Tent campsites near Bourbonnais, Illinois typically remain open from April through October with seasonal closures during winter months. The area features a mix of forest preserve and riverside camping locations within 30-50 miles of Bourbonnais, with many sites situated along the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal corridor. Campers can expect temperatures ranging from 50-85°F during the main camping season, with mosquitoes most prevalent during June and July.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: Multiple launch points provide direct water access from campsites. At Mac Finn's Landing, campers can take advantage of what one visitor calls "one of the best no wake zones and fishing banks on the Kankakee River" with "lots of access to great fishing holes up the Kankakee and Iroqouis Rivers."
Fishing for multiple species: The convergence of waterways creates exceptional fishing opportunities throughout the region. Experienced anglers target stripers, bass, and catfish at many locations. According to a camper who stayed at Kayak 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!"
Cycling on canal paths: The I&M Canal Trail connects multiple camping areas, creating excellent through-routes for cyclists. Campsites at Channahon State Park Campground serve as convenient overnight stops for long-distance cyclists. A visitor 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
Waterside camping: Many sites allow tents to be pitched directly next to rivers or the canal. According to one visitor at Channahon State Park Campground, "This campground is surrounded by trees... It's a nice, shady place to stop along the I & M Canal Trail."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The river corridors host diverse bird species including owls, woodpeckers, and waterfowl. McKinley Woods offers particularly good bird watching, though campers should note early morning activity: "We were rudely woken up by the Woodpecker Association at 7am."
Tent-specific amenities: Several campgrounds feature amenities designed specifically for tent campers. One camper at Camp Shabbona Woods reported it "is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping," though they also noted the campground "does not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."
What you should know
Walk-in requirements: Most tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas, with distances varying from 25-300 yards depending on the campground. A camper at McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove was surprised: "We didn't realize this was a walk-in campground, the details on the Will county site were vague, and the satellite photo showed a paved road. The road is a path."
Limited facilities: Many locations offer only basic amenities and minimal services. Vault toilets or portable restrooms are standard, with shower facilities rare. One visitor noted, "Water is available by an old fashioned pump, and is drinkable, but cloudy. There's only one pit toilet."
Seasonal considerations: Spring flooding can affect some riverside locations. A camper experienced this firsthand: "Nothing was mentioned about this site being a flood zone. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility options: Two paved tent sites at McKinley Woods provide ADA accessibility with concrete pads. A visitor described, "The sites are ADA accessible (two of the four sites are paved as well)."
Beginner-friendly environments: Some locations specifically accommodate first-time campers with easier access and simplified setups. Camp Shabbona Woods comes recommended by a visitor who stated the "camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping."
Noise considerations: Proximity to urban areas means some locations experience background noise. A camper at Davis Creek Campground noted it is "open, there are a lot of amenities, it's very well kept, and there is good access to water," while another camper mentioned you can "hear owls and distant trains, but motorboats and jet-skis begin around 6:AM."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most campgrounds near Bourbonnais prioritize tent camping with minimal RV infrastructure. An RVer at Kayak Morris described how "Camp sites are dotted next to the shore of the river" and "there's enough space for multiple tents on one site."
Small trailer considerations: Campers with small trailers face challenges at walk-in sites. One visitor explained their workaround: "We have a small, motorcycle trailer so we ended up rolling down hill 100 yds. then back again after our 2 night stay, a bit of a hassle, but not a problem. Just be aware of it."
Gate closure policies: Many parks enforce strict entrance gate closure times. A visitor cautioned, "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite."
