Tent campsites near Hennepin, Illinois feature elevations between 450-600 feet above sea level with camping areas spread across the Illinois River valley. The region receives approximately 36 inches of annual rainfall, with summer temperatures averaging 73-86°F, making June through September the busiest camping months. Winter camping options remain limited due to seasonal closures and below-freezing temperatures from December through February.
What to do
Kayaking the Illinois River: Launch from Kayak Morris where visitors can paddle along calm water with minimal current. "If you want a nice riverfront camp site this place is perfect. They also have kayak rentals available," notes Eric R., who recommends the unique nighttime experiences: "had my first experience of a lit up kayak tour for fireworks."
Wildlife viewing at Buffalo Rock: Observe American bison at Buffalo Rock State Park Campground where the prairie meets woodland habitats. "Real live Buffalo are a treat for kids and animal lovers. A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk," writes Bill M. The park serves as a less crowded alternative to nearby Starved Rock.
Fishing at regional lakes: Cast for striped bass and bluegill at confluences and backwaters near camping areas. One angler at Kayak Morris reported: "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!"
What campers like
Waterfront tent locations: Sites directly facing water bodies provide unobstructed views and easy water access. Paul R. from Kayak Starved Rock Campground shared, "Our campsite was wonderful and was on a point on the river that has a 180 degree view of the river. One of the best attributes of this campground is its natural beauty."
Solitude on weekdays: Mid-week camping offers dramatically lower occupancy rates and better site selection. Jeff F. at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground found, "The place is clean and well kept, including the pit toilets. Fee is $8 however if you're an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights."
Proximity to multiple state parks: Many tent sites serve as hubs for exploring several parks within 10-15 miles. Campers appreciate the ability to day-trip between parks. As a reviewer noted, "We also of course took time out to hike at Starved Rock State Park. It's a short 10 minute drive away. The campground is actually situated directly across the river from starved rock."
What you should know
Unexpected site conditions: Many camping areas lack formal site boundaries or defined tent pads. Stuart K. at Clark's Run Campground observed, "This spot feels more like someone's backyard than it does an actual campground. It's also very overgrown and in desperate need of some TLC whether it's the grass that needs to be mowed or the shrubbery itself that needs to be cut back."
Reservation systems vary widely: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate solely on first-come systems. Stuart K. explains, "Given that you can't actually make a reservation here (or at any of the campgrounds along the Hennepin Canal for that matter) as this spot and the 5 others that make up the Hennepin Canal Lock camping options are only offered on a first-come, first-served basis."
Weather-related disruptions: Spring flooding impacts campgrounds along the Illinois River and canal systems. Art S. reported about Woodford State Conservation Area: "The hosts are kind and friendly... They also warned us of an upcoming storm - this location can flood when the river rises."
Tips for camping with families
Youth group opportunities: Starved Rock State Park - Youth Campground offers dedicated camping areas designed for organized youth groups in open meadow settings. Stuart K. describes it as having "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."
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds maintain recreational facilities specifically for younger campers. At Hickory Hills Campground, Stuart K. noted the "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 and games in the recreation center."
Portable toilets with amenities: Some campgrounds maintain surprisingly well-equipped portable facilities. One camper at Kayak Starved Rock Campground reported, "The Porta potties were shockingly clean! The potties also have motion sensor lights in them for at night visits. They also have wipes, spray underarm deodorant, hand sanitizer and automatic air freshener."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most canal-side locations lack sewer connections. Jeff and Linda L. found at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 that there are "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."
Site conditions for larger vehicles: While most primitive areas seem unsuitable for larger RVs, some can accommodate them. "We saw a class A, so they do fit," Jeff and Linda L. reported about camping at Hennepin Canal Lock 21, despite the apparent simplicity of the site conditions.
