Best Camping in and near Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

86% (8 reviews)

Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.

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Stay at a public campground in Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

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Ice Age Retreat

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Palmyra, WI

Surrounded by the Kettle Moraine Forest, we purchased this property in October of 2022 to be closer to nature and to share this property with you. We look forward to hosting you. The forest provides many opportunities enjoy! Close to the Ice Age Hiking Trail, Blad Bluff Scenic Overlook within walking distance of our retreat. Hiking, Moutain Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe, Horse Back Riding and much more

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The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

8 sites · RVs1 acre · Chicago, IL

Twenty years of growing this farm... Not what grows here but the farm itself! Stone and brick pulled from the ground till we found the beautiful earth beneath and built an incredible community around it. Or rather, it grew itself from the energy that surrounds it. It's a special spot where you may happen upon a fire in the sugar shack while we boil city collected sap into maple syrup or have an open jam night with world class jazz musicians. Enjoy the morning serenade of our rooster! Really, just come and be here. Though we think we're pretty cool, a few things to note that you may not think are so cool: There is a train that runs directly behind the farm. Light sleepers, may want to bring ear plugs. We try to accommodate parking your car on site but it's weather and situation conditional. Assume the possibility that you may need to park on the street. Bring your tent to The Vaudeville! (RVs, campers, trailers, vans please see the ** at the bottom). Our urban farm is smack in the middle of Chicago only a 10 minute bike or train ride from Downtown, Lake Michigan, The Mag Mile and all Chicago has to offer! Bike the Lake Shore Trail, walk the 606, kayak the Chicago River, catch a blues show or Hawks game or just relax with the goats and chickens in the 9,000 square foot farm that we absolutely love to share with fellow campers! ** We have stopped hosting RVs, campers/vans, pull behinds and larger vehicles because we are finding it difficult to get them in the entrance gate but if you feel amazingly capable with your backing in skills in your rig and you're super patient, laid back and extra cool, let us know and we may be able to make it work!! :)

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Escape to Nature

8 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Huntley, IL

Each reservation includes firewood that is rough cut. Always call ahead when you are planning to enjoy a local attraction. This property is located on the outskirts of the village of Huntley. It is only an hour west of Chicago. This is a kid-friendly and pet friendly location. Our ducks, geese, turkeys and chickens will visit you, and you'll see likely see deer, raccoon, opossum, wild turkey, sandhill cranes, falcons, hawks, woodpeckers, coyotes and cardinals, all right from your seat in the backyard. What to do here: Hike all over our six acres of wooded countryside and nearby forest preserves and conservation district parks. If relaxation is your goal, order breakfast from our menu and skip the cooking. Downtown Huntley hosts an assortment of festivals, free concerts, and celebrations throughout the year. The Farmer's Market and antique shops are worth the visit. Check out these amazing area attractions! -Stingray Bay Public Aquatic Center, 2 minute drive from here. (https://www.huntleyparks.org/aquatics/). -The Illinois Railway Museum, within 10 miles, is the largest railway museum in the United States. Enthusiasts come from all over to ride on steam, diesel, and electric trains. (http://www.IRM.org) -Tower Hills Stables, Trail Rides, Horseback Riding Camp (ages 5 to 14), Riding Lessons, just 8 miles drive, (https://www.towerhillstables.net/.) -Summerfield Farm and Zoo, a privately owned zoo in rural Belvidere, IL, 3088 Flora Rd, Belvidere, IL 61008, a 30 minute drive. (https://summerfieldfarmandzoo.com/.) -Safari Lake Geneva, 45 minute drive to the north, Visit Safari Lake Geneva, Wisconsin's original drive through animal park. Feed and interact with a variety of animals from the comfort of your car (https://safarilakegeneva.com/). Additional suggestions include Santa's Village Amusement and Water Park in West Dundee, Randall Oaks Zoo, in Dundee on Randall Road, Minor League Baseball with Schaumburg Boomers or Kane County Cougars, Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Sullivan Mobile massage, Belvidere Park in Belvidere, IL, Volo Auto Museum, Department of Natural Resources Bike and Hiking Trails and fishing. When you're ready for a faster pace, head into Chicago, where the city offers unlimited attractions, museums, and amazing restaurants. We do not have full electric and water sites available. Try the Kane County Forest Preserve for this at https://kaneforest.com/location/paul-wolff. Need more ideas of things to do in the area? Ask us! We love being your concierge! Visit our website for additional ideas. HarmonyInnHuntley.com. FAQ FAQ FAQ FAQ 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂 Here are some answers to common questions. We provide camping toilets with a privacy tent. Check in starts at 4 PM and check out ends at 11 AM. Late check out is available for purchase as an extra for $10 per hour. ELECTRIC: If you need to use electricity to inflate a mattress or something just for a few minutes, an outdoor outlet can be found on the "lower garage" building. Just look to the left of the west facing garage door. WATER: If you need to use the garden hose to fill a 5-gallon bucket or smaller, you can use the garden hose attached to the back side of the house. Please be sure to turn the water off completely when you are done. CAR BATTERY: If your car battery dies and you need a jump David will help you if he is available. Otherwise, please call a towing service, such as Whitey's Towing. WOOD: We may have rough firewood available at no charge. We recommend campers bring their own hand saw or hatchet to cut it to the desired size. You may bring your own firewood. PICNIC TABLE/PATIOS: Please do not place any cooking device on the picnic tables. You can use a large log for this. Feel free to roll one to a desired spot. You may move the picnic tables if you would like to, we provide a limited number of picnic tables. Campers are not guaranteed that one will be available. Campers may use the patios by the house, we have 2 patios with firepits. INSECTS: If you find ground wasps or bees, just relocate your camp farther away from them. We do try to address these when we are made aware of them. We recommend bringing mosquito repellent. HAMMOCKS: Hammocks are acceptable if you protect the trees from any damage. EXTRAS (after you arrive): Please bring exact cash if you want to purchase extras after you arrive. Hip Camp does not have the capability to add extras after you have made your booking. ARRIVAL TIME: Your host would appreciate a message and phone call with your arrival time so that he can greet you and get you settled upon arrival. Remember, we have an added fee for arrivals after 10 PM.

Glamp Chicago Yurt Urban Campsite

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Chicago, IL

Welcome to Glamp Chicago: Chicago’s Premier Urban Glamping Experience Discover the perfect fusion of city vibrance and outdoor serenity at Glamp Chicago, Chicago's only enchanting urban glamping retreat. ✨ Where Boho Chic Meets Urban Comfort Step into our stylish sanctuary, thoughtfully designed with eclectic décor and modern amenities to create a luxurious yet down-to-earth retreat. Our oversized safari tent is adorned with plush bedding, curated furnishings and kitchenette, giving you the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. 📍 Prime Location for Every Adventure Compared to other glamping options, Glamp Chicago is uniquely positioned to deliver an urban escape without compromising on luxury or location. Spend your day exploring iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and Navy Pier, diving into local foodie favorites, or uncovering hidden gems in bustling neighborhoods. 🌟 Plan Your 2025 Glamp Chicago Stay Around Chicago’s Spring & Summer Events! Spring and summer are the heartbeat of Chicago’s cultural calendar, and there’s no better way to experience it all than by staying at Glamp Chicago, your luxurious urban oasis. With so much happening, our site is a prime location for access to the city's most vibrant festivals, concerts, and events. 🎶 Can’t-Miss Events in 2025: • Chicago Cubs Baseball (March – October) • Grant Park Music Festival (June-August) • Lollapalooza (August) • Northalsted Market Days (August) • Open House Chicago (October) 🔥 Nights to Remember As the city lights twinkle overhead, gather around your personal fire pit to swap stories, share laughter, and enjoy a nightcap. Our gated setting offers a secure, intimate space to unwind from the day's adventures while embracing the hum of the city under the shadows of the city skyline. 📆 Don’t Wait—Reserve Your Stay Now! Whether you're attending the city’s most iconic events, celebrating a special occasion, or simply seeking a unique escape, Glamp Chicago is your gateway to unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Our prime location ensures you’re always close to the action while enjoying the serenity of a private retreat. • Act fast—availability for spring and summer 2025 will fill up quickly!

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Mayville Farm

2 sites · RVs11 acres · Wind Lake, WI

Our home and property was originally built by the Norwegian immigrants that emigrated to the US, settling and founding North Cape. This property has evolved and devolved in the last 170 years and I’m working hard to restore it all again. I also keep sheep for wool and ducks, chickens and geese for eggs.Learn more about this land:Hobby farm, just starting out. Historic property, sheep, ducks, geese, chickens. Very quiet, peaceful place! I also make soap (check out The Humble Soaping Company), home brew beers wines, meads, spirits and gardens abound all around the property! We do have pets, it can interact as much or as little as you’d like. Our place is the perfect one-night stop when traveling long distances!

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70s Vintage RV, City Glamping

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Milwaukee, WI

Our property is in the bay view neighborhood of Milwaukee, Walking distance to the shores of Lake Michigan. My partner and I our run our business on our property. Aaron owns a skate shop called Sky High and I run a vintage business out of my studio upstairs! Our neighborhood is full of nature and quite peaceful, but close to just about everything you need! Learn more about this land: Arrive in Milwaukee in the hip Bay View neighborhood where there is tons of great food and nature. You will be staying in my newly renovated 70s Motorhome with a private camping yard stocked with fire wood, an outdoor sink, picnic table and a fireplace!

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Kansasville Getaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Union Grove, WI

Enjoy beautiful sunsets on former farmland right off the highway, adjacent to DNR conservation land and waterfowl sanctuary. Frequently visited by deer, turkey, waterfowl, and more. Easy access to Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Burlington or Lake Michigan. Site can accommodate anything from the smallest trailers to the largest RV's. 20, 30, or 50 amp hookups available. With no toilets, this is an ideal place to park your RV, plug it in, and enjoy the area.

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Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶

1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Mukwonago, WI

Reconnect with nature at our secluded campsite nestled next to the Fox River. You can bring your own RV/tent/campervan or choose to stay in the tipi. There are two kayaks labeled for guests to use during their stay and could use to fish The Fox River. As you drive on the dirt road to the site there are farm fields to your left and the Fox River is straight ahead. If needing to to get groceries, Walmart and Aldi's are about 5 minutes away. Local towns are Mukwonago and East Troy. Chicago is 90 minutes away and Milwaukee and Lake Geneva are 30. Fork in the Road is a popular restaurant in Mukwonago or try Mead in East Troy at the Hive! The Alpine Valley Music Theatre is 15 minutes away. Location is near I-43 & Highway 83. You can Venmo or use cash while you are at the campsite to purchase wood for one dollar a piece.

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Auch Farm.

2 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Mount Pleasant, WI

A 8 acre homestead with open grass fields and Australian pines. There is a trail through the woods and a secluded woody camping area overlooking wetlands. Learn more about this land: Next to wetland natural preservation. Rustic and remote. Seclusion, yet close to all major resources. Relax, hammock, grassy fields kick back and stay a while….. Boon docking only, no toilet amenities available. bring a bucket and sawdust... take it with you. Its yours, we don't want it. We also have goats, chickens and pigs you can interact with if you choose. Goats love weeds. Please feel free to pick our weeds and feed them to the goats and pigs. :-) Fresh eggs every morning! ($5 a dozen)

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The Aloha Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · Harvard, IL

We have 26 acres of land to have fun on and enjoy nature! Turtles, rabbits, deer, possums, and snakes are just a few of the wildlife that you may encounter. The Kishwaukee river runs along the property bringing a variety of creatures as well as a nice place to cool off on hot days. You can find wild berry trees and beautiful flowers. Enjoy campfires and gaze upon the vast sky full of stars at night. There are multiple camping sites, some surrounded by trees and others in open fields to suit your preference and camping vehicle. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our 26 acres surrounded by the Kishwaukee River. Small trails, secluded yet near food, shopping and activities. Pet friendly, bon fires, barbecuing, gorgeous sunrises and tranquil sunsets. We are a family run small farm with dogs, horses, ponies and chickens. Only 1 hour 20 minutes from downtown Chicago and 1 hour from Ohare airport. Near Wisconsin border, Fox River, Lake Geneva, Rush Creek, Volo Museum & Antiques. Look up things to do in McHenry as well.

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Barrington Camp Close to Town

4 sites · RVs5 acres · Barrington, IL

Small farm property with a country feel, still conveniently located 10 minutes from town, bike trails, recreation center, hospital, and a popular marina bar/grill/music venue called the Broken Oar. Property includes access to large fire pit, bicycles, and electric/water hook ups (no sewage). We welcome horses and pets, but clean up by visitors is required. Chickens reside here and you may hear a rooster in the morning to start your beautiful day! Owners Sam and Sylvia also reside on the property in the red home. Enjoy your stay and thanks for visiting our listing!

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Indigo Zen Gardens

7 sites · Lodging10 acres · Caledonia, WI

Come and enjoy the peace and serenity that is the Indigo Zen Garden. Wake up with the butterflies and smell the wild flowers dance through the wind. Easily pitch a tent or pull into our intentionally landscaped Nature spaces. Many trees and tall grasses provide adequate privacy and cover while spending time outdoors . Immerse yourself with the wildlife and environment by taking a stroll through our walking paths - or forage for seasonal goodies from many wild medicinal plants, herbs, as well as fruit trees that are available for harvesting during different times of the year. Campers can choose an interactive & immersive experience with their host : Military Veteran, Nature Artist & Water Advocate with more that 25 years experience connecting with Nature. Have your group safely guided & educated on the local plants & wildlife that inhabit the area! Take home your own hand carved & one of a kind wooden memento to remember your stay & all of the memories created.

The best camping near Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park guide

Overview

About

Perched on the shores of Lake Michigan and less than an hour’s drive from Milwaukee and Chicago, Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park makes the perfect city retreat. With miles of rambling marshes, dunes, and sandy ridges all hemmed in by black oak forests, this is an inland beach break with some seriously wild views. Bring your bike to explore the Zion Bike Trail, discover five miles of hiking trails, or head to the lake to swim and fish. All campsites at the Illinois Beach Campground have electric hookups and easy access to the swimming beach.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve one of 240 electric RV/tent sites at Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park online.
Reservations are possible from May through September; from October through March, camping is available on a walk-in basis only.
Campsite reservations open six months in advance and must be made three days before arrival.
Unbooked campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis but can fill up early on Fridays each weekend in peak season.

When to go

Summertime brings the crowds, when the swimming beach and campsites fill quickly—advance bookings are highly recommended. Spring and summer are also the most scenic times to explore, with colorful wildflowers blooming along the shore. Winter visitors can still camp, as this is a prime time for fishing, birding, and wildlife watching.

Know before you go

Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park sits on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan, 45 miles north of Chicago.
No admission fees apply at Illinois state parks, but camping reservation fees do.
Park facilities include a hotel and conference center, a camp store (May through September only), picnic areas, restrooms, and a dump station. Swimming is only allowed in the designated swimming area, but there is no lifeguard patrol.
Accessible picnic areas, campsites, and restrooms are available.