Tent campsites near Bolingbrook, Illinois are nestled within the prairie watersheds of the DuPage and Des Plaines rivers, where elevations rarely exceed 700 feet above sea level. The region's humid continental climate brings hot summers and cold winters, with camping seasons typically running April through October when temperatures range from 50-85°F. Most tent sites in this area require walking distances of 25-100 yards from parking areas to reach campsites.
What to do
Kayaking along calm waters: At Kayak Morris, paddlers can launch directly from riverside campsites. "I have my own kayak and the river here is so calm its awesome. My friends rented the dual kayaks ant they loved them," reports Art P. The campground offers kayak rentals for those without their own equipment.
Fishing for stripers: Anglers find success at the confluence of waterways near Morris. "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!" shares Sam Murphy M. Fishing is particularly productive during early mornings and evenings when waters are cooler.
Hiking the I&M Canal Trail: The crushed gravel path connects multiple tent camping areas along a historic waterway. A cyclist staying at Channahon State Park Campground noted, "The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp. You can stop for a rest or stay the night. It's a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock."
What campers like
Riverside tent sites: Waterfront camping at Kayak Starved Rock Campground offers unmatched views. "The campsites are right on the water so it's beautiful but everyone is right next to one another so you better like your neighbors," explains Caitlin C. Each site includes a fire pit with a cooking grate and picnic table.
Privacy between sites: Unlike the more crowded riverside options, MacQueen Forest Preserve provides exceptional spacing between campsites. "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," reports Amy G.
Affordable primitive camping: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the low fees at certain preserves. "The very best part? You're in the middle of the country, with gorgeous sunsets, and the primitive camping is only $4," shares a MacQueen Forest Preserve visitor. Most sites include basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings without the higher costs of developed campgrounds.
What you should know
Flooding concerns: Low-lying sites along waterways can become submerged after heavy rain. At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, a camper 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 the fire pit."
Limited shade availability: Newer campgrounds may lack mature tree cover. At Camp Shabbona Woods, a visitor noted, "The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing." Consider bringing shade structures during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
Train noise: Some camping areas experience noise disruption from nearby rail lines. At MacQueen Forest Preserve, a camper warned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
ADA accessible options: Some tent camping areas near Bolingbrook offer wheelchair-accessible sites. A visitor to MacQueen Forest Preserve reported, "There is one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy." These sites typically feature concrete pads and shorter distances from parking areas.
Clean facilities: Parents appreciate well-maintained restrooms when camping with children. At Davis Creek Campground, facilities receive regular attention. Andrea F. commented, "This campground is open, there are a lot of amenities, it's very well kept, and there is good access to water."
Park amenities: Combining camping with playground access creates additional activities for younger campers. "Camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping," notes Scott M. about Camp Shabbona Woods, making it suitable for families new to outdoor recreation.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for size constraints: While tent campsites dominate the Bolingbrook area, limited RV options exist with specific restrictions. At Kayak Morris, Eric R. advised, "Camp sites are dotted next to the shore of the river... there's enough space for multiple tents on one site." However, most riverside sites cannot accommodate larger RVs due to soft ground conditions.
Water access considerations: RVers with canoes or kayaks should prioritize waterfront sites with firm ground. "We brought our own kayaks and launched right from our campsite which was amazing," shared Amanda W. about her camping experience, noting the convenience of direct water access compared to developed RV parks where water access often requires transportation.
