Tent camping opportunities near Chatham, Illinois extend beyond established campgrounds to include several smaller, less developed sites within a 40-mile radius. The region features predominantly flat to gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging between 580-620 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions with average daytime temperatures of 65-75°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Waverly Lake City Park, bank fishing is popular along the shoreline near the campsites. The lake contains largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. "I've stayed here a couple times now. Each time there has only been one other person," notes camper John H. about the Waverly Lake City Park camping experience.
Wildlife viewing: Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area offers opportunities to spot native Illinois wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various waterfowl species. One visitor to Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area shared their experience: "Would take my family back!" suggesting a positive wildlife viewing experience.
Seasonal mushroom hunting: Spring visitors to the wooded areas can hunt for morel mushrooms, typically from mid-April through May, with proper permits. Local regulations require carrying harvested mushrooms in mesh bags to allow spore dispersal while hiking through the woods.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers appreciate the spacing between campsites at Waverly Lake. "My wife and I were homeless for a month and needed to break out the tents. We had a pleasant and fairly private experience. Each site is spread out and fairly well," reports Darren D. about his stay at Waverly Lake City Park.
Peaceful atmosphere: The quiet environment ranks highly among tent campers visiting the region. "My wife and I really enjoy this campsite," shared another review from Darren D. about Hidden Ridge, highlighting the peaceful nature of camping in the area.
Limited crowds: Most tent camping areas near Chatham remain relatively uncrowded even during peak season. Weekday camping offers near-solitude at many locations. Campers report frequently having entire sections to themselves, especially during spring and fall shoulder seasons.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas provide only basic amenities. "There's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean. There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit," explains John H. about the facilities at Waverly Lake City Park.
Insect challenges: Mosquitoes and other insects are particularly troublesome during warmer months. "Be mindful of field roaches and raccoons at night, as we had to learn the hard way the morning after our first night. Oh, and the mosquitoes are BRUTAL. Come prepared," warns Darren D. from his experience at Spitler Woods State Natural Area.
Water supply requirements: Campers must bring all drinking water as potable water is unavailable at most primitive camping locations. A minimum of one gallon per person per day is recommended, with additional water for cooking and cleaning needs.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Kankakee River State Park's Chippewa Campground offers family-friendly hiking trails and recreational opportunities. "Great sites. Plenty to do. Favorite place to camp in Illinois," notes Thomas F. about their experience at Spitler Woods State Natural Area.
Safety considerations: Families camping at Waverly Lake should be aware of shoreline safety, particularly for young children. The lake lacks designated swimming areas and has no lifeguard supervision.
Wildlife education: Teach children about local wildlife before your trip, including proper food storage techniques to prevent raccoon encounters. Nighttime raccoon activity is common at Rainey Park, requiring secure food storage in vehicles or hard-sided containers.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: While tent camping is the primary focus near Chatham, RV owners should note size restrictions. "This is a paved lot past the ballfields. Pull in at the sign and follow the road. The lot is beside private property so I called the police to verify parking is still allowed and they said no problem. No tent camping allowed. Quiet night, great stop," explains Barbara P. about Rainey Park.
Alternative options: RV campers seeking hookups must typically travel further from Chatham to find suitable facilities. The closest full-service RV campgrounds are located 40+ miles from town, requiring advance planning for larger vehicles.
Seasonal access: Most unpaved access roads to primitive camping areas become difficult for RVs following heavy rain. Spring camping particularly requires checking road conditions before arrival, as many access points remain muddy through May.
