- Forest Camping
The best forest camping near South Shore
97% (116) • 10 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near South Shore
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
1. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
30mi from South Shore · 2 sites
Learn more about this land:
Come enjoy a stay at the rustic Hruby Ranch. 50 acres of private land to explore. A cozy comfortable excursion tent with queen bed. There are trails throughout of which you are free to explore. And our animals will surely delight. A fire pit is always a wonderful way to end the day. Located 12 minutes from I 65 and 15 minutes from downtown Crown Point and 20 from Valporaiso. If the beach is more your style, we are 25 minutes from the Indiana dunes and Lake Michigan!
We are in winter/inclimate weather conditions, all stays are hike in and out approximately 150yards from the barn and stable areas.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
The Mannex! Indiana Dunes Nat'l Pk
2. The Mannex! Indiana Dunes Nat'l Pk
100%
(12)
31mi from South Shore · 1 site
The Man's Annex aka the Mannex is located on Scenic US HWY 12 to the South and The South Shore Commuter Rail to the North. The campsite is very clean, tidy and safe. The main pebble parking area slopes gently to the North so you will want levelers if you're in a camper. I have a brand new RV Pedestal complete with 50 and 30amp service, a mechanical timer for the LED lights encompassing the parking area as well as a rheostat so you can dim the lights. I have a 40" firepit with spark arrestor (please use to be in compliance with local laws) as well as a polywood octagonal picnic table and well water with 100' hose. Trash and human waste is to be carried out. Please keep your camper to the east of the blue and yellow birdhouses as access to the building is needed. The location is great! You're inside the dunes national park and only 1.35 miles to the beach. Just north of the train tracks is the Calumet bike path. .35 to the west is a gas station with a bathroom, the south shore train station (day trip to Chicago anyone?), a great restaurant and liquor store as well. Bikes are HIGHLY recommended to be able to help facilitate your exploring of this very unique part of the country. If you're a birder and you don't already know, bring your binocs, this is one of the best birding towns in the Midwest / country due to the location and it's biodiversity.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$135
/ night
A Creek Runs Through It
3. A Creek Runs Through It
93%
(15)
44mi from South Shore · 2 sites
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
from
$41
/ night
Harbor Country Cabins
4. Harbor Country Cabins
100%
(13)
49mi from South Shore · 2 sites
I become owner of this property in 2017. The cabins were built in the late 90's financed by the previous owner. The property was vacant for decades prior to that. In the 1950's, the property was a drive-in motel called the 'Harbert Motel'. We have an arial photo from this time period which showed a number of small bungalows for guests, each with its own carport. I love all the stories I hear from locals who have been around long enough to remember how things 'used to be'.
Southwest Michigan has an interesting history and has been a 'destination' from city dwellers for close to 100 years. Even Al Capone and his goon's frequented the area as they moved illegal good during the days of prohibition.
Learn more about this land:
Breweries, Wineries, Berry Picking, Art Studios, Farmers Markets, hiking trails, biking trails, Lake Michigan boating, kayaking, fishing, canoeing.......all those things and more await you in Southwest Michigan.
We have 6 'tiny house' style cabins on 1-acre property we call - Harbor Country Cabins. Harbor Country Cabins is located along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail. Our resort offers a unique lodging and gathering location in the center of Harbor Country, near Southwest Michigan’s premier destination for beaches, breweries, wineries, dining and summer fun. With 12 queen bunk and 4 twin bunk beds spaced across 6 cabins, our property can hold up to 28 people. Price in this listing is for rental of all 6 cabins.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$855
/ night
Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
5. Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
99%
(41)
50mi from South Shore · 10 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 Dunes Escape
6. The Dunes Escape
27mi from South Shore · 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
Organic Vegetable Farm
7. Organic Vegetable Farm
46mi from South Shore · 5 sites
At Perkins' Good Earth Farm, we offer a peaceful, scenic place to rest with convenient electrical hook-ups (50/30/20 amp options).
Our on-site farm store features our own USDA Certified Organic produce, along with other locally sourced foods, grab-and-go soups and salads made in our farm kitchen, gourmet hardneck garlic, and a weekly veggie adventure through our CSA program.
Guests can enjoy our beautiful half-mile trail that winds through woodland and native prairie. Leashed animals are always welcome!
Campsites are open year-round. Our farm store is open with regular hours from May through mid-November (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9–5 and Saturday 9–12, plus Fridays 9–5 in June–September). Even when the store is closed, items are still available for order and pickup through our online store.
On the day of your arrival, we’ll send self-check-in instructions, including how to make after-hours purchases from the online store. One last tip: we strongly recommend avoiding Chicago traffic during rush hour—or altogether, if you can!
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
$30
/ night
Earth Mama’s Farm
8. Earth Mama’s Farm
47mi from South Shore · 1 site · Tent, RV
A small rural farm tucked away in the beautiful black oak savanna prairie ecosystem. The farm features several acres of native prairie restoration, along with hiking trails in nearby woods.
The campsite is set within the prairie restoration area along a wooded edge — a perfect location for those seeking starlit Midwest skies, the sounds of native birds and wildlife, and scenic views throughout their stay.
Located about 30 minutes from town, you’ll have easy access to major stores via all paved roads while still escaping the hustle and bustle of urban life. Enjoy a fresh country experience in this beautiful part of Illinois, once part of the historic Grand Kankakee River Valley Marshland.
A fire pit is provided at the campsite, with firewood included in your fee.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$24
/ night
Walnut Woods Farm
9. Walnut Woods Farm
100%
(3)
49mi from South Shore · 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
97% (116) • 10 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near South Shore
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
1. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
30mi from South Shore · 2 sites
Learn more about this land:
Come enjoy a stay at the rustic Hruby Ranch. 50 acres of private land to explore. A cozy comfortable excursion tent with queen bed. There are trails throughout of which you are free to explore. And our animals will surely delight. A fire pit is always a wonderful way to end the day. Located 12 minutes from I 65 and 15 minutes from downtown Crown Point and 20 from Valporaiso. If the beach is more your style, we are 25 minutes from the Indiana dunes and Lake Michigan!
We are in winter/inclimate weather conditions, all stays are hike in and out approximately 150yards from the barn and stable areas.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
The Mannex! Indiana Dunes Nat'l Pk
2. The Mannex! Indiana Dunes Nat'l Pk
100%
(12)
31mi from South Shore · 1 site
The Man's Annex aka the Mannex is located on Scenic US HWY 12 to the South and The South Shore Commuter Rail to the North. The campsite is very clean, tidy and safe. The main pebble parking area slopes gently to the North so you will want levelers if you're in a camper. I have a brand new RV Pedestal complete with 50 and 30amp service, a mechanical timer for the LED lights encompassing the parking area as well as a rheostat so you can dim the lights. I have a 40" firepit with spark arrestor (please use to be in compliance with local laws) as well as a polywood octagonal picnic table and well water with 100' hose. Trash and human waste is to be carried out. Please keep your camper to the east of the blue and yellow birdhouses as access to the building is needed. The location is great! You're inside the dunes national park and only 1.35 miles to the beach. Just north of the train tracks is the Calumet bike path. .35 to the west is a gas station with a bathroom, the south shore train station (day trip to Chicago anyone?), a great restaurant and liquor store as well. Bikes are HIGHLY recommended to be able to help facilitate your exploring of this very unique part of the country. If you're a birder and you don't already know, bring your binocs, this is one of the best birding towns in the Midwest / country due to the location and it's biodiversity.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$135
/ night
A Creek Runs Through It
3. A Creek Runs Through It
93%
(15)
44mi from South Shore · 2 sites
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
from
$41
/ night
Harbor Country Cabins
4. Harbor Country Cabins
100%
(13)
49mi from South Shore · 2 sites
I become owner of this property in 2017. The cabins were built in the late 90's financed by the previous owner. The property was vacant for decades prior to that. In the 1950's, the property was a drive-in motel called the 'Harbert Motel'. We have an arial photo from this time period which showed a number of small bungalows for guests, each with its own carport. I love all the stories I hear from locals who have been around long enough to remember how things 'used to be'.
Southwest Michigan has an interesting history and has been a 'destination' from city dwellers for close to 100 years. Even Al Capone and his goon's frequented the area as they moved illegal good during the days of prohibition.
Learn more about this land:
Breweries, Wineries, Berry Picking, Art Studios, Farmers Markets, hiking trails, biking trails, Lake Michigan boating, kayaking, fishing, canoeing.......all those things and more await you in Southwest Michigan.
We have 6 'tiny house' style cabins on 1-acre property we call - Harbor Country Cabins. Harbor Country Cabins is located along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail. Our resort offers a unique lodging and gathering location in the center of Harbor Country, near Southwest Michigan’s premier destination for beaches, breweries, wineries, dining and summer fun. With 12 queen bunk and 4 twin bunk beds spaced across 6 cabins, our property can hold up to 28 people. Price in this listing is for rental of all 6 cabins.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$855
/ night
Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
5. Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
99%
(41)
50mi from South Shore · 10 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 Dunes Escape
6. The Dunes Escape
27mi from South Shore · 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
Organic Vegetable Farm
7. Organic Vegetable Farm
46mi from South Shore · 5 sites
At Perkins' Good Earth Farm, we offer a peaceful, scenic place to rest with convenient electrical hook-ups (50/30/20 amp options).
Our on-site farm store features our own USDA Certified Organic produce, along with other locally sourced foods, grab-and-go soups and salads made in our farm kitchen, gourmet hardneck garlic, and a weekly veggie adventure through our CSA program.
Guests can enjoy our beautiful half-mile trail that winds through woodland and native prairie. Leashed animals are always welcome!
Campsites are open year-round. Our farm store is open with regular hours from May through mid-November (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9–5 and Saturday 9–12, plus Fridays 9–5 in June–September). Even when the store is closed, items are still available for order and pickup through our online store.
On the day of your arrival, we’ll send self-check-in instructions, including how to make after-hours purchases from the online store. One last tip: we strongly recommend avoiding Chicago traffic during rush hour—or altogether, if you can!
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
$30
/ night
Earth Mama’s Farm
8. Earth Mama’s Farm
47mi from South Shore · 1 site · Tent, RV
A small rural farm tucked away in the beautiful black oak savanna prairie ecosystem. The farm features several acres of native prairie restoration, along with hiking trails in nearby woods.
The campsite is set within the prairie restoration area along a wooded edge — a perfect location for those seeking starlit Midwest skies, the sounds of native birds and wildlife, and scenic views throughout their stay.
Located about 30 minutes from town, you’ll have easy access to major stores via all paved roads while still escaping the hustle and bustle of urban life. Enjoy a fresh country experience in this beautiful part of Illinois, once part of the historic Grand Kankakee River Valley Marshland.
A fire pit is provided at the campsite, with firewood included in your fee.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$24
/ night
Walnut Woods Farm
9. Walnut Woods Farm
100%
(3)
49mi from South Shore · 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
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
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!
See more
C
Cristian
October 2025
Tent
Easy check in and check out simple signs and location. Nice set up.
See more
J
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!
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D
Deron
October 2025
24 ft travel trailer
Absolutely PERFECT private camping spot!! Geoff has done an immaculate job of setting up a well maintained and comfortable stay. 30amp plug in, hose to transfer water, fire pit and café lighting hung for ambiance. Timer and dimmer in the electric box. As it says in his profile, there is the e-train that goes by occasionally- but by no means does it minimize the stay! Geoff stopped by to welcome us, great guy. Had some common threads and ended up having a couple beers with him and great conversation. Ended up booking with him b/c the campgrounds were full - but will easily stay there again no matter what!
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 moreN
Nicole
September 2025
Tent
The site we were at was absolutely beautiful woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Highly recommend site A!!
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Vanisa
September 2025
With kids
The Hruby Ranch was everything we were hoping for and more. You can tell immediately that there is a lot of love put into the property. It is very well maintained and easy to do our overnight getaway, having comforts of home and still outdoor camping feeling. Seeing both sunset and sunrise from our site was so special. The animals were our kiddos favorite along with the trampoline!
Thank you Tom and Ally for the hospitality, we hope to make this at least an annual getaway.
See more
Bonnie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
My two nights at Suzanne‘s campsite were perfect. She was very responsive when I was having difficulties with the directions, she had brought down nearly 5 gallons of water to the campsite as well as wood, if I wished to have a fire, and helped me bring my tent and bags to the campsite on her tractor. Suzanne is practicing great stewardship of the land while having a working farm with horses and lots of chickens. . She and her husband have horses and many happy chickens. She was also kind enough to light the path to and from the Porta potty and my campsite. I traveled with my two small dogs. Both of them loved running around on the miles of trails that they have on their property. And I will definitely return to see how it develops over the years. I was also really charmed by that neck of the woods. As a resident of a suburb of Chicago, I forget how much of Illinois is not Chicago and how beautiful many parts of it are including the nearby Fox River. I’d definitely recommend this campsite (and she has a bigger one too!).
See moreJ
Janetsa
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers
Great campsite for beginners and family! This was my family’s first camping trip and we had a great time. The campsite is well kept and just the right size. I appreciated being close to the entrance but still far enough away to not be bothered by noise.
See moreN
Nik
August 2025
Tent
Great place! Very quiet and peaceful. Hosts were very attentive.
See mores
serena
August 2025
Tent
Wanted to get out of the city for a night and this site was perfect. The host was very kind and flexible, and we saw a beautiful sunset!
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M
Mindy
August 2025
25 ft Class C
Group trip
We stayed at the Mannex with a small Class C and pull behind vehicle. We were able to unhook and rehook the tow vehicle right in the driveway, and was room to park both within the camping area. Be sure to have leveler blocks though as to get close to electrical box and keep your awning towards the tracks (and not the road) you’ll likely need them. Wasn’t a problem though and was a perfect spot for us en route to Iowa to check out the Indiana Dunes. I’d bring a Thermacell for nighttime to keep bugs at bay. I would stay again if coming though the area. (Timer/lights hung at site is a nice touch as is all the bird houses!)
See moreL
Levi
July 2025
25 ft travel trailer
With kids
Very nice and well kept place. 5 minute drive to the beach was extremely convenient. Very private.
See moreA
Amelia
July 2025
Tent
Cute little spot in a really nice location (the nature reserve is close, as are a lot of sports fields if you’re around for a tournament)! Kimberly was so nice and super helpful; I’d definitely recommend site B!
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J
James
July 2025
26 ft Class C
This is a very well maintained (new!) site, that while right off the road is very private, and perfect if you want some privacy and easy access to Indiana Dunes and the local sights. Not a huge fan of Michigan City, but this local area had some nice restaurant and convenience store/gas stations/gift shop. Indiana Dunes state park itself is extremely nice with a more traditional beach, and great trails. The town of Beverly Shores is this weird little enclave right along the coast, it's got a really nice little scenic drive along the coast but you can't park anywhere without a parking pass, sort of reminiscent of the snobbier coastal towns up in New England. There's a national park beach down the road but it's a bit of a hike to the beach from the parking lot. This is a premium location if your rig/trailer is able to fit in, larger RVs and trailers won't fit. Really enjoyed the site and the host!
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April
July 2025
18 ft pop-up camper
With kids
We camped with our ALiner here for the 4th of July weekend. This spot did not disappoint. Geoff was a great host and gave us so many pointers - where to go to the beach, where to eat, etc. Our kiddos loved watching all the trains go by our spot. The space was spacious and you can tell Geoff put a lot of care into it.
The beaches nearby are lovely and just down the road. Our only suggestion would be to have a porta potty on site. :)
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Cara
July 2025
21 ft Class B
With pets
This was a great spot! Very close to the beaches. Felt secluded enough but close enough to town to grab anything. We went with our lab and toddler and it was perfect.
See morew
william
July 2025
16 ft travel trailer
Great location and beautiful site set up. Light sleepers may be affected by road and train noise.
See more
E
Erica
June 2025
27 ft travel trailer
With pets
We had a fantastic stay at this campsite! Jeff was absolutely awesome — super friendly, helpful, and clearly dedicated to making sure guests have a great experience. He checked in to make sure we had everything we needed and made us feel totally welcome from the start.
The location is ideal — peaceful and private, but still really close to the beach and anything else you might need. It was so convenient to pop out for groceries, food, or hit the coast for the day.
One thing we were a little unsure about beforehand was the commuter train tracks nearby, but they turned out to be no issue at all. The trains weren’t loud, and from inside our camper, we couldn’t hear them at all — it didn’t disturb the peace in the slightest.
The site itself was clean, well-maintained, and had a relaxed, easygoing vibe. Whether you’re looking to unwind in nature or use it as a base to explore the area, this place is perfect.
Highly recommend — we’ll definitely be back!
See moreL
Laurie
June 2025
24 ft Class C
With pets
Camping at Mannex was great! Clean, great utilities, welcoming host. Located within minutes of Lake Michigan, beautiful beach and sunset. Bike trail to the beach is easily accessed, restaurant with live music just down the road. Pet friendly, too! Thank you, Geoff!
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