Best Tent Camping near Huntley, IL
Tent campsites in the greater Huntley area include MacQueen Forest Preserve, a former scout camp converted to a small public campground with nine primitive tent sites. Located along the South Branch of the Kishwaukee River, these walk-in sites offer a secluded tent camping experience approximately 20 miles west of Huntley proper. Other options for tent camping include Illinois and Michigan Canal backpack campsites near Joliet and Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area with hike-in tent access.
MacQueen Forest Preserve tent sites require campers to transport gear along gravel paths or across open meadows to reach campsites. Campers have access to a wagon or dolly at the parking area to help move equipment. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with vault toilets available but no potable water. The $4-5 per night self-registration system makes these sites affordable and accessible for spontaneous camping trips. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. Campers should note that train noise is audible at night and parking areas are locked from sunset to sunrise.
Tent sites at MacQueen Forest Preserve are separated by at least 50 yards, providing exceptional privacy rare in Illinois public campgrounds. Half the sites are located in wooded areas while others surround an open meadow ideal for stargazing. The accessible site sits on a paved path under forest canopy, while site #8 overlooks the river and is considered by frequent visitors to be the most desirable location. The primitive setting offers hiking trails through the surrounding forest preserves and access to the Kishwaukee River. A camper wrote: "This is where to go if you don't like pitching a tent in a field of RVs. Very private and secluded. Tents only!"