Tent campsites near Chicago Heights, Illinois range from riverside locations to wooded areas with varying levels of accessibility. The region sits at the convergence of several watersheds including the Kankakee, Illinois, and Des Plaines Rivers. Camping options typically operate from April through October, with most primitive sites closing during winter months due to muddy conditions and limited maintenance.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: The Kankakee River provides calm water perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Mac Finn's Landing offers access to a no-wake zone where paddlers can explore without motorboat disruption. According to a visitor, "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!"
Cycling access: The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail connects multiple campsites and offers a crushed gravel surface suitable for casual riders. Channahon State Park Campground sits directly on this route, making it convenient for bicycle tourists. A camper notes, "This campground is right in town. 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."
Fishing spots: Multiple camping areas provide direct access to productive fishing locations. At Kayak Morris, the confluence of waterways creates an ideal fishing environment. One angler reported, "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!"
What campers like
Waterfront access: Campers consistently appreciate sites with direct water access. At Kayak Morris, you can launch directly from campsites. A reviewer explained, "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."
Privacy between sites: Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park offers well-separated camping spots. A camper shared, "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. You have to walk all the way down and take a left before you find sites 5, 4, 3, and 2 in that order."
Beginner-friendly options: Some campgrounds specifically cater to those new to camping. A visitor to Camp Shabbona Woods remarked, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal flood risk: Low-lying campsites can experience flooding during rainy periods. At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, one camper warned, "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. We had three inches up to the fire pit."
Gate closure times: Several campgrounds implement strict gate closure policies. At Camp Shabbona Woods, gates close at 10 PM, while other parks may close even earlier off-season. A visitor noted, "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok."
Water access considerations: While many campsites advertise water access, conditions vary seasonally. Regarding the I&M Canal, a camper at McKinley Woods cautioned, "The canal is navigable, but swampy with algae and some downed trees. The Chanahan state park website says you can paddle from there to Morris IL, 15 miles, but be aware this is best down in spring or fall."
Tips for camping with families
ADA accessible options: McKinley Woods provides two ADA-accessible sites with concrete pads. A visitor noted, "Two of the four sites are paved as well. The road is a path, so the sites are ADA accessible."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Davis Creek Campground in Kankakee River State Park offers open areas ideal for nature observation. A camper shared, "This campground is open, there are a lot of amenities, it's very well kept, and there is good access to water."
Firewood availability: Some campgrounds permit gathering small sticks, reducing costs for family outings. At Kayak Morris, "They sell firewood but also let you pick up sticks in the area that are small- we didn't need to buy firewood after gathering our own."
Tips from RVers
Limited trailer access: Most tent campgrounds near Chicago Heights have walk-in sites unsuitable for trailers. A visitor to McKinley Woods noted, "We didn't realize this was a walk-in campground, the details on the Will county site were vague. We have a small, motorcycle trailer so we ended up rolling down hill 100 yds. then back again after our 2 night stay."
Potable water quality varies: While drinking water is available at several campgrounds, quality issues exist. At McKinley Woods, "Water is available by an old fashioned pump, and is drinkable, but cloudy."
Equipment rental options: For RVers wanting to try tent camping, Kayak Morris offers full equipment rental. "If you forgot your tent they rent them out as well," reported one camper, providing an option for those normally traveling in RVs but wanting a tent experience.
