Camping near Elkhorn with wildlife watching
Enjoy freshwater fun, scenic horseback rides, and winter sports when camping near Elkhorn.
99% (701 reviews)
- Elkhorn
99% (701 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Elkhorn with wildlife watching
100%
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Ice Age Retreat
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · 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
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$40
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98%
(255)
Escape to Nature
8 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Huntley, IL
This property is located on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Huntley. It is only an hour west of Chicago.
Our ducks, geese, turkeys and chickens will visit you, and you'll see likely see deer, raccoon, opossum, wild turkey, sandhill cranes, falcons, hawks, woodpeckers, coyotes and cardinals, all right from your seat in the backyard.
What to do here:
Hike all over our six acres of wooded countryside and nearby forest preserves and conservation district parks.
If relaxation is your goal, order breakfast from our menu and skip the cooking.
Downtown Huntley hosts an assortment of festivals, free concerts, and celebrations throughout the year. The Farmer's Market and antique shops are worth the visit.
Check out these amazing area attractions!
-Stingray Bay Public Aquatic Center, 2 minute drive from here. (https://www.huntleyparks.org/aquatics/).
-The Illinois Railway Museum, within 10 miles, is the largest railway museum in the United States. Enthusiasts come from all over to ride on steam, diesel, and electric trains. (http://www.IRM.org)
-Tower Hills Stables, Trail Rides, Horseback Riding Camp (ages 5 to 14), Riding Lessons, just 8 miles drive, (https://www.towerhillstables.net/.)
-Summerfield Farm and Zoo, a privately owned zoo in rural Belvidere, IL, 3088 Flora Rd, Belvidere, IL 61008, a 30 minute drive. (https://summerfieldfarmandzoo.com/.)
-Safari Lake Geneva, 45 minute drive to the north, Visit Safari Lake Geneva, Wisconsin's original drive through animal park. Feed and interact with a variety of animals from the comfort of your car (https://safarilakegeneva.com/).
When you're ready for a faster pace, head into Chicago, where the city offers unlimited attractions, museums, and amazing restaurants.
We do not have full electric and water sites available. Try the Kane County Forest Preserve for this at https://kaneforest.com/location/paul-wolff.
Need more ideas of things to do in the area? Ask us! We love being your concierge! Visit our website for additional ideas. HarmonyInnHuntley.com.
FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
Here are some answers to common questions.
We provide camping toilets with a privacy tent.
Check in starts at 4 PM and check out ends at 11 AM. Late check out is available for purchase as an extra for $10 per hour.
ELECTRIC: If you need to use electricity to inflate a mattress or something just for a few minutes, an outdoor outlet can be found on the "lower garage" building. Just look to the left of the west facing garage door.
WATER: If you need to use the garden hose to fill a 5-gallon bucket or smaller, you can use the garden hose attached to the back side of the house. Please be sure to turn the water off completely when you are done.
CAR BATTERY: If your car battery dies and you need a jump David will help you if he is available. Otherwise, please call a towing service, such as Whitey's Towing.
WOOD: We may have rough firewood available at no charge. We recommend campers bring their own hand saw or hatchet to cut it to the desired size. You may bring your own firewood.
PICNIC TABLE/PATIOS: Please do not place any cooking device on the picnic tables. You can use a large log for this. Feel free to roll one to a desired spot. You may move the picnic tables if you would like to, we provide a limited number of picnic tables. Campers are not guaranteed that one will be available. Campers may use the patios by the house, we have 2 patios with firepits.
INSECTS: If you find ground wasps or bees, just relocate your camp farther away from them. We do try to address these when we are made aware of them. We recommend bringing mosquito repellent.
HAMMOCKS: Hammocks are acceptable if you protect the trees from any damage.
EXTRAS (after you arrive): Please bring exact cash if you want to purchase extras after you arrive. Hip Camp does not have the capability to add extras after you have made your booking.
ARRIVAL TIME: Your host would appreciate a message and phone call with your arrival time so that he can greet you and get you settled upon arrival. Remember, we have an added fee for arrivals after 10 PM.
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from
$35
/ night
100%
(21)
Camp Kettlewood
7 sites · Lodging80 acres · East Troy, WI
Founded in 2020, Camp Kettlewood is actually the second campground to have operated on this beautiful land. The property previously belonged to the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin- Badgerland Council. The Girl Scouts hosted outings and events here from 1967 through 2018. That's over 50 years of learning, laughing, building friendships, and making memories in the great outdoors!
We knew that this land was special when we bought it. So, when we decided to turn this campground into...well...a campground, we wanted to respect that rich history and honor it in a new way. You'll notice the campsite signs are new, but the campsite names- like The Hilton, Mushroom Gulch, and Last Resort- are all original. That was purposeful, not only because we couldn't think of any better names (it's harder than you think!) but mostly because we wanted to show respect to what was here before us. We even created a new campsite and named it Oakwood Knoll, which was the previous name of this property. If you keep an eye out, you'll be able to see more subtle nods to the Scouts program incorporated into our decorations at the campsites!
Our campsites are each set spaciously apart, so guests can have more privacy than they would at a traditional campground. Our premium sites are also designed for comfort and ease. When you arrive, the campsites are ready for you, so there's no setting up or tearing down. You'll also get to sleep in real beds, as opposed to sleeping in a bag on the ground. Guests can expect to enjoy electricity, flush toilets, coffee makers, propane grills, and the warm ambiance of
string lights hung at each site. These sites are perfect for both campers and glampers.
We're confident you'll get the perfect mix of relaxation, nature, and comfort during your stay. You'll also certainly get some great Instagram-able photos!
Also, while you're here, check out the many places and activities located just a short drive from Camp Kettlewood. As our name suggests, we're adjacent to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, as well as many other parks and nature preserves. You can also enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, boating, and fishing in several nearby lakes. All within 20 minutes or less of our camp, making day trips a breeze!
Thank you again for your interest in staying at Camp Kettlewood. We’re very excited to share our summers with you and we're honored to carry on the tradition of this property as a place for making memories- not only as a campground, but also as our home!
We are blessed to live on-grounds in the renovated lodge, which was previously the Girl Scout's cafeteria and club house. We've put a lot of hard work into this land and we're pretty proud of what we've been able to accomplish. We hope you will be, too!
Sincerely,
- Simona & Jeremy Ebner, Owners
Camp Kettlewood, Est. 2020
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$175
/ night
93%
(21)
Simply Maple Farm 🪶🏕️🛶
1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Mukwonago, WI
Reconnect with nature at our secluded campsite nestled next to the Fox River. You can bring your own RV/tent/campervan or choose to stay in the tipi. There are two kayaks labeled for guests to use during their stay and could use to fish The Fox River.
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 is a popular restaurant in Mukwonago or try Mead in East Troy at the Hive! The Alpine Valley Music Theatre is 15 minutes away. Location is near I-43 & Highway 83.
You can Venmo or use cash while you are at the campsite to purchase wood for one dollar a piece.
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$75
/ night
100%
(3)
Kansasville Getaway
2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Eagle Lake, WI
Enjoy beautiful sunsets on former farmland right off the highway, adjacent to DNR conservation land and waterfowl sanctuary. Frequently visited by deer, turkey, waterfowl, and more. Easy access to Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Burlington or Lake Michigan. Site can accommodate anything from the smallest trailers to the largest RV's. 20, 30, or 50 amp hookups available. With no toilets, this is an ideal place to park your RV, plug it in, and enjoy the area.
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$45
/ night
99%
(55)
Rockford Ski Club Camp Site
20 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Rockford, IL
Learn more about this land:The Ski Club has 33 acres of prairie, forest, garden, and field. Beautiful forests with deer, turkey, and fox. The property leads to the Kishwaukee River where people can kayak or canoe. There is a view of the river valley from the camping field. The Ski Club has been a cooperative club for decades and members still ski and sled here. We are hosting a camping event for friends and Hip-campers Labor Day weekend (September 3rd - September 6th). The Club is easy to access off of Interstate 39. There is a gas station a half mile away and the city of Rockford is only a 10-15 minute drive away. People can camp in tents, car/vans, campers, or RVs in the mowed grass area. There is a well with limited amounts of water that is not drinkable but can be used to wash. There is electricity for phones, lights, games, etc. but will not power RVs. The club president can be reached at 8159794872
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$28
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98%
(827)
Purplehaze Acres
9 sites · Lodging, Tents60 acres · 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, such as the Mercantile and Mocha Vino. 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.
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. ☮
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$40
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(9)
The Aloha Ranch
10 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · 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.
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$50
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93%
(35)
Small Orchard on 150 acre Farm
5 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Ixonia, WI
CAMPSITE IS LOCATED IN THE ORCHARD. Please do not enter the main farm driveway. If you are not looking at Apple trees you are in the wrong place. Pets need to be on a leash and cleaned up after. Please do not leave them out of the orchard.
My grandfather purchased the property and everything you can see 360° around you in 1953. The orchard was started in 1962 and the large trees date back to that time and still produce apples.
My dad took over in 1985 and it has been part of my life ever since. After my dads passing in 2017 the property fell to me.
At it's peak there were 85 trees that produced 500 bushels of apples per season. All hand pruned, sprayed and picked. We sold them 5 days a week at local farmers markets.
Currently, about two dozen trees are maintained, the rest feed the local wildlife. An orchard is a year round commitment.
Enjoy your stay.
~Dale
This is a small working family orchard. Sites are rustic. RV and trailers can park on grass or the driveway. Tents ⛺ can set up on the grass. One picnic table on site. One fire pit. Minutes from the Rock River for paddling and fishing. No bathroom on site. No water onsite. No onsite camp host. My Uncle is your neighbor, so I will hear about any mischief you might get into.
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$25
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Kettle House
2 sites · Lodging77 acres · Eagle, WI
We found our Kettle House in 1999 when we were in the market for a vacant parcel to pitch a tent after a long day of riding the single track trails in the State Forest. We are originally from Dane County Wisconsin, which like the Eagle area is graced with terminal moraine geology. A terminal moraine is where the last glaciation stopped and dropped everything it was carrying. These deposited sand and gravel hills and interim kettles, many of which include lakes and wetlands, are the topography we are inherently drawn to. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to better balance our city living with a country weekend retreat in such a special area. The site's historic ecosystems (woodland, savanna, prairie and aquatic) were in rough shape when we bought the property which had been suburbanized to large degree, but as ecologists, we knew there was lots of potential to restore the site and reclaim a special part of Wisconsin's natural environment. It is our responsibility and privilege to care for this property and you may see evidence of our regular site work during your visit. We hope you mostly see and enjoy a nice example of natural Wisconsin in various stages of restoration!Learn more about this land:This amazing property is located 20 minutes northeast of Geneva Lake and Delevan Lake, 75 minutes southeast of Madison, 45 minutes southwest of Milwaukee and 1.75 hours northwest of Chicago. It is situated within minutes drive of the gorgeous Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit parcels (10 minutes to Emma, 15 to John Muir, 5 minutes to McMiller trail heads). Additionally, the remarkable LuLu Lake State Natural Area is within a 10 minute walk down Nature Road. These nearby large scale natural areas offer many miles of trails and expanses of uninterrupted nature. Thus, we offer perfect accommodations for birders and outdoor recreationists, as well as family gatherings.In addition to the large public open spaces nearby, our site’s 77 acres are incrementally being restored and managed as woodland, savanna, prairie, wetland and aquatic native ecosystems. Miles of private mowed trails launch from the front door of the house, providing access to a beautiful private park with four fishing ponds. Hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and limited single track biking and fishing are allowed. The mid-century modern house is modest, partially renovated, and very well situated on the terraced site, with lots of indoor-outdoor views and amenities including two indoor wood burning fireplaces, outdoor hot tub, an outdoor fire pit on the patio, a gas grill, lots of bird feeding stations and patio seating. Spring and fall warbler migration are particularly wonderful times of year here!In the immediate yard of the house, a small outdoor heated pool frames a lovely rear yard that includes a fountain and a screen porch. A remnant gravel hill prairie covers what would typically be mowed lawn. Respecting the site’s plants while enjoying them will be expected of all guests, as is being courteous of all neighbors in this quiet rural setting. We have enjoyed this incredible property for 20 years and are at a point in our lives that we are ready to share it with others who will appreciate the opportunity to immerse oneself in a beautiful environment while not being far from three large metropolitan areas. The ease of access to nearby amenities, especially the State Forest trail systems and the Villages of Eagle, East Troy, Mukwonago and Palmyra (restaurants, gas stations, Old World Wisconsin, Alpine Valley, Elegant Farmer, Eagle Spring Lake, LuLu Lake and Crooked Creek, etc.) all make staying here very easy, relaxing, recreational and enjoyable. The house has the potential to sleep 10, with three private bedrooms (one queen bed and two double + twin bunk beds), a long living room couch and a super single fold down couch by the fireplace in the breezeway. Sheets and towels provided, to be laundered by guests. Two bathrooms include a walk-in shower and tub/shower. Washer and drier available. Kitchen includes gas stove and range, refrigerator, freezer, dorm dishwasher, microwave, toaster and general kitchen equipment, dishes and utensils.Skylights and lots of windows provide ample light and views of surrounding savanna that features a handful of old bur and white oaks, intermixed with hickories. Our favorite room is the living room where floor to ceiling windows make it feel as if you are sitting outside all year round. During the winter, a fire in the hearth with a drink and a game or movie on the flat screen TV offer a great place to kick back. If you can’t completely unplug, complimentary WiFi and a corner home office + artist’s easel in the breezeway allow for dedicated work and creative space.
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$375
/ night
100%
(11)
The Commons Oak Savanna
2 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Woodstock, IL
Learn more about this land:
(NOTE) Greenwood Rd and Illinois Rt 120 are the same...Google uses Greenwood Rd, and the State prefers Illinois Rte 120)
Get away from it and commune with nature in a pre-settlement natural oak savanna with oaks and hickories of 200-400 years. 25-acre woodland completely fenced and surrounded by cropland and woods with no homes or roads within a half mile. Experience the land as the nomadic Indian tribes saw it. Trails cross the property. Hawks, owls, turkeys, and occasional bald eagles, along with finches, woodpeckers, doves, and martins fill the sky; while deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits roam the grounds. Only two camps are available to keep the setting pristine and primitive and a third site can be used behind the sheds if you encounter unexpected weather.
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$45
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98%
(21)
Natures Garden
1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · 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!
Pets
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$40
/ night
Under $50
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Camping near Elkhorn with wildlife watching guide
Overview
Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking to indulge in some wildlife watching near Elkhorn, Wisconsin, we've got you covered. With over 430 options specifically tailored to your preferences, you're sure to find the perfect spot. And don't worry about breaking the bank, because our accommodations start as low as $20 per night. Looking for some trusted recommendations? Check out our top campsites: Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and Toadally Natural Garden (127 reviews). Plus, we've got all the amenities you'll need like trash disposal, showers, and potable water. So get ready to swim, off-road, and watch wildlife to your heart's content. Let the camping adventure begin!
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