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Best Tent Camping near Hickory Hills, IL

564 Reviews

Tent campsites in the vicinity of Hickory Hills, Illinois offer primitive experiences primarily in nearby county and state conservation areas. Camp Shabbona Woods, located in South Holland, provides tent-specific sites with walk-in access, while McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove offers four walk-in tent sites along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. These established campgrounds maintain a natural setting despite their proximity to urban areas, with most sites positioned within a 30-mile radius of Hickory Hills.

Tent camping areas typically feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Most sites include fire pits and picnic tables, though water access varies significantly between locations. Camp Shabbona Woods provides drinking water and restroom facilities, while more primitive areas like the Illinois and Michigan Canal Backpack Camp lack such amenities. Walk-in sites are common, requiring campers to park and carry equipment short distances to their designated areas. Several locations maintain seasonal availability, with McKinley Woods operating from April through October, while others like Channahon State Park Campground remain open year-round.

Many tent-only areas provide natural buffers from urban noise despite their proximity to Chicago suburbs. Sites at McKinley Woods offer spacious campsites with tree cover and direct access to both the I&M Canal and Des Plaines River for paddling opportunities. According to one visitor at McKinley Woods, "The sites are far apart, with #1 being the shadiest and most secluded but uneven." The canal trail access proves valuable for tent campers arriving by bicycle, as the crushed gravel path connects numerous conservation areas. Channahon State Park receives particular praise from tent campers, with a recent review noting it is "surrounded by trees" and serves as "a nice, shady place to stop along the I&M Canal Trail." Walk-in requirements at many sites ensure a quieter camping experience distinct from developed RV campgrounds.

Map showing campgrounds near Hickory Hills, IllinoisExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Route 66 Joliet

Route 66 Joliet

55 min away

Kishauwau Cabins

Kishauwau Cabins

1 hr 18 min away

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Best Tent Sites Near Hickory Hills, Illinois (10)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Hickory Hills, IL

13 Photos of 10 Hickory Hills Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Hickory Hills, IL

564 Reviews of 10 Hickory Hills 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.

  • Elizabeth G.
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Pleasant and quiet

    Stayed in site 43 of the Douglas loop. Douglas loop is all non electric.

    Our site was big enough for our tents, a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms/showers are really close by which is nice but you do get the lights from the bathroom facing site 43. Not a big deal but if you’re looking for more darkness then definitely choose one of the other sites around 43.

    All parking sites are paved for camper vans/trailers but no water or power hookups. All sites have nice huge tent pads that are nice and level. Only noise we heard was the train every now and then.

    The showers are individual rooms separate from the bathrooms. And there’s a gas station and liquor store near the entrance of the campground for fire wood and beer.

    I didn’t get to stay in the walk in campsites but they are very nice and close-ish to the showers.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Crissy R.
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Let there Be Rain and Silence....

    If you’re looking to go camping with the conveniences of the modern world nearby, this is the place to be. Located off of golf way rd and duneway pkwy, this campground is located roughly about an hour from Elkhart, if that’s where you’re coming from. They have a few options as far as sites go. Sites 1-34 are reservable online and the remainder of the sites are first come, first served. Also keep in mind, sites 1-54 you’re able to park your car/RV. However, sites 55-67 are walk in only. There are showers and restrooms located center of both areas. There are also water stations which are very convenient. Most of the campsites are fairly close, but far enough where you are not sitting on top of each other. This time around I opted for the walk In. For starters, let’s just say to be prepared for whatever weather may come. My luck, it poured the entire time and was windy. Furthermore, each site has designated fire rings that have a grill. The experience was awesome, it’s $25 a night that you pay at the automated kiosk. There are rangers that drive around during the day and there are signs posted with all the latest updates, rules/regulations. Overall, great experience, definitely look forward to coming back!

  • 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.

Guide to Hickory Hills

Tent camping near Hickory Hills, Illinois, offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature while still having access to essential amenities.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Camp Shabbona Woods, visitors can enjoy features like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it a convenient spot for families and first-time campers.
  • Channahon State Park Campground provides essential amenities such as toilets and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay for tent campers.
  • McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove offers drinking water and reservable sites, perfect for those planning a group outing.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $30

  • Camping at Camp Shabbona Woods typically falls within this price range, making it an affordable option for families.
  • Kayak Morris also offers tent camping at competitive rates, perfect for budget-conscious adventurers.
  • At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, you can expect similar pricing, providing a great value for a weekend getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hickory Hills, IL?

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Hickory Hills, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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