The best camping near Channahon State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Channahon State Park adventure.

This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Channahon State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Channahon State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Channahon State Park

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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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East Woods on the IL River

3 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Ottawa, IL

This 25 acre parcel was once owned by a sand mining company. There are mounds and valleys all along the Illinois River. We purchased the property in 1987, and cut in the road. The city of Ottawa recently annexed the property into the Ottawa city limits. It's like owning our own wild park.

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Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Gary, IN

This is a hidden gem in the outskirts of Gary. Located on the Calumet river is this amazing horse farm with 3 horses and 4 ponies. It’s 1 mile off of the 80/94 and 65 highway. Only a 45 min drive from Chicago. We also offer free parking to Miller Beach on Lake Michigan which is only a 10 min drive to there and the Indiana Dunes. Theres also Deep River Dam where you can drop your kayak and do some fishing less then a mile away. Pet fee 50 dollars for 1st pet 25 dollars for 2nd pet (75) 2 max pets

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Willowthorne

6 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Lynwood, IL

Discover the Charm of Willowthorne: Your Rustic Sanctuary Amid Natural Beauty. Willowthorne invites you to revel in the natural allure and organic rhythm of life on the farm, fostering enduring memories that extend long after your visit. Nestled within a serene 9-acre organic blueberry farm , Willowthorne emerges as an idyllic escape where the sunsets are sublime, and the night sky brims with twinkling stars, and the hosts are charming and delightful. This unique getaway marries the essence of organic farming, educational pursuits, and warm hospitality to create an unparalleled outdoor experience. Catering to tent camping aficionados and retreat groups, our pastoral campgrounds are graced with picturesque views of a tranquil pond and willow trees. While our space welcomes the modest charm of tents, small RVs, and campers, we maintain a rustic essence without power hook-ups, encouraging guests to connect with nature. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a personal fire ring and table for your convenience. Our area offers an incredible variety of recreational and sightseeing activities. Find peace and tranquility among nature or travel just 25 miles north to visit the heart of Chicago! We are central to many Illinois, Indiana and Michigan State Parks and beaches. Several good restaurants and breweries are also nearby. PLEASE NOTE: Please drive slowly and cautiously through our property. We are an active farm with a lot of activity all year round. Please pitch your tent in the designated campground area. In support of conservation of the natural ecosystem, please refrain from broadcast pesticides, i.e. Raid, Yard Guard, etc. Spraying skin, clothing, and personal property with mosquito repellent in your designated camping is fine. Our farm has beehives placed at a safe distance from the campsites to ensure guest safety. Obey posted signs and please stay out of designated work areas OBSERVE FIRE SAFETY. Leave fire ring in designated spot. Never leave fire unattended. No fires on windy days. Extinguish fire before leaving campsite. Please read: https://www.hipcamp.com/journal/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fire-safety For Your Convenience: Firewood: Purchase bundles of wood on site as non-local wood can disrupt the local ecosystem through disease or invasive species. Feel free to collect any small, fallen twigs for kindling. (Wood in stacked piles is not for burning but reserved for mushroom cultivation and other projects.) Honey: We offer honey harvested from blueberry blossoms in spring and the rich flavors of black locust and clover in late summer. Blueberries: Come July, partake in our U-pick blueberry farm, an experience seamlessly woven into your stay. Misc. We also offer a variety of organic garden vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. Kindly inquire on availability upon arrival if you are interested in any of these farm fresh goodies. Catch-and-Release fishing is welcome. We look forward to having you enjoy the natural beauty at Willowthorne!

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Gun Smoke Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Grant Park, IL

Beautiful camping spots with fire pit and picnic table. Seasoned Firewood is available for purchase. Three beautiful sites with campfire pits and area for tents. Sites 1&2 overlook a manicured range. Site 3 is nearby. Waivers must be signed to use range, Hipcamp is not liable for range use. Car, suv, truck, trailer and smaller RV parking. 15 minute drive to Cedar Lake, 10 minutes to Badlandz Paintball Field. No electrical hookup, no plumbing. (Yet) Porta potty provided

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Paradise Quarry

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Sugar Grove, IL

Welcome to our beautiful property! This is a very special place, located an hour from Chicago and only minutes from the west suburbs, you will be transported to another time! This has to be the best “swimming/ fishing hole” in Chicagoland and you can have it all to yourself. The property features 20 acres of woods, prairie and an 8 acre lake!!! The lake is crystal clear because it’s so deep (reportedly 125 ft) and is sandy on the bottom. We created a massive beach area with many camping spots to choose from. The kids will love exploring the trails on foot and on bike. Everyone will love lounging under the umbrellas on the comfy chaise lounges and enjoying the views. You won’t want to leave, but if you need to restock, there a gas station 1/4 mile away and full service grocery store and restaurant under a mile away. We even get pizza delivered! There’s a nice driveway of gravel that leads to a nice open field for RV campers. Tent campers can continue to the beach and set up in style. The property was once an active quarry and was then basically abandoned for 40-50 years. Nature took over over, Trees matured, the stocked lake grew some massive fish. A few years ago we started camping out there and just loved it. We’ve worked hard to make it amazing and we want to share it with you.

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Millbrook Trail Rides

1 site · Tent50 acres · Newark, IL

We are a horse farm that offers trail riding to the public. We have 50 acres of wooded land with a creek running through it. We have plenty of space and we are happy to provide you with a fun camping experience! Our campsite is private and convenient. Please be warned that a loud train goes through at night!

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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Kayak Morris Riverside Tent Campsit

23 sites · Tents10 acres · Morris, IL

Enjoy your stay on our sandy wooded shores of the Illinois river. Spend your time kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing, geocaching. Forgot something? Starbucks, Walgreens, jewel and Walmart are only 2 miles away. Stroll 2 blocks away to historic downtown Morris and peruse antique shops specialty stores or take in a cold one at one of the many local watering holes Kayak Morris Campground Camping Rules Our Rules are to promote a family friendly and safe camping experience We reserve the right to evict anyone without refund for improper behavior or failure to observe our rules and regulations. All Campers must check in/show ID at the Kayak Morris kayak Rental office and sign a waiver and receive a parking pass/wristband. All Campers are required to wear wristbands. All vehicles must have a Parking pass on the dashboard. Anyone within camp area must have a wristband on. You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation. If anyone in the camping reservation is under 21 then someone 20 years older must be present at all times camping with the person(s) under 21 NO GENERATORS!!! Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am and is Strictly Enforced Vehicular entry/exit is not permitted between these hours. Children should be on campsite by 9:00 pm. If you violate this rule we may call the police file a report, you will be evicted without refund and you will be banned from ever camping again. IF YOUR CAR DOES NOT HAVE A PARKING PASS IT WILL BE TOWED AT YOUR EXPENSE! Check-in is at 3:00 pm. Check-out time is 3:00 pm. Footwear must be worn at all times in the camping area. No vehicles may be driven within the area where tents are placed at any time. You must park your vehicle next to the road behind the barriers(which is only steps from your tent.) The speed limit is 10mph in the campground. We have Jumbo wood bundles for sale($8) at the front office. You may not use any wood(>3”diameter) found within the campground for your campfire. Swimming is prohibited from any beach in the campground. You may wade up to your thighs however, ALL CHILDREN MUST HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AND BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES Glass containers/bottles of any sort are prohibited in the campground. Garbage must be bagged and placed into the Dumpster(opposite campsite #3) within the Campground upon leaving. If any garbage is left at your site you will be charged a $50 cleaning fee. No fires permitted except in fire rings. Absolutely no firearms or fireworks! IF FOUND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. No ATVs, dirt bikes, generators, motorized scooters (battery or gas) or trailers in the park. power boats or jet skis are only allowed in campsites 12 and up. Dogs are NOT allowed in the Campground or in any rented boat(at this location) WE are not responsible for damage or theft of your personal belongings. Please leave all valuables at home.

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R&L Farm with Tent & RV Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Marseilles, IL

The property has sloped grass areas and a level hard packed gravel driveway with 1 pedestal 50A, 30A, and 110 + outlets + $5. There's a small pond and ravines. The property is less than 1 mile from The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park and is 2.5 miles to downtown Marseilles. Downtown Marseilles has several bars, restaurants, a bowling alley, and ice cream. Walmart 13 miles away and there's a boat launch to Illinois River approx. 5 miles. We have cheap firewood. We have chickens and farm fresh eggs that are $4 a dozen.

Taliano Lake Estate

10 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Cedar Lake, IN

1 block from the lake and within a mile of restaurants gas stations liquor store groceries fishing and a public beach. Also winter time and snowmobile are very popular here Rules - fires must be in contained pit - quiet time is 9pm - 8am - if you bring pets clean up after them and keep on a leash if outside - be respectful and nice to anyone in town and wherever you go and to the property you are staying at. Please clean up after yourself. - when you enter field please drive low and slow do not tear up the field.

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Rancho Comienzo

3 sites · Tents57 acres · Sheridan, IL

Rancho Del Comienzo is located at the intersection of Somonauk Creek and the Fox River. 150+ years ago, it was a commonly used Native American encampment. Now it is the site of Rancho Del Comienzo Hay and Horses. We ask that if you find an arrowhead that you respect the land and leave it where it lays. Somonauk Creek is a known spawning ground of musky and other Illinois river fish. There is access to both the Fox River and Somonauk Creek for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and other water-activities! We have two unique camping sites that are level and allow campfires. We look forward to hosting you!

The best camping near Channahon State Park guide

Overview

About

Few places in Illinois offer this many ways to enjoy the outdoors. The state park is the official trailhead for the Illinois Michigan Canal State Trail. We're talking 61 miles of biking and hiking paradise. The park's name itself comes from a Native American word meaning "the meeting of the water."

It's pretty accurate since this is where the DuPage, Des Plaines, and Kankakee rivers meet. As a result, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are a few top activities. History buffs can spend hours gawking at the old river locks and lock tender's house—there's an interpreter on site four days a week to answer all your history questions.

Pack-in, pack-out rustic camping is your only option within Channahon's park boundaries. The sites have fire rings and picnic tables, and pit toilets are located nearby. (Remember to grab a permit from the visitor center before pitching your tent.) For a day trip, kick back at the picnic and grilling area complete with horseshoe pits and a playground.