Best Equestrian Camping near Chicago, IL

The Windy City isn’t exactly synonymous with camping and the outdoors. However, if you know where to look, you’ll be surprised at just what you can find. With a handful of lakes, parks, and conservation areas, you may just find a hidden gem in Illinois.

The best camping near Chicago is found south of the city in the Des Plaines State Conservation area, near Joliet, IL. If that doesn’t suit you, head to the campgrounds at Camp Bullfrog Lake in the Palos Preserves area. This is actually recognized as an International Dark Sky place, so you’ll be able to enjoy unbridled night skies while still remaining close to the city. Best of all, they offer tent and RV accessible campsites.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Chicago, Illinois (8)

    1. Paul Wolff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $12 - $35 / night

    "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."

    "Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."

    2. Big Rock Campground

    17 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 232-5980

    $18 - $35 / night

    "Lovely grasslands, ponds, hiking trails, but the lack of trees and privacy isn’t my preference. Still great option not far from Chicago."

    "Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"

    3. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    12 Reviews
    Bourbonnais, IL
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 933-1383

    "Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."

    "Easy access to water pump. Have to drive to get to the toilet/ shower station though."

    4. Leisure Lake Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 741-9405

    $37 / night

    "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"

    5. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    7 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 546-2228

    $43 - $73 / night

    "We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."

    "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."

    6. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "This park isn't too far away from Chicago, which makes it a great place for a quick get away! There are a variety of sites from electric to non-electric."

    "This campground is within a couple hours of Chicago so it makes a nice getaway for the weekend. Things were pretty filled up when we came here."

    7. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    12 Reviews
    Spring Grove, IL
    48 miles
    +1 (847) 587-5512

    "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."

    "Trails were geared more towards horses and bikes, but there are plenty of walking paths, and we were able to find some hidden trails along the lake (read: unofficial)."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Chicago, IL

81 Reviews of 8 Chicago Campgrounds



Guide to Chicago

Horse camping in Illinois offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to saddle up and enjoy nature.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

Tips for equestrian camping near Chicago, Illinois

Most campgrounds have horse-focused activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chicago, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chicago, IL is Paul Wolff Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 18 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chicago, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Chicago, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.