Searching for the best places to camp near Chicago? We’ve featured 7 of them in this post!
Escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday city life can be found at the top of most Chicagoans’ list. But, let’s face it, being cooped up in the same routine every day can become not just monotonous but tiring and can be taxing on your mental stability as well, so it’s essential for your mental health that you take a weekend to head out into the woods.
Chicago is undoubtedly a big city, but it’s surrounded by lots of forest land and prime camping area. Some of these camping spots are even in the city itself. For example, Pere Marquette State Park and Starved Rock State Park are both well-known camping locations, but they’re just two of the best places to camp near Chicago.
Whether you’re looking for a vacation involving city life and camping, or you’re a city dweller looking for an escape, keep reading. Up next, we have the seven best places to camp near Chicago.
Table of Contents
Camping In or Near Chicago
If you’re looking for a change in pace or getting away for no reason at all, then you will never be short of options for campgrounds in or near Chicago.
From hardcore camping to luxurious glamping, there are areas that have the ability to cater to your needs, from hiking, canoeing, and kayaking to biking or horseback riding. In addition, there are tons of activities to satisfy your current or potential hobbies.
What Months Are Best for Camping Near Chicago?
September and October are undeniably some of the best months to head out for your camping trip. That’s because these months are not too hot or too cold, so you’re able to experience the outdoors without sacrificing the activities or hobbies that you want to do while you’re camping. These months frequently will come with fewer crowds, and that’s always an upside.
Although September and October are the best months for you to go camping near Chicago, you have to be vigilant of the weather. Seasons can start early or late, just like they can end early or late so, the best months for you to go camping will be dependent on the weather patterns during the year and the fluctuation of temperatures throughout your area.
Chicago is a typical midwestern city, where the winters are cold and the summers are hot. Cold as in well below freezing with lots of snow, and hot as in your eyelashes are sweating hot. So sticking to the most neutral season, fall, you’re more than likely to experience the best of Chicago’s weather pattern. However, use a weather app to double check before you go, because you never know when the weather might change!
Where Can I Camp for Free in Chicago?
If you’re into boondocking, then Illinois would be your paradise or playground. There are tons of places where you can boondock or camp for free in general.
Check out the list below for a few options:
- Dutchman Lake
- Sand Ridge State Forest
- Shawnee National Forest
- Turkey Bayou Campground
- BLM Land (Bureau of Land Management)
There are tons of options for free camping or boondocking close to Chicago. The best places you can end up are always found along a journey, so don’t be afraid to get out there and explore places you haven’t tried before.
Keep in mind that camping is often available throughout different Illinois State Parks, and the Illinois Department of natural resources does not charge entrance fees for any state on operated land. Of course, if a site you were visiting has a beach, you may have to pay a small fee, but that’s to be expected if we’re going to camp near a great beach, right?
Can I Camp In Chicago Itself?
Although there are tons of camping options in and right outside of Chicago, you won’t generally be able to do the same type of camping within city limits. Meaning that there would be obvious restrictions on having grills and any form or source of the fire. However, the Chicago Park District offers families the opportunity to have a camping trip right within the city, so you don’t have to stray too far away from home if you live in Chicago.
These particular camping excursions would typically start by 2:00 PM on a Saturday and end by 10:00 AM on Sunday. A family has to have at least one child and one adult with a maximum of six family members. The cost to do this would be $50 for a family not exceeding six members.
The Chicago Park District includes hotdogs and s’mores and sometimes even tents. This excursion is a family camping activity that the city started to promote family camping. The city is even offering a Coleman-sponsored virtual camping series for families. So, maybe this is a good family vacation package instead of a solo trip.
(If you are looking for a good place to vacation alone, you may want to check out some Texas vacation spots.)
The 7 Best Places to Camp Near Chicago
For anyone that wants to camp near Chicago, the options are plentiful. To make it easy, we have a shortlist for you to choose from, so you can pick one that fits your camping schedule without having to work too hard.
1. Illinois Beach State Park
Suppose you’re looking for something slightly different, then look no farther than Illinois Beach State Park. It’s set on 6 1/2 miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline, and you will find sand, marshes, dunes, and forests that boast great hiking trails and even a campground in the southern area of it.
The campground offers 241 different sites with options for tent camp, car, truck camp, or even bring out your RV. You will also find electric site options as well as shower facilities and restrooms.
2. Starved Rock State Park
If you want to escape the city to find some social media-worthy backgrounds to take pictures in, then Starved Rock State Park should be your destination. With seasonal waterfalls and winding sandstone canyons, this State Park offers great camping options, 129 campsites with the option for electric sites, and you even get shower houses and access to flushing toilets.
3. Big Foot Beach State Park
The only downfall to Bigfoot Beach State Park is that you might not actually get to see Bigfoot. We can all hope still, though, right? Well, at this State Park, you’ll find that you can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and other activities on Lake Geneva, and you’ll find campsite options not too far away.
The park offers 100 sites, and you get the standard fire ring and picnic table. Even though this State Park is located in Wisconsin, it’s only an hour and 40 minutes from Chicago, so this makes for the perfect weekend trip.
4. Indiana Dunes State Park
Try saying Indiana Dunes without thinking about Indiana Jones. Unfortunately, they aren’t related, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find adventure within this State Park. It’s only a half-hour drive from the border of Illinois, and once you get there, you can immediately start relaxing on the beach. There are dunes throughout the park and a mile and a half hiking trail with more than one campground option.
5. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
Here you’ll find 1550 acres of prairie grounds and a 300-acre man-made lake that offer a great place to camp or even a day trip. The recreation area offers 150 different campsites and is the perfect place if you like to fish. The lake is fully stocked with smallmouth bass, bluegill, walleye, and even muskie. You most certainly should down there to see what else the lake has to offer.
6. Chain O' Lakes State Park
Let us hear you say it; scenery, scenery, scenery! This state park is all about beautiful views, natural lakes, and scenic pathways everywhere you turn. You are bound to enjoy a relaxing hike or visit one of the park’s popular fishing spots.
If you want to take a boat out onto the lake or rent a canoe, you would have the ability to do that as well. This is truly a paradise for those who love boating. This State Park has nine connecting lakes and 23 miles of forested trails.
7. Rock Cut State Park
This State Park contains two different lakes with tons of room for great hiking and space for you to do as much fishing and boating as you can fit into your visit. It’s just north of Rockford, IL, and features 250 campsites with access to electricity. You also have the option to rent a cabin if you plan out your trip in advance.
Outro
Now it’s time to start planning your next getaway weekend into the woods. You’ve now seen the top seven places to camp near Chicago, and most of them are pretty versatile. So whether you are a nature or survival enthusiast or if you’re more accustomed to indoor feels and amenities and want new surroundings, you won’t have a hard time finding a new place to explore near Chicago.
Once you make your great escape into paradise, you may experience a series of feelings. You may find yourself emersed in your surroundings, actually be able to hear yourself think, and you might even feel comfortable screaming at the top of your lungs. This is a new form of freedom that city-goers don’t get to experience all the time, so now is your chance. Do you work out at home or at your neighborhood gym? Well, realize that nature is your new Planet Fitness.
Do all of the outdoor activities that you get enjoyment from. Run through the mountains or the forest with the trees towering over your head. Find the peace and sanctity in doing yoga on top of a cliff or top of a rock in the middle of a rushing river.
You may also find new hobbies, activities, or even meet new people. Who knows, some of the people you meet while you’re on your next adventure might end up being lifelong friends willing to accompany you on your future camping excursions.
Getting out in the open and out into nature will allow you the chance to connect with yourself and to clear your head from everyday routines, and you will have the opportunity to take your wellness to new heights.
We often underestimate the importance of health and wellness, and that is our greatest mistake. So take off into the middle of nowhere, hike a trail that you aren’t certain has an end, and jump off of cliffs into serene waters.
When you get home from your amazing camping trip near Chicago, you will not only thank yourself, but you will also thank us for pointing you in the right direction.
(If camping isn’t really your thing, you may rather check out some Cabo all inclusive resorts for your next vacation!)