Explore
/
United States
/
Illinois
/
South Shore

The best river, stream, or creek camping near South Shore

96% (92)

Top-rated campgrounds

This view is of both station 1 and 2

1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

20mi from South Shore · 5 sites · Lodging · Gary, IN

This is a hidden gem in the outskirts of Gary. Located on the Calumet river is this amazing horse farm with 3 horses and 4 ponies. It’s 1 mile off of the 80/94 and 65 highway. Only a 45 min drive from Chicago. We also offer free parking to Miller Beach on Lake Michigan which is only a 10 min drive to there and the Indiana Dunes. Theres also Deep River Dam where you can drop your kayak and do some fishing less then a mile away. Pet fee 50 dollars for 1st pet 25 dollars for 2nd pet (75) 2 max pets

A Creek Runs Through It

2. A Creek Runs Through It

44mi from South Shore · 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!

Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest

3. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest

30mi from South Shore · 2 sites · Lodging · Crown Point, IN

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.

Indiana Dunes National Park

4. Indiana Dunes National Park

66 sites · Dune Acres, Indiana

Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.

Channahon State Park

5. Channahon State Park

25 sites · Channahon, Illinois

This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics

Creekside Dunes

6. Creekside Dunes

30mi from South Shore · 2 sites · Lodging · Chesterton, IN

Wooded lot very close to the Indiana dunes national lake shore located close to down town Chesterton Indiana!

Cozy

7. Harbor Country Cabins

49mi from South Shore · 2 sites · Lodging · Sawyer, MI

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.

RC River Retreat

8. RC River Retreat

42mi from South Shore · 1 site · Lodging · Momence, IL

Relax and unwind on the river! Whether alone, a couple, group or family everyone will enjoy this beautiful home. Relax by the river, fire pit or fireplace and enjoy! This home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, kitchen, living room and some nooks and crannies to relax. With Wi-fi, Dish tv, charcoal and gas grill (bring your own charcoal or propane), games, books and indoor/outdoor stereo system. 2 public ramps within 5 miles to launch your watercraft or just fish off of the dock. Non-smoking. The space We have done our best to offer you and your guests a comfortable stay. Each room has plenty of storage. There are dressers and closets for your belongings. The kitchen should have all your cooking needs. Guest access The house is all yours! The garage and the shed are for the private use of the owners. Other things to note There are many outdoor games (corn hole, Ladder Ball, yard Yahtzee, yard Jenga and Yard Connect Four). So there's no surprises; we have satellite dish for internet. Due to the limited options of our rural location, this may result in spotty internet that is also impacted by the weather.

Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

9. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

22 sites · Channahon, Illinois

Experience an echo of the expansive natural prairies of an Illinois past when you come to Des Plaines Fish & Wildlife Area. The tranquil vibes of the park will refresh your soul. The smooth flowing rivers and natural prairie lands stretch across the horizon—making that campfire glow all the more spectacular. There is so much diversity at this park; woodland turns to farmland, prairie turns to swamp, calm waters turn to rushing rivers. This makes for an exceptional array of epic outdoor activities to partake in. We’re talking something for nature lovers and huntsmen alike. The fishing here is on point, with bass, walleye, northern pike, and catfish jumping at the bait on the banks of Miliken Lake and Kankakee River. Explore the acres of naturally preserved beauty, embrace the lush water sources, and just have a hell of a good time all around at this park.

Kankakee River State Park

10. Kankakee River State Park

207 sites · Limestone, Illinois

Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.

Bike camping.

11. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

224 sites · Zion, Illinois

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

96% (92)

Top-rated campgrounds

This view is of both station 1 and 2

1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

20mi from South Shore · 5 sites · Lodging · Gary, IN

This is a hidden gem in the outskirts of Gary. Located on the Calumet river is this amazing horse farm with 3 horses and 4 ponies. It’s 1 mile off of the 80/94 and 65 highway. Only a 45 min drive from Chicago. We also offer free parking to Miller Beach on Lake Michigan which is only a 10 min drive to there and the Indiana Dunes. Theres also Deep River Dam where you can drop your kayak and do some fishing less then a mile away. Pet fee 50 dollars for 1st pet 25 dollars for 2nd pet (75) 2 max pets

A Creek Runs Through It

2. A Creek Runs Through It

44mi from South Shore · 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!

Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest

3. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest

30mi from South Shore · 2 sites · Lodging · Crown Point, IN

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.

Indiana Dunes National Park

4. Indiana Dunes National Park

66 sites · Dune Acres, Indiana

Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.

Channahon State Park

5. Channahon State Park

25 sites · Channahon, Illinois

This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics

Creekside Dunes

6. Creekside Dunes

30mi from South Shore · 2 sites · Lodging · Chesterton, IN

Wooded lot very close to the Indiana dunes national lake shore located close to down town Chesterton Indiana!

Cozy

7. Harbor Country Cabins

49mi from South Shore · 2 sites · Lodging · Sawyer, MI

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.

RC River Retreat

8. RC River Retreat

42mi from South Shore · 1 site · Lodging · Momence, IL

Relax and unwind on the river! Whether alone, a couple, group or family everyone will enjoy this beautiful home. Relax by the river, fire pit or fireplace and enjoy! This home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, kitchen, living room and some nooks and crannies to relax. With Wi-fi, Dish tv, charcoal and gas grill (bring your own charcoal or propane), games, books and indoor/outdoor stereo system. 2 public ramps within 5 miles to launch your watercraft or just fish off of the dock. Non-smoking. The space We have done our best to offer you and your guests a comfortable stay. Each room has plenty of storage. There are dressers and closets for your belongings. The kitchen should have all your cooking needs. Guest access The house is all yours! The garage and the shed are for the private use of the owners. Other things to note There are many outdoor games (corn hole, Ladder Ball, yard Yahtzee, yard Jenga and Yard Connect Four). So there's no surprises; we have satellite dish for internet. Due to the limited options of our rural location, this may result in spotty internet that is also impacted by the weather.

Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

9. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

22 sites · Channahon, Illinois

Experience an echo of the expansive natural prairies of an Illinois past when you come to Des Plaines Fish & Wildlife Area. The tranquil vibes of the park will refresh your soul. The smooth flowing rivers and natural prairie lands stretch across the horizon—making that campfire glow all the more spectacular. There is so much diversity at this park; woodland turns to farmland, prairie turns to swamp, calm waters turn to rushing rivers. This makes for an exceptional array of epic outdoor activities to partake in. We’re talking something for nature lovers and huntsmen alike. The fishing here is on point, with bass, walleye, northern pike, and catfish jumping at the bait on the banks of Miliken Lake and Kankakee River. Explore the acres of naturally preserved beauty, embrace the lush water sources, and just have a hell of a good time all around at this park.

Kankakee River State Park

10. Kankakee River State Park

207 sites · Limestone, Illinois

Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.

Bike camping.

11. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

224 sites · Zion, Illinois

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

Public campgrounds near South Shore

Dunewood Campground

Dunewood Campground

31mi from South Shore · 66 sites · Tents, RVs · in Indiana Dunes National Park

Channahon Campground

Channahon Campground

42mi from South Shore · 25 sites · in Channahon State Park

Des Plaines Campground

Des Plaines Campground

44mi from South Shore · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

A shallow part of rock creek, near the campground.

Chippewa Campground

44mi from South Shore · 94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kankakee River State Park

Equestrian Campground

Equestrian Campground

45mi from South Shore · 8 sites · in Kankakee River State Park

Potawatomi Campground

Potawatomi Campground

46mi from South Shore · 105 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kankakee River State Park

Bike camping.

Illinois Beach Campground

48mi from South Shore · 224 sites · Tents, RVs · in Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

Stories from the community

A Creek Runs Through It

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!

See more

Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

C

Camilla

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

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 more

Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest

Vanisa

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest

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

Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

s

smita

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

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

Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

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 more

Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

B

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 more

Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

Amanda

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

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

Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

D

Davin

November 2024

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

Derek was super helpful and responsive! Cute RV and super comfy bed! Has all your amenities and nice and quiet. Highly recommend!

See more

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park

Dune Acres, Indiana

Channahon State Park

Channahon State Park

Channahon, Illinois

Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area

Channahon, Illinois

Kankakee River State Park

Kankakee River State Park

Limestone, Illinois

Bike camping.

Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

Value Prop

Value Prop

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular South Shore trips

Camping with a private bathroom

Camping with showers

Camping with fishing

Lakeside camping

Camping with swimming

Waterside camping

Top parks near South Shore

Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit)

Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Channahon State Park

Indiana Dunes National Park

Brunet Island State Park

Governor Dodge State Park

Council Grounds State Park

Hartman Creek State Park

Top cities near South Shore

Rochester Hills

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me

Best RV camping near me

Best glamping near me