The 5 Best Glamping & Campgrounds in Illinois
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Illinois camping runs well beyond Starved Rock, its outdoor crown jewel — add in a genuine hidden-gem campground just outside Chicago and a remote dome deep in the Shawnee National Forest, and you’ve got real range across the state. Here are five worth the trip.
Starved Rock (90 Minutes from Chicago)
1. Camp Aramoni — Tonica (the splurge)
A polished, all-in luxury glamping experience where the food and service are the headline — reviewers repeatedly say they came for Starved Rock and barely left camp. Notably warm to girls’ trips and LGBTQ couples.
Best for: couples, groups, girls’ trips, special occasions | See full listing →
2. Treehouses at Starved Rock — Ottawa (the family pick)
Spacious, brand-new, thoughtfully designed treehouses — some with three full bedrooms — with direct trail access to Illinois Canyon. A perfect 5.0-star average across nearly 100 reviews is hard to argue with.
Best for: families, groups, girls’ trips | See full listing →
3. Postcard Cabins Starved Rock — Ottawa (the easy intro)
Small, clean, unplugged cabins designed as an easy jumping-off point for hiking. One solo reviewer specifically noted she felt very safe. The kitchen is basic — bring a good cooler.
Best for: couples, solo travelers, first-timers | See full listing →
Near Chicago
4. Camp Bullfrog Lake — Willow Springs
A genuinely surprising find just outside Chicago — a real, private campground with fishing, kayaking, and hiking that feels much further from the city than the drive suggests. A strong pick if you want a taste of camping without leaving the metro area.
Best for: families, pet owners, first-timers | See full listing →
Southern Illinois: Shawnee National Forest
5. Shawnee Hills Glamping Dome — Simpson
A genuinely peaceful dome getaway deep in southern Illinois’s Shawnee National Forest, with a private hot tub deck overlooking the hills. It’s remote — nearby waterfalls only run seasonally, so time your visit after rain.
Best for: couples, anniversary trips, solo travelers | See full listing →
How to Choose
- Special occasion or girls’ trip? Camp Aramoni
- Traveling with the family? Treehouses at Starved Rock
- Want camping without leaving Chicago? Camp Bullfrog Lake
- Craving true southern Illinois seclusion? Shawnee Hills Glamping Dome
See our Camping Comfort Checklist for what to pack, or browse the rest of the Midwest in our Glamping & Campground Directory.