97% (145)
Top-rated campgrounds
97% (145)
Top-rated campgrounds
Public campgrounds near Plainfield
Stories from the community
R
Raquel
October 2025
Weekend Trip to CSC Permaculture Project
This was my favorite camping experience yet. The host was very helpful and hands on. The set up was perfect for sunny and rainy days. It was sooo cozy and had a private feel to it. The stars were sooo bright and clear. I enjoyed walking around the sight. I had everything I needed. I will come back to this site again!
See more
B
Ben
October 2025
With kids
This is the second visit to CSC. It’s a great, quiet, place. No other campers around. If you’re primary goal is to enjoy time at camp, and perhaps take some walks/short hikes around the property, it’s perfect. Planning to return again.
See more
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.
See moreW
Weslynne
September 2025
With kids
Wonderful, peaceful stay at CSC. First time in the earth shelter site, which made this such a comfortable sleep. Lots of space for tents too. We fished, biked, had dinner and games at the campfire, and overall had a wonderful relaxing visit. Bill helped us out with many small things that really made the visit extra special, like loaning us bug spray, getting my kids new fishing gear sorted and helping fix an issue with my car. Can't wait to go back!
See more
s
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.
See more
M
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!!!
See moreJ
Jonathon
September 2025
Weekend Trip to CSC Permaculture Project
My spouse and I had a great time at this camp - Bill gave us an excellent tour of the space and talked to us about their philosophy on permaculture.
The cabin was comfortable - great place to get out of Chicago for a bit.
See moreJ
Jayden
August 2025
Tent
This place was awesome!! It was my first trip to Chicago, and the site provided a cozy place to relax
See more
X
Xavier
August 2025
3 nights at CSC Permaculture Project
I originally booked this property simply as a place to film, expecting just a small house and some land to move around on. What I actually found was something far beyond that: a magical piece of earth, a community with a fascinating history, and hosts who were kind, inspiring, and deeply connected to the land.
The property itself is breathtaking—everywhere I turned felt alive with meaning, from the gardens to the woods to the stars overhead. Within minutes of being here, I realized this wasn’t just a backdrop for my project—it was a character in the story itself. I learned about permaculture, about the unique history of the community, and left with new friends and a new perspective on what sustainable living can look like.
My hosts were wonderful. They made me feel welcome, answered every question, and even took the time to give me a tour that changed the way I look at both farming and community. Their generosity and openness made this more than a stay—it was a life experience.
If you’re looking for a getaway where the land feels alive, where every corner holds a story, and where you can breathe in something truly unique, this is it. I came here thinking I’d just make a film. I left with inspiration, gratitude, and a genuine connection to a place I’ll never forget.
See more
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
See moreD
David
August 2025
With kids
What a great trip! Loved the beautiful cabin with tons of ambience. Lots of firewood available. Site has good privacy, although I highly recommend chatting with the friendly hosts and learning more about the permaculture. They've done really beautiful work creating a meaningful and abundant space. Cheers!
See more
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!
See more
S
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!
See more
J
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
See moreB
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.
See more
L
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.
See more
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!
See more
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.
See moreD
Dr. Melissa
June 2025
2 nights at CSC Permaculture Project
My husband and I loved staying at the CSC's Earth Shelter. It was a beautiful site with lots of signs of thoughtful preparation by our hosts! There were benches around the firepit and on the porch, extra chairs to move around, a picnic table, plenty of firewood and dry kindling, and even a chiminea for a cozy porch fire in case the weather wasn't right for the firepit. The Earth Shelter was inspiring! We loved seeing it in person to appreciate all the care and expertise that went into building it. Very comfortable and well-maintained. We highly recommend it! Our hosts were wonderful as well- we had our choice of fresh-grown produce from their garden and a lovely tour of the land and area.
See more
