Tent campers near Glen Ellyn, Illinois can find camping options within a 40-60 mile radius across several county forest preserves and state parks. Most sites in the area require a short walk from parking areas, ranging from 50 yards to several hundred feet. Northern Illinois camping terrain is characterized by a mix of deciduous woodlands and open prairie areas, with elevations generally between 700-800 feet above sea level and summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Kayaking the Illinois River: At Kayak Morris, campers can launch directly from riverside sites. "Camp sites are dotted next to the shore of the river, there's kayak rentals, and there's enough space for multiple tents on one site," explains Eric R. The river conditions are particularly good for beginners, as one camper noted: "the river here is so calm its awesome."
Fishing for striped bass: The Illinois River convergence near Morris offers productive 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!" reports Sam Murphy M. Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores.
Cycling the I&M Canal Trail: The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail provides excellent biking opportunities with crushed gravel surfaces. The Channahon State Park Campground offers convenient access as "a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock," according to Art S. The trail connects multiple campgrounds in the region and provides relatively flat terrain suitable for family rides.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: MacQueen Forest Preserve offers exceptional site separation. "There are eight primitive campsites here, and they're spread out at least 50 yards apart. You can't see the campsite next to you," reports Amy G. The preserve has both wooded sites and meadow camping options for different experiences.
Budget-friendly costs: Primitive camping in the area is notably inexpensive. MacQueen Forest Preserve sites cost only $4-$5 per night with self-check-in payment boxes. As one camper mentioned, "the very best part? You're in the middle of the country, with gorgeous sunsets, and the primitive camping is only $4."
River access for activities: Many campers appreciate the water recreation options. At Kayak Morris, sites offer direct river access: "We brought our own kayaks and launched right from our campsite which was amazing but they rent kayaks for pretty cheap if you don't have your own," notes Amanda W. Some locations allow gathering small sticks for campfires: "They sell firewood but also let you pick up sticks in the area that are small- we didn't need to buy firewood after gathering our own."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience nighttime train activity. At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, "at night, you can hear owls and distant trains, but motorboats and jet-skis begin around 6:AM." MacQueen Forest Preserve has more prominent train noise: "if you cannot sleep to the sound of trains at night, this is not the campground for you...there were probably three of them that went by in the middle of the night rather close to the campground."
Water availability concerns: Water quality varies between locations. McKinley Woods has pump water that campers describe as "drinkable, but cloudy." MacQueen Forest Preserve provides well water pumps that are explicitly marked "not for drinking," requiring campers to bring all potable water.
Site access limitations: Most tent camping requires walking in from parking areas. At MacQueen Forest Preserve, "you do have to walk into all of them, but they do have one wagon and a dolly you can use to tote things in." One camper advises: "Make sure you bring yours or are outfitted with backpacking gear."
Tips for camping with families
ADA accessible options: Several campgrounds offer wheelchair-accessible sites. MacQueen Forest Preserve "has one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy." At McKinley Woods, "two of the four sites are paved" for easier access, and "all sites have enormous banquet sized picnic tables with cut-out in the bench for wheelchairs."
Swimming alternatives: For families seeking water activities beyond fishing, Davis Creek Campground provides "good access to water" according to Andrea F., who describes the campground as "open, there are a lot of amenities, it's very well kept."
Educational opportunities: Many forest preserves offer ranger programs during summer months. At Camp Shabbona Woods, the "camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping," notes Scott M., making it an excellent introduction to tent camping for children.
Tips from RVers
RV-free experience: Most tent campsites in the Glen Ellyn area are separate from RV camping, providing a more natural experience. MacQueen Forest Preserve has been described as "where to go if you don't like pitching a tent in a field of RVs" with its primitive, tent-only camping environment.
Seasonal considerations: Campground availability varies by season, with many forest preserves closing in late fall and winter. McKinley Woods operates from April through October, while others like Channahon State Park remain open year-round but with limited winter facilities.
