The best river, stream, or creek camping near Palatine

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Looking to camp near Palatine, Illinois and enjoy the serene beauty of a river? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 230 options to choose from in the area, you'll find the perfect campsite that meets your preferences. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent by the river or cozy up in a cabin with a view, we've got you covered. Some of our top campsites near Palatine include Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and Beaver Point Cabin (117 reviews). And with popular amenities like showers, trash disposal, and potable water, you'll have all the comforts you need. So pack your gear and get ready for some outdoor adventure!

96% (223) 16 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Palatine

Millbrook Trail Rides

1. Millbrook Trail Rides

96%
(111)
44mi from Palatine · 1 site · Tent
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!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night
Bear Bottom Ranch

2. Bear Bottom Ranch

92%
(129)
44mi from Palatine · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Bear Bottom Ranch! Our entrance is marked by 2 cross crossed American flags. Come and enjoy our 32 acres of wooded property where a creek runs through. We have gorgeous oak trees and walnut trees all throughout the property. If you looking for a private camping experience, this place is for you. We usually have a couple horses on the property and I have 3 unleashed dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. We will be at the top of the property. We hope you’ll enjoy our place!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
A Creek Runs Through It

3. A Creek Runs Through It

93%
(15)
19mi from Palatine · 2 sites · RVs
I love sharing this beautiful piece of land with other nature lovers. You feel like you're out in the middle of the woods yet if you drive 5 minutes to Randall road there's any restaurant or store you could ever need. I look forward to sharing this space with you!
Pets
from 
$41
 / night
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

4. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

100%
(2)
185 sites · Channel Lake, Illinois
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

5. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

83%
(9)
224 sites · Zion, Illinois
Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Private Lake Mary Channel Camping

6. Private Lake Mary Channel Camping

100%
(6)
30mi from Palatine · 1 site · Tent
Tent Camping Site on Lake Mary’s Channel. Private place to pitch a couple tents, hammocks, enjoy a campfire, and most importantly enjoy access to Lake Mary & Lake Elizabeth via a short channel which is only steps from the door of your tent! The channel is shallow, while you cannot swim from the campsite to the lake you can easily launch kayaks and after 850ft of paddling you are out on Lake Mary! 15minute safe sidewalk or quiet neighborhood road walk to Lance Park from camping site. The park also has ample parking. Drive time from camping site to the park is only 2minutes! Lance Park has a wonderful pubic beach swimming area. The water quality of Lake Mary is amazing with great clarity and no algae or seaweed growth. It also has a public boat launch. The park also hosts the “AquaNut” Water Show every Wednesday and Saturday nights in the summer! Lance Park also has a clean and very large handicap accessible porta potty that can be used 24/7. Twin Lakes has a cute Main Street with lots of fun to be had. There are also several restaurant/bars on Lake Mary or Lake Elizabeth. Lake Elizabeth can be accessed by a small waterway that connects the lakes. Kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes can easily float under a lower foot and car bridge. Larger and taller motorized boats cannot move between lakes. This camping site offers such a fun and inexpensive way to get outdoors this summer!
Pets
Campfires
from 
$49
 / night
The Aloha Ranch

7. The Aloha Ranch

100%
(19)
32mi from Palatine · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$50
 / night
Rolling Oaks Campground

8. Rolling Oaks Campground

50mi from Palatine · 51 sites
Rolling Oaks Campground stands out as a unique family-owned destination, nestled along the picturesque Fox River just 7 miles south of Sandwich, Illinois. Since 1969, this campground has been a cherished retreat for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Open from mid-April to mid-October, weather permitting, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages. At Rolling Oaks, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. Families can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. The campground hosts special events throughout the summer, featuring music and dancing on Saturday evenings, farmers markets, and delightful cart rides. Guests can also partake in community dinners such as spaghetti suppers, corn boils, and pig roasts, creating lasting memories together. For those looking to cool off, the campground boasts a well-maintained outdoor swimming lake. Additional conveniences include a propane exchange station, a dump station, firewood for sale, and a snack bar offering delicious options like burgers and pizza. The nearby town of Sandwich provides ample shopping, dining, and laundry facilities, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Rolling Oaks Campground features a variety of RV sites, including pull-thru, back-in, partial, and full
Channahon State Park

9. Channahon State Park

25 sites · Channahon, Illinois
This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics
Pets
Campfires
Toilets

Looking to camp near Palatine, Illinois and enjoy the serene beauty of a river? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 230 options to choose from in the area, you'll find the perfect campsite that meets your preferences. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent by the river or cozy up in a cabin with a view, we've got you covered. Some of our top campsites near Palatine include Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and Beaver Point Cabin (117 reviews). And with popular amenities like showers, trash disposal, and potable water, you'll have all the comforts you need. So pack your gear and get ready for some outdoor adventure!

96% (223) 16 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Palatine

Millbrook Trail Rides

1. Millbrook Trail Rides

96%
(111)
44mi from Palatine · 1 site · Tent
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!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night
Bear Bottom Ranch

2. Bear Bottom Ranch

92%
(129)
44mi from Palatine · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Bear Bottom Ranch! Our entrance is marked by 2 cross crossed American flags. Come and enjoy our 32 acres of wooded property where a creek runs through. We have gorgeous oak trees and walnut trees all throughout the property. If you looking for a private camping experience, this place is for you. We usually have a couple horses on the property and I have 3 unleashed dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. We will be at the top of the property. We hope you’ll enjoy our place!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
A Creek Runs Through It

3. A Creek Runs Through It

93%
(15)
19mi from Palatine · 2 sites · RVs
I love sharing this beautiful piece of land with other nature lovers. You feel like you're out in the middle of the woods yet if you drive 5 minutes to Randall road there's any restaurant or store you could ever need. I look forward to sharing this space with you!
Pets
from 
$41
 / night
Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

4. Chain O'Lakes State Park IL

100%
(2)
185 sites · Channel Lake, Illinois
Explore these connecting lakes on the water or on land!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

5. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

83%
(9)
224 sites · Zion, Illinois
Illinois’ only beach ridge shoreline sits within an hour of the city.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Private Lake Mary Channel Camping

6. Private Lake Mary Channel Camping

100%
(6)
30mi from Palatine · 1 site · Tent
Tent Camping Site on Lake Mary’s Channel. Private place to pitch a couple tents, hammocks, enjoy a campfire, and most importantly enjoy access to Lake Mary & Lake Elizabeth via a short channel which is only steps from the door of your tent! The channel is shallow, while you cannot swim from the campsite to the lake you can easily launch kayaks and after 850ft of paddling you are out on Lake Mary! 15minute safe sidewalk or quiet neighborhood road walk to Lance Park from camping site. The park also has ample parking. Drive time from camping site to the park is only 2minutes! Lance Park has a wonderful pubic beach swimming area. The water quality of Lake Mary is amazing with great clarity and no algae or seaweed growth. It also has a public boat launch. The park also hosts the “AquaNut” Water Show every Wednesday and Saturday nights in the summer! Lance Park also has a clean and very large handicap accessible porta potty that can be used 24/7. Twin Lakes has a cute Main Street with lots of fun to be had. There are also several restaurant/bars on Lake Mary or Lake Elizabeth. Lake Elizabeth can be accessed by a small waterway that connects the lakes. Kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes can easily float under a lower foot and car bridge. Larger and taller motorized boats cannot move between lakes. This camping site offers such a fun and inexpensive way to get outdoors this summer!
Pets
Campfires
from 
$49
 / night
The Aloha Ranch

7. The Aloha Ranch

100%
(19)
32mi from Palatine · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$50
 / night
Rolling Oaks Campground

8. Rolling Oaks Campground

50mi from Palatine · 51 sites
Rolling Oaks Campground stands out as a unique family-owned destination, nestled along the picturesque Fox River just 7 miles south of Sandwich, Illinois. Since 1969, this campground has been a cherished retreat for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Open from mid-April to mid-October, weather permitting, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages. At Rolling Oaks, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. Families can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. The campground hosts special events throughout the summer, featuring music and dancing on Saturday evenings, farmers markets, and delightful cart rides. Guests can also partake in community dinners such as spaghetti suppers, corn boils, and pig roasts, creating lasting memories together. For those looking to cool off, the campground boasts a well-maintained outdoor swimming lake. Additional conveniences include a propane exchange station, a dump station, firewood for sale, and a snack bar offering delicious options like burgers and pizza. The nearby town of Sandwich provides ample shopping, dining, and laundry facilities, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Rolling Oaks Campground features a variety of RV sites, including pull-thru, back-in, partial, and full
Channahon State Park

9. Channahon State Park

25 sites · Channahon, Illinois
This little 20-acre riverfront park has BIG opportunities for nature fanatics
Pets
Campfires
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field