- Forest Camping
The best forest camping near Park Ridge
97% (249) • 22 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Park Ridge
A Creek Runs Through It
1. A Creek Runs Through It
94%
(16)
27mi from Park Ridge · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$41
/ night
The Commons Oak Savanna
2. The Commons Oak Savanna
92%
(25)
37mi from Park Ridge · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
(NOTE) Greenwood Rd and Illinois Rt 120 are the same...Google uses Greenwood Rd, and the State prefers Illinois Rte 120)
Get away from it and commune with nature in a pre-settlement natural oak savanna with oaks and hickories of 200-400 years. 25-acre woodland completely fenced and surrounded by cropland and woods with no homes or roads within a half mile. Experience the land as the nomadic Indian tribes saw it. Trails cross the property. Hawks, owls, turkeys, and occasional bald eagles, along with finches, woodpeckers, doves, and martins fill the sky; while deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits roam the grounds. Only two camps are available to keep the setting pristine and primitive and a third site can be used behind the sheds if you encounter unexpected weather.
Pets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
3. Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
99%
(43)
40mi from Park Ridge · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Local Farm. Close enough to socialize. Far enough away to matter. Next door to “‘More Polish Pottery” in Big Rock IL. Near Dekalb, Sandwich, Plano, Hinkley, Big Rock, Aurora, and Sugar Grove. Many sites, bars, shops, and places to eat. Touching Big Rock forest preserve. Features egg stand. Private setting. Fire pit. Multiple spots to choose from. Great views. Pet friendly. Local showers and pool at local Plano YMCA. May see farm animals up close and personal. Please leave them at site. 11 min or less to Raging Waves Water Park. It’s right down the road! An hour commute or less to Chicago. Open early this year Feb 19th through Sept 30th (extended due to nice weather so if you can book it. You can stay.) The end of the season this year will be September 30th. And then we will be closed for the winter until May first. Unless otherwise specified. Usually closed for the winter months. Sugar Grove Family Fun Center up the road. Goat Yoga and Wholly Bean close by. Local forest preserve has toilets or bring your own porti-john. Bring your horses. Set up a temp spot. We have the space. And there is riding at the forest preserve right around the corner. Camp with your HORSES! We have a swing set and small child play sets. A trampoline. A tire swing. Y’all are more than welcome to use it. Just be respectful and make sure your children do not harm our land, animals, or gardens. 💕🙏 Now offering substantial fire wood bundles for 10 dollars a bundle. New egg and farm stand added this year. Two new picnic tables added.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$26
/ night
The Aloha Ranch
4. The Aloha Ranch
100%
(19)
45mi from Park Ridge · 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
Bear Bottom Ranch
5. Bear Bottom Ranch
92%
(129)
46mi from Park Ridge · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Auch Farm.
6. Auch Farm.
100%
(67)
46mi from Park Ridge · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Rustic Escape on an 8-Acre Homestead, Agro-Tourism Retreat, Pines, Trails and Wetland Views
Step into a peaceful, off-grid retreat on our 8-acre working homestead, where open grassy fields meet whispering pines, and nature invites you to slow down. Set up camp in the wide-open meadow or follow a quiet trail through the woods to a secluded, wooded site overlooking untouched wetlands. This stay blends rustic camping with simple farm life, goats, chickens, fields, and wetland edges all in one place. It’s the perfect spot to relax in a hammock, stargaze by the fire, or kick back and stay a while.
We border protected wetland conservation land, offering a truly remote and rustic experience, secluded, yet still close to town for anything you might need.
Please note: This is boondocking/Dry camping only. There are no toilet facilities, so we ask campers to bring a bucket, sawdust, and pack everything out. It’s your stuff, we don’t want it.
Farm Life Bonus: We share the land with friendly goats and egg-laying hens. You’re welcome to say hello, feed the goats (they LOVE weeds, feel free to
Pets
Campfires
from
$43
/ night
Painted Turtle Campsite
7. Painted Turtle Campsite
100%
(6)
42mi from Park Ridge · 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
Walnut Woods Farm
8. Walnut Woods Farm
100%
(3)
44mi from Park Ridge · 1 site
7 acres with a mile of winding trails on a working horse farm, featuring two ponds (one stocked for fishing) and a rustic hike-in private campsite. The property offers two small private campsites and a fenced area for horse camping.
Explore pristine fenlands, a young black walnut grove, a small prairie restoration, and more. An archery range and horse camping are also available. Owners live on-site and are happy to help if needed, but never intrusive.
And yes — therapy chickens are available for cuddles! 🐔❤️
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$24
/ night
The Dunes Escape
9. The Dunes Escape
48mi from Park Ridge · 1 site
We live 4 miles from the National Lake Shore.
Explore the Indiana Dunes just minutes away—climb sandy dunes at the State Park, relax at West Beach, hike the scenic Cowles Bog Trail, or wander historic trails at Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$234
/ night
97% (249) • 22 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Park Ridge
A Creek Runs Through It
1. A Creek Runs Through It
94%
(16)
27mi from Park Ridge · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$41
/ night
The Commons Oak Savanna
2. The Commons Oak Savanna
92%
(25)
37mi from Park Ridge · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
(NOTE) Greenwood Rd and Illinois Rt 120 are the same...Google uses Greenwood Rd, and the State prefers Illinois Rte 120)
Get away from it and commune with nature in a pre-settlement natural oak savanna with oaks and hickories of 200-400 years. 25-acre woodland completely fenced and surrounded by cropland and woods with no homes or roads within a half mile. Experience the land as the nomadic Indian tribes saw it. Trails cross the property. Hawks, owls, turkeys, and occasional bald eagles, along with finches, woodpeckers, doves, and martins fill the sky; while deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits roam the grounds. Only two camps are available to keep the setting pristine and primitive and a third site can be used behind the sheds if you encounter unexpected weather.
Pets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
3. Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
99%
(43)
40mi from Park Ridge · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Local Farm. Close enough to socialize. Far enough away to matter. Next door to “‘More Polish Pottery” in Big Rock IL. Near Dekalb, Sandwich, Plano, Hinkley, Big Rock, Aurora, and Sugar Grove. Many sites, bars, shops, and places to eat. Touching Big Rock forest preserve. Features egg stand. Private setting. Fire pit. Multiple spots to choose from. Great views. Pet friendly. Local showers and pool at local Plano YMCA. May see farm animals up close and personal. Please leave them at site. 11 min or less to Raging Waves Water Park. It’s right down the road! An hour commute or less to Chicago. Open early this year Feb 19th through Sept 30th (extended due to nice weather so if you can book it. You can stay.) The end of the season this year will be September 30th. And then we will be closed for the winter until May first. Unless otherwise specified. Usually closed for the winter months. Sugar Grove Family Fun Center up the road. Goat Yoga and Wholly Bean close by. Local forest preserve has toilets or bring your own porti-john. Bring your horses. Set up a temp spot. We have the space. And there is riding at the forest preserve right around the corner. Camp with your HORSES! We have a swing set and small child play sets. A trampoline. A tire swing. Y’all are more than welcome to use it. Just be respectful and make sure your children do not harm our land, animals, or gardens. 💕🙏 Now offering substantial fire wood bundles for 10 dollars a bundle. New egg and farm stand added this year. Two new picnic tables added.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$26
/ night
The Aloha Ranch
4. The Aloha Ranch
100%
(19)
45mi from Park Ridge · 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
Bear Bottom Ranch
5. Bear Bottom Ranch
92%
(129)
46mi from Park Ridge · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Auch Farm.
6. Auch Farm.
100%
(67)
46mi from Park Ridge · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Rustic Escape on an 8-Acre Homestead, Agro-Tourism Retreat, Pines, Trails and Wetland Views
Step into a peaceful, off-grid retreat on our 8-acre working homestead, where open grassy fields meet whispering pines, and nature invites you to slow down. Set up camp in the wide-open meadow or follow a quiet trail through the woods to a secluded, wooded site overlooking untouched wetlands. This stay blends rustic camping with simple farm life, goats, chickens, fields, and wetland edges all in one place. It’s the perfect spot to relax in a hammock, stargaze by the fire, or kick back and stay a while.
We border protected wetland conservation land, offering a truly remote and rustic experience, secluded, yet still close to town for anything you might need.
Please note: This is boondocking/Dry camping only. There are no toilet facilities, so we ask campers to bring a bucket, sawdust, and pack everything out. It’s your stuff, we don’t want it.
Farm Life Bonus: We share the land with friendly goats and egg-laying hens. You’re welcome to say hello, feed the goats (they LOVE weeds, feel free to
Pets
Campfires
from
$43
/ night
Painted Turtle Campsite
7. Painted Turtle Campsite
100%
(6)
42mi from Park Ridge · 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
Walnut Woods Farm
8. Walnut Woods Farm
100%
(3)
44mi from Park Ridge · 1 site
7 acres with a mile of winding trails on a working horse farm, featuring two ponds (one stocked for fishing) and a rustic hike-in private campsite. The property offers two small private campsites and a fenced area for horse camping.
Explore pristine fenlands, a young black walnut grove, a small prairie restoration, and more. An archery range and horse camping are also available. Owners live on-site and are happy to help if needed, but never intrusive.
And yes — therapy chickens are available for cuddles! 🐔❤️
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$24
/ night
The Dunes Escape
9. The Dunes Escape
48mi from Park Ridge · 1 site
We live 4 miles from the National Lake Shore.
Explore the Indiana Dunes just minutes away—climb sandy dunes at the State Park, relax at West Beach, hike the scenic Cowles Bog Trail, or wander historic trails at Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$234
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Mitch
4 days ago
Tent
With pets
This was a beautiful site right on the creek, as advertised! There were a few great spots to pitch a tent and hang a hammock. Though the host's home is visible, it's far enough away to feel somewhat private. She left us a good-sized table firepit that cooked up food for two well and we had plenty of kindling available nearby. We brought our own firewood so I'm not sure if the host offers any. Plenty of room to park and there were lots of nice animal noises throughout the day & night for that wilderness feel. I'd recommend this for a low-key site that feels close to nature.
See more
F
Fat
February 2026
Tent
With pets
My dog and I stayed at Ron’s on February 13th to test out hot tent camping. His location is also excellent for my fishing interests in Southeast Wisconsin. I started messaging Ron in late January to prepare for a trip. I had many questions, as I needed to be prepared for this first hot tent experience and also have some personal physical limitations, so needed to inquire multiple times. Ron responded quickly to about 6-8 inquiries over that time and seemed extremely kind while messaging and in-person was no different. Ron has a great energy and he made me feel very welcome and even cut some firewood to specifications for my hot tent wood stove, as I currently can’t physically process firewood myself. The property was similar to what I imagined and I loved being able to park right at our site, closing to the main clearing but still a deeper wooded feel with trees canvassing overhead. Didn’t take any pics and have most footage on a camera waiting to download. Will upload my pics soon. We’ll be back for sure. Thanks again Ron!
See more
B
Brian
November 2025
Tent
Site 1 was perfect. We had a couple nice days before the snowstorm hit to enjoy the trails and bonfire pit. We were there to winter camp so snow was a plus. Plenty of down limbs if run short on wood. Stores were close and bbr was easy to find. Recommend if you like privacy.
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Jimmy
November 2025
16 ft car
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!
See more
J
Jacob
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Beautiful land, the host has clearly been working hard to create nice camp sites. We enjoyed it so much we booked another night.
See more
J
Jennifer
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Suzanne, Jeremy and roommates were AMAZING! I love their property and the work they have put in to it to share with others. They spent so much time with me, teaching me! The horses , chickens (Beta ❤️), stocked pond and mowed paths. Beautiful!
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C
Cristian
October 2025
Tent
Easy check in and check out simple signs and location. Nice set up.
See moreS
Santos
October 2025
Tent
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.
See moreA
Ash
October 2025
Tent
great place to stay. it was a private and easy to get to camp spot, goats and bees near by. Thank you Ron
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Meaghan
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We had a great time camping on Ron's land. Lots of great places for kiddos to walk around and explore, plus they had fun visiting the chickens and goats. Would love to come back!
See moreC
Carlos
October 2025
12 ft pop-up camper
Un lugar hermoso que se disfruta lo unico traer tu propio generator si quieres luz
See moreJ
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!
See morea
amanda
October 2025
35 ft travel trailer
First impression I thought I was lost, that’s the point right? Very responsive to communication and flexible. Escorted by farm tractor to location, let me see different sights to pick from. I picked tucked in the woods for some seclusion. Brought my two dogs and they loved running in the 3 different fields close by, we even visited the goats multiple times to give them some weeds. 2 other sites were being used but you would never know it. Would visit again for a quick getaway.
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A
Adam
October 2025
24 ft Class C
Ron had a beautiful piece of property! We loved the peace and quiet getting away from the everyday hustle. Would recommend to anyone. We were able to get our class c camper nestled in the perfect spot.
See more
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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B
Brian
October 2025
Tent
The Commons Oak Savannah is a beautiful property and was the perfect setting for our 1930's themed camp-out. The hilly 1/2 mile cow lane from the highway back to the campsite passes through fields and woodlands and lends a feeling of travelling to a distant place and time, and we had no problem negotiating it our 1928 Model A Ford. The site itself is surrounded by woods with ancient oaks to the north, east and south, and we enjoyed the magnificent sunset over the open fields to the west. Darkness brought the sounds of screech owls and even the distant yips and howls of coyotes. The site itself was large and well mowed, and we found an abundance of wood in the brush pile concealed in the tall grass next to the lane. Prospective campers may want to note that there is a small group of well-maintained honey bee hive boxes adjacent to the site, but they ignored us completely and did not even stray into our camp. The host, Steve, was very congenial, with excellent communication via both hipcamp messaging and phone texting, and his interest in helping us enjoy our experience was readily apparent. I heartily recommend The Commons Oak Savannah to campers seeking a tranquil and authentic experience and hope to return many times myself.
See moreN
Nicolas
September 2025
Tent
Had a great time staying at Ron’s farm. The goats and chickens were adorable and the fresh eggs were delicious. Fire pit was awesome and the area was really spacious. Ron was a very nice guy, super helpful if you need anything. Highly recommend!
See moreE
Estefania
September 2025
Tent
One of the best camping experiences I’ve ever had 🌿. The place feels super safe, cozy, and peaceful; we truly enjoyed a real camping experience with lots of privacy and connection to nature. Suzanne was so kind from the moment we arrived, and even helped us carry our things to the campsite with a tractor. We also got to meet her beautiful horses and give them treats 🐴💛.
Another highlight was the flexible check-in and check-out times, which made everything so much easier and stress-free. That was one of the main reasons we chose this spot, and it really made a difference. We left feeling delighted and are already looking forward to coming back!
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!
See moreN
Nicole
September 2025
Tent
The site we were at was absolutely beautiful woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Highly recommend site A!!
See more
