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Best Camping Sites Near Chicago

An excellent low-cost and fun way to enjoy nature and spend time with the family is by camping in the great outdoors. Getting away does not have to cost a lot of money nor does it mean traveling long distances to get a break from it all. Fortunately, there are numerous camping sites near Chicago and reaching the open-air destinations is not difficult at all. For additional camping sites near Chicago, please click here.

Chain O' Lakes State Park
8916 Wilmot Rd.
Spring Grove, IL 60081
(847) 587-5512
www.dnr.state.il.us

Chain O' Lakes State Park is geared towards water-oriented activities with exceptional opportunities for skiers, anglers and boaters. This water oasis is approximately 60 miles northwest of Chicago. Some of the outstanding amenities include picnic areas, trail systems, horse rental, camping and cabin rental, boat rental, concession stand, fishing, hunting, archery range and facilities for the disabled and elderly.

Chicago Northwest KOA
8404 South Union Road
Union, IL 60180
(815) 923-4206
www.chicagonwkoa.com

The Chicago Northwest KOA is approximately 60 miles west of Chicago and is a great camping site for families. Examples of the amenities include bike rental, Wi-Fi, mini golf, pool, dog walk, playground, volleyball court, basketball court, laundry room, horseshoes and cabins with air conditioning. There are numerous fun activities offered on the weekends and holidays which include hay wagon rides, ice cream socials, movies, bingo and flashlight candy hunt.

Shabbona Lake State Park
4201 Shabbona Grove Road
Shabbona, IL 60550
(815) 824-2106
www.dnr.state.il.us

Shabbona Lake State Park is approximately 70 miles west of Chicago and offers a special feature. It is a pilot site for offering accessibility to disabled visitors which includes a specially designed fishing pier, restrooms, water fountains, parking and picnic shelters. There are also two camp cabins available to rent, hiking and skiing trails, fishing and boating opportunities, archery deer hunting and dove and waterfowl hunting.

Related: Packing For Kids: What To Bring On Vacation

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Chicago
8574 Millbrook Road
Millbrook, IL 60541
(800) 438-9644
www.jellystonechicago.com

Many fun planned activities are available for kids and parents at the Jellystone Park Chicago, and it is located about 57 miles southwest of Chicago. Camping sites and cabins are offered for rent. Along with the excellent accommodations, there are also an abundance of supervised activities, themed events and games offered for the younger campers. Special celebrations and themed weekends make this is a fun camping site for families of all ages; kids especially will appreciate all of the fun that will be had at Jellystone Park Chicago and parents will appreciate the worry-free experience.

Hickory Hideaway
24366 Payne Road
Shannon, IL 61078
(815) 864-2099
www.hickoryhideaway.com

Hickory Hideaway is located about two hours from Chicago O'Hare airport and offers camping in a more upscale setting. Three varieties of cabins are available at Hickory Hideaway which include luxury cabins, rustic whirlpool cottages and extended-stay country cottages. The cabins are situated on 10 acres of wooded land and have outstanding amenities including Wi-Fi, indoor eight-person hot tub, fire pits and charcoal grills. If tent camping is not the ideal way to spend time with those special people in your life, then a cabin rental at Hickory Hideaway may be the perfect way to camp while still having some of those luxuries one is used to at home.

Related: Five Fun Activities To Get The Family Outdoors

Michelle Guilbeau is an elementary teacher living in Chicago, Illinois. She has also experience in school administration and literacy coaching. Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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