Tent camping options near Cicero, Illinois cluster around the DuPage, Des Plaines, and Illinois Rivers. Most sites are located within 40 miles of the city in Will and Grundy counties. The area features a mix of walk-in sites and drive-up campgrounds with varied accessibility. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with occasional precipitation.
What to do
Paddling adventures: Kayak Morris provides direct river access for campers, with rentals available onsite. "I have my own kayak and the river here is so calm its awesome. My friends rented the dual kayaks and they loved them," notes camper Art P. about the Kayak Morris experience.
Canal trail exploration: The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail connects multiple camping areas, offering miles of crushed gravel paths perfect for day trips. According to a reviewer at Channahon State Park Campground, "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 opportunities: Anglers find productive waters throughout the region, particularly where rivers converge. "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!" reports Sam Murphy M. about his experience at Kayak Morris.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many sites offer direct water access, allowing for impromptu water activities. At Kayak Morris, camper Eric R. observes that "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."
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer well-spaced sites despite urban proximity. At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, Brian O. notes "the sites are far apart, #1 is the shadiest and most secluded but uneven. #2 is wide open and in the sun, #3 & 4 are shady and paved."
Wildlife viewing: Despite urban locations, many sites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "At night, you can hear owls and distant trains, but motorboats and jet-skis begin around 6:AM," reports a camper at McKinley Woods, highlighting the mix of natural and human environments.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most tent sites near Cicero have basic facilities. At Camp Shabbona Woods, Scott M. explains, "The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing. Caretakers were very helpful and did a great job keeping the campground clean."
Walk-in requirements: Several campgrounds require gear to be carried from parking areas. Brian O. warns about McKinley Woods: "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."
Seasonal flooding concerns: Some sites experience water issues during heavy rains. Rita S. cautions about Frederick's Grove: "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 the the fire pit."
Tips for camping with families
ADA accessible options: Several campgrounds offer accessibility features. At McKinley Woods, "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," according to Brian O.
Rental equipment availability: Families without gear can still enjoy tent camping at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites in Indiana Dunes National Park. One camper notes, "The spot was clean. It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long."
Park closure timing: Check operating hours carefully as gates close early. At Camp Shabbona Woods, Jeffrey L. mentions, "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: True RV sites with hookups are scarce near Cicero, with most campgrounds primarily designed for tent camping. At Davis Creek Campground, Andrea F. notes, "This campground is open, there are a lot of amenities, it's very well kept, and there is good access to water."
Water access considerations: RVers who also enjoy paddling should consider sites with launch access. Taylor L. reports about Kayak Morris: "Small and hidden right on the Illinois River. Received a free night of camping with a whole day of kayaking which is absolutely recommended. Not much to do here except camp and kayak but I will be going back."
Urban proximity impacts: RV campers should expect some urban noise at most locations. Jeffrey L. confirms this reality at Camp Shabbona Woods: "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background."
