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Best Tent Camping near Glencoe, IL

491 Reviews

Tent camping options near Glencoe, Illinois are limited but accessible within driving distance. Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland offers tent sites approximately 35 miles south of Glencoe. Additional tent camping can be found at Melody Park Campground in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and at Illinois and Michigan Canal backpack camp in Joliet, providing varied experiences for tent campers seeking outdoor recreation in the greater Chicago area.

Most tent sites in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Camp Shabbona Woods provides drinking water, toilets, showers, and picnic tables, though campers should note that vehicles cannot be parked directly at campsites. The Illinois and Michigan Canal backpack camp offers more primitive conditions with hike-in access only and no reservations required. Fire rings are available at several locations, but campers should verify current fire regulations before arrival, especially during dry periods. Sites typically close for the season by mid-October, with Melody Park Campground specifically operating from May 1 to October 15.

The tent camping experience near Glencoe reflects the urban-adjacent nature of the Chicago region. Camp Shabbona Woods provides a convenient introduction to camping for beginners with clean facilities and helpful staff, though the urban setting means background noise from emergency vehicles is common. The campground features young trees that provide limited shade as they mature. Areas farther from Chicago generally offer more seclusion and natural surroundings. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the hike-in sites at Illinois and Michigan Canal provide greater separation from urban elements. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "This camp site is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping."

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Best Tent Sites Near Glencoe, Illinois (5)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Glencoe, IL

3 Photos of 5 Glencoe Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Glencoe, IL

491 Reviews of 5 Glencoe Campgrounds

  • H. K.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Nice but very little shade

    We stayed in the primitive tent area near the back of the park. It is walk in.

    There was a pole for a lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring and tent pad. There is one clean flush toilet and shower per each gender (the shower stall was spacious with plenty of hooks and benches). There were also vault toilets not too far away. The water spigot was pretty far away though. There were plenty of garbage cans.

    There were a few small trees but very little shade. On hot days I think a pop up shade shelter would be necessary to make it bearable.

    Overall it was pretty quiet.

    The last night we were there a large group of people with their tents showed up. There were not enough tent pads or picnic tables for all of them. I don't know if it was the park that booked so many people or if it was the group that overbooked.

  • H
    May. 26, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Great stay, come ready

    We stayed two nights in mid-May, at site number 72. Area was gorgeous, well maintained, shady and quiet. Tons of hiking trails in very close proximity to the campground! There is electricity on site, but no water or sewage at each site. However there is a water fill station and a dump station. So just come prepared. Also, they have a very strict no alcohol policy. Not that that stopped people, but don't go walking around with a beer bottle! We would definitely return.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Great value Chicago suburb campsite

    I've camped here four different occasions this 2020 covid-19 year. The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms. It is a super clean campground with multiple hosts and forest preserve staff. There are a large number of RV pads overlooking the prairie and a few along a grove of trees. I was lucky once to see the equestrian area full of campers with their horses. There are 9 walk-in tent sites about 10-20 yards from parking (the two at the end p7 and p9 are connected for groups that know each other). There are multiple ada sites and two "walk-in/ie roll-in" site in the tent-only area. It's a good mix of young people, retired people, and families. I've seen weekends with mainly RVs and one weekend with a quarter of the drive-in sites being tents. The most shaded sites are p1,3,5,7 and 9. Many of the sites in the middle are wide open with little shade but nice summer breezes. Prices are a great deal if you live in Kane county but still worth the trip if you live in another county. Firewood is $7 for about .75 cu ft (what you can fit in a milk crate.) There are a few trails and I've seen lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels. Lots of people (including me) bring their leashed dogs. The other campers have been polite and friendly. I wish there was more distance between sites in the water/electrical loops for more privacy, but I'd go every weekend if I lived in Kane county because it would be worth the resident price even tho there are so many RVs. Because there is electrical it is a peaceful campground with no generator noise.

  • Chris M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Clean & Spacious

    We pulled in around 4:30 in the evening. The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites. Since the weather was cooler , it was pretty sparse with other campers. We stayed 2 nights over the weekend. You are within walking distance to the beach within the park. The buildings have great architecture. The sight had 50 amp electric hook ups but no water or sewer connections, and we knew that going in. We had a back in sight #69. There was plenty of space on all sides. We have a 37’ motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around. The sight also had a wood picnic table and fire ring for a wood fire pit. We will definitely be back! I wish I had taken more photos from the beach and beach pavilion.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2020

    Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Well maintained and clean

    Very impressed with this state park! It was huge, almost 3 miles just to our site! The showers were clean. The spots were large and wooded with nice fire ring set ups. The staff was very helpful answering any questions and giving recommendations. We stayed on a primitive/wilderness site for $12 with no electric. They will allow anyone on these sites-we even saw huge RV'S and 5th wheels on primitive sites.

    There are amazing trails through park for people to hike, bike, or ride horse on.

    Spring Grove is a tiny town nearby with a little corner bar called “The Grove”. They serve amazing food with great service. Very clean! I recommend checking it out if you’re looking for some good food.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Outer Circle

    We reserved a spot in the outer circle. We like having woods on one side. Nice campground camping….parking pad, fire ring, picnic table. Good amount of space between spots. Nice bathrooms & showers. We have a rooftop tent and we’re very happy. Loved the hike over “Mt. Tom” to the gorgeous beach and warmish lake for a swim. We choose the State Park vs. National Park so we could hike to the beach.

  • Jonathan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2023

    Big Rock Campground

    First time campers

    Nice clean area to camp. Most of the sites are for travel camper or RV’s.

    A couple of drive Ups.

    50/30 amps hookups. Water hookups as well. Great water pressure.

    Running water restrooms & non-running water restrooms.

    2-dump sites they have sections for tent camping- but down fall is they do not have showers.

    Overall experience was great and we will return.

  • Scott N.
    Jul. 14, 2020

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Great trails, loud neighbors, lots of bugs

    Thomas Woods campground has some great sites, particularly the tent sites. Many of them are set off a short distance from the parking area. I stayed at site 30 which was less than a tenth mile from the parking spot. There are no trash cans at the site, the dumpsite is near the entrance. Most of the roads are one way so after dropping the trash off you must drive all through the campground to get back to your site. The site itself had plenty of room and privacy. The woods are dense and block all views of the neighboring sites. Unfortunately, I think some people think if they can’t see you, you can’t hear them. Every site has a raised pad for a tent. This was very nice. I did track in some of the small gravel into the tent, though. It looks like kitty litter. Not a big deal. It was nice sleeping flat and not sliding off my sleep pad.

    Near Marengo Ridge is a bike trail called H.U.M. Trail. It is only 3.5 miles long. From what I understand is they lost funding for the project. The path is paved and offers a scenic forested view. The hiking trails of Marengo Ridge are the true stars of the area. I walked for almost two hours and still didn’t see them all. Some of the trails have wide paths of grass while others are single-track dirt. 

    As other reviewers have written, the mosquitoes are insane.  Bring plenty of bug spray!

    My website:  https://www.lost13.com/camping/2020/7/13/marengo-ridge

    My video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh4TzLzf\_PY&t=1s

Guide to Glencoe

Tent camping near Glencoe, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for tent camping near Glencoe

  • At Camp Shabbona Woods, first-time campers will find well-organized sites that make for an easy introduction to camping.
  • Be prepared for limited shade at Camp Shabbona Woods as the area is still developing its tree cover.
  • Always check the weather before heading out, especially if you're camping at places like Hammel Woods, where conditions can change quickly.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $50

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Camp Shabbona Woods features essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • At Illinois and Michigan Canal, pets are allowed, making it a great choice for those who want to bring their furry friends along.
  • Hammel Woods offers reservable sites, which can be a lifesaver during peak camping seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Glencoe, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Glencoe, IL is Camp Shabbona Woods with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Glencoe, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Glencoe, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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