- Camping with Swimming
The best camping near St John with swimming
93% (239) • 7 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near St John
The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!
1. The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!
93%
(315)
33mi from St John · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Twenty years of growing this farm... Not what grows here but the farm itself! Stone and brick pulled from the ground till we found the beautiful earth beneath and built an incredible community around it. Or rather, it grew itself from the energy that surrounds it. It's a special spot where you may happen upon a fire in the sugar shack while we boil city collected sap into maple syrup or have an open jam night with world class jazz musicians. Enjoy the morning serenade of our rooster! Really, just come and be here. Though we think we're pretty cool, a few things to note that you may not think are so cool: There is a train that runs directly behind the farm. Light sleepers, may want to bring ear plugs. We try to accommodate parking your car on site but it's weather and situation conditional. Assume the possibility that you may need to park on the street.
Bring your tent to The Vaudeville! (RVs, campers, trailers, vans please see the ** at the bottom). Our urban farm is smack in the middle of Chicago only a 10 minute bike or train ride from Downtown, Lake Michigan, The Mag Mile and all Chicago has to offer! Bike the Lake Shore Trail, walk the 606, kayak the Chicago River, catch a blues show or Hawks game or just relax with the goats and chickens in the 9,000 square foot farm that we absolutely love to share with fellow campers!
** We have stopped hosting RVs, campers/vans, pull behinds and larger vehicles because we are finding it difficult to get them in the entrance gate but if you feel amazingly capable with your backing in skills in your rig and you're super patient, laid back and extra cool, let us know and we may be able to make it work!! :)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$48
/ night
Lakeshore Camp Resort Lot 238
2. 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
Last Resort Campground
3. 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.
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
93% (239) • 7 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near St John
The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!
1. The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!
93%
(315)
33mi from St John · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Twenty years of growing this farm... Not what grows here but the farm itself! Stone and brick pulled from the ground till we found the beautiful earth beneath and built an incredible community around it. Or rather, it grew itself from the energy that surrounds it. It's a special spot where you may happen upon a fire in the sugar shack while we boil city collected sap into maple syrup or have an open jam night with world class jazz musicians. Enjoy the morning serenade of our rooster! Really, just come and be here. Though we think we're pretty cool, a few things to note that you may not think are so cool: There is a train that runs directly behind the farm. Light sleepers, may want to bring ear plugs. We try to accommodate parking your car on site but it's weather and situation conditional. Assume the possibility that you may need to park on the street.
Bring your tent to The Vaudeville! (RVs, campers, trailers, vans please see the ** at the bottom). Our urban farm is smack in the middle of Chicago only a 10 minute bike or train ride from Downtown, Lake Michigan, The Mag Mile and all Chicago has to offer! Bike the Lake Shore Trail, walk the 606, kayak the Chicago River, catch a blues show or Hawks game or just relax with the goats and chickens in the 9,000 square foot farm that we absolutely love to share with fellow campers!
** We have stopped hosting RVs, campers/vans, pull behinds and larger vehicles because we are finding it difficult to get them in the entrance gate but if you feel amazingly capable with your backing in skills in your rig and you're super patient, laid back and extra cool, let us know and we may be able to make it work!! :)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$48
/ night
Lakeshore Camp Resort Lot 238
2. 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
Last Resort Campground
3. 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.
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
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Mary Jo
October 2025
21 ft campervan
Nicky's urban farm was truly an oasis and refuge in the big city. After spending the day in Chicago, to come just 6 miles away and have grass, trees, goats, and chickens, potential for a fire in a fire pit, and calm, was priceless. Nicky and her partner are super friendly and helpful. The train does come behind her property, but they are quieter and fewer at night and did not disturb us. A wonderful stay!
See moreR
Ruben
October 2025
Tent
Great little hidden gem just outside downtown! The space is gated, peaceful, and perfect for posting up , my small tent fit like a dream. Nicole was super kind and accommodating, and the Green Line’s only a 5 minute walk (if that). Oh, and there are goats. Actual, adorable goats. Baaah. 10/10 would camp again.
See moreJ
Jersey
September 2025
Tent
sweet host & adorable animals! camping here was such a unique experience :)
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jim
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Very nice location in the city. Nicky was super nice and accommodating.
See moreD
Dominick
September 2025
Tent
Nicky was an amazing host with an awesome spot for relaxing and conversing. It was a very welcoming environment and met my needs perfectly. I will be back!
See moreD
Dakota
September 2025
Tent
Won’t find a spot better than this close to the city. Accommodating and fun place to stay. Would recommend to anyone
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M
Michael
September 2025
16 ft car
A wonderful, special place. the metro and fraight lines run behind the property. The trains run on limited hours. They run very little on sun. It the city.
See moreA
Annie
September 2025
Tent
Perfect!! exactly what we were looking for. Nicky Was so accommodating and helpful upon arrival and we hit it off with the other camper and have a new friend now! I’ll definitely plan to stay in the future!
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Ryan
July 2025
16 ft car
Fun time back at the farm with Nicky! Be aware you’re on a city block, so expect some city noises.
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M
Megan
July 2025
16 ft car
With kids
I took my two kiddos to Chicago in the midst of a long camping road trip. I was a little nervous because I’m not that great at camping and was solo with kids- but man this was the perfect spot. We did have to park on the street but there was plenty right in front of the farm, so that was easy and convenient. It was also super easy to navigate getting to the train to get downtown. Nicky was simply awesome offering drinks and snacks and helping us out by closing up our tent when it rained and we were out at museums. She was also just a super cool person. We felt so welcomed and the kids absolutely loved the animals and it was all around a great place to stay.
See moreT
Tina
July 2025
Tent
This place is amazing. The people are, too. Home farm in Chicago, goats and chickens on one side, train tracks on the other. Street parking was fine. I actually slept quite well, even with the train noise. Perhaps not for the faint of heart, but if you like adventure and cool places, this is where you need to be.
See moreD
Donna
July 2025
16 ft car
This is a super convenient spot in Chicago and Nicky is a very welcoming host. Nicky helped me out a lot when i had an issue with my car, and was very generous in letting me back out of my reservation. I’d definitely recommend this spot to a friend!
See moreJ
J
July 2025
Tent
Nicky was completely accommodating to my needs- booked last minute. Site was perfect as pictured, very charming, with adorable farm life.
See mores
steven
June 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Nicky was a great host. Provided great directions and check in. Had fun hanging on the farm. Can’t ask for better access to Chicago and surrounding area if you’re able to fit.
See moreE
Ember
June 2025
16 ft car
nicky was awesome!! the farm is really cute, and i got to see a goat standing on a roof eating a tree leaves. the dog is lovely too. she helped us out when it was supposed to storm and made us feel very safe and welcomed. 6 out of 5 stars
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E
Eric
May 2025
16 ft car
Nicky was great. Everything was just as advertised. My son and I were passing through on our way west. Popped our tent in the back of the yard and spent the evening walking around Chicago. Train station is a super easy and seemingly safe walk, and coming back late at night, the streets were empty and quiet. Very cool and unique experience.
See moreL
Leslie
May 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Nicky was a great host, her farm is small but charming. I love her goats, even though my dog had to bark at them on occasion. It’s very nice in the afternoon when the chickens run around the yard. I would highly recommend the farm if you’re in the area.
If you have a trailer or rv and don’t have many years experience backing in places, then this is not for you. Believe her when she says that occasionally street parking sometimes blocks the entrance. We were lucky and my husband is an expert so we didn’t block traffic at all. I can see why she doesn’t take trailers.
See moreA
Antonio
October 2024
16 ft car
Love the place!
The train passes very close but it was a very nice experience for me.
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