The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Elkhorn, Wisconsin, with a river? Look no further than Purplehaze Acres! With over 200 options specifically tailored to your preferences in this location, you'll have plenty of choices to find your ideal campsite. Some of our top campsites in the area include East Woods on the IL River and Beaver Point Cabin. Whether you enjoy horseback riding, biking, or hiking, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. And with popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and showers, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. Prices start as low as $25 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. So start planning your camping adventure now and book your perfect campsite on Hipcamp!

99% (705)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Elkhorn, Wisconsin, with a river? Look no further than Purplehaze Acres! With over 200 options specifically tailored to your preferences in this location, you'll have plenty of choices to find your ideal campsite. Some of our top campsites in the area include East Woods on the IL River and Beaver Point Cabin. Whether you enjoy horseback riding, biking, or hiking, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. And with popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and showers, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. Prices start as low as $25 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. So start planning your camping adventure now and book your perfect campsite on Hipcamp!

99% (705)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Purplehaze Acres

98%

(952)

48mi from Elkhorn · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging · Rubicon, WI

Purplehaze Acres is a 60-acre organic rustic farm in Rubicon, WI and resides at the beginning of the approx. 650-mile Niagara Escarpment--known locally as "The Ledge". We are in close proximity to the Ice Age Trail, and the natural treasures of the great Horicon Marsh, Lake Sinnissipi/Rock River with canoeing/kayaking/fishing, Ledges County Park, and the world-renowned Holy Hill Shrine. Nearby Hustisford ("Husti") offers unique shopping and dining experiences. Need a few organic groceries? Make sure to visit Back To The Best Organic grocer only 3 miles away, featuring food raised on local organic farms including Purplehaze Acres. We offer a variety of camping alternatives, with 7 tent sites, 1 group site, and a cabin. There is potable water, charcoal grills, firepit grates, eggs and, available for purchase, firewood. COMING SOON: Did you forget something? If so, check out our Camp Cupboard Store. Your approach via 1/2-mile dirt drive up the hills and through the woods . . . to not your grandmother's typical house you go. You'll find wonderful vistas, wildflowers, berries, trails up into the woods, a 900' grass runway for aviators on an overall great "peace" of earth. ☮

2. Rockford Ski Club Camping Area

99%

(90)

43mi from Elkhorn · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Rockford, IL

Here's a refined version of the description for the Rockford Ski Club: Discover the Rockford Ski Club: Nestled on 33 acres of diverse landscape, the Rockford Ski Club offers a unique blend of prairie, forest, gardens, and open fields. The property is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and foxes, and leads directly to the Kishwaukee River—perfect for kayaking or canoeing adventures. Enjoy stunning views of the river valley from the camping field, and embrace the spirit of community that has made this cooperative club a local treasure for decades. Members continue to ski and sled here, keeping tradition alive. Conveniently located just off Interstate 39, the club is only a 10-15 minute drive from Rockford, with a gas station just half a mile away. Camping options are available for tents, cars, vans, campers, or RVs in our maintained grassy area. While there is a well for non-potable water (suitable for washing), we recommend bringing your own drinking water. Electricity is available for basic needs like charging phones or powering lights and small devices, but it is not sufficient for RVs. For more information, feel free to reach out to our club president, Steve, at (815)-979-4888.

3. A Creek Runs Through It

93%

(15)

48mi from Elkhorn · 2 sites · RVs · Elgin, IL

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!

4. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

100%

(2)

185 sites · Channel Lake, Illinois

Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

83%

(9)

224 sites · Zion, Illinois

Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Pearl Forge Conservancy

100%

(33)

20mi from Elkhorn · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · North Prairie, WI

This beautiful property is on the foothills of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. There are an abundance of natural areas such as a fen, creek, pond and walking trails. The camper site over looks the property with amazing panoramic views. The rustic campsite is tucked back on the property near a fishing pond and hiking trails. Snuggle up to a nice cozy campfire or take a nice nature walk though the woods. Guaranteed to be a memory to last a lifetime. Absolutely NO HUNTING!!!

7. Ice Age Retreat

99%

(57)

13mi from Elkhorn · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Palmyra, WI

Surrounded by the Kettle Moraine Forest, we purchased this property in October of 2022 to be closer to nature and to share this property with you. We look forward to hosting you. The forest provides many opportunities enjoy! Close to the Ice Age Hiking Trail, Blad Bluff Scenic Overlook within walking distance of our retreat. Hiking, Moutain Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe, Horse Back Riding and much more

8. Private Lake Mary Channel Camping

100%

(6)

17mi from Elkhorn · 1 site · Tent · Twin Lakes, WI

Tent Camping Site on Lake Mary’s Channel. Private place to pitch a couple tents, hammocks, enjoy a campfire, and most importantly enjoy access to Lake Mary & Lake Elizabeth via a short channel which is only steps from the door of your tent! The channel is shallow, while you cannot swim from the campsite to the lake you can easily launch kayaks and after 850ft of paddling you are out on Lake Mary! 15minute safe sidewalk or quiet neighborhood road walk to Lance Park from camping site. The park also has ample parking. Drive time from camping site to the park is only 2minutes! Lance Park has a wonderful pubic beach swimming area. The water quality of Lake Mary is amazing with great clarity and no algae or seaweed growth. It also has a public boat launch. The park also hosts the “AquaNut” Water Show every Wednesday and Saturday nights in the summer! Lance Park also has a clean and very large handicap accessible porta potty that can be used 24/7. Twin Lakes has a cute Main Street with lots of fun to be had. There are also several restaurant/bars on Lake Mary or Lake Elizabeth. Lake Elizabeth can be accessed by a small waterway that connects the lakes. Kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes can easily float under a lower foot and car bridge. Larger and taller motorized boats cannot move between lakes. This camping site offers such a fun and inexpensive way to get outdoors this summer!

9. Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶

97%

(44)

18mi from Elkhorn · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mukwonago, WI

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.

10. The Aloha Ranch

100%

(19)

18mi from Elkhorn · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Harvard, IL

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.

11. Natures Garden

99%

(35)

34mi from Elkhorn · 1 site · Tent, RV · Edgerton, WI

Learn more about this land: Peaceful Private tree farm. Wildlife preservation. Deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, ducks, geese, birds, frogs etc. options: 4 wheeler trails.. Camp. Walk trails,. Peace and quiet for your picnic. Fish for small pan fish in ponds. Take pictures of wildlife. Feed pet ducks. Gods Glory! Guests provide own tents, chairs, tables, water, food. If the weather has days of rain. I will refund all visitors. Because its gets muddy. May use bathroom in my cabin in an emergency. Enjoy! OPEN FOR CAMPERS MAY THU NOVEMBER

Camper favorites near Elkhorn

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Pearl Forge Conservancy

100%

(33)

20mi from Elkhorn · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · North Prairie, WI

This beautiful property is on the foothills of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. There are an abundance of natural areas such as a fen, creek, pond and walking trails. The camper site over looks the property with amazing panoramic views. The rustic campsite is tucked back on the property near a fishing pond and hiking trails. Snuggle up to a nice cozy campfire or take a nice nature walk though the woods. Guaranteed to be a memory to last a lifetime. Absolutely NO HUNTING!!!

Ice Age Retreat

99%

(57)

13mi from Elkhorn · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Palmyra, WI

Surrounded by the Kettle Moraine Forest, we purchased this property in October of 2022 to be closer to nature and to share this property with you. We look forward to hosting you. The forest provides many opportunities enjoy! Close to the Ice Age Hiking Trail, Blad Bluff Scenic Overlook within walking distance of our retreat. Hiking, Moutain Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe, Horse Back Riding and much more

Private Lake Mary Channel Camping

100%

(6)

17mi from Elkhorn · 1 site · Tent · Twin Lakes, WI

Tent Camping Site on Lake Mary’s Channel. Private place to pitch a couple tents, hammocks, enjoy a campfire, and most importantly enjoy access to Lake Mary & Lake Elizabeth via a short channel which is only steps from the door of your tent! The channel is shallow, while you cannot swim from the campsite to the lake you can easily launch kayaks and after 850ft of paddling you are out on Lake Mary! 15minute safe sidewalk or quiet neighborhood road walk to Lance Park from camping site. The park also has ample parking. Drive time from camping site to the park is only 2minutes! Lance Park has a wonderful pubic beach swimming area. The water quality of Lake Mary is amazing with great clarity and no algae or seaweed growth. It also has a public boat launch. The park also hosts the “AquaNut” Water Show every Wednesday and Saturday nights in the summer! Lance Park also has a clean and very large handicap accessible porta potty that can be used 24/7. Twin Lakes has a cute Main Street with lots of fun to be had. There are also several restaurant/bars on Lake Mary or Lake Elizabeth. Lake Elizabeth can be accessed by a small waterway that connects the lakes. Kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes can easily float under a lower foot and car bridge. Larger and taller motorized boats cannot move between lakes. This camping site offers such a fun and inexpensive way to get outdoors this summer!

Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶

97%

(44)

18mi from Elkhorn · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mukwonago, WI

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.

The Aloha Ranch

100%

(19)

18mi from Elkhorn · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Harvard, IL

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.

Natures Garden

99%

(35)

34mi from Elkhorn · 1 site · Tent, RV · Edgerton, WI

Learn more about this land: Peaceful Private tree farm. Wildlife preservation. Deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, ducks, geese, birds, frogs etc. options: 4 wheeler trails.. Camp. Walk trails,. Peace and quiet for your picnic. Fish for small pan fish in ponds. Take pictures of wildlife. Feed pet ducks. Gods Glory! Guests provide own tents, chairs, tables, water, food. If the weather has days of rain. I will refund all visitors. Because its gets muddy. May use bathroom in my cabin in an emergency. Enjoy! OPEN FOR CAMPERS MAY THU NOVEMBER

Public campgrounds near Elkhorn

Honeysuckle Hollow Campground

23mi from Elkhorn · 86 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

100%

(2)

Turner Lake South Campground

24mi from Elkhorn · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Prairie View Campground

24mi from Elkhorn · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

Fox Den Campground

24mi from Elkhorn · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

83%

(9)

Illinois Beach Campground

41mi from Elkhorn · 224 sites · Tents, RVs · in Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

Stories from the community

The outside of the house and sitting area. Daryll has chairs there so we didn’t have to bring our! That was helpful as we have a Honda Fit!

Lottie

2 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

Super nice area! Spacious and lots of camp sites to offer. Staying in the cabin was really cozy. The stove and usb charging was really nice. Wood burning to stay warm, was something new that we enjoyed.

S

Shayna

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

This was our second time staying at Darryl’s property and absolutely loved it. They provide all the perfect elements for a beautiful grounding get away.

K

Kasie

November 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Ice Age Retreat

Nice private location with great access to trails including the Ice Age Trail. Another site located across field at a good distance allowing plenty of space for all. Will definitely be back.

A

Anne

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Pearl Forge Conservancy

Yet another great time at Peter's spot! (See prior review from Sept 2023). The spot was cozy and lovely, even in the rain! The hosts are good people; highly recommend as a go-to to enjoy the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine! See ya next year, guys!!!

Heidi

October 2025

23 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

We have stayed here in the past and have enjoyed the peace and quiet. It's a perfect camping spot. Chris is an awesome host!

M

Mohan

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

We really loved staying at the Tiny house (cabin). My 3 year old son didn't want to leave. This was our 1st time camping at an off grid cabin and it was a cool experience. Everything inside the cabin worked. The lights, gas stove, wood stove and the water pump. Also, 1st time using a composting toilet. It worked out well. Outside, there's a fire pit, some chairs, picnic table, gas grill and a charcoal grill. We got to meet Darryl and Linda, and they were very welcoming.

V

Viviane

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Chris was accommodating and helpful. The site came with water and wood. A lot of room. Dogs loved it too!

J

Jonathan

October 2025

13 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to A Creek Runs Through It

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!

M

Megan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Private Lake Mary Channel Camping

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!

D

David

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Great site! Host is friendly. Plenty of firewood, well-maintained compost toilet. Good access to hiking and regional attractions. No complaints.

M

Malaika

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Lake Mary Channel Camping

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!

K

Katie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Great spot to relax and view the stars at night! It feels really secluded when you get to your site, there’s 1 more in the vicinity but you still have plenty of privacy. You may hear some road noise during the day but it gets quiet and serene as it gets dark. Host was kind and communicative, she even came by around checkout to see if we needed any help. All around a great time, I can’t wait to spend another night here again in the future

Camp site/RV/tent (teepee not in this picture)

J

Jeremy

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶

Loved the site. Totally private and beautiful views! Picnic table, garbage, tippi, and torches a big plus.

C

Christian

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Quiet and secluded campsite with lots of space. The site came with lots of good firewood which was super nice to not have to worry about.

L

Lauren

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

This was our third time camping on Darryl’s land, and our second time staying at the tiny cabin at his stone ridge location. We were super impressed with the upgrades made since our last stay. It was clean, with clear instruction. Every time we stay there we drive away saying, “best stay yet!”

J

Joseph

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Ice Age Retreat

We camped w a 20 ft trailer rv. It was a nice quiet semi remote site. Nature and peace n quiet. And mosquitoes. We had tiki torches n citronella n spray n really enjoyed our stay. Firewood was supplied n great quality. Until it rained, lol. Definitely will be coming back again. Thanks for the great spot

P

Pat

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

Beautiful place. And great location -- near the Ice Age Trail, and Old World Wisconsin. Great hosts!

Robert

September 2025

24 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Natures Garden

We loved our stay here. It was easy to find, comfortable and we felt safe. Beautiful property. We enjoyed the grass trails, sunset and sunrise!

Bee

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

Another wonderful weekend at this tiny cabin! We appreciated the extra firewood already at the site and the addition of a little store for any small items you may have forgotten or need like bug spray, first aid kits, emergency ponchos, lighters, charcoal, etc etc.

T

Tony

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

Great spot for a weekend getaway. Cozy little cabin in the woods.