae, making it a dream for paddlers.
• Complimentary firewood for your campfires, all I ask is that you please be respectful of how much you use because I want to offer this amenity to all guests this summer!
Local Fun at Lance Park (2-Min Drive / 15-Min Walk)
A safe sidewalk or quiet neighborhood stroll leads you to Lance Park, which offers:
• Swimming: A wonderful public beach with great water quality.
• Entertainment: Catch the famous “AquaNut” Water Show every Wednesday and Saturday night during the summer!
• Convenience: Lance Park’s bathrooms are open from 7am to 10pm, 24/7 access to a clean, handicap-accessible porta potty facility porta potty, with ample parking.
The Twin Lakes Lifestyle
Experience the charm of a classic lake town. The site is just minutes away from:
• Downtown Twin Lakes: A cute Main Street with local shops and energy.
• Dining: Several popular restaurant-bars are located right on the shores of Lake Mary and Lake Elizabeth.
Note: The channel is too shallow to launch large, power boats, and it is too shallow for swimming directly at the campsite. The public beach at Lance Park is your go-to spot for a dip!
Pets
Campfires
from
$49
/ night
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
7. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
100%
(2)
State park 44mi from Machesney Park · 185 sites
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Kegonsa State Park
8. Lake Kegonsa State Park
100%
(3)
State park 43mi from Machesney Park · 82 sites
Discover Lake Kegonsa's serene waters, lush trails, and family-friendly camping.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
9. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
100%
(4)
State park 45mi from Machesney Park · 92 sites
Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road (otherwise known as Route 30) about an hour west of Chicago and find yourself amidst 1,550 acres of rolling prairie! Shabbona Lake encompasses a unique mix of habitats, providing superb outdoor recreation in an untarnished environment. There’s prairie restoration areas where you can spy a variety of native wildflowers and grasses. Spot your feathered friends on their vacation in the 15-acre migratory waterfowl seasonal nesting area.And for the fishers: the park concession stand sells bait and tackle and rents boats, so you can take a spin and cast a line on the 318.8-acre lake. Tent, RV and cabin camping is available, as well as endless picnicking opportunities. FYI: no booze is allowed in the park, so maybe save your famous margs for another occasion.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
G
Gemini
February 2026
Tent
If you’re looking for a truly unique waterfront camping experience, this is it. This beautiful quarry-turned-campsite is an absolute hidden gem. The family has thoughtfully transformed the land into a peaceful, scenic escape that feels worlds away from the city. Waking up by the water, surrounded by quiet and natural beauty, was exactly the reset I needed. It’s rare to find a place that feels both secluded and welcoming at the same time — but this spot absolutely delivers.
The hosts were fantastic — responsive, kind, and genuinely accommodating. Since I camped in the winter (which made the experience even more serene), they graciously allowed me a late checkout because bookings are lighter this time of year. That flexibility made my stay even more relaxing and showed how much they care about their guests’ experience.
For future campers, just a couple helpful tips: the gate could use a bit of maintenance, as it was somewhat heavy to open and close — especially as a solo camper. And be sure to bring heavy-duty tent stakes designed for rocky ground. Standard stakes are tough to drive into the soil, which is completely understandable given that the property is a former quarry.
Overall, this was an incredible stay. Peaceful, picturesque, and thoughtfully hosted — I would absolutely return and highly recommend it to anyone who loves camping by the water and wants a special getaway.
See more
Bryan
January 2026
Tent
Easy to find and location was great. Very quiet and private. Would do a return visit. Chris was very responsive if I reached out but I didn't have any issues so didn't have a lot of interaction. Appreciate Chris for allowing my the privilege to camp on his property. I would like to return for another camp there.
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K
Kasie
November 2025
20 ft campervan
Nice private location with great access to trails including the Ice Age Trail. Another site located across field at a good distance allowing plenty of space for all. Will definitely be back.
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Heidi
October 2025
23 ft travel trailer
We have stayed here in the past and have enjoyed the peace and quiet. It's a perfect camping spot. Chris is an awesome host!
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V
Viviane
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Chris was accommodating and helpful. The site came with water and wood. A lot of room. Dogs loved it too!
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D
Daddy
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Ms. B’s, Quarry is a beautiful private property. Easy to find the property. Very close to town and yet has the feel of being secluded. On an A,B,C grade scale I give it a solid “A”. I would book Ms. B’s property again in the future. I left some fire wood for the next hip campers. Ms. B is good on responding back to messages. Our dogs absolutely loved it. Please clean up after yourself & respect this paradise as we have! Truly this place is worth every penny spent. Also as anything there could be improvements, but really it’s perfectly beautiful as is and the ports potty was extremely clean!
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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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D
David
October 2025
Tent
Great site! Host is friendly. Plenty of firewood, well-maintained compost toilet. Good access to hiking and regional attractions. No complaints.
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D
David
October 2025
21 ft travel trailer
We picked this site because it was private with only one site and a small lake. The weather perfect! We would go back again. A small draw back that should be fixed is the gate. As stated in other reviews, it is very hard to open! Very hard. Also out of now where three people showed up to fill in a hole. We were not expecting visitors. A little earlier an we all would have been very embarrassed
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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K
Katie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great spot to relax and view the stars at night! It feels really secluded when you get to your site, there’s 1 more in the vicinity but you still have plenty of privacy. You may hear some road noise during the day but it gets quiet and serene as it gets dark. Host was kind and communicative, she even came by around checkout to see if we needed any help. All around a great time, I can’t wait to spend another night here again in the future
See moreC
Christian
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Quiet and secluded campsite with lots of space. The site came with lots of good firewood which was super nice to not have to worry about.
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J
Josh
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Great spot, plenty of room and we caught some fish!
See moreJ
Joseph
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
We camped w a 20 ft trailer rv. It was a nice quiet semi remote site. Nature and peace n quiet. And mosquitoes. We had tiki torches n citronella n spray n really enjoyed our stay. Firewood was supplied n great quality. Until it rained, lol.
Definitely will be coming back again.
Thanks for the great spot
See moreP
Pat
September 2025
Tent
Beautiful place.
And great location -- near the Ice Age Trail, and Old World Wisconsin.
Great hosts!
See moreC
Clark
September 2025
Tent
Had a great time camping here - enjoyed the views and the paddle boards. Great spot for a campfire and plenty of places to sit! Anyone who complains of bugs… it’s the great outdoors get over yourself!
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Krista
September 2025
Tent
With kids
We’ve stayed two years in a row, and will most likely make this place a tradition! It’s perfect for a weekend camp get away.
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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.
See moreN
Nicholas
August 2025
16 ft car
Very quiet and secluded. Free firewood available so that was nice. Lots of bugs when we were there, but we were prepared.
See moreW
William
August 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Good spot for us. Places to walk, nice cleared area to camp. Thank you.
See more
