Tent camping options near Elk Grove Village, Illinois require short drives to reach natural areas within the heavily developed Chicago metro area. Most tent sites in the region require advance reservations except for MacQueen Forest Preserve, which operates on first-come basis. The campgrounds typically close their entrance gates after hours, with MacQueen locking from sunset until sunrise and Camp Shabbona Woods closing at 10 PM.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: MacQueen Forest Preserve offers access to the Kishwaukee River, though a camper noted "the places with access to the river were not good locations for fishing." Campsite #8 provides a river overlook that one reviewer called "the best spot on the grounds" with a "great remote location overlooking the river."
Hiking and exploration: McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove features "very nice trails through the woods in the area," according to one camper. The preserve connects to the Des Plaines River and offers various natural areas to explore, though visitors should be aware of potential flooding during heavy rains.
Bicycle touring: Channahon State Park Campground sits directly on the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. A cyclist noted, "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." The campground provides convenient bicycle access with sites positioned near the trail.
What campers like
Sense of remoteness: Despite being in a metropolitan area, MacQueen Forest Preserve offers surprising isolation. One camper appreciated that "you're in the middle of the country, with gorgeous sunsets, and the primitive camping is only $4." This provides a budget-friendly escape from urban surroundings.
Well-maintained facilities: A recent 2024 visitor to MacQueen Forest Preserve mentioned "well maintained bathrooms, great secluded sites" and noted the simplicity of the first-come, first-served system. Basic amenities are kept in good condition despite the primitive nature of the camping.
Stargazing opportunities: The meadow area of MacQueen Forest Preserve works well for night sky viewing. A camper observed that "about half of the campsites are in a meadow at the back end of the campground. It would be beautiful for stargazing!" This provides a rare opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts in the Chicago region.
What you should know
Site accessibility challenges: Most tent sites require walking from parking areas. At MacQueen Forest Preserve, "you have to walk into all of them, but they do have one wagon and a dolly you can use to tote things in." The preserve offers one ADA-accessible site near the parking area, while others require carrying equipment along gravel paths.
Water availability limitations: Potable water access varies significantly between campgrounds. Camp Shabbona Woods provides drinking water, while MacQueen Forest Preserve campers should note that "there is water, but it is not, I repeat is not, potable." McKinley Woods offers pump water that's "drinkable, but cloudy."
Weather and terrain concerns: Campgrounds near waterways may experience flooding. At McKinley Woods, one visitor reported that "our site was flooded once we woke up. We had three inches up to the fire pit. By the time we packed up it reached the sidewalk." Always check weather forecasts before camping in riverside locations.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Camp Shabbona Woods is "set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping." The site's layout and amenities make it accessible for those new to outdoor recreation, though a reviewer noted "the campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."
Group gathering spaces: MacQueen Forest Preserve features communal areas suitable for family activities. One camper described "a giant fire pit with benches. The perfect area for a small group camp (as long as each party paid for the campsite that's back there)." This allows for shared experiences while maintaining individual site rentals.
Urban noise considerations: Families should prepare for some urban sounds. At Camp Shabbona Woods, campers "definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background." At MacQueen, "if you cannot sleep to the sound of trains at night, this is not the campground for you" as "there were probably three of them that went by in the middle of the night."
Tips from RVers
Walk-in site preparation: At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, visitors with trailers should note that "the road is a path, so the sites are ADA accessible." One camper with "a small, motorcycle trailer ended up rolling down hill 100 yards then back again after our 2-night stay, a bit of a hassle, but not a problem." Come prepared with transportation solutions for your gear.
Park closure times: Campgrounds enforce strict gate closing times. At McKinley Woods, "the park closes early, 8 PM in summer, and earlier still off season. Check the fine print on your reservation!" This timing constraint affects vehicle access and planning for arrival and departures.
