Tent campsites near Des Plaines, Illinois provide varied camping experiences within 45 miles of this northern Chicago suburb. The region features mostly flat terrain with elevations ranging between 580-650 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically average 80-85°F during day and 60-65°F at night, while spring and fall camping seasons bring temperature fluctuations and occasional rain.
What to do
Trail access opportunities: At Channahon State Park Campground, campers can directly connect to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. According to Art S., "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. The trail is crushed gravel and is a beautiful ride."
Kayaking and canoeing: Several tent sites provide water access within 30-45 minutes of Des Plaines. At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, Brian O. notes, "There is easy access to the I&M canal and bike trail with a dock, access to the Des Plaines river is an unofficial path from the overlook. The canal is navigable, but swampy with algae and some downed trees."
Bird watching: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. Brian O. mentions at McKinley Woods, "At night, you can hear owls and distant trains," making it a good option for nocturnal bird enthusiasts and nature observation.
What campers like
Shaded sites: Many campers appreciate the wooded environments at several locations. Art S. describes Channahon State Park as "surrounded by trees" and "a nice, shady place to stop along the I & M Canal Trail."
Accessibility features: Some tent campsites near Des Plaines, Illinois offer ADA-accessible options. Brian O. explains at McKinley Woods, "In McKinley Woods proper there is a large camping area and two of the sites have concrete pads for ADA accessibility... 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."
Cyclist-friendly locations: Bicycle campers value sites along trails. Art notes that at Channahon, "Arriving by bicycle is even better. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp. You can stop for a rest or stay the night," making it convenient for multi-day bike trips.
What you should know
Gate closure policies: Some campgrounds restrict after-hours access. Jeffrey L. mentioned at Camp Shabbona Woods, "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."
Walk-in site logistics: Several campgrounds require walking from parking areas. Brian O. warns, "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, so the sites are ADA accessible." Art S. confirms similar conditions at Channahon: "It should also be noted that you need to walk in to the campsites (parking is really close by)."
Urban noise factors: Many sites experience some background noise from nearby urban areas. Jeffrey L. reports, "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background," while others mention early morning motorboat noise on waterfront sites.
Tips for camping with families
First-timer friendly options: For families new to camping, certain sites provide more amenities. Scott M. notes that Camp Shabbona Woods "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. Caretakers were very helpful and did a great job keeping the campground clean."
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Jeffrey L. reports at Camp Shabbona Woods, "The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly." This contrasts with more rustic options that offer only vault toilets or limited facilities.
Picnic amenities: Many sites provide substantial picnic facilities suitable for family meals. Brian O. describes that at McKinley Woods, "All sites have enormous banquet sized picnic tables with cut-out in the bench for wheelchairs. Firepits are 3' across, the steel rim is a foot above the ground, but the pit is 8" below ground level."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent campgrounds near Des Plaines offer minimal or no facilities for RVs. Several campgrounds are walk-in only, making them unsuitable for RV camping entirely. Small trailers may have difficulty at certain sites, as Brian O. experienced: "We have a small, motorcycle trailer so we ended up rolling down hill 100 yds. then back again after our 2 night stay, a bit of a hassle, but not a problem. Just be aware of it."
