Tent camping near Elwood, Illinois offers both primitive and established options within a 30-mile radius. The terrain is predominantly flat with elevations ranging between 500-700 feet above sea level across the region. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during camping season, with rainfall typically heaviest in spring months when some riverfront sites may experience flooding.
What to do
Kayaking at confluence points: Kayak Morris provides direct river access where experienced anglers report exceptional fishing. "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper. I don't know if its the river convergence or the lake but they bite here hard!" notes camper Sam Murphy M.
Canal trail cycling: The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail connects multiple campgrounds, making it ideal for multi-day bike trips. At Channahon State Park Campground, the crushed gravel trail passes right by camp. One cyclist observed, "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."
Waterfront picnicking: Many campsites include riverside locations where you can set up for meals with water views. At Mac Finn's Landing, campers enjoy "one of the best no wake zones and fishing banks on the Kankakee River" according to reviewer Raven Rock S., who adds it has "lots of access to great fishing holes up the Kankakee and Iroqouis Rivers."
What campers like
Secluded primitive sites: Some campers prefer the more isolated backpacking options along the canal system. At Kayak Starved Rock Campground, visitors appreciate the riverfront tent camping. One camper noted, "The sites were right on the water and the price was right."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and evening hours provide the best chances to spot local wildlife. At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, one camper mentioned, "At night, you can hear owls and distant trains, but motorboats and jet-skis begin around 6:AM."
Accessibility features: Some locations offer specific amenities for campers with mobility considerations. At McKinley Woods, a reviewer noted, "All sites have enormous banquet sized picnic tables with cut-out in the bench for wheelchairs" and "two of the four sites are paved as well."
What you should know
Flooding potential: Low-lying campsites near rivers may experience standing water after heavy rains. A McKinley Woods camper reported, "Our night went from on and off light rain to three hours of down pour rain. With that said our site was flooded once we woke up. We had three inches up the the fire pit."
Early park closures: Check closing times before booking as some parks have restricted hours. According to a camper at McKinley Woods, "The park closes early, 8PM in summer, and earlier still off season. Check the fine print on your reservation!"
Water quality variations: Hand pumps at some sites may provide cloudy water. One camper at Davis Creek Campground noted its "good access to water" but recommended bringing your own drinking water to be safe.
Tips for camping with families
ADA accessible options: For families with mobility concerns, look for sites with concrete pads. A camper at McKinley Woods observed the campground has "a large camping area and two of the sites have concrete pads for ADA accessibility."
Kayak rentals for beginners: Families can try kayaking without bringing equipment. At Kayak Morris, a visitor mentioned, "My friends rented the dual kayaks ant they loved them. Great location great cover on hot days."
Organized outdoor events: Some campgrounds host scheduled activities for children. At Camp Shabbona Woods, a reviewer noted it's "set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping" making it ideal for families new to outdoor recreation.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Elwood don't accommodate larger RVs or provide hookups. A camper at Kayak Starved Rock Campground pointed out they offer "about 50 primitive campsites that are 100% marked exclusively for tent camping (sorry RVers and 5th Wheelers, but you'll have to go back to the concrete paved lots."
Walk-in site preparation: Many sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Channahon State Park, a visitor mentioned, "It should also be noted that you need to walk in to the campsites (parking is really close by)."
Best RV alternatives: For those with small teardrop trailers or pop-ups, some tent sites can accommodate these smaller units. At McKinley Woods, one camper with "a small, motorcycle trailer" managed by "rolling down hill 100 yds. then back again after our 2 night stay, a bit of a hassle, but not a problem."
