Tent camping near Edwards, Illinois centers around small waterways, forest preserves, and conservation areas in the Illinois River Valley. The terrain features rolling hills with scattered woodlands and open meadows at elevations between 450-700 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during camping season, with frequent thunderstorms in June and July that can create muddy conditions at primitive sites.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Rock Island Trail State Park Campground, tent campers can access a 26-mile converted railroad trail. The park offers hike-in and walk-in tent-only sites with basic amenities including vault toilets.
Canal exploration: Explore the historic 104-mile Hennepin Canal at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground. "The Hennepin Canal Trail goes right through camp. On a previous visit I rode my bike along the crushed gravel trail. With a few connecting roads, I traveled from a Chicago suburb to the Mississippi River," notes camper Art S.
Fishing opportunities: The levee system at Woodford State Conservation Area creates excellent fishing spots. "Locals came in all day long to fish. Some launched their boats but most stayed on shore. We walked along the levees to explore the area," according to Art S.
What campers like
Solitude and simplicity: Hennepin Canal Lock 11 provides quiet primitive camping with minimal development. "Whether it is the fact that you can't actually make a reservation here... one thing is for certain: if you planned to truly 'get away from it all' you really can have your sandwich and eat here at Hennepin Canal Lock 11," shares Stuart K.
Wildlife viewing: The conservation areas around Edwards offer excellent bird watching and deer sightings, particularly at dawn and dusk. Woodford State Conservation Area provides walking paths along levees where campers regularly spot woodland and wetland wildlife.
Reasonable fees: Most conservation areas charge modest camping fees. At Hennepin Canal, "Camping is only allowed in the designated campsites. Fires are only allowed in the state designated fire pits at the campgrounds. The canal offers class 'C' (primitive camping without showers or electricity) for $8.00 per family/per night," reports Iris A.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Woodford State Conservation Area experiences periodic flooding issues. "They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises," notes Art S., who adds, "There were bunches of large gnat-like insects but they didn't bite like mosquitos."
Water limitations: Potable water is scarce at most primitive sites. Stuart K. warns about Hennepin Canal: "There is no potable drinking water anywhere at any of these locks up and down the Hennepin Canal apart from at the Visitors Center, so ensure you bring your own water or a filtration system."
Road conditions: Some conservation areas have unpaved or rough entry roads. At Woodford State Conservation Area, campers note "the hosts are waiting for more money from the state to finish improving the entrance road. It was bumpy but not too bad."
Tips for camping with families
Look for shade options: When tent camping near Edwards with kids, select sites strategically. At Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, "Choose a campsite under some trees if you like. Vault toilets are up the hill. Garbage cans are plentiful."
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer recreational options beyond hiking. At Hickory Hill Campground, "The amount of amenities includes an in-ground pool opened between Memorial Day and Labor Day, basketball court, mini golf, shuffleboard, pool table, ping pong and various soda and snack vending machines and games in the recreation center."
Easy access trails: For families with smaller children, look for trails near the campsite. At Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, "Deer run hiking trail is right in camp and gets you a bit of a hike."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Hickory Hill Campground, RVers recommend checking site conditions in advance. "The sites are kind of tight. Gravel sites but mostly level," notes Bill P., who adds that "This seems to be more of a full time camping location."
Access limitations: Many conservation areas near Edwards have limited facilities for larger rigs. At Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground, Jeff and Linda L. report, "No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal... We saw a class A, so they do fit."
Self-contained camping: RVers should come prepared with water supplies when tent camping at Edwards conservation areas. Jeff F. confirms that at Hennepin Canal Lock 21, "Water was available on my visit 10-7 thru 10-10. The place is clean and well kept, including the pit toilets."
