When preparing for your boondocking trip, consider you destination. Call 847-546-2228 or Click to Book your reservation today! Camping. Picnic area flush toilets cover most of your bodily needs, but you'll have to do your bathing in Lake Michigan.Things to do nearby: Affectionately dubbed the Cape Cod of the Midwest, Door County is chock full of seasonal activities, from picking your own cherries at pastoral orchards to touring charming towns the old-fashioned way (AKA by foot or bike). Stationed off the peninsulas far tip, vehicle-free Rock Island is home to Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse, hiking trails, and a full 2,000 feet of sandy shores. As one of the 10 best state parks near Chicago, the area will provide you with the ultimate spot for relaxation and unwinding surrounded by sand dunes and refreshing calm waters. The Forest Preserve Foundation supports the mission and goals of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Top 10 Best State Parks Near Chicago - ItsAllBee There are a number of picnic spots with barbecue pits, so make sure to bring some food and enjoy a fantastic day by the beach. The campground is part of the Shawnee National Forest. Divided into sectionsthe larger Northern and Southern units and smaller Pike Lake, Loew Lake, Lapham Peak, and Mukwonago River units, to be exactthe park covers a 100-mile stretch. 11 Great Places to Go Camping Near Chicago Photograph: Shutterstock The best places to go camping near Chicago Sleep under the stars at beautiful parks, expansive lakes and more of the best. While the park's campsites don't offer views of the lake, you can, Aside from diving into the area's rich natural history via rock climbing, bouldering, hiking, and lakefront activities, there are other historical elements to discover. Take a break from the rugged hikes and blazing sun by popping into the fully stocked nature center, customized with a planetarium, or checking out a cabin commemorating Colonel Richard Lieber, the father of Indiana's state parks. KOA offers comfortable, convenient and affordable camping options. First come, first served camping at the. Where to Boondock in Illinois. Muskegon, MichiganDistance from Chicago: 184 miles; 3-hour driveNamed after the founder of Michigan's state parks system, this 1,200-acre expanse features over three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline plus towering dunes and 10 miles of stunning footpaths and Nordic ski trails. Our Trip Planner tool helps make planning your next camping trip or road trip easy. Hours & Closures: Forest preserves are open from sunrise to sunset. Low admission fee to enjoy the beach and lake. Adventure is always around the corner. Just give us a call or reserve your site online. Hit the road and in less than an hour, you will be able to explore one of the 10 best state parks near Chicago. Features: 12 x 40 combined gravel parking space and gravel tent pad with timber edge. (815) 939-4603 Informationwww.koa.com, Price: (per night) tent sites: $26 to $31; RV sites: $34 to $37; cabins: $50 to $100Reserve online. Camp sites include water and electricity, and guests enjoy on-site laundry facilities, a propane station and firewood. Access the trail system from the park's day-use beach area, the seasonal forested. Enjoy the solitude that comes from dispersed camping near the secluded 118-acre Dutchman Lake. Chicago Northwest KOA8404 S. Union Rd. Although there's plenty of big-city activities to enjoy, you can also find some quiet spots just outside the Chicago area for peace and serenity. Washington, WisconsinDistance from Chicago: 291 miles; 5.5-hour drive/ferry rideIt's not often that you find truly primitive campgrounds within driving distance, but if you make the trek from Chicago to Wisconsin's Door County islands, you'll be rewarded with gloriously uninhabited territory. Top 10 Campgrounds & RV Parks in Chicago, Illinois - RVshare Home to nine connecting lakes, Chain OLakes State Park is the perfect family-friendly destination. Starved Rock State Park sits less than a two-hour drive from the Chicago area. Explore these nearby locations during your stay: Non-profits, individual veterans and veteran organizations qualify for a 50% discount for all cabin and bunkhouse reservations for use Sunday through Thursday night; and qualify for a reduced rate of 50% on stated tent or RV non-electric fees, anytime. Morris, IllinoisDistance from Chicago: 108 miles; 2-hour driveUnwind in the wilderness at one of the oldest state parks in Illinois. Terms of Service RV Parks in Illinois | Illinois Campgrounds | Good Sam Club Whether you're traveling across the country or a Midwest native, you'll find plenty to see and discover at Pine Country RV Campground. Learn More, Plan the perfect trip from home or on the road with the official KOA app. Located along the west bank of the Rock River, it's one-stop-shopping for, and taking in sweeping views of the areas rolling woodlands, sunset-colored sandstone bluffs, and winding river. Rent a golf cart and jet around Jellystone campground, just across the Illinois border about an hour from Chicago. The trails are winding through the vertical stone walls offering scenic views of the Illinois River. Whether youre camping in a tent, cabin, bunkhouse or RV, youll get an immersive, round-the-clock nature experience in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Baraboo, WisconsinDistance from Chicago: 189 miles; 3.5-hour driveWisconsins most popular state park provides a gorgeous panorama of the 360-acre Devil's Lake from high atop quartzite bluffs. Although sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, make a reservation on summer weekends. To find a hotel or cabin near Matthiessen State Park click here to check availabilities. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout. Get Directions, (847) 546-2228 Kelleys Island, OhioDistance from Chicago: 294 miles; 5-hour drive/ferry rideA longer road trip and short ferry ride out to Lake Erie's "Emerald Isle" will score you the ultimate getaway. If youre looking to upgrade your overnight accommodations, snag a room at the National Register of Historic Places-listed Starved Rock Lodge. Characterized by unique natural sandstone rock formations and cliffs that register at around 320 million years old, this amazing geological playground is well worth the road trip. Informed RVers have rated 6 campgrounds near West Chicago, Illinois. The Forest Preserves provides land and financial support to the Chicago Botanic Garden and Chicago Zoological Society's . Feel free to contact the campground with any questions you may have, as they're always glad to help! When zoomed in on the map, a "Blue Ballon" indicates this location is featured and has a in-depth review available in the ARTICLES section of the website. When you take your stay at Jellystone Park of Chicago, you'll find that the amenities, accommodations, and . This campground/resort is an unexpected surprise. Will be back to camp. Marshall, IndianaDistance from Chicago: 158 miles; 3-hour driveSituated just southwest of Crawfordsville along State Road 47, this Indiana state park gives visitors a chance to marvel at natural geologic wonders like cavern-like sandstone ravines and take in scenic views while canoeing Sugar Creek. View General Headquarters hours. Later, escape to a 69-acre farm turned artists residence or park yourself at the seasonal vintage drive-in movie theater for some much needed R&R. 48. Located in DuPage County, the reserve can easily be reached in less than 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Yes, I want to receive promotional emails from RVshare. After a day of canoeing, kayaking, and fishing or hiking, biking, and horseback riding, the, offer a quiet and relaxing retreat with shower and electricity hook-ups alongside more primitive experiences. Find the best campgrounds & rv parks near Chicago Heights, Illinois. The big draw of the area is the 13 miles of well-marked, easy-to-navigate hiking trails with more than 15 canyons to explore. If you are looking for some sports activities, the park offers hiking and biking trails, options for bird-watching and boating, as well as camping grounds if you are planning on staying overnight. The 4000-acres park offers opportunities for sports activities such as kayaking, fishing, hiking as well as a few cabins and campgrounds for those who would like to spend the night. Would you like to relax by the beach or explore some hiking routes? This area is located in the Shawnee National Forest, one-half hour south of Marion. Zion, IL 60099 For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs. Dining Hall must be booked in person or by phone (855-YES-CAMP). The Best Route 66 Campgrounds & RV Parks | RV LIFE Camp Bullfrog Lake - Forest Preserves of Cook County camping@fishlakebeach.com, 2023 Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort | RV Park Website Design by Big Rig Media LLC . 14630 Oak Park Ave. Oak Forest, IL 60452 For reservations, please visit the website Illinois Beach State Park: Zion, IL If the sandy shores along Lake Michigan are more your thing, you'll want to try out one of these 241 camping sites on your next weekend trip. (electrical hookups available at 110 sites), with access to hiking and cycling trails as well as to the Mississippi River. Chicago campgrounds and RV parks are embedded in an urban area of 2.8 million people. This 385-acre getaway features one of the regions southernmost white pine forests complete with concrete fords that span two creeks, allowing visitors to cruise straight through the flowing streams or stop to observe nearby wildlife. For nearby attractions, check out the Illinois Railroad Museum, Donley's Wild West Town or Magic Waters Water Park. Explore these nearby locations during your stay: Non-profits, individual veterans and veteran organizations qualify for a 50% discount for all cabin and bunkhouse reservations for use Sunday through Thursday night; and qualify for a reduced rate of 50% on stated tent or RV non-electric fees, anytime. RV Parks in West Chicago, Illinois - Top 7 Campgrounds near West Covering more than 4,100 acres, the park has around 6 miles of pristine white sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan. After a busy day enjoy our pool and have dinner at Sawmill BBQ restaurant located onsite. Camping Leadership Immersion Course (CLIC), accessible campsite options and amenities, Clear Air, Clean Water, and Wildlife Habitat Protection Referendum, Let Nature Be Your Muse and Inspire Artistic Creation, Forest Preserves of Cook County Offers Endless Summer Possibilities, Nature Express Bus Provides Free Rides to Nature, Chicago Botanic Garden and Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo. After a day of hiking, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, and horseback riding amid tree-covered canyons and sandstone bluffs overlooking the Illinois River, your tent's wooded surroundings (with access to electricity, showers, and restrooms) will be a welcome respite come nighttime. Great weekends to camp and save at KOA. This year-round campground offers more than 125 campsites equipped with electricity, shower facilities, flush toilets and a playground. Each campground has a limited number of Camping Adventure Backpacks available for free check-out, that include binoculars, field guides, a compass, activity sheets and other aids to nature exploration. Find the best campgrounds & rv parks near West Chicago, Illinois. We visited Fish Lake Beach this summer several times to go fishing and swim. Additional time: $5/hr pending availability. Accessible campsites are designed for campers with disabilities. View past newsletters. To the north, the nearby beach town of Saugatuck, known as the art coast of Michigan, is rife with art galleries, tasty bars and restaurants, and unique shops worth exploring. Related: Escape to the Tropics in Chicago. Please only book an accessible campsite if you need it or all other campsites are booked. Not here for the thrill? Book a kayaking tour and catch a glimpse of a kayak that's listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for logging 30,000 miles at Bread and Water Kayaks and Paddling Museum on Washington Island. Situated along the sand dune-lined Great Lakes or within forested and canyon-filled parklands, these choice campgrounds within a six-hour radius of Chicago make perfect warm-weather escapes. Located just about an hour south of Chicago, the Kankakee South KOA's season runs from April 1 to Oct. 31. General Headquarters 536 North Harlem Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 (view map). Beautiful nightscapes of stars and constellations and nearby lakes and rivers make this an ideal camping spot. Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. A longer road trip and short ferry ride out to Lake Erie's "Emerald Isle" will score you the ultimate getaway. The Forest Preserve Foundation supports the mission and goals of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. And for boondockers, Illinois provides plenty of opportunities to find dispersed and primitive camping in and near state parks and forest areas. The state offers much more than the great city of Chicago. The staff is great, The beach is great, the fishing is great and the pic nice areas are nicely located to the park and water areas. If driving from Elizabethtown, follow IL-146 E. A great choice for bird lovers, Turkey Bayou Campground offers a designated Waterfowl Refuge Area that is closed during the waterfowl hunting season. Here are a few kid-friendly options within three hours of Chicagoland to get you started. . Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Chicago - Campspot One of the best natural spots for a day trip from Chicago is Starved Rock State Park. An iconic red barn greets visitors to Camp Sullivan, where large groups can rent bunkhouses and those looking for privacy can enjoy tent campsites tucked in the woods. Bring your own tent to the island campground, try out the reservable, hassle-free yurts and rent-a-camp units, or even book yourself a private cabinjust be sure to claim your spot before you depart from the mainland.Things to do nearby: Make the most of your journey by extending your stay and hitting up Cedar Point's roller coasters. Water enthusiasts will love this park's prime access to three large natural lakesplus seven smaller ones along the chainall stemming from the mighty Fox River. Camp Sullivan offers event packages that include exclusive use of the climbing wall and barns upper level, pending availability. Zion, IllinoisDistance from Chicago: 46 miles; 1-hour drivePitch your tent a stone's throw away from the longest public swimming area of any state park. Learn more about cookies in our, St. Louis N.E. May 19, 2012 / 6:00 AM The Forest Preserves provides land and financial support to the Chicago Botanic Garden and Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo. Complete your lakeside adventure by renting a rowboat, paddleboat, kayak, or canoe. The site itself also has trails that lead off to a small canyon, with waterfalls and other hidden delights. Share your happy camping escapades with her on Twitter at, Grand Havens iconic South Pier and Lighthouses, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. , where 31 miles of the nearly 1,200-mile path follows a maze of sinuous eskers, tumbled moraines, bogs, and deep kettles. I agree to RVshare's privacy policy. The cool calm river waters are a real delight during the hot summer days. Home Places to Go Locations Camp Sullivan. Bourbonnais, IllinoisDistance from Chicago: 60 miles; 1-hour driveStretching along 11 miles of the Kankakee River, this namesake state park just an hour south of Chicago boasts a wealth of social distancing-friendly nature adventures both on the water and within its 4,000 wooded acres. Chebanse, IL 60922 (800) 562-4192 Reservations (815) 939-4603 Information www.koa.com RVshare brings RV renters and RV owners together by providing the safest and most secure platform for booking an RV rental. The RV Campground borders beautiful Lake Michigan, this year-round camping facility, has 20 concrete sites with electrical hook-ups, restrooms and . Camping at Illinois State Parks For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs. For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs. We found 196 Results for "IL" Sort By Range Pages 1 2 3 4 5 . Accessible campsites are designed for campers with disabilities. Cancellation Guideline Deluxe Cabin (Full Bath with Tub & Shower), Patio , Partial Kitchen and Gas Grill View Floor Plan View Details Check Availability Sleeps up to 6 people. If you are new to the city you could easily spend a couple of days in Chicago and head out to explore the nearby parks too. (Psst: If sleeping in a tent isn't your style, check out these glam Airbnbs instead.). The park is particularly popular during the autumn months, when the area is covered by a beautiful carpet of red, yellow and orange leafs. It has breathtaking views of the lake and we were able to get our licenses and bait right there. According to police, the man drove into a barrier that . Crash at one of the lakeshore campgrounds, either in the. Hours Forest preserves are open every day from sunrise to sunset. Spreading on a territory of more than 8000 acres, Pere Marquette State Park is the largest within Illinois. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about boondocking.Boondocking in Illinois brings peace and serenity as well as a lot of fun in the outdoors. If you're looking for a more modernized camping experience, cabins with air conditioning are available as well. Wherever the road leads you in your Illinois adventure, we have KOA locations ready and waiting for you. Primitive camping is available in several designated sites. Pets, including horses, are allowed. Visitors can enjoy various types of activities, such as bird-watching, fishing, swimming or hiking through the 50 miles of trails. Fish Lake Beach is one of the largest, privately owned campgrounds in Illinois. Jellystone's camping season runs May 1 to Oct. 31. within the park (outside of public recreation areas) is free all year long. There is a propane station, firewood available for purchase and a pavilion as well. Pick up snacks in town before strolling the mile-long sandy lakefront stretch or winding along the woodland paths in search of a prime picnic spot. Union, Illinois Camping Photo Albums | Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday We were here for several months and paid a monthly rate. Obtain a camping permit from the booth within the campground or at the park office. Access 217 trusted reviews, 93 photos & 72 tips from fellow RVers. You can stay within an easy drive of Chicago, allowing you to plan a day of site-seeing, eating Chicago dogs and catching a game at Wrigley Field. After a day of canoeing, kayaking, and fishing or hiking, biking, and horseback riding, the park's 200-plus campsites offer a quiet and relaxing retreat with shower and electricity hook-ups alongside more primitive experiences. Bring the whole family to Thousand Trails Pine Country, an Illinois RV campground that was designed to be a one stop destination for enjoying time with family. Check with Nature Centers, Campgrounds and other facilities for specific hours. Many of the roads leading to primitive campgrounds are narrow and difficult to follow, and some of the nature surrounding those campsites are potentially dangerous. From there, you can also book excursions like rafting trips or take on a number of cool bluff hikes along the Mississippi River. Stretch your legs by traversing 70-foot bluffs then spend the night under the stars surrounded by serene forests, rivers, and canyons. Address: 5314 W, IL-102, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, United States. Things to do nearby: After working up a sweat on the trails, embark on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, a 35-mile scenic drive featuring 11 award-winning countryside vineyards. In addition to relaxing on the beach, campers can explore the unique landscape of sand dunes, marshes, forest, and cacti-speckled prairies or take advantage of rugged bike trails. There is a smaller lake to fish. Whether you prefer a rustic, deep-in-the-wilderness experience or a campground packed with family fun, there's a campground compromise out there for your family. Situated just southwest of Crawfordsville along State Road 47, this Indiana state park gives visitors a chance to marvel at natural geologic wonders like cavern-like sandstone ravines and take in scenic views while canoeing Sugar Creek. Take a weekend trip outside of the city this weekend, and take a two-hour drive southwest to North Utica where campgrounds are lined with unusual rock formations. To find a hotel or cabin near Illinois Beach State Park click here to check availabilities. Find it here, Hundreds of KOA campground job opportunities for those who love the RV camping life, Information and education on camping at KOA with an electric vehicle (EV). For all details on campsites, visit our campground pages: Hours Forest preserves are open every day from sunrise to sunset. If you have just a limited amount of time in Chicago and would like to stay close to the city, you can easily reach the Channahon State Park in less than an hour. Nowadays, together with the water reservoir and the surrounding 1,500 acres have been declared as a state park, perfect for a weekend escape from the busy city streets. Camp Ground Road Woods - Forest Preserves of Cook County Check-in station hours vary, but self-registration is available 24/7. A tent campsite overlooking Bullfrog Lake. Call 847-546-2228 or Click to Book your reservation today! For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs. Get Away! , originally constructed in the 1930s, are temporarily unavailable. It's not often that you find truly primitive campgrounds within driving distance, but if you make the trek from Chicago to Wisconsin's Door County islands, you'll be rewarded with gloriously uninhabited territory. All outdoor . For more outdoors fun check out this list of the 15 best places for campfire in Chicago. Most sites are shaded by lovely trees and very roomy. Better still, drop in for a round of mini golf at the course here. Near the Wisconsin state border, Apple River Canyon State Park offers 49 RV sites. To find a hotel or cabin near Pere Marquette State Park click here to check availabilities.For a more home from home feel check out these Airbnbs. Camp Bullfrog Lake features: Contact Camp Sullivan for availability at 312-636-0041. 15 miles of varied trails give hiking aficionados ample terrain, and rock climbers with their own equipment can tackle Twin Sister and Indian Head, two of the most popular formations open for scaling. Whether you are in the mood for a little camping on Lake Michigan near Chicago, exploring the beautiful parks in Chicago and beyond or booking a cabin within reach of a national or state park, there is plenty of inspiration below. Accessible campsites are designed for campers with disabilities. Bourbonnais, the summer home of Chicago Bears, is about 10 minutes away as well. Experience an escape from the city at Jellystone Park of Chicago, a family-oriented RV resort in the rural village of Millbrook, Illinois. Best 7 Chicago, Illinois RV Parks & Campgrounds - RoverPass Keep in mind that alcohol is not allowed. Chicago, Illinois Area RV Parks & Campgrounds | USA Today Open to the public May 1st Oct 15th. Located roughly a half-hour south of Marion via I-57 and I-24. Starved Rock State Park Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center Galena Chicago Bears Wrigley Field Find Your Illinois Campground Benton KOA Journey Benton, IL Reserve / Check Rates Casey KOA Journey Casey, IL Reserve / Check Rates Have met some nice folks. To witness the breathtaking show of our solar syst, When you take kids camping, you get to teach your, Let us know in the comments! If you plan to climb, please bring a signed waiver with you: Book by calling 855-YES-CAMP (855-937-2267) or visiting Camp Sullivan. Enjoy peace and quiet as you go boating and fishing at the Tower Rock Campground. To find a hotel or cabin near Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve click here to check availabilities.