P
Peter N.
Scout
ScoutSunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Nice sites. Lots of road noise.
Tent Camping near Hawthorn Woods, IL
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Forest preserves and public lands surrounding Hawthorn Woods, Illinois offer secluded tent camping options for those seeking a natural retreat. MacQueen Forest Preserve stands out as a highly-rated primitive tent camping destination with walk-in sites spread throughout wooded areas and open meadows. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area and Hammel Woods provide additional tent-only camping options within reasonable driving distance. Melody Park Campground in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, approximately 30 miles north, offers seasonal tent camping from May through mid-October.
Most tent campsites in the region require walk-in access along crushed gravel paths or mowed trails. MacQueen Forest Preserve features nine primitive tent sites spaced approximately 50 yards apart, each equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. Vault toilets are available, but potable water is not provided at most locations. Self-service check-in is common, with payment boxes located in parking areas. Fees are notably affordable, with MacQueen Forest Preserve charging approximately $4-5 per tent. Campers should bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. Some locations provide wagons or dollies to transport gear from parking areas to walk-in tent sites.
Tent campers frequently note the privacy and seclusion available at these locations. According to reviews, MacQueen Forest Preserve offers a wheelchair-accessible tent site on a blacktop path under the forest canopy, while other sites require short walks to completely wooded areas or across open meadows. One camper highlighted site #8 as "the best spot on the grounds" with "a remote location overlooking the river." Winter camping is possible at some locations, though weather conditions can be challenging. The proximity to the Kishwaukee River provides additional recreational opportunities for tent campers. Train noise may be noticeable at night at some campgrounds, particularly MacQueen Forest Preserve, where passing trains can be heard from certain sites.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Hawthorn Woods (6)
1. Melody Park Campground
2. MacQueen Forest Preserve
"This is where to go if you don't like pitching a tent in a field of RVs. There is one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy."
"You can't see the campsite next to you, and they all have a picnic table and a fire ring. 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."
3. Kishwaukee Valley Farms
from $74 - $100 / night
4. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
"Situated about five miles west of Yorkville in Kendall County, Silver Springs State Fish& Wildlife Area spans over 1,350 acres including the beautiful Silver Springs, two manmade lakes and several"
5. Equestrian Campground - Rock Cut State Park
"If your family's perfect camping trip includes saddling up and exploring miles of wooded trails together, the Equestrian Campground at Rock Cut State Park offers a wonderfully peaceful place to spend a"
6. Hammel Woods
"They have 6 primitive sites, and you have to walk in from the parking lot. It is NOT drive in. "
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $40 / night
Drive Time
- 35 min from Kenosha, WI
- 46 min from Racine, WI
- 54 min from Chicago, IL
- 1 hr 5 min from Rockford, IL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Hawthorn Woods, IL
5 Photos of 6 Hawthorn Woods Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Hawthorn Woods, IL
574 Reviews of 6 Hawthorn Woods Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendPrairie View Campground - Rock Cut State Park
Nice Shaded Camping Alcove With Plenty of P&Q
Prairie View CG is the very first camping oasis you will come across after entering Rock Cut SP from its northernmost entrance, with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east. Once you enter the park, you will follow the long winding nicely paved two-lane circuit until you begin seeing the signs highlighting where to go for the various campgrounds. Once you access this road, you’ll come across a small building with a ranger where you will check in, after which, you will pass by a designated dump station before coming around a small bend where you will take your first left.
The sites begin with #500 and as you circumnavigate the simple circular loop, you will pass by about 2 dozen or so slots that are nice flat paved slots perfect sized for just about any RV or 5th Wheel. There is a single his / her restroom along with trash area at the beginning of the loop just past sites #503 and #504. To access the shower, you will need to go back to the main road and hike it down the road with your towel and toiletries, which I have to admit, is the biggest bummer about this particular campground. If having close access to shower facilities is important to you, then you may want to contemplate staying at other campgrounds here at Rock Cut SP like Staghorn and White Oak, which offer closer proximity.
One of the greatest assets here at Rock Cut SP is the very massive Pierce Lake, which is great for fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming. To launch your watercraft, you’ll head south to Hickory Hills campground where on the eastern side of this area you’ll be able to find the boat launch. In the Prairie View campground, in addition to restroom and waste disposal, you’ll also have access to running water spigots at each site along with running electric. The small community amphitheather is located centrally just past the campstore and before reaching the Hickory Hills campground. There is an excellent camp store in the middle of Rock Cut SP that offers up ice, firewood, ice cream, snacks, games, limited groceries and a number of other sundries you might need while camping. Additionally, there are 5 shelters that have electricity, with water and restrooms nearby and each shelter available through a reservation system. Two of the shelters (Red Oak and Puri Crest) also have children’s playgrounds nearby.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the best sites here at Prairie View CG are those that are located furthest from the main road, for attaining the maximum camping bliss trifecta of less traffic, little noise and more privacy. As such, look at sites #512, #514, #516 and #518, which are all located on the exterior of the circle, thus providing the greatest amount of intimate nature experience; (2) Once you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your cooler, fret not, and just head out of the park where you will find a handful of dining options: Tom& Jerry’s, Fresh Start Café, Waffle Shop, Golden Chopsticks Buffet, Sunrise Family Restaurant, Beef-A-Roo (in fact, there’s like 4 of these that the park is surrounded by), but one of my absolute favorites is Green Fire, which is a really nice farm-to-table joint; (3) Got bird watching on your mind? Well, you’re in luck, because here at Rock Cut SP you can spot an amazing array of winged adventurers including bald eagles, American robins, northern cardinals, barn owls, mourning doves, indigo buntings, eastern bluebirds, Canadian geese, red-bellied woodpeckers, brown thrashers and many others; (4) Tired of nature and just want to get some really cool culture in you? Then head just due south of Rock Cut SP to explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House, which is simply amazing; and (5) If you come bearing watercraft like canoe or kayak, while Lake Pierce is wonderful and great for fishing, if you want something a bit more challenging, then head due west to the Rock River, where you can drop in from a number of launch sites, however I strongly recommend Atwood Homestead Forest Preserve.
Happy Camping!
Joel K.
GuideHammel Woods
One night campout in October
I've lived within 2 miles of this campground for 7 years, and I've driven past it literally hundreds of times, but it wasn't until a friend of mine found himself unemployed and said "let's go camping" that we actually camped here. They have 6 primitive sites, and you have to walk in from the parking lot. It is NOT drive in. The sites are all decent, have fire rings, and big solid picnic tables, and each site has it's own garbage can. The camping sites are immediately adjacent to the dog park off Black Road. I will say, between Black Rd, I 55, and Rt. 59, the road noise is noticeable. The office staff and park ranger who closed the gate were all friendly and helpful.
- GGladys L.
TravelerPlum Grove Campground - Rock Cut State Park
Rock Cut State Park in Rockford , Illinois
We got a campsite with a concrete pad. Electricity 30 amp site. There is a dump station close to the registration office. Boat ramp available for campers. One cabin for rental overlooking the Pierce Lake $50/night for Illinois resident. Beautiful setting. Wild turkeys roaming through our campground.
- BBeth O.Scout
Blackwell Family Campground
Great Stay
Blackwell has clean bathrooms, offers hiking trails, boating (kayak rentals) or bring your own, fishing, archery, cycling. The gate locks at 7pm but you just call the night guard and he will let you in. They’re only open on Friday, Saturday and holidays. Would definitely stay again. Be aware Winfield Road has a lot of traffic so sites further away from that road are best. Heard coyotes about 3 am both mornings. Rangers were exceptional.
kelsea D.TravelerPrairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park
A lot to do.
There’s a lot of things to do out here. We did some hiking with our boy. The site we were at was maintained. It’s a nice place to go camping.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendHoneysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Lively Little Campground Beside Turner Lake
There’s something wonderfully EZ about camping where the kids can wander down toward the water and suddenly the whole weekend seems to slow down ... and that’s the entire charm of Honeysuckle Hollow. Here at Chain O’Lakes State Park, Honeysuckle Hollow is the largest and most wide open of the park’s camping areas, with electric sites geared particularly well toward RV families, although the tradeoff is noticeably less shade and almost zero privacy between nearly every campsite, compared with neighboring Fox Den, which offers up much more seclusion and shade. The greatest asset here is undoubtedly the direct access to Turner Lake (although you could also have direct access over at Turner Lake South), giving families an EZ place to fish, paddle or simply explore the shoreline, while electric hookups, picnic tables, grills and a nearby restroom/shower building keep the actual camping comfortably simple. We especially loved those unhurried moments when the boys could wander toward the lake while dinner was getting started and everyone seemed perfectly happy just being outside together. The shower facility here is convenient, although we found it just slightly more dilapidated conditions than the bathhouse located closer to Fox Den. From what we saw, I’d choose one of the better-spaced sites toward the Turner Lake side of the campground, where EZ water access helps compensate for Honeysuckle’s limited privacy. I’d recommend Honeysuckle for families who value electricity, lake access and a lively campground atmosphere, particularly if having Turner Lake practically in your backyard matters more than having your neighbors hidden behind the trees. One point to note is that the pier was in an advanced state of disrepair and so we were not able to fully maximize this particular amenity - so if accessing Turner Lake is important to you and your family, we would recommend calling ahead to verify the condition of the pier.
- nnancy H.Guide
Staghorn Campground - Rock Cut State Park
Perfect for an overnight stop when travelling through I-90 & Rockford Ill
We are traveling mid week in September so did not make advanced reservations. The registration booth attendant assigned us site 506. (We were not permitted to drive through to pick our own location before registering). Our site was grassy and a bit muddy after some significant rains, but it was cozy with trees and tall brush on all sides. Pit toilets at each loop with a shower building just 5 minute walk away. You can hear the din of the highway about .5 miles away, but an easy place to stay if you are traveling through. Electricity on site, water spigots nearby and dump station near the entrance.
- MManny A.Traveler
Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
Simple and local
Simple campsite. We should have brought some leveling blocks, But otherwise my wife and I enjoyed the site for our rental RV. Short 10 minute walk to Lake Michigan. The camp store is fairly robust with friendly people working there. I appreciate that there are 2 lanes for dump/fill stations. My wife and I would absolutely stay here again.
Guide to Hawthorn Woods
Tent campsites near Hawthorn Woods, Illinois offer primitive camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts seeking proximity to nature. The region features several camping locations with varying amenities, from basic tent platforms to walk-in sites surrounded by forests and meadows. Winter camping options remain available at some locations, though campers should prepare for Midwestern temperature fluctuations and possible precipitation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Campers at MacQueen Forest Preserve can enjoy riverside camping with fishing access. According to visitor Marcus D., "There isn't much in terms of hiking trails. Just the main path and a few paths connecting sites and sort of a path along the river."
Lake activities: Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake offers water recreation approximately 30 miles from Hawthorn Woods. Visitor Alix M. noted, "Great three tiered camping spot. Full hookup, and great views. Has a pub/restaurant with good food. Lots to do!"
River tubing: Some campers create their own tubing adventures on the Kishwaukee River. The river offers different floating durations based on entry points, and water levels vary seasonally. Pack accordingly with waterproof containers for valuables and enough water for the journey.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the seclusion at primitive camping locations near Hawthorn Woods. As Nick C. states about MacQueen Forest Preserve, "I hate to even tell people about this great spot. Spots are pretty spread out. Only sites 1,2,8 are forested the rest are around a large open field."
Self-service simplicity: The straightforward check-in process appeals to many tent campers. Darshon J. mentions, "Well maintained bathrooms, great secluded sites. Super easy no registration its first come first serve. I will be goin again with my family."
Budget-friendly options: Camping costs remain affordable at many locations. Amy G. notes about MacQueen Forest Preserve, "The very best part? You're in the middle of the country, with gorgeous sunsets, and the primitive camping is only $4."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise at night. As one MacQueen Forest Preserve camper warns, "if you cannot sleep to the sound of trains at night, this is not the campground for you. I don't mind them at all, and rather enjoy the sound, but there were probably three of them that went by in the middle of the night rather close to the campground."
Water sources: Most primitive tent sites near Hawthorn Woods do not provide potable water. According to Amy G., at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area, "There is water, but it is not, I repeat is not, potable."
Site differences: Campground layouts vary significantly between wooded and open field sites. Marcus D. observed at MacQueen Forest Preserve, "There isn't anyone there. I assume it's because it's early in the spring. It's very basic, just a fire pit and a picnic table at each spot. Self service check-in. You have to walk up to the sites."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: When camping with children, consider sites closer to facilities. At Hammel Woods, reservable tent sites allow families to secure spots in advance, reducing arrival stress with children.
Gear transportation: Some locations provide equipment to help transport camping gear 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. It's an easy walk, on a crushed gravel road and mowed trail."
Group gathering spots: Look for campgrounds with communal areas. Amy G. notes that MacQueen Forest Preserve has "a giant fire pit with benches. The perfect area for a small group camp (as long as each party paid for the campsite that's back there)."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most primitive camping near Hawthorn Woods accommodates tents only. For RV camping, Kishwaukee Valley Farms offers some glamping options, though true RV sites are limited in the immediate area.
Tiered camping layouts: RV sites at some campgrounds feature terraced designs. James W. from Snug Harbor Inn Campground shares, "Like the design of 3 levels so everyone gets a view. Nice place in the country but close enough to town to grab all those things we forgot, like coffee and cups."
Full hookup availability: For those requiring full amenities, travel slightly farther. Jeffery S. reports about Snug Harbor, "Great campground. Full weekend but very quiet and relaxing. Staff very nice."
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hawthorn Woods, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hawthorn Woods, IL is Melody Park Campground with a 0.0-star rating from 0 reviews.
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