Best Camping Gear Rentals in Chicago

While many not think of the Midwest as an outdoors mecca, ask anyone outdoorsman or outdoorswoman from Michigan, Wisconsin, or Minnesota what they’re missing out on. The Midwest is home to some of the country’s most quiet, hidden gems, from extreme skiing in the Upper Peninsula to state parks near quaint, historic towns in Missouri. It’s also home to some pretty cool campsites (check out the ones in this post!) that are reason enough to pack up from the big city for a night or two and get exploring.

If you don’t have gear—no problem. Here are four places you can rent camping gear in Chicago to get you outside in no time.

Wait, back up! What should I even be renting? Here’s a handy dandy camping checklist for an average car-to-tent camping trip.

1. Outdoors Geek

Outdoors Geek may have a physical location in Denver, but the store ships its rentals to nationwide locations if you give them 10 days of notice. The gear arrives at your door clean and ready for your outdoor adventures, whether you need a tent that houses up to eight people, sleeping bags, cooking gear, GPS locators, bear cans, portable chairs or a ton of camping accessories.

Phone: 303-699-6944
Email: contactus@outdoorsgeek.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT Sunday, Noon to 4 p.m. MT

2. Lower Gear

Lower Gear also ships anywhere in the United States. Pick from a wide range of choices for basic camping gear up to advanced gadgets that keep you safe in the outdoors. Go for tents and sleeping bags for just a few days away from home, while emergency beacons and water filtration devices help you if you plan to go to the deep woods in the middle of nowhere for a week or more.

Phone: 480-348-8917
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT Sunday, Noon to 4 p.m. from May to September

3. Forest Preserves of Cook County

Campers to any of Cook County’s five publicly owned, forested campgrounds have the opportunity to rent equipment based on the number of people in their party and how many nights they plan to camp. Instant camper packages contain everything someone needs for basic camping from one to six nights and for one to four people. If you need individual supplies a la carte, you can rent as many sleeping bags, flashlights and portable chairs that you require.

536 North Harlem Ave. River Forest, IL 60305
Phone:  (800) 870-3666 

4. Loyola University of Chicago

If you’re a student or alum of Loyola University of Chicago, take advantage of the gear rental program from the Outdoor Experiential Education program. Tents range in size from two to five campers for every season but winter, while backpacks go from extra small to extra large. Sleeping bags come in styles for cold-weather camping or sleeping in a car. Check out a selection of stoves, stove fuel and cook sets so you don’t go hungry during your wilderness adventure.

1032 W. Sheridan Rd. Chicago, IL 60660
Phone: 773-508-2602
Email: entoutdoors@luc.edu