Best Tent Camping near Hennepin, IL

The Hennepin Canal corridor offers several primitive tent camping options within a short drive of Hennepin, Illinois. Hennepin Canal Lock 11 and Lock 21 Campgrounds provide basic tent campsites along the historic waterway, with grassy sites shaded by trees at the edges. Both locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis for $8 per night. Starved Rock State Park, approximately 20 miles east, features a Youth Group Campground exclusively for tent camping with open meadows surrounded by thick treelines. For tent campers seeking more seclusion, Buffalo Rock State Park Campground offers walk-in tent sites accessible only by hiking or biking along the I&M Canal Tow Path.

Most tent campgrounds in the area feature minimal amenities, reflecting their Class C primitive designation. Vault toilets are available at most locations, though drinking water is scarce—campers should bring their own water or filtration systems. The Hennepin Canal sites have fire rings but no showers or electricity. Sites at Kayak Starved Rock Campground include fire rings and pull-down BBQ grills on flat land along the Illinois River. Buffalo Rock's sites each have a fire ring with grill, but campers report feeling "a little exposed being right off the trail." Surface conditions vary from grassy areas at Hennepin Canal to more established sites at Starved Rock, with most areas lacking formal site boundaries.

One camper at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 noted that "the campsites are all on grassy areas with trees at the edges" providing shade depending on time of day. At Castle Rock State Park, a visitor described having "the entire campground to myself" since the sites are only accessible by canoe or kayak. The primitive tent-only sites at Kayak Starved Rock Campground offer what one reviewer called "riverfront primitive campsites" with views of Starved Rock's cliff faces across the water. Buffalo Rock State Park provides what a camper described as "privacy" for those willing to walk to reach the sites, though they cautioned about the lack of facilities. During weekdays, many backcountry tent sites throughout the region remain uncrowded, offering solitude for those seeking a more remote camping experience.

Best Tent Sites Near Hennepin, Illinois (13)

    1. Hennepin Canal Lock 11

    3 Reviews
    Princeton, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    "at Hennepin Canal Lock 11."

    2. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "Before we begin, let me share 3 things with you: (1) I love camping, preferably primitive camping where I get to pitch my tent, leaving the comforts of modern civilization behind in the hopes of returning"

    "One such place, an oasis of tranquility and beauty nestled in the Illinois wilderness, is the Kayak Starved Rock Campground."

    3. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-6302

    $8 / night

    "Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"

    "No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces. Pit toilets along the canal."

    4. Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground

    1 Review
    North Utica, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-6302

    "All of this in arguably the absolute best state park in the whole of Illinois."

    5. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ottawa, IL
    22 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you’re looking for privacy this is it. There aren’t toilets tho or running water.."

    "A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."

    6. Clark's Run Campground

    3 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 252-2957

    7. Woodford State Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Chillicothe, IL
    28 miles
    Website

    $8 - $12 / night

    "They were willing to help bring picnic tables to a site if they weren't already there. They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises."

    "Entry road needs repairs. Pros: boat ramp, incredible view for sunset photography. Lots of space for tents or RV's. Good fishing. Plenty of parking. Friendly caretakers."

    8. Kayak Morris

    11 Reviews
    Morris, IL
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "We stayed when there were not many people there so we had plenty of space but could see it getting crowded when it’s full."

    "It was quiet, relaxing, and very well maintained. 1 trash area, 4 porta Potties for use for the campground. You can rent kayaks for the day, fish, wade in the river (no swimming)."

    9. Hickory Hill Campground

    4 Reviews
    Secor, IL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 744-2407

    $26 - $40 / night

    "Nestled in the verdant rolling hills of central Illinois, you’ll discover Hickory Hills Campground located just a short drive west of I39 and completely off the grid, due to the slight incline of this"

    "Clean, quiet, and plenty of shade. Friendly staff and other campers."

    10. Castle Rock State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oregon, IL
    48 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "Located about 100 miles West of Chicago, Castle Rock State Park features one of the ONLY campgrounds that I've visited this close to the city in which I was completely alone."

    "Site selection is first come, first serve and the registration and payment is done on the honor system, and they do have rangers that monitor."

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Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Hennepin, IL

516 Reviews of 13 Hennepin Campgrounds



Guide to Hennepin

Tent camping near Hennepin, Illinois, offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy kayaking on the Illinois River at Kayak Starved Rock Campground, where calm waters provide a perfect setting for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
  • Explore the scenic trails of Starved Rock State Park, just a short distance from Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground, which features over 13 miles of hiking paths through stunning canyons and waterfalls.
  • Experience the tranquility of fishing along the Hennepin Canal at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground, where you can cast a line and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Buffalo Rock State Park Campground offers drinking water and picnic tables, making it a convenient choice for families looking to enjoy a comfortable camping experience.
  • At Hennepin Canal Lock 11, campers can find basic amenities like toilets, ensuring a more pleasant stay while enjoying the rustic charm of the area.
  • Woodford State Conservation Area features a boat ramp and friendly caretakers, providing a welcoming atmosphere for those looking to explore the waterways.

Local attractions tent campers should not miss

  • Visit the historic town of Utica, located near Clark's Run Campground, where you can find charming restaurants and local shops to enhance your camping experience.
  • Discover the unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area, which is perfect for hiking and bird-watching.
  • Experience the thrill of off-roading at nearby Fox Valley Off Road, a short drive from Camp Tuckabatchee, where adventure awaits just beyond your campsite.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hennepin, IL is Hennepin Canal Lock 11 with a 3-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Hennepin, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.