Best Tent Camping near Aurora, IL

Tent campsites around Aurora, Illinois offer access to both wooded and waterfront settings, primarily at locations within a 30-minute drive of the city. Kayak Morris provides riverside tent camping with sites spaced along the Illinois River, while Channahon State Park Campground offers walk-in tent sites shaded by trees along the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove features tent-only camping with picnic tables and fire rings, accessible via boat, hike, or walk-in access routes.

Most tent campgrounds in the area require campers to walk in to their sites, with parking located a short distance away. Channahon State Park provides vault toilets and drinking water but limited amenities otherwise. Tent-only sites at McKinley Woods have drinking water pumps, toilets, and trash collection, making them suitable for campers seeking basic services. Hammel Woods and Illinois and Michigan Canal offer more primitive tent camping experiences with few facilities. Seasonal availability varies, with McKinley Woods operating from April through October while others remain open year-round.

The tent camping experience near Aurora frequently involves proximity to waterways. One camper noted, "McKinley Woods offers me a lot of nostalgia since I grew up in the area. The main draw to this place is the tow path. I highly recommend bringing a bike to enjoy the trail." Sites along the Illinois River at Kayak Morris allow campers to launch kayaks directly from their campsites and observe river traffic. Morning noise from motorboats and jet-skis begins early at some waterfront locations. At MacQueen Forest Preserve, tent sites are notably spread out, with a camper reporting that "sites are pretty spread out. Only sites 1, 2, 8 are forested the rest are around a large open field." Train noise can be a factor at some locations, particularly at night, which tent campers should consider when selecting their campsite.

Best Tent Sites Near Aurora, Illinois (14)

    1. Kayak Morris

    11 Reviews
    Morris, IL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "We stayed when there were not many people there so we had plenty of space but could see it getting crowded when it’s full."

    "It was quiet, relaxing, and very well maintained. 1 trash area, 4 porta Potties for use for the campground. You can rent kayaks for the day, fish, wade in the river (no swimming)."

    3. Channahon State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Channahon, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 467-4271

    "It is a bit away from businesses. However if you arrive by car you drive through the quaint town.  Arriving by bicycle is even better. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp."

    4. McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove

    3 Reviews
    Channahon, IL
    25 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    5. Hammel Woods

    Be the first to review!
    Joliet, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 727-8700

    $20 - $40 / night

    6. Illinois and Michigan Canal

    Be the first to review!
    Joliet, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 942-0796

    $6 / night

    7. MacQueen Forest Preserve

    6 Reviews
    Kirkland, IL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 522-6254

    "This is where to go if you don't like pitching a tent in a field of RVs. There is one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy."

    "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."

    8. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "Before we begin, let me share 3 things with you: (1) I love camping, preferably primitive camping where I get to pitch my tent, leaving the comforts of modern civilization behind in the hopes of returning"

    "One such place, an oasis of tranquility and beauty nestled in the Illinois wilderness, is the Kayak Starved Rock Campground."

    9. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ottawa, IL
    43 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you’re looking for privacy this is it. There aren’t toilets tho or running water.."

    "A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."

    10. Camp Shabbona Woods

    2 Reviews
    Calumet City, IL
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

    "camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping. The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Aurora, IL

611 Reviews of 14 Aurora Campgrounds


  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2020

    MacQueen Forest Preserve

    Secluded Hike-in Tent Campsites on the Kish

    This is where to go if you don't like pitching a tent in a field of RVs. There is one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy. This is a very primative campground with 1 set of Vault toilets. The other campsites require a walk/hike along a gravel path for completely wooded sites or cross a football sized meadow for open air sites. There are several well-water pumps "not for drinking." Each campsite has a fire pit and a picnic table. Pack out your garbage for the dumpster in the parking lot. There are only 9 sites total. VERY private and secluded. Tents only! Massive forest preserve area for excellent hiking. Some fellow campers were doing a diy tubing right to the campground. (About a 2 hr lazy river tube from Kingston or 5hrs from Genoa on the slow moving S. Branch of the Kishwaukee River which can be pretty deep in places.) Absolutely NO ALCOHOL. Cost for tent sites is only $4 per tent or tent-like structure. There are primitive cabins for rent and a large lodge if you rented the structure for an event here. By their facebook page, it looks like there have been beautiful weddings here. This is a former scout camp flanked by more forest preserves. The ranger is very nice and the entrance is locked from sunset to sunrise. I hesitated even posting this tent-camping primitive heaven, because I almost want to keep it for myself and the locals. Please practice leave no trace and follow the rules if you go so this place stays open. Dog friendly, but must be leashed all of time or a $50 fine. My dog loved the trails and river crossings! Gorgeous hidden gem about an hour into cornfield country from Chicago NW suburbs like Woodfield Mall. I had cell service at one spot in the parking lot, but it was fleeting with T-mobile. A fellow camper had the best private spot (#2) which other than the ada site was the best because it was closest to the parking lot, yet she still had a festival/yard cart to pull her gear up a gravel path. Make sure you bring yours or are outfitted with backpacking gear. Like anywhere, prevent insect deforestation and don't bring firewood, it's fine, they have plenty.

  • H. K.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Nice but very little shade

    We stayed in the primitive tent area near the back of the park. It is walk in.

    There was a pole for a lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring and tent pad. There is one clean flush toilet and shower per each gender (the shower stall was spacious with plenty of hooks and benches). There were also vault toilets not too far away. The water spigot was pretty far away though. There were plenty of garbage cans.

    There were a few small trees but very little shade. On hot days I think a pop up shade shelter would be necessary to make it bearable.

    Overall it was pretty quiet.

    The last night we were there a large group of people with their tents showed up. There were not enough tent pads or picnic tables for all of them. I don't know if it was the park that booked so many people or if it was the group that overbooked.

  • Kim L.
    Sep. 2, 2019

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Convenient campground for nearby hiking

    The campground is pretty basic. For $25-35 per night, you can get a site with electrical hookup. The east loop has better tree coverage and more privacy. The west loop has more site in a large open space, maybe better for groups. I give 3 stars because there is not much to do at the campground itself. You have to get in your car and drive to any hiking at Starved Rock State park, just 10 min away, and battle the crowds for parking. The campground has just 2 real bathrooms, one for each loop. Each has 2 flush toilets and 2 showers. Showers were pretty rough, no temp control and spraying everywhere but your body. Some portapotties are scattered around, but pretty ripe by the end of August. Use the woods. There are 2 small playgrounds, but one is just a swing set. So if you have kiddos, there is not much for them to entertain themselves with at the campground- no hiking trails, no pond or fishing or swimming, no DNR programs, etc. Park has posted signed that there is ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOL allowed, so keep it private and quiet. that being said, the hiking in the general area is awesome!!! Lots of canyons, bluffs, and overlooks. Just be prepared to drive. A very basic “store” open after 3pm, just had fire starters, marshmallows, bug spray, ice cream, and pop. Some little souvenirs. No milk or eggs. For a 30 ft travel trailer, our campsite has just enough room for our slide out and awning. The fire pit was well placed and had a grate for cooking. Electrical was confusing- our site was listed at 50A only. It really was 50/30/20A(see pictures). Easy to back in to, mostly level site for quick set up. Our campsite, 85, had nice shade and lots of trees. You can see and hear your neighbors but there is decent separation. We had space to hang a hammock and have a fire, with a full picnic table as well. There are a few sites for fresh water fill, and a dump station. Took about 45 min for us to dump being 5th in line at 10:30am. Book early- reservations open online 6 months in advance and book up quickly. Most summer weekends are completely full. Spring and fall camping is great here- waterfalls are rain fed and often dry in summer. Sites 96 and 97 would be my picks if I could choose: both are private and have large camping pad areas. Avoid the sites by water spouts and roads, there is no privacy when everyone is cutting through your site! Overall, a basic campground with what you need for camping, no frills, no activities or recreation, but close to the hiking at Starved Rock State Park about 10 min away by car. Biking nearby would be an extreme sport, the roads are very narrow with extreme drop offs and no shoulder. Not for kids.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2019

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Great Privacy in Great Park

    I set up in site 110 for the night at this nicely wooded campground. My site was very private, set back in the trees and very clean. I had large and small trees and underbrush making it impossible to see the site next to me in one direction, and no one occupying the site on the other side. With the car in the drive blocking the road, I had complete privacy. There was a short walk to porta potties and a nice walk to the modern, clean bath house. The site had the usual picnic table and fire pit and plenty of space to put my tent. There were some sites that sat in a meadow that completely lacked privacy, but with tons of space for kids to play. There is a camp store near the entrance to the campground, but I didn’t go in so I’m not sure what it’s stocked with (besides the ice in the cooler outside). Campers who like to imbibe beware: NO alcohol is permitted at this campground. There are some GREAT trails for hiking in the park, but be prepared for lots of stairs on the boardwalks that take you in and out of the canyons/ravines. I didn’t hike up to the actual “Starved Rock”, but you can observe it from the river bank.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Great value Chicago suburb campsite

    I've camped here four different occasions this 2020 covid-19 year. The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms. It is a super clean campground with multiple hosts and forest preserve staff. There are a large number of RV pads overlooking the prairie and a few along a grove of trees. I was lucky once to see the equestrian area full of campers with their horses. There are 9 walk-in tent sites about 10-20 yards from parking (the two at the end p7 and p9 are connected for groups that know each other). There are multiple ada sites and two "walk-in/ie roll-in" site in the tent-only area. It's a good mix of young people, retired people, and families. I've seen weekends with mainly RVs and one weekend with a quarter of the drive-in sites being tents. The most shaded sites are p1,3,5,7 and 9. Many of the sites in the middle are wide open with little shade but nice summer breezes. Prices are a great deal if you live in Kane county but still worth the trip if you live in another county. Firewood is $7 for about .75 cu ft (what you can fit in a milk crate.) There are a few trails and I've seen lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels. Lots of people (including me) bring their leashed dogs. The other campers have been polite and friendly. I wish there was more distance between sites in the water/electrical loops for more privacy, but I'd go every weekend if I lived in Kane county because it would be worth the resident price even tho there are so many RVs. Because there is electrical it is a peaceful campground with no generator noise.

  • H
    May. 22, 2025

    Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park

    Place felt abandoned, needed weed-whacker

    I camped there the week before Memorial day weekend--not exactly peak season, but not exactly off-season either.  I arrived at about a quarter to five on a Sunday, and surprisingly the office was closed.  So was the camp store, where I'd hoped to buy local firewood.

    I was left to find my campsite on my own, which was easier said than done. One sign pointed the way to Whitetail Campground--but below it said "Closed for the Season." This made no sense as I'd made the reservation via the Illinois DNR website. The signage in other parts of the park was so minimal that I spent about 20 minutes wandering the grounds until I finally found my site.  A couple of signs were missing letters, and some of the site number signs were angled in such a way that they couldn't be read from the road..

    At one point I tried calling the number listed for Illini State Park on the DNR website. I didn't even hear ringing--I just heard a strange tone, even though the name "Illini State Park" appeared on my phone confirming I had the right number.

    I'd reserved a site with electrical hookups, but the hookups were actually on the site net door, which, luckily, wasn't occupied.  But my 25 foot power cord was insufficient to reach the hookups.  I had to drive an hour round-trip to the Menard's in Morris to pick up a 50 foot cord.

    The site was so overgrown with weeds that I couldn't find a place to put up my tent that was also a safe distance from the firepit.  The neighboring firepit was just about 10-15 feet from our picnic bench--had the next site been occupied, our privacy would have been a joke even in this wooded area. So perhaps it was just as well that I couldn't find firewood.

    The potable water pump about 150 feet from the site didn't seem to work--I tried pumping it, opening and closing the handle, but no water. So I had to rely on the ginger ale packed in my cooler for liquid refreshment--it was either that, or go back to town again.

    I was hearing reports that there might be as much as three inches of rain in the area falling in the next 24 hours so I went to the office at about 11 am the next morning. This time the office was actually open.  I told them about the water pump and they were a bit confused because they heard reports that the other water pump at Whitetail was broken too.  I asked them what the likelihood was that my site could turn into a lake of mud with such rain and they said it was possible so I decided to depart early. As I drove back to my site, I noticed that the staff person managed to get the water pump going--he explained to me that after pulling the handle back, it needed to be pulled back an extra notch further.  It would have been nice for there to have been a sign telling people that, as I had not intended to finish a six-pack of ginger ale in one night.

    There's a difference between a "primitive" site (which, as I paid extra for electrical hookups, this was not) and one that just simply isn't maintained. I wonder if there's even any security at the park at night.  The campground has rules, such as no alcohol, which is valid given the way people act when they have a few drinks within them. But I wondered who would be there to enforce the rules.

  • J
    Sep. 18, 2019

    Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    Woods near the river

    Went tent camping here and reserved our spot in advance. We bought fire wood from a locals front lawn at the entrance to the state park. Put 5$ in the bin and take a bundle. Its 30 mins away from Starved Rock and Matthiesson State Park. Good hiking. The river spots are all booked by large RVs and the tent spots have grills over the fire pits and picnic tables. lots of tree cover which came in handy when it rained in the morning. Otherwise great weather and not buggy. Dogs allowed.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 27, 2021

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Beautiful Popular Park

    This park is popular, has plenty of space, though can use updates and better Leave No Trace practices (litter). During our time, park and cg was busy, full at times. Hiking was great with geological aspects. Has Lodge, CG store, lots of history.


Guide to Aurora

Tent camping near Aurora, Illinois centers primarily on wooded landscapes with water access and proximity to hiking trails. Sites range from river-adjacent locations to more secluded forest settings within 45 minutes of the city. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall offer cooler camping conditions with seasonal rainfall that can affect site conditions, particularly at locations near water bodies.

What to do

Kayaking from camp sites: At Kayak Morris, campers can launch directly from riverfront sites. "Camp sites are dotted next to the shore of the river, there's kayak rentals, and there's enough space for multiple tents on one site," reports Eric R. Fishing opportunities abound here, with one camper noting "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper. I don't know if its the river convergence or the lake but they bite here hard!"

Trail biking: Several campgrounds connect to regional trails. At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, bikers can access the I&M Canal Tow Path. "The main draw to this place is the tow path. I high recommend bringing a bike to enjoy the trail. The trail is also part of the Grand Illinois Trail network," shares Scott N. Trail biking requires minimal preparation with mostly flat terrain suitable for casual cyclists.

Stargazing in open areas: MacQueen Forest Preserve offers meadow camping ideal for night sky viewing. According to Amy G., "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." Sites are available year-round for $4-5 per night.

What campers like

Waterfront camping access: Kayak Starved Rock Campground provides river views with basic amenities. Cullen S. notes, "The views are beautiful, and every site had its own fire pit with a cooking grate, as well as the option to purchase wood bundles, which was very convenient." Sites include cooking grates that can be positioned over fire pits.

Well-maintained facilities: Despite their primitive nature, many tent sites have clean, functional facilities. Amy G. says of MacQueen Forest Preserve, "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!" The preserve also features freshly mowed sites and accessible paths for equipment transport.

Site privacy: Many campers appreciate the separation between sites at certain locations. Marcus D. mentions, "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." Buffalo Rock State Park offers quiet camping that avoids crowds at nearby more popular parks.

What you should know

Seasonal flooding concerns: Low-lying campsites can flood during heavy rains. One camper at McKinley Woods reported, "Our night went from on and off light rain to three hours of down pour rain. With that said our site was flooded once we woke up. We had three inches up the fire pit." Always check weather forecasts and bring waterproof tent footprints.

Transportation logistics: Most tent sites require walking gear in from parking areas. At Buffalo Rock State Park Campground, "The campsites are directly off of the towpath. The furthest site (the group site) is three miles from the ranger station." Campsites typically include fire rings but may lack tables or other amenities.

Early morning noise: River traffic and trains can disrupt sleep at waterfront locations. Brian O. notes, "At night, you can hear owls and distant trains, but motorboats and jet-skis begin around 6:AM." Camp Shabbona Woods experiences similar issues with Jeffrey L. reporting, "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background."

Tips for camping with families

Waterfront activities: Several sites offer family-friendly water access. Amanda W. from Kayak Morris shares, "We loved this campsite! We brought our own kayaks and launched right from our campsite which was amazing but they rent kayaks for pretty cheap if you don't have your own." Most rental services operate from May through September with costs around $20-40 per kayak.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Buffalo Rock State Park features live buffalo that children particularly enjoy. Bill M. says, "Real live Buffalo are a treat for kids and animal lovers. A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk." Best viewing times are mornings before 10am when animals are most active.

Beginner-friendly options: Camp Shabbona Woods caters to new campers with supportive staff. Scott M. notes the "camp site is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping." Bathrooms remain well-maintained, and staff assist with campsite selection and setup.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Most of the best tent camping near Aurora, Illinois offers minimal RV accommodation. Kayak Starved Rock Campground does allow smaller RVs but with no hookups. Tracy E. mentions, "Whether you're setting up a two-person tent or a pop up or tear drop, you'll find a site that accommodates your needs perfectly."

Tent-only areas: Many campgrounds exclusively serve tent campers. As Stuart K. reports, "Kayak Starved Rock offers up about 50 primitive campsites that are 100% marked exclusively for tent camping (sorry RVers and 5th Wheelers, but you'll have to go back to the concrete paved lots for your slightly compromised outing in nature)." RVers should research campgrounds specifically designated for RV camping within the broader region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Aurora, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Aurora, IL is Kayak Morris with a 4.9-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Aurora, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Aurora, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.