Best Tent Camping near Crete, IL
Looking for tent camping near Crete? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Crete with tent camping. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Crete, Illinois's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Crete, IL (10)
1. Camp Shabbona Woods
Calumet City, Illinois1 Review•37 Saves- Fires
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$30 - $80 / night
2. Kayak Morris
Morris, Illinois11 Reviews•25 Photos•180 SavesLocated only 1 hour from Chicago! Our private Campground is PERFECT for the BEGINNER camper! Camp with your vehicle just steps from your tent. WE are right on the water! All sites are Fully wooded Sandy Beach camping.
Forget Something? Downtown Morris is just steps away, or Walmart/Jewel(5min). Need a shower? No problem! Morris Community Swimming pool (1mile away) features a shower/locker room facility and swimming pool. KayakMorris Outdoor Learning Campground is a new concept in recreational fun for all. KayakMorris' Campground was created out of a need to connect a variety of people and groups to recreational land and outdoor experiential learning programs and features GLAMPING!
We are combining easy access to kayaking, biking, canoeing, fishing, geocaching and hiking all in one great place! We make it FUN! We are even just steps away from historic downtown Morris, which features antique shops, novelty stores and great restaurants. We feature full sand beaches on the Illinois River and we are adjacent to the historic I & M canal and towpath featuring fishing, hiking, biking and geocaching.
Our Campground is specifically for families, youth and those with the utmost respect for the Great Outdoors! We cater to those that seek to escape to the wilderness and spend relaxing time with their friends and family. We pride ourselves in limiting camping privileges to families, youth and those that are truly outdoor enthusiasts.
All camping is online reservation only(unless you have camped with us before). You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation.
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
$29 / night
3. Davis Creek Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Bourbonnais, Illinois2 Reviews•2 Photos•12 SavesDavis Creek Campground is available by reservation for chaperoned youth and church groups. All areas require camping permits, available at the park office or from park personnel in state vehicles. Groups of 25 or more are required to obtain a free activity permit from the park office.
Tent Camping Only Must park in lot and walk to campsite Reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL.com Open Year Round Reservations accepted for March through October
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
4. Mac Finn's Landing
Aroma Park, Illinois1 Review•16 Photos•24 SavesTent camping fishmermen's retreat.
Parking Available for guests.
Boat friendly. (Kayak rental Available.)
Season ending December 1st, 2022.
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- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
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$35 - $50 / night
5. McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Channahon, Illinois3 Reviews•17 Photos•39 SavesFrederick's Grove offers four primitive campsites for family or group rental, with a permit capacity of six people per site. The campsites are on flat terrain in full shade to full sun and provide access to grills, fire pits and latrines. Two of the campsites are on natural surface terrain and two are on concrete pads and are ADA accessible. The campsites are unavailable for rental from November 1 through April 15 each year for safety and maintenance.
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- Fires
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- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$15 - $30 / night
6. Channahon State Park Campground
Channahon, Illinois1 Review•7 Photos•29 SavesChannahon State Park is the official trailhead for the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Channahon is an Indian word meaning "the meeting of the waters" and signifies the joining of the DuPage, Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers.
Today, Channahon State Park is under the management of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and provides park visitors a look back at a historic waterway that transformed a state. Locks 6 & 7 and the original locktenders house at Lock 6 located at the Channahon State Park enable visitors to daydream of a time when one of the loudest noises heard came from a blacksmith pounding out a new set of horse shoes.
Only primitive tent camping is available and gear must be walked to the campsite. Fire rings, picnic tables, and grills are located in the camping area. A drinking fountain and pit toilets are located within a short distance from the camping area. A camping permit must be obtained from the information center.
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- Picnic Table
7. Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
Beverly Shores, Indiana1 Review•10 Photos•25 SavesOverview
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres (6070 ha) will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles (80 km) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.
Recreation
There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes.__ As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.
Facilities
There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes.__ As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.
Natural Features
Indiana Dunes National Park is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national park features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology. In addition, four National Natural Landmarks (including Pinhook Bog and Cowles Bog ) and one National Historical Landmark (the Bailly Homestead) are located within its boundaries.____ The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource.__ For more information on our natural features visit the Nature and Science page on the park website.
Nearby Attractions
Central Avenue Beach on Lake Michigan is located nearby, less than 5,000 feet (1524 m) from the campground. Several other national park beaches are within easy driving distance. A gas station / convenience store is located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of the campground on U.S. Highway 12. The Beverly Shores South Shore Railroad station with passenger service to Chicago and South Bend is located on Broadway Avenue. Indiana Dunes Tourism and LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau have lists of other activities in the area.
Charges & Cancellations
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (camping reservations cancelled the day before or day of arrival) incur a $10 cancellation fee plus a forfeiture of the first night's use fee.__ For more information please review Recreation.gov's Rules and Reservations Policies.__
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- Reservable
- Tents
- Toilets
$25 / night
8. Illinois and Michigan Canal
Be the first to review!Joliet, Illinois•4 SavesBackpack carry-in is allowed at designated sites along the 61 mile trail. Tent and youth group camping are also available at Channahon and Gebhard Woods. Open fires are permitted in camp stoves and fire pits provided at the sites. Permits must be obtained from the park offices prior to camping.
Call the park office for location of these sites. Class D sites are for tent camping or primitive sites (walk-in or backpack) with no vehicular access.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
$6 / night
10. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Be the first to review!Plano, Illinois•3 SavesFor those who like rustic, primitive environs, an area overlooking the Fox River is available for Youth Group camping. No vehicles are permitted in the camp area, so it requires backpacking a short distance. Only the sounds of nature surround campers in this heavily-wooded area along the river, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life.
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Recent Tent Reviews in Crete
391 Reviews of 10 Crete Campgrounds
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Preston H.
Scout
Oak Lake RV Resort
Quiet, nice place.
Staff was extremely helpful as this was our first trip with the new camper. Was very quiet. Clean shower and bathroom.
- TThomas C.
Guide
Camp Sullivan
Urban Camping near Chicago
Camp Sullivan offers a charming and well-maintained space for campers of all kinds, from tent enthusiasts to RV travelers like us. All the RV sites here are back in, and while they are tight, they are certainly manageable. We brought our 36-foot RV, the Badger, and although it barely fit, we were able to position it close enough to the power box by choosing not to extend the slide. This turned out to be a smart decision, considering the timbers that line the gravel surface of the site. These timbers add a bit of a challenge when maneuvering a larger rig, and in our case, (note to staff) removing the timber closest to the road would have made things much easier.
Each RV site is equipped with 15, 30, and 50-amp electrical connections, though it’s worth noting that there’s no water or sewer available at individual sites. As a result, water conservation becomes essential. The bathrooms here, however, are clean and well-kept, which is always appreciated, especially after a few days without on-site water. There is also a stainless steel sink for use in front of the RV area's bathroom where you can do dishes.
Security at Camp Sullivan feels solid, and while there is some noise, it wasn’t disruptive. We stayed over a weekend, and though there was a lively group in the group campsite Saturday night, they respectfully wrapped up their activities by quiet hours, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep.
The roads throughout the campground are in good condition, and the trees aren’t a concern for your RV clearance. In addition to RV sites, Camp Sullivan offers a range of accommodations for all kinds of campers. There are small rental cabins, large bunkhouses for group camping, and plenty of tent sites spread across the grounds. We didn’t have the chance to check out the"Barn" yet, but it’s a major feature here, housing a climbing wall and concessions.
We also noticed staff busy cleaning the bunkhouse areas and taking care of trash removal, even on a quiet Sunday. Everyone we encountered was friendly and added to the overall positive vibe of the place. Camp Sullivan is an excellent spot for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, (up to six days allowed) with plenty of amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where we feel comfortable and cared for, with just the right balance of adventure and relaxation.
Iryna R.ScoutLeisure Lake Resort
Good resort very bad water
We booked a month stay but weren’t able to stay over 2 weeks because water is so horrible. Our cat got diarrhea, clothes got ruined, you can’t even make tea with that water. But everything else was good. Nice helpful staff, clean, quiet rv park.
Aly E.Guide
Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Great area
Lovely area and there’s so many beach areas nearby. Not on the lake but close! Best hike nearby is Mount Baldy! It’s short and you have the beach to yourself!
Amy S.ScoutDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Safe and comfortable campground
Convenient to Indiana dunes, each site is easily accessible and spacious. The facilities are fairly clean and showers are available though we didn’t use them. Would recommend as a stop over. As a solo female traveler I felt safe.
SomadNomad M.
Traveler
Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Alright
Can get a little crowded ar times
Cathy E.TravelerDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
$50 ($25 for the site, $25 for park pass)
Advertised as $25 a night, but you must have an Indiana Dunes park pass, which is only good for this specific park. Site was fine, facilities were decent.
Jennifer K.
Ranger
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Pretty great!
I somehow booked a different campground- website was confusing apparently. However the worker was so helpful and found me a spot anyway. Sites are kind of small so not a lot of space for big big campers. Cute lake and relatively quiet. Odd though that when I asked questions like where can we fill water and if they had a park map I got looked at like I had 3 heads.
Jim L.Traveler
Martin’s Camping Ground
Parking lot
Sites are very close. You can watch the traffic on the highway from your camper.No picnic table, no firing, bathroom and showers were clean. Thought it strange that you needed a combination to get in the bathroom.Seems like most people live there. With a few sites for People passing through. If you’re looking for a place to park for the night and take a shower this is all I would recommend this place for
- CColleen L.Scout
Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
So many bugs!!
This is a nice national park campground and has all that you would expect from that, but the mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on. I honestly couldn’t wait to leave!
- RRobert C.Scout
Martin’s Camping Ground
Not bad
Sites are ok. Very close together. Traffic from I-80 is loud. Staff is very nice. Cleanest campground bathrooms I’ve ever seen.
Rose S.TravelerDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
very nice campground close to the NP
This was a very nicely managed site. All services you might want, even showers. Our spot wasn’t very closed off from other sites, and you’re not likely to get much privacy here
Linda N.Traveler
Blackwell Family Campground
Great little getaway
This was our first time camping tryout and we had a blast. It is deep enough in the forest preserve to feel like camping but is not far from our home, which allows for a quick getaway. The campsite was very clean and the staff/ranger nice and knowledgeable. The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around.
The toilets on the loops are vault and the ones by the main entrance are flush. Didn't use the showers on this trip but both facilities were well maintained and clean.
As other reviewers said, since it is in the forest preserve, the gates close an hour after sunset and reopen at sunrise. The ranger did cruise through the sites to make a formal announcement so that visitors could leave. It is also close to a main road and you could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night. We will definitely be revisiting as a quick getaway spot.
Siegfried M.GuideDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Shady Camp Spot
Nice Privat Spot and lots of Shade, Train is on Duty all Night Paid $12.50 with my Senior Discount 👍
- CChad A.Scout
Leisure Lake Membership Resort
"Easter Week at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park"
"Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week. The location was perfect for a peaceful retreat, and the amenities provided everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable visit. The kids had a blast with the available activities, and it was the ideal setting for our family to come together and create lasting memories. The staff was exceptionally friendly and went above and beyond to ensure our stay was pleasant. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a family-friendly getaway!"
- EEric Y.Traveler
Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
Close by taste of nature
This is actually our second visit here. It’s only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times. It’s a unique location about .5 miles from the actual beach and there’s a path/boardwalk that takes you right there. This is one of the few state parks that has a year-round heated bathroom with shower, so even with our popup camper we were able to take advantage of the decent weather for our first trip of the year. Sites are decent sized and have asphalt driveways with concrete pads. Sites are electric only, but there’s several water fills, even in winter. Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season. Be aware that because it shares an entrance to the state park beach, entering on a summer Saturday or summer Sunday can take upwards of 45 minutes or more.
- TTori P.Scout
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook
Perfect for the kids
I’ve been to this site a handful of times growing up and it’s a good campsite for the kids. Lots of activities to do everyday like crafts to keep the kids preoccupied during the day. RV, tent, and cabins make it easy for everyone to enjoy their stay. Bathrooms need some attention and hotter showers would be wonderful. Always came here for trick or treating and it’s a fun event for the camp ground with plenty of spooky things to do. Might come here when I have kids of my own, but I know there are better camp sites out there!
Katherine T.GuideChippewa Campground at Kankakee River State Park Campground
Ok for an overnight
The sites here are pretty close together and not particularly private. The good thing is it wasn't particularly booked up the night I stayed there. No showers and the pit toilets exist. (I've seen worse, I've seen better, clean but doors are a bit hard to shut the door, no handwashing readily available). I'd recommend this for folks bringing a camper more so than planning to pitch a tent if you want to stay more than one night. It's a good spot for a quick overnight just outside Chicago.
- DDon W.Guide
Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
Nice and private.
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. 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.
Benjamin L.ScoutDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Beautiful campground
We stayed 2 nights and the campground was thickly wooded and beautiful. We had good cell service but obviously the trees prevented Starlink. Our site was huge and the bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers and a dish sink. Short drive to the beaches.
- JJames B.Scout
Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
One night Stay
A little pricey. $63 with tax and amenities. Did have free ice, free coffee, and juice, and donut in the morning. Rail yard behind the row of trees. I believe they were humbling train all night long.
Meghan B.Ranger
Sand Creek Campground
Would stay again!
Privately-owned and just a short distance from Indiana Dunes. The owner was very nice and helpful at check-in. There were several open spots on that rainy Sunday, so we were allowed to pick any open spot. Some spots were out in the open, others along the tree line, and a few in the woods. All sites had a picnic table, fire ring, and seemed fairly level.
Russell S.Traveler
Last Resort Campground
Quiet, reasonably priced rest spot.
We stayed here two weeks while visiting friends in the area. The site was a little small but was pull through and full hookup. Even though we were close to a highway and railroad, traffic noise did bother us. The wifi did not reach out area but I know they plan to expand it's capabilities soon. The best part was free access to the pond, paddle boats etc and friendly staff. The low points were very hard (with odd smell) water to the point where we didn't trust using the on camp laundry. Make sure you have a good on-line water filter.
- SSteve D.Traveler
Lakeshore Camp Resort
Over crowded and rude workers
A group of us go camping at least 1 time a month and we were excited to find a campground with so many amenities very close to home. As soon as I pulled up the lady registering me couldn’t care less that I was there. It was like I was bothering her. She was more concerned what was going on on her phone. Then heading back to the site the park was entirely too crowded. They packed these spots in like sardines. The “security” was a joke. Our kids got yelled at 3 times for riding bikes. But they didn’t do anything with the drunks behind us making noise until 3am. Extremely disappointing and we will not be going back. We will warn everyone we know about this campground.
- KKaren K.Scout
Lakeshore Camp Resort
It’s a trailer park
I couldn’t believe they pass this off for a campground. People live there full time. And it’s red neck.
- Katherine T.Guide
Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Nice wooded sites
The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. Acamper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus. The hosts were friendly. Definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town with good cell service.
Art S.
LegendPotowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Simple state park along the river
Potowatami campground is divided into four loops. We camped in the Osage loop. Garbage cans are at the start of the loop. A central shower house is on the main road midway between the loops. Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path. The camp host checks you in. He gave us the signal in case we drive out of camp. Wave the sign out your window and re-enter camp. He also told us about rock creek nature trail. It’s just across the main road near the ranger office entrance. There are another couple miles of trails if you want some diversity.
Guide to Crete
Tent camping near Crete, Illinois, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With well-maintained facilities and access to recreational activities, these campgrounds are perfect for a weekend getaway.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- At Davis Creek Campground — Kankakee River State Park, you can enjoy open spaces ideal for hiking and cross-country practices, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
- Camp Shabbona Woods provides a great opportunity for first-time campers to explore the outdoors while enjoying amenities like picnic tables and fire pits.
- For fishing enthusiasts, Mac Finn's Landing is a prime spot on the Kankakee River, known for its excellent fishing holes and kayak launches.
Tips for tent camping near Crete
- Be prepared for a walk-in experience at McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, as the campground requires a short hike to access the sites.
- If you're planning to camp at Channahon State Park Campground, remember that it’s surrounded by trees, providing a shady retreat perfect for hot summer days.
- Always check the weather forecast before heading to Illinois and Michigan Canal, as some areas can be prone to flooding during heavy rains.
Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40
- Camping at Kayak Morris typically costs around $30 per night, making it an affordable option for those looking to enjoy river activities.
- Expect to pay approximately $25 for a night at Camp Shabbona Woods, which includes access to showers and picnic areas.
- Rates at Davis Creek Campground — Kankakee River State Park are generally around $20, offering a budget-friendly camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Crete, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Crete, IL is Camp Shabbona Woods with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Crete, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Crete, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.