Combining all the outdoorsy adventure of traditional camping with the comforts of home, glamping near Chicago is a luxurious way to enjoy Illinois’ nature at its finest.
(Photo: Camp Aramoni)
There are a wide number of sites within easy reach of Chicago offering enticing glamping opportunities, usually in bell tents, yurt or secluded cabins, or sometimes in futuristic bubble or dome-type outdoor accommodation. Locations differ but scenic wooden settings are the norm, with the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside via picturesque walking or cycling trails. If you’d like to glamp near Chicago, we’ve picked out 5 of the region’s best glamping sites below.
Camp Aramoni
A 90-minute drive southwest of Chicago, Camp Aramoni was built on the site of a 19th-century brickyard and is surrounded by 96 acres of lush forest along the Vermilion River. It features 11 custom-made safari tents, each with hardwood floors, en suite baths, king-size beds, and decks with views of the river, not to mention small touches including s’mores kits to use in your individual fire pit. Guests can hike, bike, and fish, then end the day with cocktails at the Burlington, an on-site bar housed inside a revamped 1961 Airstream. The Barn, the campground’s gathering space, includes a general store, an area for wine tastings, and gourmet dining.
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
(Photo: Rocking Horse Camping Ranch)
Situated on the outskirts of Gary on the Calumet river, 45 minutes by road from Chicago, this camp site is set on a fully operational horse ranch, offering guests the chance to interact and engage with the resident horses, ponies and goats. There are several cosy, well-equipped trailers in a beautiful and serene setting, fully kitted out with heaters, water, kitchen essentials, towels, and clean bed linen. For local excursions, Deep River Dam is less than a mile away and is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing. Private and semi-private horse-riding lessons are also available on site.
Lakeshore Camp Resort
Also a 45-minute drive along the banks of Lake Michigan from Chicago, Lakeshore Camp is a popular glamping venue for families, thanks to its array of kid-friendly amenities. Among them are a beach, swimming pools, games room, mini-golf, boat rentals and more. Trailers can sleep up to six people and come with a ceiling fan, picnic table, fire pit, charcoal grill and gazebo. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving a wide range of fast food favourites. The stunning landscapes of Indiana Dunes State Park are just a 10-minute drive away.
Getaway Barber Creek
(Photo: Getaway Barber Creek)
Set in Grand Junction in Michigan, a couple of hours by road from Chicago, Getaway Barber Creek is nestled in one of the largest private forests in the region, featuring a variety of old-growth trees and wildlife. Each of their upscale glamping cabins comes with everything you need for a comfortable and luxurious stay, including a hot shower, two-burner stove, private toilet, kitchenware, chairs and picnic table. As part of your stay, you’ll also receive firewood, a s’mores kit, coffee and bottled water. Across the road, you’ll find the serene shores of Lester Lake and nearby, you can explore the beachside town of South Haven, located along a scenic stretch of Lake Michigan.
The Gwen Urban Glamping Experience
Every year starting in May, Chicago’s award-winning Gwen Hotel offers the city’s only urban glamping experience on the private terrace of its Gwen Lux Suite. Perched on the 16th floor of the landmark McGraw-Hill building, guests can enjoy over 1,000 square feet of private terrace and sweeping views over Michigan Avenue all to themselves. Sitting on the terrace is an expansive Lotus Belle tent decked out with an eclectic bohemian aesthetic and an array of lavish furnishings including drum side tables, hand-knotted seat cushions, a braided Indian jute rug, and a centrepiece queen-sized bed. The Gwen Glamping Experience can accommodate up to six guests.