Our campsite at Ottowa Lake campground. (That is our Coleman blackout tent, which I’ve blended emotions about. I really like the blackout function and it held up properly in unhealthy climate, however we sort of hated every little thing else about it. Zipper acquired completely caught the primary time we used it, a studying curve for setup/takedown, and it’s unattainable to get again into the too-small bag it comes with. Nevertheless, the blackout options with a child/toddler are VERY clutch.)

At this time I’m excited to speak about one in every of my favourite issues: tenting!

Enjoyable truth: Regardless of rising up in Oregon, I rejected the outside for many of my teen years and twenties. I used to be too cool I assume–the outside weren’t fast-paced sufficient for me. I didn’t need to be soiled and bored. I used to be keen on the phrase, “I’m outdoorsy in that I prefer to drink rosé on patios.”

That being stated, I by no means, in one million years, thought I’d love tenting, however that every one modified in 2020 after I found a newfound love for it through the pandemic, when, properly–there wasn’t actually one other trip choice! I additionally assume in my thirties I’ve come to worth slowing down and being extra current and unplugged.

Whether or not you’re trying to benefit from the outside for a fast weekend or a week-long ordeal–a tenting journey will be rewarding in methods you by no means anticipated! It offers you an opportunity to essentially unplug, and means that you can bond along with your family and friends in a approach no different “journey” does! (Additionally, value noting, there are SO methods to “camp” primarily based in your consolation stage! In case you don’t like the concept of a tent, lease a camper van, an RV, or an lovely tenting trailer (Outdoorsy is a good choice for this!) Or yow will discover loads of campsites with cabins for lease. There are additionally a number of nice spots to Glamp within the midwest, if that’s extra your velocity!

I’m removed from an skilled, however beneath, I’m sharing some locations we’ve liked tenting, in addition to numerous YOUR superior suggestions, in case you’re trying to benefit from the outside close to Chicago this summer time.

(Additionally, don’t miss my posts on: Tenting 101–Find out how to go tenting as a novice, and my Tenting Packing Record)

22 Weekend Tenting Journeys From Chicago

Kettle Moraine State Forest, WI

Distance From Chicago: 1 hour 47 minutes

We took June on her first tenting journey there final summer time and it was great. (An enormous bonus: the campground isn’t so distant you can’t get pizza delivered, which we did on our final evening!) This all makes it a fantastic campsite for newbies, too! Realizing you’ve that civilization security web will be key–particularly in case you’re going with little ones!

We stayed at Ottowa Lake campground right here and extremely suggest it! It’s solely a pair hours from Chicago, has loads of secluded spots (some are extra wooded than others, one thing to remember with bugs), and a really small lake with essentially the most excellent small seashore–enjoyable for everybody, however particularly nice for little children! 

There’s quick access to loos and showers, and it’s not removed from city the place you may get something you want, however you’re feeling miles away. There are additionally a number of lovely trails within the space. We actually loved the pink loop from Scuppernong trailhead, which was reasonable and about 2.5 miles, so it was a fantastic distance to do with June. There’s additionally the gorgeous Scuppernong nature path simply throughout the highway from the campsite, which we did our first day there!

Ottowa lake is ideal for little children!

View from our Ottowa Lake campsite

Scuppernong springs nature path is only a fast stroll from the campground at Ottowa lake

Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park, IN

Distance From Chicago: 44 minutes

Whereas I’ve by no means camped within the Dunes (as Neal’s household has a lake home there) I can attest that it’s a fantastic space and a fast one-hour drive from Chicago! In case you don’t have a automotive, you possibly can even take the South Shore Line prepare there and get off on the Beverly Shores cease to stroll to the Indiana Dunes State Park Dunewood campground. There’s a cute restaurant known as the Goblin and Grocer and the Hobgoblin throughout the road is a good beer and wine retailer. They’ve two pizza vans, a camp retailer, and a fuel station (with comfortable serve!) so that you’ve acquired all you want inside strolling distance. No cooking required in case you don’t need to!

Additionally, one other little native tip: in case you love structure, don’t miss the World’s Honest houses, which have been created for the 1933 World’s Honest and relocated right here. They’re located proper on the seashore!

Tip: You’ll in all probability need to convey or lease bikes to get to and from the seashore, because it’s an extended (scorching, unshaded) stroll from the campground and parking is tough to return by with no resident’s allow.

Indiana Dunes seashores are so lovely–simply an hour from Chicago by automotive or prepare!

Starved Rock State Park, IL

Distance From Chicago: 1 hour 34 minutes

I’ve but to go to Starved Rock, however I do know many individuals who’ve nice issues to say. It’s underneath two hours from the town they usually have a number of choices for various sorts of campers! It’s hottest for its beautiful climbing trails, however you can even go kayaking! Vital to notice: you can’t swim right here, so if swimming is essential, there are various different glorious choices on this checklist!

Satan’s Lake State Park, WI

Distance From Chicago: 2 hours 58 minutes

Lots of you talked about that you just grew up tenting at Satan’s Lake and you’ve got so many fond reminiscences there as a child, and now take YOUR children! I really like this. ♥️ I’ve by no means been right here, nevertheless it seems to be beautiful, so positively including it to our checklist! 

Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI

Distance From Chicago: 5 hours 22 minutes

Many have beneficial this and stated it’s one of many best-hidden gems close to Lake Michigan. (That is saying A LOT as a result of I believe the entire state is such a stunningly lovely, underrated gem!) I additionally hear you possibly can rock climb right here, which makes it a bit distinctive!

Yukon Trails, WI

Distance From Chicago: 3 hours

This one is the right weekend journey for households! You may tent camp or lease one in every of these cute tiny homes! Benefit from the various facilities together with eating places, putt-putt golf, a prepare, a movie show, a cornhole enviornment, playgrounds, and extra. Actually a child’s dream. In fact, additionally they have conventional tenting actions like miles of climbing trails you possibly can stroll, run, bike, and even drive golf carts by means of. Plus, there are many hearth rings and picnic tables for good ol’ trend cookouts. 

Getaway Home Berber Creek, MI

Distance from Chicago: 2 hours

Talking of tiny homes for lease, have you ever heard of Getaway home? They really have areas throughout, however two inside a brief drive of Chicago! (The opposite is close to Starved Rock!) Good for these eager to expertise “camping-light” as a result of these little cabins have ALL the good facilities and a shocking ground to ceiling window so you possibly can really feel such as you’re outdoors (however sleeping in a push, cozy mattress.) It’s additionally only a brief 20 minute drive from South Haven, which is one in every of my favourite little cities in Michigan to discover!

Camp Wandawega, WI

Distance From Chicago: 1 hour 41 minutes

I’ve personally by no means gone to Lake Wandawega, nevertheless it’s all the time been on my checklist! Not precisely a campground, however not likely a resort. It’s like a summer time camp setup, however a stylish one! It is a nice choice for many who don’t actually need to go all-out tent tenting and wish extra facilities however nonetheless need to tough it a bit. They deal with group bookings (a perfect spot for a bunch of household or buddies) they usually have a number of choices of canvas tents, cabins, a bunkhouse, and so forth you possibly can lease primarily based on everybody’s consolation ranges. It’s not low-cost, nevertheless it seems to be SO FUN.

Wisconsin Dells, WI

Distance From Chicago: 2 hours 55 minutes

Most midwestern children have reminiscences from “the Dells” rising up! The Wisconsin Dells is “The Waterpark Capital of the World,” however they’ve acquired some nice tenting choices, too! You may both keep in cottages on the water or additionally they have camper and tent websites. They permit pets and have web if that’s essential to your journey!

Door County, WI

Distance From Chicago: 4 hours 24 minutes

Door County was one other common trip spot for midwestern readers! There are closely wooded campsites which can be tremendous near a whole bunch of miles of shoreline (nice seashore/swimming/kayaking/paddle boarding choices!) hundreds of acres of orchards, and even 11 historic lighthouses. There are 5 state parks within the space, so it is possible for you to to search out the facilities and websites you’re in search of. 

Governors Dodge State Park, WI

Distance From Chicago: 3 hours

This place seems to be AMAZING–how have I by no means heard of it!? Bicycling, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, climbing, looking, horseback driving, swimming, and picnicking are all obtainable at Governors Dodge State Park’s two campsites. What extra might you need?

New Glarus, WI

Distance From Chicago: 2 hours 26 minutes

If a cool, kitschy vacation spot is your most important precedence, look no additional. In fact, I’ve heard of New Glarus from the eponymous brewery that makes Noticed Cow! (The most effective beer ever, IYKYK. However you possibly can’t get it outdoors of the state of Wisconsin, so top off if you’re there!) however what I did NOT know is that it’s often known as “America’s Little Switzerland.” They boast festivals, well-known fondue, and an immersive Outdated World neighborhood. There’s a campsite only a 4 minute drive from the brewery, or, as another choice, you would discover the city in your approach in and hold driving about 20 minutes away to this cool hip camp spot to arrange camp for the weekend!

Kohler-Andrae State Park, WI

Distance From Chicago: 2 hours 14 minutes

Right here’s one other pet-friendly, family-friendly campsite on the water. The surroundings is totally lovely, and Kohler-Andrae State Park provides actions all yr spherical. When you’ve got children, cease by their nature heart and pickup an exercise booklet! The seashore, campsites, and extra will be accessed through wheelchair.

Potato Creek State Park, IN

Distance From Chicago: 1 hour 37 minutes

Woodlands, prairies, and wetlands are all considerable in Potato Creek State Park, which suggests there’s so a lot wildlife to watch. You may see these whereas climbing one of many 4 on-site trails. Two are easy strolling trails across the lake or wetlands. The others are longer biking trails on paved roads or mountain terrain. If climbing and biking trails aren’t your factor, Potato Creek State Park has a lot extra from tubing to picnicking! Additionally they have numerous household pleasant actions from themed nature hikes to crafts!

Brown County State Park, IN

Distance From Chicago: 3 hours 44 minutes

I used to drive by means of Brown County on a regular basis throughout school. (I went to close by IU Bloomington!) It’s positioned in Nashville, IN which is nicknamed “Little Smokies” due to its resemblance to the Smoky Mountains! Melted glaciers from the final ice age created beautiful landscapes at this website! Suppose lovely hills, ridges, and foggy ravines. (So dreamy!) There are ten trails right here, so you possibly can see as a lot of this breathtaking surroundings as attainable earlier than you go. You too can swim by the pool, play tennis, fish, or let your kiddos play on the playground. 

Turkey Run State Park, IN

Distance From Chicago: 2 hours 31 minutes

River tubing must be on everybody’s summer time bucket-list. It’s enjoyable regardless of how outdated you’re and getting within the water with lovely seashores and cliffs on both facet of you is simply an expertise like no different! Turkey Run State Park is thought for the good tubing, however there’s kayaking, fishing, swimming, and even outdated historic buildings to take pleasure in and discover too. You may select from tent tenting within the campgrounds, or lease a cabin, or keep at their inn! You may lease tubes and kayaks right here, which include a pickup service to convey you again to your automotive, too!

Shades State Park, IN

Distance From Chicago: 2 hours 49 minutes

This spot is a well-liked spot for hikers and canoeists due to the sandstone cliffs, however individuals additionally love how darkish it will get. (Mild air pollution from Chicago and surrounding areas is actual.) Once you get far sufficient away and into one of many parks, you possibly can see hundreds of stars within the evening sky!

Illinois Seaside State Park, IL

Distance From Chicago: 1 hour

Illinois Seaside State Park is one other nice choice for a fast getaway outdoors the town. Slightly below the Wisconsin border, it’s actually fairly–has woods and seashore, with electrical energy hook-ups and toilet lodging. You may swim, cycle, hike, or have a picnic—you realize, regular tenting stuff!

Camp Bullfrog Lake, IL

Distance From Chicago: 28 minutes

Right here’s one other fast drive from the town! Camp Bullfrog Lake is a more recent facility with entry to the superior Palos path system! (Nice for hikers!) The campsite itself seems to be like extra of an enormous park on a cute little lake, however you possibly can bounce on any of the paths and get into the woods! You may camp right here year-round they usually supply numerous tenting choices, together with tent, RV, and cabin websites. 

Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Space, MI

Distance From Chicago: 4 hours 12 minutes

Michigan has so many nice locations to camp. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Space is a fantastic spot for primitive and dispersed tenting, if that’s your factor!

Warren Dunes State Park, MI

Distance From Chicago: 1 hour 23 minutes

A fast drive from Chicago within the city of Sawyer, Michigan, (don’t miss a cease at Greenbush brewery!) You’ll additionally drive by New Buffalo on the best way, which is a extremely enjoyable vacation spot in the summertime. (Cease at Redemak’s for a burger!) The placement is nice, as a result of within the occasion of unhealthy climate–you gained’t be caught hiding in your tent and there will probably be tons to discover just some minutes out of your campground! In the summertime, you possibly can sled down the dunes, go to the canine seashore, hike, cling glide, or swim. The wooded campsites are tremendous near the seashore, so that you get the perfect of each.

The Badlands and Custer State Park, SD

Distance From Chicago: 13 hours 50 minutes (2-hour flight) 

Alright, yet one more so as to add–not precisely a fast drive from Chicago, however in case you’re in search of a highway journey (listed below are my highway journey ideas, by the best way!) or a fast flight and one thing much more out of the field–we LOVED our highway journey to South Dakota. It was one in every of my favourite journeys we’ve ever taken. Talking of hidden gems, wow, I had no thought how beautiful the state was. The Badlands are so cool–you’re feeling such as you’re climbing on the moon–and close by Custer State Park is SO beautiful another way–I had no thought the midwest might appear to be this! (It seems to be extra like Colorado than something!) If a spherical journey highway journey sounds too daunting, you would all the time lease a automotive and drive a technique, and fly dwelling!

We tent camped within the Badlands (which was a really enjoyable journey however in all probability not for everybody–don’t fear, there are different lodging choices 😂) and we stayed in a glamping resort in Custer. You may learn my full guides to the Badlands and Custer State park. Severely, I can’t suggest this journey sufficient.

I hope this helps you discover your subsequent tenting vacation spot (and that I’ve satisfied you that you just don’t have to enterprise removed from Chicago to have a wonderful outside journey!) Additionally, don’t neglect to take a look at the journey part of my weblog for extra tenting ideas, methods, and spots to make these heat months tremendous memorable! Have enjoyable!