98% (154)
Top-rated campgrounds
98% (154)
Top-rated campgrounds
Stories from the community
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Raquel
October 2025
Weekend Trip to CSC Permaculture Project
This was my favorite camping experience yet. The host was very helpful and hands on. The set up was perfect for sunny and rainy days. It was sooo cozy and had a private feel to it. The stars were sooo bright and clear. I enjoyed walking around the sight. I had everything I needed. I will come back to this site again!
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Ben
October 2025
With kids
This is the second visit to CSC. It’s a great, quiet, place. No other campers around. If you’re primary goal is to enjoy time at camp, and perhaps take some walks/short hikes around the property, it’s perfect. Planning to return again.
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Eddie
October 2025
Tent
This is a great little spot to spend a couple nights at or even a weekend. The check in process was smooth and clear and the host was well-responsive and courteous. Would recommend booking if you’re looking to spend some time in the outdoors in the city!
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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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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!
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Weslynne
September 2025
With kids
Wonderful, peaceful stay at CSC. First time in the earth shelter site, which made this such a comfortable sleep. Lots of space for tents too. We fished, biked, had dinner and games at the campfire, and overall had a wonderful relaxing visit. Bill helped us out with many small things that really made the visit extra special, like loaning us bug spray, getting my kids new fishing gear sorted and helping fix an issue with my car. Can't wait to go back!
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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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Megan
September 2025
2 nights at Glamp Chicago Yurt Urban Campsite
Awesome experience! I previously tent camped at Glamp Chicago (great experience) and this time the yurt was available. It was PERFECT. The decor is cute, the extra accommodations provided are thoughtful and add to the allure of staying in a yurt. Recommend and will definitely be back!!!
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Jonathon
September 2025
Weekend Trip to CSC Permaculture Project
My spouse and I had a great time at this camp - Bill gave us an excellent tour of the space and talked to us about their philosophy on permaculture.
The cabin was comfortable - great place to get out of Chicago for a bit.
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Jayden
August 2025
Tent
This place was awesome!! It was my first trip to Chicago, and the site provided a cozy place to relax
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Xavier
August 2025
3 nights at CSC Permaculture Project
I originally booked this property simply as a place to film, expecting just a small house and some land to move around on. What I actually found was something far beyond that: a magical piece of earth, a community with a fascinating history, and hosts who were kind, inspiring, and deeply connected to the land.
The property itself is breathtaking—everywhere I turned felt alive with meaning, from the gardens to the woods to the stars overhead. Within minutes of being here, I realized this wasn’t just a backdrop for my project—it was a character in the story itself. I learned about permaculture, about the unique history of the community, and left with new friends and a new perspective on what sustainable living can look like.
My hosts were wonderful. They made me feel welcome, answered every question, and even took the time to give me a tour that changed the way I look at both farming and community. Their generosity and openness made this more than a stay—it was a life experience.
If you’re looking for a getaway where the land feels alive, where every corner holds a story, and where you can breathe in something truly unique, this is it. I came here thinking I’d just make a film. I left with inspiration, gratitude, and a genuine connection to a place I’ll never forget.
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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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David
August 2025
With kids
What a great trip! Loved the beautiful cabin with tons of ambience. Lots of firewood available. Site has good privacy, although I highly recommend chatting with the friendly hosts and learning more about the permaculture. They've done really beautiful work creating a meaningful and abundant space. Cheers!
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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!
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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!)
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Maddie
August 2025
Tent
This location was super convenient! it took us only 25-30 minutes to drive in to Lollapalooza from our camp site. We walked to breakfast everyday, Walgreens is just a walk across the street if you forgot anything, and we already have a planet fitness membership so it was an easy walk over to shower!! having a very clean porter potty with potable water to wash your hands on site is fantastic. we also felt super safe with the locked gate. definitely will stay here again!!
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Sara
July 2025
With kids
We enjoyed staying by Derek's RV with our 3 kids. It is cozy, comfortable and romantic with the animals and nice nature. The highway is quite close, you can hear it, but otherwise everyting was great. Nice beaches, restaurants are close. Derek is very helpful and kind. I recommend it!
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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.
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John
July 2025
Tent
Best part is the location. It’s walking distance to tons of restaurants, and bike stations are just around the corner, making it super easy for us to explore the city . The tent setup itself was extremely comfortable and well thought out clean, cozy, and stylish inside . Wonderful landscaping. We felt safe the entire time , and really enjoyed how accessible everything was . You’re right in the city , so it’s definitely not silent at night but they thoughtfully provide earplugs, and we were still able to sleep well. That said , this is urban camping , just like it says in the listing . Just come in with the mindset that it’s camping but in the middle of Chicago and you ll love it. If you re looking for a city adventure with a twist , this is a fantastic option.
Things we brought that helped make our stay more comfortable.
* Ended up buying a box fan at the Walgreens across the street, since it was the middle of summer.
* Sound machine for sleeping
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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.
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John.