97% (260) • 11 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Gary
Willowthorne
1. Willowthorne
97%
(253)
12mi from Gary · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover the Charm of Willowthorne: Your Rustic Sanctuary Amid Natural Beauty. Willowthorne invites you to revel in the natural allure and organic rhythm of life on the farm, fostering enduring memories that extend long after your visit.
Nestled within a serene 9-acre organic blueberry farm , Willowthorne emerges as an idyllic escape where the sunsets are sublime, and the night sky brims with twinkling stars, and the hosts are charming and delightful. This unique getaway marries the essence of organic farming, educational pursuits, and warm hospitality to create an unparalleled outdoor experience.
Catering to tent camping aficionados and retreat groups, our pastoral campgrounds are graced with picturesque views of a tranquil pond and willow trees. While our space welcomes the modest charm of tents, small RVs, and campers, we maintain a rustic essence without power hook-ups, encouraging guests to connect with nature. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a personal fire ring and table for your convenience.
Our area offers an incredible variety of recreational and sightseeing activities. Find peace and tranquility among nature or travel just 25 miles north to visit the heart of Chicago! We are central to many Illinois, Indiana and Michigan State Parks and beaches. Several good restaurants and breweries are also nearby.
PLEASE NOTE:
Please drive slowly and cautiously through our property. We are an active farm with a lot of activity all year round.
Please pitch your tent in the designated campground area.
In support of conservation of the natural ecosystem, please refrain from broadcast pesticides, i.e. Raid, Yard Guard, etc. Spraying skin, clothing, and personal property with mosquito repellent in your designated camping is fine.
Our farm has beehives placed at a safe distance from the campsites to ensure guest safety. Obey posted signs and please stay out of designated work areas
OBSERVE FIRE SAFETY.
Leave fire ring in designated spot.
Never leave fire unattended.
No fires on windy days.
Extinguish fire before leaving campsite.
Please read: https://www.hipcamp.com/journal/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fire-safety
For Your Convenience:
Firewood:
Purchase bundles of wood on site as non-local wood can disrupt the local ecosystem through disease or invasive species. Feel free to collect any small, fallen twigs for kindling. (Wood in stacked piles is not for burning but reserved for mushroom cultivation and other projects.)
Honey:
We offer honey harvested from blueberry blossoms in spring and the rich flavors of black locust and clover in late summer.
Blueberries:
Come July, partake in our U-pick blueberry farm, an experience seamlessly woven into your stay.
Misc.
We also offer a variety of organic garden vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. Kindly inquire on availability upon arrival if you are interested in any of these farm fresh goodies.
Catch-and-Release fishing is welcome.
We look forward to having you enjoy the natural beauty at Willowthorne!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$54
/ night
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
2. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
96%
(24)
3.5mi from Gary · 6 sites · Lodging
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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$90
/ night
Glamping in a Tiny Cabin on a Farm
3. Glamping in a Tiny Cabin on a Farm
100%
(3)
41mi from Gary · 1 site · Lodging
Experience a serene and relaxing getaway in our off-grid tiny cabin on our farm. Created with the intention of slowing down (no tv, no wifi and no refrigerator), enjoy wandering the fields relaxing in one of the hammocks, cooking on the outdoor fire pit, sipping coffee on the front deck and generally taking a break from modern life. If you'd like to explore the area, we are nearby popular trails and bike routes, U-pick farms, breweries & restaurants and beaches along Lake Michigan.
**From November -March the outdoor shower is weather dependent.**
******The term "glamping" means "glamorous camping" with an emphasis on camping. The tiny home and bathroom provide a comfortable and modern experience while still allowing the feel of rustic and outdoorsy traditional camping. All of your cooking will be done outside with our propane cooktop, grill or fire pit. There is a wash station on the back deck for washing dishes. *******
The tiny home was crafted to blend in with the scenery and to impact the surrounding trees and fields as little as possible. The loft includes a cozy queen bed with plush pillows and linens and the living space has a pull out sleeper sofa with a memory foam mattress. Relax indoors while taking in the view from the couch or enjoy a glass of wine on the front porch or one of the hammocks. Just steps away, the tiny home has a separate private bathroom with heated outdoor shower.
We have three potbelly pigs that enjoy company as well as chickens and a turkey. Deer frequent through the campsite and surrounding area as well.
This is an operating farm so the owners and employees are in the fields tending to the plants, washing, and packing produce throughout the week. You may hear people talking or the occasional tractor in a nearby field. The farm is certified naturally grown and works with the USDA on land management.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$111
/ night
Indiana Dunes National Park
4. Indiana Dunes National Park
95%
(41)
66 sites · Dune Acres, Indiana
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Kankakee River State Park
5. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
207 sites · Limestone, Illinois
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
6. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
15mi from Gary · 2 sites · Lodging
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
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
7. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
97% (260) • 11 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Gary
Willowthorne
1. Willowthorne
97%
(253)
12mi from Gary · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover the Charm of Willowthorne: Your Rustic Sanctuary Amid Natural Beauty. Willowthorne invites you to revel in the natural allure and organic rhythm of life on the farm, fostering enduring memories that extend long after your visit.
Nestled within a serene 9-acre organic blueberry farm , Willowthorne emerges as an idyllic escape where the sunsets are sublime, and the night sky brims with twinkling stars, and the hosts are charming and delightful. This unique getaway marries the essence of organic farming, educational pursuits, and warm hospitality to create an unparalleled outdoor experience.
Catering to tent camping aficionados and retreat groups, our pastoral campgrounds are graced with picturesque views of a tranquil pond and willow trees. While our space welcomes the modest charm of tents, small RVs, and campers, we maintain a rustic essence without power hook-ups, encouraging guests to connect with nature. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a personal fire ring and table for your convenience.
Our area offers an incredible variety of recreational and sightseeing activities. Find peace and tranquility among nature or travel just 25 miles north to visit the heart of Chicago! We are central to many Illinois, Indiana and Michigan State Parks and beaches. Several good restaurants and breweries are also nearby.
PLEASE NOTE:
Please drive slowly and cautiously through our property. We are an active farm with a lot of activity all year round.
Please pitch your tent in the designated campground area.
In support of conservation of the natural ecosystem, please refrain from broadcast pesticides, i.e. Raid, Yard Guard, etc. Spraying skin, clothing, and personal property with mosquito repellent in your designated camping is fine.
Our farm has beehives placed at a safe distance from the campsites to ensure guest safety. Obey posted signs and please stay out of designated work areas
OBSERVE FIRE SAFETY.
Leave fire ring in designated spot.
Never leave fire unattended.
No fires on windy days.
Extinguish fire before leaving campsite.
Please read: https://www.hipcamp.com/journal/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fire-safety
For Your Convenience:
Firewood:
Purchase bundles of wood on site as non-local wood can disrupt the local ecosystem through disease or invasive species. Feel free to collect any small, fallen twigs for kindling. (Wood in stacked piles is not for burning but reserved for mushroom cultivation and other projects.)
Honey:
We offer honey harvested from blueberry blossoms in spring and the rich flavors of black locust and clover in late summer.
Blueberries:
Come July, partake in our U-pick blueberry farm, an experience seamlessly woven into your stay.
Misc.
We also offer a variety of organic garden vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. Kindly inquire on availability upon arrival if you are interested in any of these farm fresh goodies.
Catch-and-Release fishing is welcome.
We look forward to having you enjoy the natural beauty at Willowthorne!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$54
/ night
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
2. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
96%
(24)
3.5mi from Gary · 6 sites · Lodging
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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$90
/ night
Glamping in a Tiny Cabin on a Farm
3. Glamping in a Tiny Cabin on a Farm
100%
(3)
41mi from Gary · 1 site · Lodging
Experience a serene and relaxing getaway in our off-grid tiny cabin on our farm. Created with the intention of slowing down (no tv, no wifi and no refrigerator), enjoy wandering the fields relaxing in one of the hammocks, cooking on the outdoor fire pit, sipping coffee on the front deck and generally taking a break from modern life. If you'd like to explore the area, we are nearby popular trails and bike routes, U-pick farms, breweries & restaurants and beaches along Lake Michigan.
**From November -March the outdoor shower is weather dependent.**
******The term "glamping" means "glamorous camping" with an emphasis on camping. The tiny home and bathroom provide a comfortable and modern experience while still allowing the feel of rustic and outdoorsy traditional camping. All of your cooking will be done outside with our propane cooktop, grill or fire pit. There is a wash station on the back deck for washing dishes. *******
The tiny home was crafted to blend in with the scenery and to impact the surrounding trees and fields as little as possible. The loft includes a cozy queen bed with plush pillows and linens and the living space has a pull out sleeper sofa with a memory foam mattress. Relax indoors while taking in the view from the couch or enjoy a glass of wine on the front porch or one of the hammocks. Just steps away, the tiny home has a separate private bathroom with heated outdoor shower.
We have three potbelly pigs that enjoy company as well as chickens and a turkey. Deer frequent through the campsite and surrounding area as well.
This is an operating farm so the owners and employees are in the fields tending to the plants, washing, and packing produce throughout the week. You may hear people talking or the occasional tractor in a nearby field. The farm is certified naturally grown and works with the USDA on land management.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$111
/ night
Indiana Dunes National Park
4. Indiana Dunes National Park
95%
(41)
66 sites · Dune Acres, Indiana
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Kankakee River State Park
5. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
207 sites · Limestone, Illinois
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
6. Hruby Ranch Woods Camp -Eagles Nest
93%
(57)
15mi from Gary · 2 sites · Lodging
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
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
7. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
James
November 2025
Tent
Omg Gosia +Mike thank you for being gracious host any questions I had were answered quickly and clear beautiful land my son and I tent and car camped nice flat land beautiful pond , bee hive , blueberry,chickens, clean bathroom station and water .going back with my daughter very soon and also guys when you go you have to try the homemade blueberry jams it’s amazing. Thanks again gosia and mike.
See more
A
Ali
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful sunset views, perfect amenities as promised, and Gosia came out and saw to every need. We’ll definitely be back for blueberry season!
See more
H
Hazzan Sarah
November 2025
Tent
With kids
The view over the lake at sunrise was absolutely beautiful! Even the rain couldn’t detract from how lovely our stay was.
See moreE
ERICH
November 2025
21 ft Class B
I had planned on only staying the first night, but it was so peaceful and the host so accommodating that I decided to stay another night. Mike was kind enough to spend some time with me telling me about the land in the history surrounding it, as well as a brief tour of the various gardens and small store where they have fresh honey, jams, etc. lovely place and will love to stay here in the spring to see everything growing!
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E
ERICH
November 2025
21 ft Class B
Perfect little getaway from Chicago. The description and pictures are accurate. The hosts were extremely communicative and very friendly. Got to chat with both of them a little bit. Will definitely stay here again!
See more
K
KATE
October 2025
16 ft campervan
Two nicely laid out large shaded campsites facing a pond. Cute working farm between a field and what felt like busy suburban life driving in. Camp area was pretty quiet but I could hear traffic noises. Tables, grill, toilet and running water for hand washing.
They offer organic jams and sauces made there on the farm. A nice little addition that make Hipcamp sites unique.
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E
Eva
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Absolutely loved Gosia and Mike! It was such a great experience and so close to the city!!!
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.
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G
Gerald
October 2025
j
jessica
September 2025
16 ft campervan
Wonderful little spot. Would highly recommend. Private feeling and great hosts.
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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
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.
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Alexander
September 2025
18 ft Class B
With pets
Charming, peaceful place to spend the night. Warm, welcoming, and helpful hosts. Grateful to have come across this gem, I'll be back for sure!
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Darius
September 2025
Tent
Beautiful setting, woodsy and private. Great to have a port o potty and wash sink next to the site. The only negative is that this is still a "close to urban" site and you'll hear loud car and motorcycle mufflers occasionally and there is some live music venue across the farm fields, and you'll hear the music playing and announcing until like 1130pm Fridays and Saturdays. Otherwise, the hosts are super friendly.
See moreK
Karen
September 2025
16 ft car
We enjoyed our stay at Gosia and Mike’s property. The directions were clear and it was easy to find. A very convenient place to stay close to the interstate for cross-country travel. It was surprisingly private given the proximity to more heavily developed areas.
See moreE
Eden
August 2025
Tent
We had a great experience at Willowthorne! The spot is beautiful and was very easy with our dog. Gosia was extremely nice and helpful as well. Will definitely be back!
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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
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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 moreE
Emma
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Gorgeous! Would stay again. Kind and clean and easy to access.
See more
K
Kim
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Lovely property. Hosts had good communication. We enjoyed our two nights relaxing and fishing!
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