There’s a lot more to Illinois than the great city of Chicago. Along with this exciting urban hub there are many natural areas where locals and residents alike enjoy getting outside. With 141 parks it’s no wonder the DNR created the motto, “State Parks, Great Parks” in 2013. This phrase is the title of their initiative to continue improvements on local natural areas with upgraded campgrounds and additional staff to cater to the more than 44 million yearly visitors looking for hiking and camping in Illinois.


People from all over the state – and even outside the country – take the short 1.5-hour drive from Chicago to Starved Rock State Park, where they can hike 13 miles of trails offering elevation gains on wooded pathways along the Illinois River. The 18 canyons serve as great places to spot waterfalls after a rain and families love ending the day with s’mores around the bonfire at the nearby Starved Rock State Park campsites. 


Those looking to learn about the state’s heritage while camping in Illinois may head farther south to Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park & Memorial. This 162-acre park is 12 miles southwest of Decatur near Harristown, IL, and features the land where Abraham Lincoln first resided in the state. If you visit be sure to check out the memorials commemorating this important president.


People who want to mountain bike in this Midwestern state will enjoy heading to Palos Park, a forest preserve known for its excellent biking, hiking and equestrian trails that cover over 50 miles of terrain. When it comes to camping in Illinois, this locale offers beautiful facilities at Camp Bullfrog Lake where you can put up a tent next to a lake and hike short or long loops that end up back at your campsite. 


If you want to check out the beautiful Lake Michigan drive to Illinois Beach State Park to spend time in the water along the 6.5 miles of sandy shoreline. The park is 4,160 acres offering ample opportunities for hiking, watersports, picnicking, fishing and camping. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Illinois during your stay in the Prairie State.

Illinois

The Best Camping in Illinois | 100+ IL Campgrounds

Kaneville is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Kaneville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Illinois camping adventure.

Kaneville

The Best Camping Near Kaneville, Illinois

Your carefree getaway begins at the Best Bed and Breakfast near Huntley, Illinois, at Harmony Inn.  We are very family-friendly!  Harmony Inn is also a great Romantic Getaway near Huntley, Illinois.  If you are a business traveler, Harmony Inn is a great small hotel and a welcome change from the usual places to stay.   Perhaps you are looking for a small inn with breakfast.  Harmony Inn offers a wonderful homemade breakfast.

This exclusive ranch style lodging is located 2 miles west of the picturesque village of Huntley.  You will only be an hour from Chicago and 30 minutes east of Rockford, Illinois.   It is on the northern edge of Del Webb's Sun City.  The Illinois Railway Museum is just 10 miles drive. 

Guests love our new luxury rooms in a spotlessly clean, fresh atmosphere.  Guests choose which individually styled room they prefer when booking.  Every room has a private luxury bathroom.  Some rooms have deep soak tubs with showers, others have a walk-in shower.  Bathrobes and slippers add to the luxury feel while you relax and rewind.  Choose from 2 patios, complete with an amazing 6-acre view, a firepit, flower beds, table and chairs, a wood burning smokeless firepit, a grill, and a patio heater.

There are several options when staying at Harmony Inn. A group can book 3 bedrooms with 3 private baths together with a kitchen, living room and laundry room, or each room can be reserved individually as a private room with a private luxury restroom and access to a shared kitchen and living room.

There are over 60 restaurants within a 5-mile radius of Huntley, Illinois.  Check out our Dining page for details.  Our Things to Do page is updated frequently too.  Look up Harmony Inn, Huntley, IL on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HuntleyIllinois60142 for even more current ideas of things to do locally.

Your host is available 24 hours a day to ensure you are comfortable and have everything you need.  Each room has a key code lock and guests receive a text and email just before check-in with this code.  Guests are greeted upon arrival and assisted with a smooth check in.  After a brief tour, we will introduce guests to our flock.  The turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens will come running to meet you most enthusiastically!  We will provide you with some feed for them and offer to take your photo. 

The property is close to town, but tucked away on a large, wooded property.  Come enjoy the best place to getaway and relax and try something different at Harmony Inn.


Harmony Inn

Big Rock Campground, part of Big Rock Forest Preserve, is located at 46W499 Granart Rd., Big Rock, IL. The campground is open seasonally, May - October 15, each year.

Camp sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted. Payment is accepted via cash, check and credit card. Check-out is at 2 p.m., each day.

The campground contains 109 camp sites including 96 improved, vehicle campsites complete with 50-amp electrical service, water access, parking pads and fire rings, 9 primitive, tent-only sites without electric access, and four equestrian camp sites.

Camp fees are as follows:

Improved camp site (with electric and water):
Kane County residents: $20/day
Nonresidents: $35/day

Primitive camp site:
Kane County residents: $12/day
Nonresidents: $18/day

Equestrian camp site (with electric and water):
Kane County residents: $15/day
Nonresidents: $25/day

Dump station (not registered):
Kane County residents: $15
Nonresidents: $15

Firewood (available at Campground office):
Bundle: $5

Note: Outside firewood is allowed to be brought into the campground, however, all firewood must either be completely burned or left on site. No firewood will be allowed to be taken off site, due to the Emerald Ash Borer quarantine and restrictions by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Big Rock Campground opened in the summer of 2013. This project was partially funded by an IDNR OSLAD and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant.

This campground/preserve includes a horseback riding area. Most horse trails are natural surface, mowed grass paths. Limestone screenings trails and asphalt bike trails are available in some of the preserves. These are multi-use trails shared with runners, bicyclists, dog walkers etc. Horse riders are required to stay on designated, forest preserve-maintained trails. Trail riding is not allowed in restricted natural areas, Illinois Nature Preserves, picnic areas or in farmed areas. To prevent trail damage during wet weather, trails may be temporarily closed. Individual forest preserves will post a sign at the entrance when horse trails are closed. Trails are currently OPEN for equestrian use at this campground/preserve.

Big Rock Campground

Holiday Acres RV Camping Resort is a family-owned campground that prides itself on being one of the larger campgrounds in the midwest but small enough for a personal touch.

Whether you're looking for quiet time and lots of privacy or seeking an energetic friendly environment, Holiday Acres is a wonderful place! Many people make Holiday Acres "**THE**" place as their home away from home.

Swimmimg pool, Miles restaurant and Bar on-site, weekly events, live band nights, children's crafts, GaGa ball, volleyball, mini golf, hay rides, golf cart parades and more



Holiday Acres Camping Resort

Sycamore RV Resort

Blackwell Family Campground

**Mallard Bend Resort a family-oriented seasonal RV park.**  

102 Full Hookup Sites. 

Seasonal Camping Only. 

Open April 15th through October 15th. 

Private, gated resort community. 

Established in 1983. 

37 rolling wooded acres along the Fox River. 

Owned by a local partnership focused on creating a fun, safe, family friendly environment. 

Pet friendly. 

Golf carts allowed.

Mallard Bend RV Resort

Pine Country RV Camping is an RV camp in Northern Illinois that was created to be a convenient stopover or final destination for family fun. Whether you are traveling across the country or just want to see America's Heartland, Pine Country makes RV camping hassle-free with easy access sites and a prime location that are ideal for your excursion. Minutes from the Boone County Fair and Rockford, our RV camp is close to local attractions in Northern Illinois as well as plenty of activities to keep you busy. For an adventure in the Midwest, Pine Country RV Camping is where you want to be. From our RV camp in Northern Illinois, you can easily head to Chicago to see the sites of the big city and Lake Michigan. Or, just walk in the woods that surround the property, sit by the campfire, and take in the natural beauty of the region.

Thousand Trails Pine Country

Your camp hosts, and of course Yogi Bear™, invite you to"Discover the Experience" at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™,"Where you always camp with friends™". When you visit us you will see why we have been ranked in the top ten of all the Yogi Bear Parks™ in North America. We now offer one or two-room rustic cabins, sleeping four to eight people respectfully, three deluxe cabins sleeping up to eight and park model trailers sleeping up to eight. We have two heated pools, a kiddie pool, and a hot tub. Of course, we still have all the amenities you expect as well as planned activities, and theme weekends. The best part about Jellystone Park™ is that parents get to take a real break while the kids enjoy our planned activities which are sure to be a hit. There are plenty of fun activities for adults too! Yogi Bear™ looks after all ages while at our Jellystone Park™. Whatever your preference, make your vacation plans early and come camp with us. Whether you stay a day, a week or your entire vacation, you'll agree that camping at Jellystone Park™ is the best for Great Family Fun and memories to last a lifetime! 

  

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ is also less than two hours from the bustling Windy City. Spend the day in Chicago and enjoy the stunning shoreline of Lake Michigan, stroll the Magnificent Mile, or take in a game at Wrigley Field. You can also take advantage of Chicago area theme parks like Pirate’s Cove™, LEGOLAND™ Discovery Center, and Six Flags Great America™. Locally, there is Fox Paintball, Millbrook Trail Rides, The Farnsworth Estate in Plano, Illinois; antiques shopping in Sandwich, Illinois; and Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville, Illinois. For the true adventurers, check out Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, Illinois! The Fox River is just minutes away for fishing, kayaking or canoeing.

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook

Within Burnidge Forest Preserve is Paul Wolff Campground. Paul Wolff Campground contains 89 improved, vehicle camp sites with 50-amp electrical service, water access, parking pad and fire ring. Improved camp sites are available to vehicle campers or tent campers. Each improved site is capable of handling a 50-foot motorhome. There are also 5 equestrian camp sites, where you may camp with your horse(s); and 10 primitive, wooded sites for tent camping only, away from the main camping area. Primitive sites do not have electric service and are available, weather permitting. All camp sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not taken.



Paul Wolff Campground

The Shabbona Lake SRA campground has available 150 Class A Premium campsites, with 90 campsites available for advanced reservation through www.reserveamerica.com. Additionally,  60 campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All sites have electricity, picnic table, fire rings, and vehicle access. A sanitary dump station is available to all campers. One family is allowed per campsite, or four unrelated adults with up to two tents.  Campers must be ready to camp upon arrival. The campground may be closed during the spring thaw due to road conditions. Alcohol is prohibited. To check on the status of the campground or for further information, call 815-824-2106 during the week or the campground check station at 815-824-2565 on weekends.

There is also a Campground Store on-site that offers firewood, groceries, snacks, ice cream, camping supplies, fishing tackle, and boat rentals.

Camp Cabin
Two rent-a-camp cabins are available at the park. The rustic cabins have two rooms and will accommodate a maximum of six people. They are located on the shore of Shabbona Lake. Electric baseboard heat allows year-round use of the cabins. No Pets are allowed in the cabins with the exception of service animals.

Youth Group
Shabbona Lake's Youth Group camping area will accommodate two groups of up to 50 campers each. Water and privies are available at the site, but there is no electricity.

Shabbona Lake State Park

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.

Chicago

Chicago, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Chicago is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Chicago, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

The Best Camping Near Chicago | Illinois Campgrounds

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Detroit. Detroit is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Detroit and user-submitted reviews.

Detroit

The Best Camping Near Detroit, Illinois

Looking for the best campgrounds near Aurora, IL? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Aurora is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Aurora camping trip.

Aurora

The Best Camping Near Aurora, Illinois

Looking for the best campgrounds near Rockford, IL? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Rockford, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Rockford

The Best Camping Near Rockford, Illinois

Searching for the best camping near Joliet, IL? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Joliet camping trip.

Joliet

The Best Camping Near Joliet, Illinois

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Naperville, IL is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Naperville is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Naperville, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Naperville

The Best Camping Near Naperville, Illinois

Searching for the best camping near Peoria, IL? Peoria is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Peoria, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Peoria

The Best Camping Near Peoria, Illinois

North Peoria, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of North Peoria. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

North Peoria

The Best Camping Near North Peoria, Illinois

Searching for the best camping near Elgin, IL? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Illinois camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Elgin, reviewed by campers like you.

Elgin

The Best Camping Near Elgin, Illinois

Looking for the best campgrounds near Waukegan, IL? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Waukegan campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Waukegan

The Best Camping Near Waukegan, Illinois

Join the fun near Shawnee National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Illinois camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Shawnee National Forest, IL. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Shawnee National Forest

The Best Camping Near Shawnee National Forest, Illinois

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Carlyle Lake. Carlyle Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Carlyle Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Carlyle Lake

The Best Camping Near Carlyle Lake, Illinois

Rend Lake, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Rend Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rend Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Rend Lake

The Best Camping Near Rend Lake, Illinois

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 camping trip.

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

The Best Camping Near Mississippi River - Pools 11-22, Illinois

Lake Shelbyville is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Lake Shelbyville is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

The Best Camping in Kaneville

Top Campgrounds in Kaneville (96)

1.