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

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Northbrook Mews, IL has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Northbrook Mews, IL. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Northbrook Mews

The Best Camping Near Northbrook Mews, Illinois

Camp Reinberg’s tent sites and heated year-round cabins—plus dining hall and outdoor gathering areas—make it perfect for a group event or private getaway. Set in the oak woods of historic Deer Grove, Camp Reinberg provides access to miles of trails, beautifully restored landscapes and nearly unlimited recreation opportunities.

Camp Reinberg

The campground in the southern unit at Illinois Beach provides 241 Class A Premium sites with electricity and access to showers and sanitary facilities. You must obtain a camping permit from the park staff, and must have a camping unit upon arrival.

The campground is open from April 1 through December 30. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance at ExploreMoreIL™. Reservations are only accepted from May 1 - September 30.  Six handicap accessible campsites are present in the campground near the accessible restrooms and a dump station.

Illinois Beach State Park - stretching 6.5 miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois - offers a full range of recreation opportunities at one of the most unique and beautiful natural settings in America. 

Illinois Beach is the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state, with dunes and swales, sprawling marshes, forests of oak and vast arrays of animal life and vegetation.

More than 650 species of plants have been recorded in the dunes area alone, including dozens of types of colorful wildflowers. Prickly pear cactus thrives in large colonies in the dry areas, and the wet prairies are carpeted with a wide variety of grasses and sedges. Large expanses of marsh in the swales support dense stands of cattail, grasses, big bluestem and sedges.

The sandy ridges are crowned by black oak forests with an open, savanna-like appearance. Several kinds of fragrant pines, introduced a century ago, also prosper in the southern area. Just north of the pines is the Dead River, a stream blocked by sandbars much of the year, features an abundance of aquatic plants and fish that belie its name.

The 4,160-acre park, consisting of two separate areas (North Unit and South Unit), offers ample opportunities for swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping and simply appreciating nature. 

In addition to swimming beaches, trails and campgrounds, the Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center is the perfect place to get away for a weekend or a weeklong vacation.

Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

Fish Lake Beach is one of the largest, privately owned campgrounds in Illinois, with 580 seasonal sites occupying the majority of the 113-acre property along with 60 overnight campsites. Fish Lake Beach has been family owned and operated for over eight amazing decades. Our brief story in pictures and how we got started is just below. Fish Lake Beach has become a camping tradition or a home-away-from-home for generations of families. We take pleasure in providing a friendly and fun experience.

Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

The Vaudeville

NAVSTA Great Lakes RV Campground

Illinois Beach State Park

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

Blackwell Family Campground

Prairie View - Chain O Lakes State Park

Grass Lake Marina and RV 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 Northbrook Mews

Top Campgrounds in Northbrook Mews (48)

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