This 48-acre former Boy Scout camp still includes the dining hall lodge, three enclosed shelters with wood stoves, hiking /cross country trails and a dozen tent campsites. It is one of the most botanically rich and topographically varied forested preserves in our district. Showy Orchis, Glade Mallow, Cancer Root, ferns, and a nice array of other uncommon plants occur in the diverse upland and floodplain forests. A 100 foot bluff, too steep to walk, drops to the South Branch Kishwaukee River – a run where the river flows across limestone bedrock and the drops over THE GREAT KISHWAUKEE FALLS: an eroded fracture straight across the river’s bed that allows the water to crash straight over the precipice before falling six inches to the bedrock below! (OK, maybe not spectacular, this is the Midwest, after all.) The state endangered Black Sandshell mussel has been found in this portion of the river and Bald Eagles nest less than a mile west, down the river.

MacQueen Forest Preserve

$4 individual primitive site

Note: if you cannot sleep to the sound of trains at night, this is not the campground for you. I don't mind them at all, and rather enjoy the sound, but there were probably three of them that went by in the middle of the night rather close to the campground. There's a little bit of road noise, but not disturbing at all in the middle of the night. There's also a river on one side of the campground, but it can only be heard if you were at one particular campsite. 

This is one of those places that's so awesome, you really don't want to tell people about it. It used to be an old boy scout camp, and now they let the public use it. There are eight primitive campsites here, and they're spread out at least 50 yards apart. That's right, at least 50 yards. You can't see the campsite next to you, and they all have a picnic table and a fire ring. You do have to walk into all of them, but they do have one wagon and a dolly you can use to tote things in. It's an easy walk, on a crushed gravel road and mowed trail, and they do have one space near the parking lot that's handicap accessible. About half of the campsites are in a meadow at the back end of the campground. It would be beautiful for stargazing! There's also a giant fire pit with benches. The perfect area for a small group camp (as long as each party paid for the campsite that's back there).

There's vault toilets and the one I used wasn't terrible, but it is primitive. There's even a light switch inside with a functioning light! There is a ranger house at the very front, and I get the impression that there's the possibility that someone actually lives there. The campsite looked very well maintained, like it had been freshly mowed around the edges. 

Even if the rangers don't actually live here, they're here regularly and it's obvious. 

The very best part? You're in the middle of the country, with gorgeous sunsets, and the primitive camping is only $4. 

There is water, but it is not, I repeat is not, potable. 

There are trash cans and dumpsters. There's also a lodge and pavilion which can be rented out for separate cost.

I'll definitely be back next time I'm through this area. It's all self-checking, you just use the pay box in the parking lot.

Beautiful primitive campground I almost don't want to tell anyone about

I hate to even tell people about this great spot. Spots are pretty spread out. Only sites 1,2,8 are forested the rest are around a large open field.

Great little gem

Second time coming to this great local spot. This time i stayed in site #8. By far the best spot on the gounds. Great remote location over looking the river. Great time minus  the winter squall that rolled threw our first night.

Winter camping trip 2022

I stayed one night and I really enjoyed myself. There wasn't anyone there. I assume it's because it's early in the spring. It's very basic, just a fire pit and a picnic table at each spot. Self service check-in. You have to walk up to the sites. There's a wagon and a dolly to take your things.

There isn't much in terms of hiking trails. Just the main path and a few paths connecting sites and sort of a path along the river. 

I don't have a lot of experience with fishing, but the places with access to the river were not good locations for fishing.

The forested areas aren't very big. You can see outside the camp grounds from almost anywhere of the campsites inside.

The bathrooms were well kept.

I will definitely be going back this year especially since it's  close to me and it's only $5/night.