Best Cheap Campsites In Chicago Near Me

4worldlovers: Web Map of Camp Ground Road WoodsPDF Map of Camp Ground Road WoodsPDF Mapa Español de Camp Ground Road Woods

The unpaved Des Plaines River Trail follows its namesake river through more than a dozen forest preserves, allowing visitors to enjoy casual strolls, full-day adventures and anything in between.

Location: Chicago, Des Plaines, Glenview, Melrose Park, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, River Forest, Rosemont, Schiller Park & Wheeling

Web Map of Des Plaines River Trail SystemPDF Map of Des Plaines River Trail SystemPDF Mapa Español de Des Plaines River Trail System

ALERT 07/31/2017 - ?: Trail officially ends on either side of the railroad tracks, just north of Golf Rd. Please do not attempt to cross the railroad tracks on Des Plaines Trail System - Yellow Unpaved near Big Bend Lake and Beck Lake.

ALERT 11/01/2022 - 11/30/2023: Sections of the trail between Lawrence Ave and Bryn Mawr Ave will have periodic closures and/or full closure restrictions due to construction activities. This includes repairing the surface and trail width, a new bridge over Lawrence Ave and a new trail section along the north side of Lawrence Ave. Des Plaines River Trail System - Yellow Unpaved near Catherine Chevalier Woods. More information >

4worldlovers: Whether you're camping with family and friends or are leading a youth-group outing, the Forest Preserve District has inviting sites!

4worldlovers:
Northerly Island Park is a 119.7-acre park situated along the Lake Michigan shoreline on Chicago’s beautiful Museum Campus. Chicago's famous architect and planner Daniel H. Burnham imagined Northerly Island as one of the northernmost points in a series of manmade islands stretching between Grant and Jackson Parks and exists as the only island to be completed. The site of the Century of Progress World Fair in 1933, Northerly Island has since been transformed into an urban nature sanctuary, making it the ideal location to investigate the intersection of Chicago’s natural and built environments.


This lakefront Natural Area features prairie and savanna, a 5-acre pond, and strolling paths that offer great views for observing birds and other native wildlife. The path runs along the western side of the peninsula, terminating at the southern end. There are over 150 different varieties of native plants and an emerging savanna with 20,000 trees and shrubs, all of which provide an ecosystem for migratory and local birds.


Northerly Island offers year-round outdoor and environmental programs that are a catalyst for bringing communities together to develop an awareness, appreciation and knowledge of our natural environment. Programs include youth nature programs, guided nature field trips & tours, camping, fishing, paddling and annual seasonal festivals that highlight nature in the city, such as the popular Polar Adventure Days.


Today, Daniel Burnham’s vision is now a reality. With wild prairie grasses taking root, strolling paths, superb fishing spots and rolling hills that frame a spectacular view of the City skyline, we invite you to come out and enjoy the emerging world of Northerly Island.


The Northerly Island’s Visitor Center is open weekdays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.


Chicago's famous architect and planner Daniel H. Burnham imagined Northerly Island as one of the northernmost points in a series of manmade islands stretching between Grant and Jackson Parks. Burnham's lakefront vision, with lagoons, harbors, beaches, playfields, and a scenic drive, was published in his renowned 1909 Plan of Chicago. Disputes over property rights and funding constraints hindered development, and his plans for Northerly Island and Burnham Park were never fully realized. During the 1930s, because of its location, the park was referred to as Northerly Island and that name has continued to the present.