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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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.

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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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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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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.

Glamp Chi Urban Campsite

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Chicago, IL

Welcome to Glamp Chi - An Urban Glamping Experience in Chicago! Dear Adventurers and Urban Explorers, Welcome to our little slice of paradise in the heart of the Windy City! We are thrilled to have you join us for a one-of-a-kind urban glamping getaway that promises to enchant your senses and rejuvenate your spirit. Fall is no better time to glamp and Chicago has an abundance of activities and itineries to explore with autumn colors, the smell of leaves, and orange sunsets. Step into our boho chic oasis, where luxury meets vibrant urban pocket in the most unexpected of places. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Chicago's vibrant and culturally rich streets, you'll find a tranquil retreat awaiting your arrival. Leave the ordinary behind and immerse yourself in the beauty of the great urban outdoors, without ever leaving the city limits. Nestled beneath a soft urban twilight glow and lush natural landscape, your Glamp Ground awaits. Adorned with eclectic decor and thoughtful touches, our urban sanctuary provides for elevated comfort and style in a private refuge. As you spend the day exploring one of many curated travel experiences – you’ll find our glamp site right in the center of it all. And as your urban explorations of the rich city of Chicago come to an end – you’ll look forward to retreating back to your urban oasis and unwind within your very own private urban glamp site. Whether you chose to eat at a local restaurant, take-out or pick up and prep a meal at your glamp site - you can be flexible as you return from your Windy City travels having a meal near your tent or within the optional kitchenette provided inside the oversized safari tent. As the sun sets over the skyline and you settle in to share in your experience of the day; catching a baseball game, attending a concert, watching city fireworks, or tasting an amazing meal from one of several local dining options – you’ll be able to gather within a private, gated setting around the fire pit to reflect on the stories and share in the laughter with a nightcap under the city shadows. And, when the time comes to rest for your next day’s adventure, you’ll be able to sink into plush bedding, falling asleep to the tranquil hum of the urban heartbeat under a safari sized, weather protected heavy-duty bell tent canopy. During your stay, take time to explore all that Chicago has to offer, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you choose to wander through bustling neighborhoods, sample local cuisine, or simply soak in the sights and sounds of the city, your urban adventure awaits just beyond your tent flap. Thank you for choosing to embark on this unforgettable urban journey which we have enjoyed for years. May your stay be filled with moments of magic, serenity, and boundless wonder. Happy Glamping! Glamp Chi

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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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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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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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The Commons Oak Savanna

2 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Woodstock, IL

Learn more about this land: (NOTE) Greenwood Rd and Illinois Rt 120 are the same...Google uses Greenwood Rd, and the State prefers Illinois Rte 120) Get away from it and commune with nature in a pre-settlement natural oak savanna with oaks and hickories of 200-400 years. 25-acre woodland completely fenced and surrounded by cropland and woods with no homes or roads within a half mile. Experience the land as the nomadic Indian tribes saw it. Trails cross the property. Hawks, owls, turkeys, and occasional bald eagles, along with finches, woodpeckers, doves, and martins fill the sky; while deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits roam the grounds. Only two camps are available to keep the setting pristine and primitive and a third site can be used behind the sheds if you encounter unexpected weather.

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Kettle House

2 sites · Lodging77 acres · Eagle, WI

We found our Kettle House in 1999 when we were in the market for a vacant parcel to pitch a tent after a long day of riding the single track trails in the State Forest. We are originally from Dane County Wisconsin, which like the Eagle area is graced with terminal moraine geology. A terminal moraine is where the last glaciation stopped and dropped everything it was carrying. These deposited sand and gravel hills and interim kettles, many of which include lakes and wetlands, are the topography we are inherently drawn to. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to better balance our city living with a country weekend retreat in such a special area. The site's historic ecosystems (woodland, savanna, prairie and aquatic) were in rough shape when we bought the property which had been suburbanized to large degree, but as ecologists, we knew there was lots of potential to restore the site and reclaim a special part of Wisconsin's natural environment. It is our responsibility and privilege to care for this property and you may see evidence of our regular site work during your visit. We hope you mostly see and enjoy a nice example of natural Wisconsin in various stages of restoration!Learn more about this land:This amazing property is located 20 minutes northeast of Geneva Lake and Delevan Lake, 75 minutes southeast of Madison, 45 minutes southwest of Milwaukee and 1.75 hours northwest of Chicago. It is situated within minutes drive of the gorgeous Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit parcels (10 minutes to Emma, 15 to John Muir, 5 minutes to McMiller trail heads). Additionally, the remarkable LuLu Lake State Natural Area is within a 10 minute walk down Nature Road. These nearby large scale natural areas offer many miles of trails and expanses of uninterrupted nature. Thus, we offer perfect accommodations for birders and outdoor recreationists, as well as family gatherings.In addition to the large public open spaces nearby, our site’s 77 acres are incrementally being restored and managed as woodland, savanna, prairie, wetland and aquatic native ecosystems. Miles of private mowed trails launch from the front door of the house, providing access to a beautiful private park with four fishing ponds. Hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and limited single track biking and fishing are allowed. The mid-century modern house is modest, partially renovated, and very well situated on the terraced site, with lots of indoor-outdoor views and amenities including two indoor wood burning fireplaces, outdoor hot tub, an outdoor fire pit on the patio, a gas grill, lots of bird feeding stations and patio seating. Spring and fall warbler migration are particularly wonderful times of year here!In the immediate yard of the house, a small outdoor heated pool frames a lovely rear yard that includes a fountain and a screen porch. A remnant gravel hill prairie covers what would typically be mowed lawn. Respecting the site’s plants while enjoying them will be expected of all guests, as is being courteous of all neighbors in this quiet rural setting. We have enjoyed this incredible property for 20 years and are at a point in our lives that we are ready to share it with others who will appreciate the opportunity to immerse oneself in a beautiful environment while not being far from three large metropolitan areas. The ease of access to nearby amenities, especially the State Forest trail systems and the Villages of Eagle, East Troy, Mukwonago and Palmyra (restaurants, gas stations, Old World Wisconsin, Alpine Valley, Elegant Farmer, Eagle Spring Lake, LuLu Lake and Crooked Creek, etc.) all make staying here very easy, relaxing, recreational and enjoyable. The house has the potential to sleep 10, with three private bedrooms (one queen bed and two double + twin bunk beds), a long living room couch and a super single fold down couch by the fireplace in the breezeway. Sheets and towels provided, to be laundered by guests. Two bathrooms include a walk-in shower and tub/shower. Washer and drier available. Kitchen includes gas stove and range, refrigerator, freezer, dorm dishwasher, microwave, toaster and general kitchen equipment, dishes and utensils.Skylights and lots of windows provide ample light and views of surrounding savanna that features a handful of old bur and white oaks, intermixed with hickories. Our favorite room is the living room where floor to ceiling windows make it feel as if you are sitting outside all year round. During the winter, a fire in the hearth with a drink and a game or movie on the flat screen TV offer a great place to kick back. If you can’t completely unplug, complimentary WiFi and a corner home office + artist’s easel in the breezeway allow for dedicated work and creative space.

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.