Tent campsites near Evanston, Illinois require strategic planning as most options are located 30-60 miles from the city in surrounding counties. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with July and August experiencing average high temperatures around 83°F and moderate humidity. Winter camping is limited in the region, with most established campgrounds closing during colder months when temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Camp Shabbona Woods provides easy access to the 3.3-mile Sand Ridge Nature Center trail system. One camper noted that despite the urban setting, you can "definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background," but the natural areas offer escape from city life.
Beach exploration: At Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park, campers can explore the Lake Michigan shoreline within walking distance. A visitor mentioned "the walk to the beach was not too long" from the tent sites, making this location ideal for combining camping with water activities.
Fishing opportunities: Several forest preserves near Evanston permit fishing in stocked lakes and streams. Hammel Woods offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with proximity to the DuPage River for fishing, though reviews indicate amenities are minimal compared to other area campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy levels: At Central Avenue Walk-in Sites, tent campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites. One visitor reported that "The spot was clean. It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy," noting the layout where "Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail. You have to walk all the way down and take a left before you find sites 5, 4, 3, and 2 in that order."
First-timer friendly: Camp Shabbona Woods receives positive feedback for accommodating inexperienced campers. Though the campground has some limitations, it remains practical with "bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly," according to a recent visitor who gave the site a 3-star rating.
Urban accessibility: Tent campsites within 90 minutes of Evanston provide nature experiences without long travel times. Camp Shabbona Woods features "gates that close after 10pm," providing security in an urban-adjacent setting while maintaining camping fundamentals.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Many tent campsites near Evanston operate with basic amenities. At Hammel Woods, both drive-in and walk-in tent sites are available, but the facility lacks drinking water and has restrictions on fires.
Seasonal crowding: Summer weekends fill quickly at established campgrounds within 60 miles of Evanston. Advance reservations are essential, particularly for holiday weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Parking restrictions: Several campgrounds separate parking from tent sites. At Camp Shabbona Woods, you "can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite," requiring campers to transport gear between parking areas and camping locations.
Tips for camping with families
Shade considerations: When selecting tent sites with children, assess tree cover carefully. Camp Shabbona Woods currently has limited shade since "new saplings are still growing," which can impact comfort during summer camping trips.
Safety planning: Urban-adjacent camping requires different safety protocols than remote locations. At Illinois and Michigan Canal backpack camping areas, families should bring sufficient water supplies as drinking water is not available at sites.
Educational opportunities: Several forest preserves near Evanston offer ranger programs and nature centers. Camp Shabbona Woods connects to Sand Ridge Nature Center with programming designed for younger campers, making it educational despite being in an "urban area" that is "very small."
Tips from RVers
No hookup options: Most tent campsites near Evanston lack RV amenities. Kishwaukee Valley Farms offers both tent and glamping accommodations but doesn't provide electric or water hookups for recreational vehicles.
Size restrictions: Large RVs face significant limitations at campsites within 60 miles of Evanston. No campgrounds in the immediate area are designated as big-rig friendly, requiring RV campers to research vehicle length restrictions before booking.
Generator policies: Most forest preserve campgrounds near Evanston prohibit generator use to maintain natural soundscapes. Campers requiring electricity should select sites with hookups or prepare alternative power solutions.
