If you're planning a family road trip from Chicago and looking for a peaceful place to camp, here's a recommendation straight from personal experience: Escape to Nature in Huntley, Illinois. It's just a short drive northwest of the city and makes for a perfect first stop on a Midwest road trip or weekend getaway.

My 8-year-old daughter and I recently stayed at this privately-owned property, and I can say with confidence—it's a gem. We found it through Hipcamp, a platform that lets you book unique outdoor stays on private land. (Bonus: Here's $10 off your first booking)

Why We Loved It

1. Personal Touches That Matter
The hosts, Dave and Linda, were fantastic. Great communication before and during our stay made everything easy. But the best part? For just a few extra bucks, they brought us a fresh head of lettuce to feed the ducks, geese, and turkeys on the property. Watching those birds eat right out of our hands? Highlight of the trip for my daughter—and honestly, for me too.

2. Clean and Comfortable Basics
Escape to Nature offers four well-spaced campsites. Each one has its own fire ring, and firewood is provided. Camp toilets are simple, but clean and more than adequate. The whole property felt peaceful, well cared for, and genuinely relaxing.

3. Easy to Access from Chicago
Whether you're flying in and picking up a Jeep rental near O'Hare or starting your adventure from the city, Huntley is an easy 50-minute drive. That makes it ideal if you're looking to rent a car for a road trip or want a family camping spot that doesn't involve a long haul.

Make It a Stress-Free Getaway

If you're like us and love the idea of spontaneous weekend trips or longer adventure loops around the Midwest, think about your vehicle setup too. At ChicagoAdventureRentals.com, we specialize in:

• Jeep rentals in Chicago

• Camping car rentals that are road-trip ready

• SUV rentals near O'Hare for families flying in

You don't need to own a 4x4 to escape the city and enjoy quiet moments under the stars. You just need the right ride and a place like Escape to Nature to park it for the night.

Whether you're planning a full-on road trip or just dipping your toes into camping with kids, this spot is a low-key, high-reward option. My daughter gives it five stars—and so do I.