- Riverside Camping
The best river, stream, or creek camping near Waukegan
98% (78) • 422 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Waukegan
The Aloha Ranch
1. The Aloha Ranch
100%
(19)
34mi from Waukegan · 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
A Creek Runs Through It
2. A Creek Runs Through It
94%
(16)
37mi from Waukegan · 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
Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶
3. Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶
97%
(44)
39mi from Waukegan · 1 site · Tent, RV
Peace and quiet served daily-no other tents in sight! This is off the beaten path next to the Fox River with no other campers nearby. You can bring your own RV/tent/campervan or choose to stay in the tipi. There are two kayaks with life jackets labeled for guests to use during their stay.
As you drive on the dirt road to the site there are farm fields to your left and the Fox River is straight ahead.
If needing to to get groceries, Walmart and Aldi's are about 5 minutes away. Local towns are Mukwonago and East Troy. Chicago is 90 minutes away and Milwaukee and Lake Geneva are 30. Fork in the Road and David Alan Alan's Smokehouse & Saloon are popular restaurants in Mukwonago. Or you can try mead in East Troy at the Hive! The Alpine Valley Music Theatre is 15 minutes away. Location is near I-43 & Highway 83. Summerfest is the world's largest musical festival and it is located 30 minutes away.
You can Venmo or use cash while you are at the campsite to purchase wood for one dollar a piece. There is also charcoal available with the site along with a weber grill.
Lastly, the river might give you muddy toes-consider it a souvenir! But feel free to bring some water to rinse off and keep things fresh.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$72
/ night
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
4. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
83%
(9)
State park 5.6mi from Waukegan · 224 sites
Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
5. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
100%
(2)
State park 17mi from Waukegan · 185 sites
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Painted Turtle Campsite
6. Painted Turtle Campsite
100%
(6)
23mi from Waukegan · 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
98% (78) • 422 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Waukegan
The Aloha Ranch
1. The Aloha Ranch
100%
(19)
34mi from Waukegan · 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
A Creek Runs Through It
2. A Creek Runs Through It
94%
(16)
37mi from Waukegan · 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
Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶
3. Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶
97%
(44)
39mi from Waukegan · 1 site · Tent, RV
Peace and quiet served daily-no other tents in sight! This is off the beaten path next to the Fox River with no other campers nearby. You can bring your own RV/tent/campervan or choose to stay in the tipi. There are two kayaks with life jackets labeled for guests to use during their stay.
As you drive on the dirt road to the site there are farm fields to your left and the Fox River is straight ahead.
If needing to to get groceries, Walmart and Aldi's are about 5 minutes away. Local towns are Mukwonago and East Troy. Chicago is 90 minutes away and Milwaukee and Lake Geneva are 30. Fork in the Road and David Alan Alan's Smokehouse & Saloon are popular restaurants in Mukwonago. Or you can try mead in East Troy at the Hive! The Alpine Valley Music Theatre is 15 minutes away. Location is near I-43 & Highway 83. Summerfest is the world's largest musical festival and it is located 30 minutes away.
You can Venmo or use cash while you are at the campsite to purchase wood for one dollar a piece. There is also charcoal available with the site along with a weber grill.
Lastly, the river might give you muddy toes-consider it a souvenir! But feel free to bring some water to rinse off and keep things fresh.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$72
/ night
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
4. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
83%
(9)
State park 5.6mi from Waukegan · 224 sites
Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
5. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
100%
(2)
State park 17mi from Waukegan · 185 sites
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Painted Turtle Campsite
6. Painted Turtle Campsite
100%
(6)
23mi from Waukegan · 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
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 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 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!
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 more
J
Jeremy
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Loved the site. Totally private and beautiful views! Picnic table, garbage, tippi, and torches a big plus.
See more
M
Megan
August 2025
Tent
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.
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Y
Yasmine
August 2025
Tent
This spot is perfect for a one tent camp. You could tell the owner put a lot of work into this spot. The two dogs we brought did really well off leash and loved diving off the docks at Lake Mary.
Check out Cup of Joe in town for good coffee. Make sure to bring your kayaks ( we did not ) as the little creek does take you straight to the lake.
Lastly this spot is hidden within a neighborhood just as an fyi, but I definitely think it’s worth trying out.
See moreM
Maxwell
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
Nice campsite and nice host! Right next to the fox river! The usable space is much smaller than I anticipated but we had a great trip!
See moreB
Bill
August 2025
Tent
Bobbie at Aloha Ranch was amazing! Great communication and such a wonderful host. Property was very fun and secluded. Thank you!
See moreK
Kevin
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Book this place!
I took our 3 boys (11/9/5) this weekend and it was perfect. The site is clean, flat, and well stocked. There was an awesome teepee, fire pit, grill (with complimentary charcoal), garbage/recycling cans, picnic table, 4 amazing kayaks, trails galore - I could keep going on.
The hosts were very communicative and helpful throughout our stay.
The area was fun to explore including kettle moraine and local lakes, the property was safe and quiet.
We were “lucky” enough to get 3-5” of rain one night and the grounds drained well and we were not impacted.
We will be back next year!
See moreK
Kate
July 2025
Tent
Such a great spot! Beautiful and easy to get to !
See morej
jordan
July 2025
Tent
With pets
The site is exactly as advertised. Due to storms i wasnt able to check out lake mary sadly but im sure having a direct channel into the lake would have been nice. The camp site is small and very close to 2 back yards from neighbors so unfortunately you have to be pretty quiet. You also may have trouble pitching a very large tent due to the small size of the site. Overall a good place to camp thanks for the experience 👍
See moreB
Bennett
July 2025
Tent
Another wonderful weekend at this site. Our 2nd time here and it did not disappoint. The site itself had many nice improvements since we were here last and is extremely peaceful, the fish were biting, and the family is very welcoming and caring. We will be back again!
See moreA
Ann
July 2025
Tent
Bobbie was a great host and very responsive. She checked on us when there was a thunderstorm and recommended a cool fishing spot near by. This would be a great hip camp if there was a porta-potty or outhouse. You do have to drive across a grass field to get to the sites, but this made it very secluded and far from the house which we appreciated. There are dogs but we did not see or hear them. The horses roam the front part of the property, but not by the campsites. This did mean that upon coming and going there are two gates that need to be opened and closed which took a little extra time.
See moreA
Amanda
June 2025
Tent
Great communication with the host. The site was great and our three year old daughter loved watching all of the fire flies all around at night.
See moreT
Taylor
June 2025
Tent
Great spot to camp. Firewood provided!! Would definitely recommend it.
See moreC
Christian
June 2025
Tent
Had a great time at this site. Bobbie was very helpful and responsive to questions we had leading up to our visit. There were also some weather concerns that popped up the day-off as we were prepping to drive out to the site. Bobbie was very communicative and transparent about everything ("weather isn't great, it could be muddy, you might not have a good time, want to reschedule?" type stuff along with some photos).
The weather ended up clearing up and was ok and we still went out (in spite of the rain) and were glad we did!
There's a lovely forest clearing with a picnic table / fire pit area that was nice and secluded (although we were the only campers on the property that night). But overall loved the place, would highly recommend and will likely come back in the future
See moreJ
Joshua
May 2025
Tent
With kids
Lovely place. The kids really enjoyed fishing amd exploring with the canoes and kayaks. The teepee was a hit and helped take the edge off the night’s cold. Saw many different types of birds. You can experience nature while still being conveniently close to town.
See moreM
Michael
May 2025
Tent
With kids
We're the sort of Hipcampers that like to engage with the host a bit. It not essential, as we're there to camp, and we know that hosts have a range of preferences themselves. But, if a host meaningfully engages with us, in any fashion, it adds to our enjoyment. Here, Bobbie certainly shared some quality time with us, and, in particular, with our 4 year old. She happily offered to pen the horses and dogs so that we could meet and feed them. She allowed us to have the same experience with her chickens. And, she shared her very exciting future plans for the land. We had already enjoyed her camping site and its seclusion, way back on the far end of her property. And, getting to know her and her animals a bit absolutely added to the trip. Thanks, Bobbie!
See moreS
Skydell
May 2025
16 ft car
The campsite was perfect for us. Lots of trails to walk and it was great having a little river running right by the land.
Bobbie was great and very welcoming. We can't wait to camp there again.
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