Tent camping near Burbank, Illinois clusters primarily around forest preserves and state park lands within a 30-mile radius of the city. Most sites require a quarter-mile walk from parking areas, with terrain typically featuring oak-hickory woodland interspersed with prairie remnants. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons often experience significant precipitation that can affect ground conditions at low-lying sites.
What to do
Fishing access: Kayak Morris offers direct river access popular among anglers. "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!" notes camper Sam Murphy M.
Bicycle touring: The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail provides excellent cycling opportunities from Channahon State Park Campground, with crushed gravel surfaces. "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," writes Art S.
Paddling routes: Launch directly from riverside campsites at several locations. "I have my own kayak and the river here is so calm its awesome. My friends rented the dual kayaks and they loved them," reports Art P. about the water conditions at Kayak Morris.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park offers secluded spots. "The spot was clean. It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail," explains Don W.
ADA accessible options: McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove features concrete pads for accessibility. "Two of the four sites are paved as well... All sites have enormous banquet sized picnic tables with cut-out in the bench for wheelchairs," notes Brian O.
Waterfront camping: Sites along riverbanks provide direct water access. "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," explains Eric R. about the layout at Kayak Morris.
What you should know
Gate closure times: Many area campgrounds restrict entry after certain hours. "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok," notes Jeffrey L. about Camp Shabbona Woods.
Flooding risks: Low-lying sites can become waterlogged after rain. "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. Our site was flooded once we woke up. We had three inches up the the fire pit," warns Rita S. about McKinley Woods.
Limited facilities: Prepare for basic amenities at most locations. "Water is available by an old fashioned pump, and is drinkable, but cloudy. There's only one pit toilet," reports Brian O. about conditions at Frederick's Grove.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly sites: Some campgrounds specifically cater to new campers. "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," explains Scott M. about Camp Shabbona Woods.
Beach access options: Mac Finn's Landing provides river access in a no-wake zone. "One of the best no wake zones and fishing banks on the Kankakee River imo! Lots of access to great fishing holes up the Kankakee and Iroqouis Rivers. Kayak launch friendly!" notes Raven Rock S.
Walk-in requirements: Prepare for carrying gear from parking areas. "First off, 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," writes Brian O. about McKinley Woods.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent camping areas near Burbank restrict RV access, with few sites accommodating vehicles. "If you forgot your tent they rent them out as well," notes Eric R. about Kayak Morris, one of the few locations that accommodates both tents and small RVs.
Seasonal accessibility: Many tent camping locations have limited seasons. "We rolled 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. Secondly, the park closes early, 8PM in summer, and earlier still off season," warns Brian O. about Frederick's Grove.
