- Camping with fishing
The best camping near St John with fishing
97% (217) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near St John
Willowthorne
1. Willowthorne
97%
(256)
6.9mi from St John · 3 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)
13mi from St John · 2 sites
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
Lakeshore Camp Resort Lot 238
3. Lakeshore Camp Resort Lot 238
100%
(1)
17mi from St John · 1 site
Glamping at its best. This lot is at the highest point over looking the lake. This travel trailer sleeps 6. Made for children, the park offers a lake for fishing, boat rentals, beach, swimming pools, game room, mini-golf, kids activities, and more. Air conditioning when it is cold, heat when it is hot, stay dry on a rainy day, inside bathroom. Is this really camping? It is more like Glamour Camping; Glamping. Only 45 minutes from Chicago, and 10 minutes to the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$104
/ night
Indiana Dunes State Park
4. Indiana Dunes State Park
92%
(39)
State park 26mi from St John · 141 sites
Take advantage of year-round family recreation on the Lake Michigan shore.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Indiana Dunes National Park
5. Indiana Dunes National Park
95%
(42)
National park 26mi from St John · 66 sites
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Last Resort Campground
6. Last Resort Campground
35mi from St John
Last Resort Campground in Hanna, IN, stands out as a unique destination because it is a Veteran-Owned and Family-Operated facility dedicated to providing a relaxing outdoor experience. Here, guests can immerse themselves in a variety of recreational activities led by our friendly staff, unwind by the resort-style pool, or enjoy fishing in our serene spring-fed pond. With a calendar full of events and activities, there’s always something happening right within the campground.
Nestled in a tranquil and secluded area, our campground features exclusive access to a private fishing hole, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers. We are conveniently located just minutes from Valparaiso, IN, and a short drive will lead you to the stunning Indiana Dunes State Park, the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, and the vibrant city of Downtown Chicago. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Last Resort Campground offers the perfect blend of both.
Kankakee River State Park
7. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
State park 31mi from St John · 207 sites
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Channahon State Park
8. Channahon State Park
State park 39mi from St John · 25 sites
This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
9. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 39mi from St John · 22 sites
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% (217) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near St John
Willowthorne
1. Willowthorne
97%
(256)
6.9mi from St John · 3 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)
13mi from St John · 2 sites
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
Lakeshore Camp Resort Lot 238
3. Lakeshore Camp Resort Lot 238
100%
(1)
17mi from St John · 1 site
Glamping at its best. This lot is at the highest point over looking the lake. This travel trailer sleeps 6. Made for children, the park offers a lake for fishing, boat rentals, beach, swimming pools, game room, mini-golf, kids activities, and more. Air conditioning when it is cold, heat when it is hot, stay dry on a rainy day, inside bathroom. Is this really camping? It is more like Glamour Camping; Glamping. Only 45 minutes from Chicago, and 10 minutes to the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$104
/ night
Indiana Dunes State Park
4. Indiana Dunes State Park
92%
(39)
State park 26mi from St John · 141 sites
Take advantage of year-round family recreation on the Lake Michigan shore.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Indiana Dunes National Park
5. Indiana Dunes National Park
95%
(42)
National park 26mi from St John · 66 sites
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Last Resort Campground
6. Last Resort Campground
35mi from St John
Last Resort Campground in Hanna, IN, stands out as a unique destination because it is a Veteran-Owned and Family-Operated facility dedicated to providing a relaxing outdoor experience. Here, guests can immerse themselves in a variety of recreational activities led by our friendly staff, unwind by the resort-style pool, or enjoy fishing in our serene spring-fed pond. With a calendar full of events and activities, there’s always something happening right within the campground.
Nestled in a tranquil and secluded area, our campground features exclusive access to a private fishing hole, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers. We are conveniently located just minutes from Valparaiso, IN, and a short drive will lead you to the stunning Indiana Dunes State Park, the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, and the vibrant city of Downtown Chicago. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Last Resort Campground offers the perfect blend of both.
Kankakee River State Park
7. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
State park 31mi from St John · 207 sites
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Channahon State Park
8. Channahon State Park
State park 39mi from St John · 25 sites
This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
9. Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 39mi from St John · 22 sites
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
A
Angel
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
The land was beautiful and rustic. Mike was very welcoming and kind, making us feel right at home. Definitely a hidden gem.
See more
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 moreH
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!
See more
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.
See more
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.
See more
G
Gerald
October 2025
j
jessica
September 2025
16 ft campervan
Wonderful little spot. Would highly recommend. Private feeling and great hosts.
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
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!
See more
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!
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
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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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