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Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground

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Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground is located near the Hennepin Canal in Illinois. The area features flat terrain with the canal providing a focal point for outdoor activities. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, offering trails and fishing opportunities.

Description

Department of Natural Resources

The Hennepin Canal State Park is not enrolled in the ReserveAmerica camping reservation system and DOES NOT take camping reservations. Camping at the Canal is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no set check-in or check-out times. The Canal’s site security officer makes rounds to each campsite to collect camping fees, in-person. Campers can pay by cash or check.

Camping along the Hennepin Canal towpath is PROHIBITED – camping is only allowed in the designated campsites. Fires are only allowed in the state designated fire pits at the campgrounds. Camping is not permitted in the main complex area (the area around the visitor center).

Currently, the ONLY DRINKING WATER available on the ENTIRE canal is located at the main parking lot in front of the visitor center at the large shelter. There is also a faucet on the side of the visitor center, just to the left of the main entrance. There are no operable drinking water fountains along the rest of the canal so bring your own water for your hike or camping trip.

Fee Info

First come first served and be prepared to pay, but there is no drop box for money. Someone is to visit the sites each eve to collect the funds from campers.

There are no set check-in or check-out times. The Canal’s site security officer makes rounds to each campsite to collect camping fees, in-person. Campers can pay by cash or check.

The canal offers class "C" (primitive camping without showers or electricity) for $8.00 per family/per night, regardless of mode of camping, i.e. tent, camper, pop-up.

Youth groups = $20.00 daily minimum. When the minimum has been met, each additional person is $2.00 per night. Each group of up to 15 youths must be supervised by at least one adult. Youths are considered persons under the age of 18.

IL Senior citizens camp for free from Monday-Thursday; Friday-Sunday = $8.00.

IL Disabled persons with a Class 2 or Class 2A card camp for free Sunday-Saturday.

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Location

Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Directions

It is not easy to find, but the map WILL take you there. It's twisty-turney and will look like you are in the wrong spot (there are no signs) . The last "turn" is onto a gravel road BEFORE you get to the cement railroad bridge (immediately before). If you go under the bridge, you will hit a dead end.

Coordinates

41.30322344 N
89.44865967 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Amy G.The Dyrt ADMIN User
Reviewed Nov. 29, 2021

Hard to find, but worth it if you don't like crowds

This was a great little find in the middle of nowhere.  We were traveling home after Thanksgiving and we don't like crowded campgrounds.  We were in a tent (didn't need electric) and this was perfect.

I have to be honest, coming into this one "in the dark" was a bit creepy.  No lights, no signs and some graffiti on the railroad bridge.  But we looked around with a flashlight and it seemed good!  So we built a fire and stayed the night.

Word of warning: there is a railroad bridge RIGHT NEXT TO the campsite (about 50 yards) and it is functional.  We found this out in the middle of the night when we were jolted from sleep by headlights and loud noise!  Scary until we realized what was going on...lol.  But if you don't mind that now and then (and you know that it might happen) it wasn't bad.  Only happened twice.

There is noise here from the canal (this campground is at a lock so the water falls over the lock since there are no gates that work). But we found it to sound like a rushing stream and it was nice background noise.

There is a vault toilet that was well taken care of right next to the site.  These are "walk in" sites since you have to park in lot, but the sites are within 20 to 50 yards of the lot.  Easy access (not a trail, just grassy area).

About 4 sites here, but only one had a picnic table. One had a "sort of" fire ring.  But as quiet as this is likely to be, you shouldn't have issues.

The lock is really cool to look at during the day and there is a tow path it's entire length that can be biked/hiked/ skied/etc.  Around 100 miles I think!  Other campsites along it's path as well.  There is an interactive Google map on their website.

The only other minor issue was that this was far enough off the path that it seemed like it "might" be a place for folks to visit at night for purposes other than camping.  We did have one car approach before we were in bed, make a prompt u-turn and leave.  However that was the only incident we encountered beyond the train.

Overall...great place for off the beaten path camping that was clean and cheap! Would visit again!

Month of VisitNovember
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground?

    Camping at Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground can cost between $8.00 and $20.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the elevation of Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground?

    Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground is located at 586 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Hennepin Canal Lock 6 Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.

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