The best river, stream, or creek RV campgrounds near Palatine, Illinois

If you're looking for an adventure-filled camping experience near Palatine, Illinois and love RVs and river activities, Hipcamp has over 400 options for you to choose from. With campsites like Mulln-Heim Vineyards (342 reviews), Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), and East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), you're sure to find the perfect spot to park your RV and explore the nearby river. Enjoy popular amenities like potable water, trash, and toilets, and immerse yourself in activities like boating, swimming, and wildlife watching. With an average price of $40 per night and options as low as $15, camping has never been so accessible and exciting.

95% (217)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you're looking for an adventure-filled camping experience near Palatine, Illinois and love RVs and river activities, Hipcamp has over 400 options for you to choose from. With campsites like Mulln-Heim Vineyards (342 reviews), Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), and East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), you're sure to find the perfect spot to park your RV and explore the nearby river. Enjoy popular amenities like potable water, trash, and toilets, and immerse yourself in activities like boating, swimming, and wildlife watching. With an average price of $40 per night and options as low as $15, camping has never been so accessible and exciting.

95% (217)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Millbrook Trail Rides

96%

(111)

44mi from Palatine · 1 site · Tent · Newark, IL

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!

2. Bear Bottom Ranch

92%

(128)

44mi from Palatine · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Yorkville, IL

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!

3. A Creek Runs Through It

93%

(15)

19mi from Palatine · 2 sites · RVs · Elgin, IL

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!

4. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

100%

(2)

185 sites · Channel Lake, Illinois

Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

83%

(9)

224 sites · Zion, Illinois

Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. The Aloha Ranch

100%

(19)

32mi from Palatine · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Harvard, IL

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.

7. Rolling Oaks Campground

50mi from Palatine · 51 sites · Sheridan, IL

Rolling Oaks Campground stands out as a unique family-owned destination, nestled along the picturesque Fox River just 7 miles south of Sandwich, Illinois. Since 1969, this campground has been a cherished retreat for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Open from mid-April to mid-October, weather permitting, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages. At Rolling Oaks, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. Families can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. The campground hosts special events throughout the summer, featuring music and dancing on Saturday evenings, farmers markets, and delightful cart rides. Guests can also partake in community dinners such as spaghetti suppers, corn boils, and pig roasts, creating lasting memories together. For those looking to cool off, the campground boasts a well-maintained outdoor swimming lake. Additional conveniences include a propane exchange station, a dump station, firewood for sale, and a snack bar offering delicious options like burgers and pizza. The nearby town of Sandwich provides ample shopping, dining, and laundry facilities, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Rolling Oaks Campground features a variety of RV sites, including pull-thru, back-in, partial, and full

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Palatine

Prairie View Campground

24mi from Palatine · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Fox Den Campground

24mi from Palatine · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

100%

(2)

Turner Lake South Campground

24mi from Palatine · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Honeysuckle Hollow Campground

24mi from Palatine · 86 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

83%

(9)

Illinois Beach Campground

25mi from Palatine · 224 sites · Tents, RVs · in Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

Stories from the community

J

Jawad

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

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.

Jimmy

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

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!

K

Katie

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Millbrook Trail Rides

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! :)

S

Santos

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Bear Bottom Ranch

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.

C

Carlos

October 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Un lugar hermoso que se disfruta lo unico traer tu propio generator si quieres luz

J

Jonathan

October 2025

13 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to A Creek Runs Through It

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!

M

Mike

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

A really great spot and a really amazing experience being around the horses. Can't wait to visit again.

D

Deanne

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

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!!

Dave

September 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Wonderful piece of property fantastic hosts my third or fourth time here had a great time every single trip will highly recommend this

s

sarah

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Millbrook Trail Rides

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!

S

Stephanie

September 2025

8 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

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.

C

Carlos

September 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

It is a beautiful place for camping. It is very quiet.

M

Megan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Aloha Ranch

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.

I

Imad

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Second time this summer. Great spot! Peaceful, clean, well taken care of, and surrounded by nature. Meredith was a wonderful host and made everything easy. Highly recommend!

C

Christy

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Millbrook Trail Rides

We had an incredible time!!! The train bridge made it feel so magical, and waking up the grazing horses near our tent was the delight of my trip so far!!!!

Allan

August 2025

6 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Great place to get away from the city! The spot was amazing ! The horses are beautiful. The Vibes where the best ! Will be coming back !

S

Samantha

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Great private site. Loved going for a walk and seeing the horses. Only downside, which is just the reality of camping, was the mud by the firing from rain a few days before hadn’t been able to dry because it was in a shaded part of the site making it tough to use. Just to be aware of if it had rained recently. Great place!

B

Bill

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Aloha Ranch

Bobbie at Aloha Ranch was amazing! Great communication and such a wonderful host. Property was very fun and secluded. Thank you!

C

Catherine

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Honestly, a great campsite. The owners were friendly and brought us firewood. We only stayed for a night, but I wish it was longer would definitely recommend staying here.

J

Jean

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Bear Bottom Ranch

Great camping. Beautiful sites. All sites are very private and exclusive.