Some of the best state parks for family camping in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan are located within a day’s drive of Chicago. Within this short distance, you may choose to climb rock formations to observe a crater lake below, roll down a 200 foot sand dune, seek out a series of hidden waterfalls or bike through rolling forested hills formed by glaciers!
Here are the best places to camp near Chicago:
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- Kankakee Rover State Park
- Chain O Lakes Sate Park
- Shabbona Lakes State Park.
- Warren Dunes State Park
- Rock Cut State Park
- Starved Rock State Park
- Van Buren State Park
- Kettle Moraine State Forest
- Holland State Park
- Devil’s Lake State Park
- Peninsula State Park
We’ve broken out our list into two categories: 1) within a 2 hour drive and 2) a 2 to 5 hour drive from the Windy City. All these beautiful campgrounds offer a range of amenities and activities to make camping fun for the whole family.
Best Places to Camp Near Chicago: Within 2 Hours
Illinois Beach State Park, Zion, IL, 48 miles from Chicago:
Illinois State Beach Park, located in northern Illinois, offers 6.5 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. This picturesque public park spans a total of 4,160 acres and consists of 2 units, the North Unit and the South Unit.
The North Unit is a dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve, boasting some of Illinois’ most unique natural beauty of native plants and wildlife. The North Unit provides plentiful activities the whole family will enjoy, while surrounding you with a magnificent natural backdrop. Popular activities include biking and hiking trails, fishing, and public access to Lake Michigan.
The South Unit offers extensive camping and picnic areas, nature trails along mixed wetlands and dunes, and a scenic overlook along the Dead River, a great spot for bird watching. The campground in the southern unit at Illinois Beach provides 241 Class A Premium sites for RV’s, tents, or trailers with electricity and access to showers and restrooms.
Click Here to Make a Reservation
Activities:
- Bike trails
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Playground
- Pond
- Swimming beach
- Scuba diving
- Volleyball
- Nature center
- Windsurfing / sailboarding
- Wildlife
Amenities:
- Dump station, campers
- Fire rings
- Handicap sites
- Park office/campground host
- Pets allowed*
- Retail shop-firewood, ice
- Restrooms/shower
- Water, drinking
* Quiet pets are welcome if they are on a leash, not to exceed 10′ and always attended to. Pets are not allowed in buildings (cabins, shower house or concession). Owners are required to clean up after their pets at their campsite and in all other areas of the property.
Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, IN, 49 miles from Chicago:
Indiana Dunes State Park includes over three miles of lovely beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. Consisting of 2,182 acres of uncomplicated, beautiful, historic and unique local landscape, it’s a perfect camping trip that combines a variety of outdoor adventures with some relaxing beach time.
Large sand dunes, located beyond the entire shoreline, soar some 200 feet above Lake Michigan. The massive sand dunes are sure to wow all members of your family. You can also expect to see a collection of habitats and plant species throughout the park, providing homes for many local plants and animals.
Less than a mile from the beach, Indiana Dunes State Park campground is one of the most popular in the area and fills up quickly, so be sure to make your reservations well in advance. Plenty of amenities and activities for a fun-filled family adventure are here! Each campsite for RV’s, tents and trailers have full electrical hookups, with modern restrooms and shower houses for your comfort.
Click Here to Make a Reservation
Activities:
- Archeology programs
- Beach swimming/ lifeguards (seasonal)
- Biking
- Hiking
- Cross country skiing
- Cultural sites / exhibits
- Nature center
- Museum
- Volleyball
- Playground
- Refreshment stand
- Viewing platform / overlook
Amenities:
- Bath house
- Campground host
- Retail- firewood / ice / concessions
- ATM
- Dump station, camper
- Fire rings
- Grills
- Grocery store
- Handicap sites
- Information center
- Parking
- Pets allowed*
- Picnic area / table
- Restrooms / shower
- Water, drinking
* Pets are not permitted in our cabins, restrooms, shower houses or other indoor facilities, unless otherwise specified. Pets are permitted at campsites; however, they must be on a leash of 6 feet or less and always tended to. Owners are required to clean up after their pets at their campsite and in all other areas of the property.
Kankakee River State Park, Bourbonnais, IL, 59 miles from Chicago
Kankakee River State Park encompasses 4,000 acres of beautiful nature along the river, through forests or along Rock Creek, an offshoot of the Kankakee River has carved a gorge with magnificent limestone canyons and a waterfall. You’ll find diverse trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and more!
There are two major campgrounds within the park, Potawatomi Campground, offers Class A amenities with 110 campsites and two cabins in a wooded setting. This Premium campground is in the main park with shower facilities, flush toilets, and all sites have electricity for comfortable camping in RV’s, tents, and trailers.
The Chippewa Campground offers 105 Class B campsites (electric only, no showers) and C facilities (no electricity no showers).
Click Here to Make a Reservation
Activities:
- Archery
- Art & museum
- Biking
- Boating / canoeing
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Nature center
- Playground
- Viewing platform / overlook
- Waterfall
- Wildlife
Amenities:
- Bath house
- Dump station, campers
- Grills
- Handicap sites
- Office / ranger station
- Parking
- Picnic area / tables
- Retail- firewood / ice / concessions
- Restrooms / showers
- Pets allowed*
- Water, drinking
*Quiet pets are welcome if they are on a leash, not to exceed 10′ and always attended to. Pets are not allowed in buildings (cabins, shower house or concession). Owners are required to clean up after their pets at their campsite and in all other areas of the property.
Chain O Lakes State Park, Spring Grove, IL, 67 miles from Chicago
Chain O’Lakes State Park spans 6,023 acres, offering many exciting camping activities. The park sits adjacent to the Fox River and 15 interconnected lakes. Fishing, motorboating, paddle boating and canoeing on the Chain O’ Lakes are available in the park. With 6 miles of hiking/biking trails and 8 miles of horse trails you are sure to have plenty outdoor adventures for the whole family.
Chain O’Lakes has 3 two-room cabins, 137 A Premium campsite with shower facilities and electricity and 93 B/S Premium campsites with showers for comfortable camping in RV’s, tents and trailers.
Click Here to Make a Reservation
Activities:
- Archery
- Biking
- Canoe rental
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Motorboat rentals
- Paddle boat rentals
- Playground
- Volleyball
Amenities:
- Bath house
- Campground host / office / ranger station
- Dump station, camper
- Fire rings
- Handicap sites
- Picnic area / tables
- Recycling station
- Restrooms / showers
- Retail – firewood, ice, concessions
- Pets allowed*
- Water, drinking
*Quiet pets are welcome if they are on a leash, not to exceed 10′ and always attended to. Pets are not allowed in buildings (cabins, shower house or concession) Owners are required to clean up after their pets at their campsite and in all other areas of the property.
Shabbona Lake State Park, Shabbona, IL, 71 miles from Chicago
Shabbona Lake State Park is a sprawling 1,500 acre park with a beautiful 315 acre lake. Shabbona boasts grass-covered meadows, upland forests, bottomland woods, and a native marsh, plenty of options for outdoor fun and relaxation. Visitors enjoy camping, picnicking, dining (at Pokanoka’s Café), hiking, fishing and more.
Shabbona Lake has 2 two-room cabins and 88 A Premium campsites with shower facilities and electricity for comfortable camping in RV’s, tents and trailers.
Click Here to Make a Reservation
Activities:
- Archery
- Biking
- Boat rentals / canoeing, kayaking, motor, sail
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseshoes / horseshoe pits
- Playground
- Volleyball
- Wildlife
Amenities:
- Campground host/ office / ranger station
- ATM
- Dump station, camper
- Fire rings
- Grills
- Handicap sites
- Pets allowed*
- Restaurant
- Restrooms / showers
- Retail – firewood, ice, concessions
- Water, drinking
*Quiet pets are welcome if they are on a leash, not to exceed 10′ and always attended to. Pets are not allowed in buildings (cabins, shower house or concession) Owners are required to clean up after their pets at their campsite and in all other areas of the property.
Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer, MI, 81 miles from Chicago
Warren Dunes State Park is a magnificent natural resource with 1,952 acres of pure outdoor beauty. It hosts an abundance of family camping options in nearby southwestern Michigan. Located along the lovely shoreline of Lake Michigan, the white sandy beach is the perfect place for a family trip. The breathtaking dunes rise 260 feet above the lake and offer spectacular views. While the beach is a breathtaking with its near white sandy beach. The park offers 3 miles of shoreline and 6 miles of hiking trails and great for family camping.
Warren Dunes offers modern and semi-modern camping facilities. There are 187 premium sites for RV’s, tents and campers with electricity and modern handicap accessible restrooms and showers. The modern campground also has three mini-cabins with electricity that sleep four on bunk beds.
There are 37 semi-modern sites with water, no electricity and vault toilets for a more rustic adventure off the beaten path.
Click Here to Make a Reservation
Activities:
- Beach / beach house
- Beach swimming
- Hiking
- Playground
- Wildlife
Amenities:
- Dump station, campers
- Fire rings
- Grills
- Park headquarters / contact station
- Pets allowed*
- Picnic area / tables
- Restrooms / showers
- Retail – firewood, ice, concessions
- Water, drinking
*Dogs are allowed north of the third beach parking lot (at the dog beach) and must be kept on a 6-foot leash. Animals must never be left unattended. Pets are not allowed in the Mini Cabins.
Rock Cut State Park, Loves Park, IL, 84 miles from Chicago
Rock Cut State Park is in Rockford near Winnebago County with two lakes, a swimming beach and 3,092 acres of natural parkland. You can experience plenty of local wildlife during your visit, such as deer, fox, muskrat, woodchuck and beavers as well as over 100 types of wildflowers. Local nature surrounds you in this beautiful park with plenty to see and do while family camping.
The campgrounds include 210 Class A Premium sites with shower facilities and electricity and 60 Class B/S Premium sites with showers for RV’s, campers and tents. There is also a primitive cabin that sleeps 6 (it has electricity but does not have water or plumbing facilities).
Click Here to Make a Reservation
Activities:
- Biking rentals
- Boating rentals – canoe, kayak, paddle, rowboat
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Playground
- Wildlife
Amenities:
- Campground host
- Dump station, campers
- ATM
- Handicap sites
- Fire rings
- Grills
- Pets allowed*
- Picnic area / tables
- Restrooms / showers
- Retail – firewood, ice, concessions, bait & tackle
- Water, drinking
*Quiet pets are welcome if they are on a leash, not to exceed 10′ and always attended to. Pets are not allowed in buildings (cabins, shower house or concession) Owners are required to clean up after their pets at their campsite and in all other areas of the property.
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL, 95 miles from Chicago,
Starved Rock State Park is a true Illinois gem. Plenty of breathtaking views to take in while hiking along the nature trails or viewing the many dramatic overlooks along the Illinois River. There are boundless activities for families while camping at Starved Rock State Park. In addition to the amazing hiking trails, your family can enjoy fishing, boating, horseback riding and more! The star attraction of Starved Rock is the 18 canyons formed by glacial meltwater and stream erosion. The park is best known for its fascinating rock formations. If you visit in the spring or after a heavy rain, you can experience the full wonder of over 10 natural waterfalls hidden within these canyons, whose waters then descend to the picturesque Illinois River.
Starved Rock’s campground has 129 Class-A Premium campsites with shower facilities and electricity. All sites come equipped with a cement pad for RV or campers and an area for up to two tents. Starved Rock has a lodge and cabins available. For lodge and cabin reservations, visit the Starved Rock Lodge website. Cabins are limited and popular, it is recommended to make your reservations early.
Click Here to Make a Campground Reservation
Click Here to Make a Lodge or Cabin Reservation
Activities:
- Boat rentals – canoe, kayak
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature center
- Playground
- Viewing platform / overlook
- Waterfall
- Wildlife
Amenities:
- Bath house
- Campground host
- ATM
- Dump station, camper
- Fire rings / grills
- Information / contact station
- Office / ranger station
- Pets allowed*
- Picnic area / tables
- Restaurant
- Restrooms / showers
- Retail – firewood, ice, concessions
- Water, drinking
*Quiet pets are welcome if they are on a leash, not to exceed 10′ and always attended to. Pets are not allowed in buildings (cabins, shower house or concession). Owners are required to clean up after their pets at their campsite and in all other areas of the property.
Best Places to Camp Near Chicago: 2 to 5 Hours Away
Van Buren State Park, South Haven, MI, 118 miles from Chicago
Van Buren State Park is situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan. With a mile of sandy beaches and high dune formations, your family will feel immersed in nature. Enjoy woodland trails, beach swimming, bike trails and more while camping in Van Buren’s modern campsites. The campground is minutes away from the local shops and restaurants of the quaint town of South Haven for even more family fun.
This campground has 220 modern campsites with electricity and shower facilities for RV’s, campers and tents, located approximately 400 yards from Lake Michigan.
Click Here to Make a Reservation
Activities:
- Beach swimming
- Biking
- Hiking
- Michigan State Park Explorer Program
- Playground
Amenities:
- Beach house / restrooms / vending
- Dump station, camper
- Fire rings
- Grills (in the public picnic area)
- Picnic area / tables
- Restrooms / showers
- Water, drinking
*Pets must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Animals must never be left unattended. Owners are required to clean up after their pets. There is a dog beach south of the buoyed beach area.
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Campbellsport, WI, 133 miles from Chicago
Kettle Moraine consists of two units, the Northern Unit and the Southern Unit. The units combined include 250 miles of hiking trails (check out the natural springs trails with the little ones for some water fun), nearly 100 miles of cross-country ski trails, 130 miles of equestrian trails, 150 miles of snowmobile trails, 75 miles of off-road bicycle trails and 750 campsites.
Each unit has camping, multiple beaches and a beautiful variety of wooded trails that change with the seasons. It is truly one of our most majestic parks.
The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a 115-mile route winding through six Wisconsin counties linking the two units. Experience the beauty and geology of southeast Wisconsin throughout this drive. The northern end begins near Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County and the southern end begins at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. This can be a memorable car camping adventure with opportunities to camp, picnic, hike, bike, swim, fish, and shop all along the route.
Campsites in both units range from premium electrical sites with modern restrooms and showers to primitive campsites with only vault toilets. These campsites can accommodate RV’s, campers or tents. There is a designated quiet campground in the Southern Unit with modern restrooms and showers, but no electrical. This campground offers a designated area for those who want to enjoy the peace and quiet that nature has to offer.
The Southern Unit also has an accessible cabin. This barrier-free, 700-square foot log cabin situated in a wooded area that overlooks Ottawa Lake. It has an asphalt surfaced parking lot and pathway to the cabin and other paths that link to nearby recreation facilities. The cabin campsite has the usual camping amenities such as a fire ring, post-mounted grill and picnic table
Click Here for a Park Map (Southern Unit)
Click Here for a Park Map (Northern Unit)
Click Here to Make a Reservation
Activities:
- Beach swimming
- Boating rentals, canoe / kayak / paddle boats / rowboats (Northern Unit)
- Biking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Nature programs
- Playground
- Winter activities
Amenities:
- Campground host
- Dump station, camper
- Fire rings / grills
- Handicap sites
- Pets allowed*
- Picnic area / tables
- Restrooms / showers
- Retail – firewood, ice, concessions
- Water, drinking
*Pets are allowed in almost all campgrounds in Wisconsin state parks and forests with a few simple rules. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times. Pets are not allowed in buildings, beaches, playgrounds, and picnic areas, including shelters and amphitheaters. For more information, see Enjoying the Parks with Your Pet.
Holland State Park, Holland, MI, 157 miles from Chicago
Holland State Park is best known for white sandy beaches, views of the famous “Big Red” lighthouse and breathtaking sunsets. The park offers campers two beaches located on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa with modern campgrounds, concessions, boat rentals, playgrounds and trails for hiking.
The campgrounds are also divided into two separate units: one along Lake Michigan and the other along Lake Macatawa. Both are modern campsites with electricity and shower facilities for RV’s, campers, and tents.
There are two accessible camper cabins available and each includes a fire ring, outdoor table, and grill. The cabins can sleep up to seven people and include electricity, a microwave, a refrigerator, and electric heat. Both have views of the lighthouse and channel.
Click Here to Make a Reservation
Activities:
- Beach swimming
- Boat rentals, paddle board, canoe, and kayak
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Lighthouse
- Michigan Explorer Program
- Playground
Amenities:
- Beach house
- Dump station, camper
- Fire rings
- Grills
- Handicap sites
- Pets allowed*
- Picnic area / tables
- Restrooms / showers
- Retail – firewood, ice, concessions
- Water, drinking
*Quiet pets are welcome if they are on a 6-foot leash, and always attended to. Pets are not allowed in buildings (cabins, shower house or concession) Owners are required to clean up after their pets at their campsite and in all other areas of the property. The pet-friendly beach is in the Lake Macatawa day-use area directly across from the Lake Macatawa campground.
Devils Lake State Park, Baraboo, WI, 187 miles from Chicago
Devils Lake is located along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The Ice Age Trail is unique as it is one of only eight National Scenic Trails in the US. Eleven miles of the Ice Age Trail travel through Devil’s Lake State Park. Trails accommodate hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing. Devil’s Lake State Park is home to stunning views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking the 360-acre lake. For the adventurous, this park is one of the best places in the Midwest to learn rock climbing. Campers can also have fun hiking along 30 miles of scenic trails, enjoy picturesque lakeshore picnics, swimming beaches, paddle boats and naturalist programs for the whole family.
Devil’s Lake State Park has three regular campgrounds with a total of 423 sites consisting of both electric and non-electric campsites for RV’s, Campers, and tents. There are 7 modern restrooms/shower buildings throughout the family campgrounds for comfortable camping.
Click Here to Make a Reservation
Activities:
- Beach swimming
- Biking
- Boat rentals, row boats, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature center activities
- Playground (Quartzite Campground)
Amenities:
- Campground host
- Dump station, camper
- Fire rings
- Handicap sites
- Pets allowed*
- Picnic area / tables
- Restrooms / showers
- Retail – firewood, ice, concessions
- Water, drinking
*Pets are allowed in almost all campgrounds in Wisconsin state parks and forests with a few simple rules. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times. Pets are not allowed in buildings, beaches, playgrounds, and picnic areas, including shelters and amphitheaters. For more information, see Enjoying the Parks with Your Pet.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, WI, 269 miles from Chicago
Peninsula State Park is the farthest on our list but is well worth the trek. The park is a 3,776-acre state treasure on Wisconsin’s Door County peninsula. Recreational opportunities for your family are as endless as the natural beauty of water and forest that surround you. During your trip, you can hike, bike, boat, fish, golf, or swim. Winter activities include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling. Door County has a quaint assortment of orchards, galleries, lighthouses, shops and restaurants that can complement your active adventures.
The campgrounds offer a unique opportunity to experience live theater performances from mid-June through late August. The Northern Sky Theater is a professional group of actors and musicians that perform whimsical musical comedies geared toward families. What a fun treat while camping!
Peninsula State Park’s five campgrounds have a total of 468 family sites consisting of both electric and non-electric campsites for RV’s, campers, and tents. All campgrounds have modern restrooms and showers. Weborg Campground has one completely accessible hot water shower and flush toilet building. A fully accessible concrete fishing pier is west of the campground.
Click Here to Make a Reservation
Activities:
- Archery
- Biking
- Boat rentals / canoeing, kayaking, motor, sail
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseshoes / horseshoe pits
- Playground
- Volleyball
- Wildlife
Amenities:
- Campground host/ office / ranger station
- Cash machine / ATM
- Dump station, camper
- Fire rings
- Grills
- Handicap sites
- Pets allowed*
- Restaurant
- Restrooms / showers
- Retail – firewood, ice, concessions
- Water, drinking
*Pets are allowed in almost all campgrounds in Wisconsin state parks and forests with a few simple rules. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times. Pets are not allowed in buildings, beaches, playgrounds, and picnic areas, including shelters and amphitheaters. For more information, see Enjoying the Parks with Your Pet.