Best Tent Camping near Deerfield, IL

Searching for a tent campsite near Deerfield? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Deerfield. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Deerfield, Illinois's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Deerfield, Illinois (5)

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Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Deerfield, Illinois

381 Reviews of 5 Deerfield Campgrounds


  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Family Campground
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Blackwell Family Campground

    Weekend Camping with lots of activities

    For years, this was our go-to campground for weekend nearby adventures. Over the years, the price has increased and at $30 per site for non-residents, it's a bit steep for tent camping for me (so I left off a star rating). All sites are electric, so if you are tent camping and want your fan or slow-cooker, then it's as good as it gets in the burbs. It's located in a beautiful wooded Dupage County Forest preserve. While the sites are pretty close together, there are a few good ones that feel more secluded. Designated chip bark tent sites are level. The grounds are very well maintained. While I didn't camp here this year, I took these photos the last weekend in October to give everyone a sense of how nice this campground could be for them. My favorite sites over the years were the ones closest to Silver Lake along the South Loop road because those sites have the best views. For privacy, my favorite site is #27 on the north loop road which makes you feel like you are alone in the woods. Other than plenty of hiking options including a big hill, the fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release. There is also archery, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course. It is a great place for families. I've brought cub scouts here and my kids' friends. Heads-up that sites 21 & 22 may not be able to see traffic on the busy Winfield Rd in the summer, but you will still hear it at those sites.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Illinois beach

    We stayed here on a nice warm weekend. There is a huge building you can rent a room in or over 200 campsites with water and electricity. We camped in a tent and enjoyed the swimming and fishing from Lake Michigan. Very nice and clean. Employees were helpful and told us of a great fishing spot!!!

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul Wolff Campground
    Jul. 12, 2022

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Clean and Nice

    I've stayed in a tent and a trailer here. Love this place. Super clean, everyone is pleasant. The tent sites are kind of away from the RVs. There's only 10 tent sites, but you could land your tent at an RV site if you wanted water or electric. Love coming here.

  • Chloe N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
    Mar. 18, 2022

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Great for kids

    We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. There are about 8 tent/pop up sites and the rest of the campground is for RVs. I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site! The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms (no hot water in the showers) right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids! We’re going back this summer. This is not private or rustic camping but still very fun and relaxing.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Woods Campground
    Jan. 3, 2022

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Great Campground

    Have stayed here a few times tent camping. Smaller campground in McHenry county. Good staff. Other campers relatively friendly and quiet. County police make a presence in the camp ground. Clean. Decent sites, some have hike in (kind of). Decent toilets.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
    May. 31, 2017

    Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Typical State Park Campsites

    The state park is larger than expected with decent amenities (boat rentals, concessions, relatively clean pit toilets) and areas designated for trailer camping and tent camping.

    We stayed in the Turner South Loop, one of the older tent camping loops, and the age definitely showed. Most of the sites on this loop are pretty worn, with not much privacy. We stayed in T10, but would consider T9 if we returned to this loop for a different reserved site. The prairie loop looked a bit newer with bigger, less worn sites. Both loops had grill pits that were well-maintained for fires and campfire cooking.

    Trails were geared more towards horses and bikes, but there are plenty of walking paths, and we were able to find some hidden trails along the lake (read: unofficial). Overall, a place for relaxing and leisurely strolls and not hiking.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul Wolff Campground
    Oct. 10, 2020

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Nice enough for a stopover

    Well maintained park. We stayed at a tent site, nearby pit toilets are basic with no running water. Odd numbered sites had better shade than evens. The RV sites looked closely spaced but nice enough

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Rock Campground
    Oct. 10, 2020

    Big Rock Campground

    Expensive RV park for non-residents

    Not worth the drive here to tent camp if you live outside of Kane county. Even their 9 hike-in primitive sites hugging the treeline lack privacy. Yes, all the sites are very flat. It's a nice field if that's what you look for in a campground.

  • Ken
    Camper-submitted photo from Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Beautiful Spot

    We were camping here right in the middle of fall. The leaves were changing and our site was near the lake. Awesome family friendly spot. Adult beverages must be in a solo cup. Good for RV and tent camping. The bathroom isn’t too far of a walk from any site.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul Wolff Campground
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Not for #vanlife

    Full hook ups and electric sites plus some restricted Equestrian and walk in sites
    Not for #vanlife. I tried to pay for a tent site and was told “you’re not supposed to sleep in your car” “this campground is for RV’s only”

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Woods Campground
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Beautiful IL woods and prairie

    Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers. Hand pumps for water and well-kept pit toilets. Hiking galore! My "leashed" dog loves this place, as do I.

  • Therese T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
    Jun. 24, 2021

    Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    Beautiful serene park

    We had a great stay. Level well maintained shady tent site. Bathrooms were fine. The camp hosts were nice. Can’t beat the views of Lake Michigan! Nice trails through the park. Beaches were too cold and rough waters for swimming, but we had an awesome time!

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore RV Resort
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Sycamore RV Resort

    Secret get away

    No tent camping allowed but pop up trailers on up are welcome. Very nice grounds that are quiet. 10 minute drive to town. 20 minutes from Dekalb. Some Covid 19 restrictions. Beach and restrooms are closed. Campers must have their own toilets. Other wise very clean shower house and restrooms if there were no Covid 19.

  • Katie A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Reinberg
    Nov. 29, 2023

    Camp Reinberg

    Great little camp ground!

    Loved everything about this place. The staff is so helpful, well maintained, nice trail system. We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again. We also came back last weekend and stayed in one of the large cabins- game changer in the winter! It’s a perfect spot for a weekend away from Chicago, will definitely be back.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Bullfrog Lake
    May. 29, 2019

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Fantastic car camping close to Chicago

    Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life.

    Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well.

    Beautiful forest surrounds the lake, lots of hiking in the surrounding enormous forest preserve. Lake has fishing and boats as well.

  • Jonathan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Rock Campground
    May. 21, 2023

    Big Rock Campground

    First time campers

    Nice clean area to camp. Most of the sites are for travel camper or RV’s.

    A couple of drive Ups.

    50/30 amps hookups. Water hookups as well. Great water pressure.

    Running water restrooms & non-running water restrooms.

    2-dump sites they have sections for tent camping- but down fall is they do not have showers.

    Overall experience was great and we will return.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul Wolff Campground
    Sep. 24, 2022

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Very Noisy

    This campground is well maintained. The tent sites are nicely arranged for privacy. There are a few wooded trails from the campground. Just don’t count on sleep unless you are in the habit of sleeping through trains, traffic and planes taking off at least once per hour from nearby airport. It was torture. Bathrooms are okay not great.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
    Jun. 8, 2022

    Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    Child Friendly Campground

    Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water. Clean bathrooms and shower.

  • Sharon B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cliffside Park Campground
    Aug. 25, 2020

    Cliffside Park Campground

    Well appointed campsites

    All sites are spacious with their own power and water. Sites 1-41 are available for first come if not previously reserved. The fee is $30/night plus $12 if you choose to reserve a site. I didn't do much exploring because I was caught by a pretty big storm (I was tent camping). It's nice that all sites are grass, although there are many sites with little shade. Be warned, the mosquitoes can be voracious.

  • Scott K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Foot Beach State Park Campground
    Sep. 14, 2022

    Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    Hard to ask for a better campground.

    A little hard to find at first. GPS will take you to a service road as the entrance, actual entrance is on the other side of the lake just before The Boat House Bar.

    Came in really late without a reservation but they have a self check in. Small cards next to check in booth. I recommend snagging an RV site. The price is the same and it’s way better. Tent camping area was really muddy. I only brought a hammock but could easily fit six tents on my site alone. Roads and facilities are in great shape. Constant hot water.

  • Julia B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Nice lake

    The campsites are kinda small but not on top of each other. Had some raccoons at night even after we locked up everything in the car. The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by. This loop is best for tent camping. The other loops are basically all rvs. The boat launch to the fox river was nice too but it does get busy.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Sullivan
    Aug. 11, 2018

    Camp Sullivan

    Good for Car Campers

    Our trip to Camp Sullivan was mostly a test run to determine how our new dog handled camping. The campsites are pretty crowded, you can easily see and hear your neighbors the entire time you're there. The bathroom facilities were clean with an average level of amenities. We tent camped, but could see the cabin grounds which looked nice. However, important to note dogs are not allowed inside the cabins. Overall it was an okay spot to test our dog's temperament, but the closeness, expensive fire wood, and lack of extensive hiking trails means we probably will not return.

  • Matt K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Woods Campground
    Sep. 22, 2020

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Site 17

    Larger site for an RV but I used a tent only. I enjoyed the fact the site was further off the main road which allowed for more privacy. Most of the sites were right on the road and you’d need to position your car right for privacy. The tent sites are clumped pretty tight together with a couple exceptions. There were some loud families the Saturday I was there but got fairly quiet after 10. I did hear some nearby house party well into the night.
    Overall nice spot not to far from my home for a quick getaway.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Bullfrog Lake
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    camping in your own backyard

    kudos goes to CCFPD for making an incredible campground on what was once just a weed-ridden pond. the campground offers up Cabin, RV and tent sites. Power to some sites esp hook ups for RVs. we stood at the tent pad sight and I was impressed by how spacious and clean it was. We were lucky enough to camp with a full moon which lit up the park and heard coyotes howling across the woods. This was a great experience for my twin brothers who are 16 years old and first time camping. defiantly will be back here because it’s so close too home and was a great experience

  • Ian C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Fox den at Chain o Lakes

    Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers (our site was protected on 3 sides by some fairly dens foliage and trees). Electric is easily accessible, and water / sanitary is easy to get in and out of.

    The concessions/ camp store is located near the boat docks and is easily walked or driven to with decent selection of foods, gear, and fishing items.

    Bathhouse could use to be cleaned a bit more regularly but overall a pleasant experience for the price. Recommend staying.


Guide to Deerfield

Tent camping near Deerfield, Illinois offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature while still being close to urban amenities. Whether you're a seasoned camper or trying it for the first time, there are several well-reviewed spots to consider.

Tent campers should check out Camp Shabbona Woods

  • This campground features essential amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it a great choice for those who want a comfortable camping experience.

Explore local attractions near Melody Park Campground

  • Located in Twin Lakes, this site is perfect for those looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area while having access to nearby recreational activities.

Tips for tent camping near Deerfield

  • Consider reserving a spot at Hammel Woods, which offers both drive-in and walk-in access, ensuring you can choose the best way to set up your campsite.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Deerfield, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Deerfield, IL is Camp Shabbona Woods with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Deerfield, IL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Deerfield, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.