Book This Dreamy Waterfront Campsite in Illinois and You Won’t Be Disappointed

A common perception of Chicago is that the solitude of nature is far away, perhaps too far for even a day trip. Yet to those naysayers, I say that couldn't be further from the truth! That's because if you travel south for just an hour by car from downtown, you'll find paradise. Not far from the Indiana state line, you'll find a little slice of heaven called Willowthorne. An organic farm by trade, the location grows more than just mushrooms and produce; it also cultivates memories.

Set back away from the charming town of Lynwood, just a mile down the road, Willowthorne's blissful abundance awaits visitors. Here, guests have access to nine acres of technicolor splendor. Between the canopies of trees, wildflowers, and the large pond, there is much to do. Many visitors refer to the pond as a lake, which gives you an idea of its oversized nature. To be fair, Lake Michigan often looks more like an ocean than a lake. Maybe that's why so many of its beaches are like the ocean rather than a lake. We Midwesterners are steadfast in bolstering the reputation of water.

You can go fishing (catch and release style), biking, horseback riding, paddling, hiking, or enjoy the seclusion all around you. After all, there is no electricity hookup at two of the three sites, so getting back to nature is top of mind for a Willowthorne getaway. Such isolation may take some getting used to for some city dwellers—present company included. If it's been a while, be sure you check the Only In Your State camping packing list before you hit the road.

Not to worry, however. Those who prefer the bustle of the big city may not be completely isolated. There are three sites here at Willowthorne, albeit with plenty of space between them for privacy. Willowthorne offers a tent site, an RV site, and a combination RV/tent site. Even if there aren't any other human campers, you're never quite alone when you're camping anyway. The wildlife nestled snug in their woodland beds are often nearby. That's my favorite part of camping: animal watching.

Speaking of animals, dogs are allowed across all three camp sites, provided they're leashed. Remember, it's a working farm. So, no pups are going chicken-chasing on this vacation. You and your pup will love snuggling up around the campfire while they stare longingly at your s'mores. Plus, pending availability, you might be able to get some farm-fresh produce from your Willowthorne hosts. That will be a special treat for your furry best friend if your pup is anything like mine and loves crunchy fruits or veggies.

But produce season or not, there's never a bad time to get away from it all at Willowthorne. There's a reason this serene locale was named a finalist as one of Hipcamp's Best in Illinois in 2024. Why not take a gander at the pond/lake and its incredible foliage for yourself to find out why?

Do you have a favorite campground in Illinois? Let us know by nominating it, and it might be featured in an upcoming article!