Living in Chicago has its perks—there’s always something to explore, a new restaurant to experience, and unique cultures to take in, but sometimes the hustle and bustle can definitely get to you. Taking a much-needed break to explore nature can help you reset your soul in our humble opinion. As much as we feel lucky to call this city home, exploring the Midwest and all it has to offer can be a magical experience. We’ve rounded up our favorite glamping sites, cabins surrounded by woods, retro trailers, and off-the-beaten-path campsites that will have you feeling refreshed in no time. We found some pretty spectacular spots—some even with alpacas—to get you back to nature.
We book our nature-filled getaways with Hipcamp because its the best website that selects outdoorsy-focused accommodations from airstreams to cabins (especially since our main focus is finding spots that aren’t overcrowded!). Get $10 off your first booking when you sign up through our link or you can use our referral code when you check out: travelinsider-102
Vintage 1850 Log Cabin Camping
This gem of a cabin is located in the midst of an alpaca farm and was voted Best in Indiana in 2019 on Hipcamp. Located near Prophetstown State Park and the Tippecanoe River State Park just three hours from Chicago, one hour from Indianapolis, an hour and a half from South Bend and two hours from Ft. Wayne. Great for families, the kids will enjoy feeding the animals, exploring the big red barn and even zip-lining!
The Vintage 1850 Cabin is $150 per night, Book Here. The RV Experience is $45 a night, and Creekside Camping for $35 a night. For $10 off your first booking, Click Here.
Mulln-Heim Vineyards
No need to venture off to Napa to enjoy staying on a vineyard, when Mulln-Heim Vineyards is an easy drive to Michigan. Enjoy a rustic campground on 40+ acres in South West Michigan’s Wine Country. Enjoy the nearby Warren Dunes State Park and Potato Creek State Park.
The Mulln-Heims Vinyard campsite is $45 per night, Book Here. For $10 off your first booking, Click Here.
Charming Group Glampsite
This Charming Group Glampsite at Camp Kettlewood in Wisconsin is the perfect escape for large families–making for the perfect family reunion. This particular spot dubbed The Hilton can sleep eight comfortably. Guests can expect plush bedding, electricity, antique camping decorations, outdoor string lights, a private fire pit with complimentary firewood and more. Want to explore? There are 20,000 acres of nearby forest and trails perfect for biking or to enjoy a long hike.
Charming Group Glampsite is $275 per night for a two-night minimum, Book Here. Other rentals onsite include the Retro Holly Trailer for $110 a night, a Vintage Airstream for $150 a night, and the Rustic Prairie Campsite for $45 a night. For $10 off your first booking, Click Here.
UPSCALE CAMPING IN TIPI AND CAMPER
If you’re looking for a unique tipi, look no further. You will also get access to their adorable 1950s camper. Enjoy Lake Michigan beaches with a short five-minute drive, St. Joseph and South Haven are just 15 minutes away, and one and a half hours from Chicago in Southwest Michigan.
Upscale Camping in Tipi and Camper is $125 a night, Book Here. For $10 off your first booking, Click Here.
Luxury Tiny Beach Cabin
On the Michigan side of Michigan City, Indiana is this gem of a retreat for two. This mini-sized cabin is what tiny home dreams are made of. This dressed-to-the-nines cabin comes complete with a kitchenette, a spot for nightly woodfired hot tub soaks and bonfires and is just one block from the beach.
The Luxury Tiny Beach Cabin is $100 a night, Book Here. For $10 off your first booking, Click Here.
Organic Apple Orchard and Farm
A campground in the middle of a 49-acre farm? Yes, please! Enjoy camping in the middle of Earth First Farms, a certified organic apple orchard located in South West Michigan.
Organic Apple Orchard and Farm is $50 per night, Book Here. For $10 off your first booking, Click Here.
Papa’s Sweet Corn Patch
Looking to pitch a tent under mature oak trees, look no further than this sweet campsite, which overlooks their Triple Sweet Bi-Color Sweet Cornfield and Honeycrisp Apple Orchard.
Papa’s Sweet Corn Patch is $25 a night, Book Here. For $10 off your first booking, Click Here.
Hasten to Hope at Haystack Gardens
Located in Illinois just ten minutes from Banner Marsh (a great spot for fishing!), 30 minutes from Peoria or ten minutes from the Cuba Amish Community is the perfect spot to camp on 12 acres. Guests can enjoy hiking the ravine and watching for bald eagles and deer in the nearby wildlife preserve.
Hasten to Hope at Haystack Gardens is $25 a night, Book Here. For $10 off your first booking, Click Here.
