Tent campers looking for primitive sites near Country Club Hills, Illinois can find options within a 35-mile radius. The region features a mix of wooded riverside camping and open prairie environments. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F, with spring and fall offering milder conditions in the 50-70°F range, making shoulder seasons ideal for tent camping near Country Club Hills.
What to do
Paddling on calm waters: Kayak Morris offers excellent paddling opportunities with riverside tent sites. "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," notes Eric R. Another camper adds, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Mac Finn's Landing provides access to some of the best fishing spots in the region. "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," according to a camper. The area is particularly known for striped bass, with one visitor reporting, "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper."
Trail exploration: The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail connects multiple camping areas, making it ideal for hiking and biking between sites. Illinois and Michigan Canal backpacking sites in Joliet provide primitive tent camping connected to miles of trail systems. The crushed gravel path is relatively flat, making it suitable for casual cyclists and day hikers of various skill levels.
What campers like
Early morning nature: Many campers appreciate the dawn wildlife viewing. "We were rudely woken up by the Woodpecker Association at 7am," notes one camper at McKinley Woods, highlighting the active bird population. At night, "you can hear owls and distant trains," creating a unique soundscape for tent campers seeking nature immersion.
Spacious sites: Camp Shabbona Woods offers well-designed sites for novice campers. "Camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping," writes Scott M. The campground features clean facilities despite its urban location, though "the campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."
Water access: Riverside camping sites provide direct water access for swimming and paddling. "We stayed when there were not many people there so we had plenty of space but could see it getting crowded when it's full," shares a camper about the beachfront camping experience. Many sites allow launching kayaks directly from campsites, eliminating the need to transport equipment.
What you should know
Gate closure times: Several campgrounds enforce strict gate closure policies. "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok," notes a camper at Camp Shabbona Woods. At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, "the park closes early, 8PM in summer, and earlier still off season. Check the fine print on your reservation!"
Flooding concerns: Low-lying campsites can experience flooding during heavy 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. With that said our site was flooded once we woke up," reports Rita S. about her experience at McKinley Woods, where water rose "three inches up the fire pit."
Urban sounds: Due to proximity to suburban areas, some campgrounds experience urban noise. A camper at Camp Shabbona Woods notes, "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background." This creates a camping experience different from more remote wilderness areas.
Tips for camping with families
ADA accessible options: McKinley Woods offers specially designed accessible sites. "In McKinley Woods proper there is a large camping area and two of the sites have concrete pads for ADA accessibility," notes a reviewer. These sites feature "enormous banquet sized picnic tables with cut-out in the bench for wheelchairs."
Water quality preparation: Bring water purification or extra containers for campgrounds with questionable water sources. "Water is available by an old fashioned pump, and is drinkable, but cloudy," warns a camper about McKinley Woods. Some sites have no water facilities, requiring campers to bring all needed water.
Beach access camping: Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park provides family-friendly beach access camping. "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," reports Don W. Site selection matters, as "Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail."
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Most tent sites require walking gear in from parking areas. "We didn't realize this was a walk-in campground, the details on the Will county site were vague," notes a camper about McKinley Woods. The walk-in distance varies between sites, with some requiring "rolling down hill 100 yds. then back again after our 2 night stay."
Alternative camping setups: Some campgrounds offer alternative options to traditional tent camping. "If you forgot your tent they rent them out as well," notes a camper at Kayak Morris, which also hosts special "glampout" events with "morning breakfast after the glampout night provided by the staff."
