Tent camping near Fairbury, Illinois provides campers with access to the scenic Illinois River Valley and its tributary waterways. The area sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Most primitive campgrounds are situated along the I&M Canal towpath, offering direct water access with sites typically spaced at 1/4 to 1/2 mile intervals.
What to do
Kayak the river system: The Kankakee River offers excellent paddling opportunities at Mac Finn's Landing, where you can access "one of the best no wake zones and fishing banks on the Kankakee River" with "lots of access to great fishing holes up the Kankakee and Iroqouis Rivers."
Fish from shoreline sites: Waterfront camping at Kayak Morris provides direct access to productive fishing spots. One visitor reports, "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!"
Explore canal trails by bike: The I&M Canal Towpath connects multiple campgrounds, making it ideal for bicycle touring. According to one camper at Channahon State Park, "This campground is right in town... 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. It's a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock."
What campers like
Quiet campsites with privacy: The primitive sites at Buffalo Rock State Park Campground appeal to those seeking seclusion. "Camp sites aren't actually in buffalo rock, they're across the street at I&M canal. You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you're looking for privacy this is it."
Water access from tent sites: Tent campers appreciate the direct river access at Kayak Starved Rock Campground where "campsites are on the river so it's beautiful" though one camper notes "everyone is right next to one another so you better like your neighbors. Could be a blessing or a curse."
Spacious group camping areas: For youth groups, Starved Rock State Park Youth Campground offers "two wide-open meadows encircled by thick treelines providing a number of choices as to where you want to pitch your tent for the night."
What you should know
Weather and flooding concerns: Low-lying riverside sites can flood during heavy rains. At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, one 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."
Site access limitations: Many campgrounds require walking gear in from parking areas. At Buffalo Rock, "The sites are only accessible by walking or biking" and "the furthest site (the group site) is three miles from the ranger station."
Varying amenity standards: Toilet facilities range from well-maintained to primitive. One camper at Kayak Starved Rock noted their "Porta potties were shockingly clean! The potties also have motion sensor lights in them for at night visits."
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational wildlife viewing: Woodford State Conservation Area offers opportunities to walk levees and observe river wildlife. One visitor appreciated the "incredible view for sunset photography" while noting there's "good fishing" and "plenty of space for tents."
Choose sites with recreational facilities: Hickory Hill Campground provides family-focused amenities. According to a visitor, there are "Lots of nice amenities for families" including "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."
Plan for evening activities: Campfire programs and night events occur seasonally at several campgrounds. At Kayak Morris, one camper had their "first experience of a lit up kayak tour for fireworks" while another enjoyed a "glampout night provided by the staff" with "good food and quite environment."
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces and leveling: Most primitive sites near Fairbury have natural surfaces that may require leveling. At Hickory Hill Campground, "Gravel sites but mostly level" are available, though one camper noted "the sites are kind of tight."
Access road conditions: Entry roads to conservation areas may be rough. At Woodford State Conservation Area, visitors report the "entry road needs repairs" despite the campground being "kept up as best as they can."
Community atmosphere: Many campgrounds have established regular campers. At Hickory Hill, "This seems to be more of a full time camping location. Lots of buildings and I was offered a lot for sale. Golf carts seem to be the most common mode of travel as there are plentiful."
