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Best Dispersed Camping near Kane, IL

6 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Kane, Illinois includes free primitive sites along the Mississippi River at Silo Access Area - O'Neil Creek in Missouri. This riverside location provides drive-in access for both tent and RV camping with no reservation requirements. Additionally, backpackers can utilize the Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite area, another free dispersed option in the region. Both sites are located across the Mississippi River in Missouri but remain accessible from Kane.

Access to Silo Access Area requires navigating to a location approximately one mile north off Route 79 from Calumet Creek access. The site features freshly paved areas undergoing reforestation, with multiple pull-in spots suitable for various camping setups. No hookups, potable water, or permanent restroom facilities exist at either location. Campers must be self-contained and prepared for primitive conditions. While fires are permitted at both sites, campers should verify current fire restrictions before arrival and pack out all waste, as services are minimal.

The camping experience at these locations centers around Mississippi River views and natural surroundings. Silo Access Area provides direct riverfront access with opportunities to observe river traffic. "Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River," noted one visitor. Another camper mentioned, "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by. You sit and watch the barges and various things float by." Train tracks run near Silo Access Area, creating periodic noise as trains pass several times daily. The Lone Spring Trail site offers a more secluded experience with designated tent areas and a metal fire pit. Mosquitoes can be prevalent at riverside locations, particularly during warmer months.

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5 Photos of 2 Kane Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kane, IL

6 Reviews of 2 Kane Campgrounds

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Free river side camping.

    Primitive camping on the Mississippi River. This is mostly a wide gravel bar that you can set up camp on with great views of the big river. But there are no amenities, and few sites. The road through the campground is nicely graded and there is obviously some work being done to restore the flora- trees being planted, areas marked off for restoration. You will be very close to active train tracks, so bring your earplugs. Be sure to be self contained as there is no vault toilet or porta potty currently. The best sites are at the opposite ends of the flat circle where there are large gravel areas ideal for parking RV’s. The boat ramp was a bit of a mess with logs and sandbars, but I suspect the US Army Corps of Engineers are still in the process of cleaning this access area up from flooding from previous years.

  • Cyndy & Selena R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Great quiet location ON the Mississippi River

    Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River!

    There are 13 sites for RVs and Travel Trailers. Three sites are curved to pull in and out easily. Site 13 is large enough for 2 RVs. There is a large boat ramp. The area is freshly paved and undergoing reforestation. However, there are a lot of trees. No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin. Mosquitoes are prevalent.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2022

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    great spot to watch the river

    This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by.  you sit and watch the barges and various things float by.  really great.  you are close to the RR tracks but there aren't that many trains.  It is not exactly where The dyrt sends you.  on Google maps it's listed as Oneil  Creek, though the entrance is marked as Silo Access.  It's about 1 mile north off RT 79 from Calumet Creek access.  It's a great place.

  • Matthew H.
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    Not for tents

    Nice campground with a great view of the Mississippi. You won’t miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day. And lots of barges and river boats that are fun to watch not restrooms or hook ups of any kind. So bring your rv, water and a generator. But we will going back again for sure. Can beat free and great views

Guide to Kane

Dispersed camping near Kane, Illinois offers opportunities along the Mississippi River with primitive sites requiring self-sufficiency. Located near the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, this area features seasonal fluctuations in water levels that impact camping conditions. Most dispersed sites lack facilities and sit on gravel bars with river views.

What to do

River watching opportunities: Silo Access Area provides front-row views of Mississippi River traffic. "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by. You sit and watch the barges and various things float by. Really great," notes Jill in her review of Silo Access Area.

Boating access: Launch your boat directly into the Mississippi River, though conditions may vary seasonally. "The boat ramp was a bit of a mess with logs and sandbars, but I suspect the US Army Corps of Engineers are still in the process of cleaning this access area up from flooding from previous years," reports Annie C.

Backpacking opportunities: Explore trail systems with dedicated backpacking campsites. "The site has several areas to setup a tent has a metal fire pit. I will be going back next year," shares Michael M. about his experience at Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite(s).

What campers like

River proximity: Campers appreciate the direct access to the Mississippi River. "Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River!" writes Cyndy & Selena R. about their stay at Silo Access Area.

Free camping: Budget-conscious campers value the no-cost options. "Can beat free and great views," reports Matthew H., highlighting the value proposition of dispersed camping near Kane.

Scenic transportation viewing: The combination of river traffic and occasional trains creates a unique atmosphere. "You sit and watch the barges and various things float by. You are close to the RR tracks but there aren't that many trains," notes a visitor to Silo Access Area.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Dispersed camping near Kane requires complete self-sufficiency. "No water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms. There is 1 small trash bin," explains Cyndy & Selena R. about their experience at Silo Access Area.

Insect preparation: River proximity means insect protection is essential. "Mosquitoes are prevalent," warns one camper about the riverside camping experience.

Site confusion: Some locations have inconsistent naming on maps and signs. "It is not exactly where The dyrt sends you. On Google maps it's listed as Oneil Creek, though the entrance is marked as Silo Access," clarifies Jill about finding the correct location.

Tips for camping with families

RV recommended: Tent camping poses challenges in some dispersed areas. "Nice campground with a great view of the Mississippi. Not for tents," advises Matthew H. about Silo Access Area.

Plan for noise: Prepare children for occasional train noise. "You won't miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day," notes one camper, suggesting noise might disrupt light sleepers.

Educational opportunities: Use the river traffic as a learning experience. "You sit and watch the barges and various things float by," mentions a visitor, highlighting an opportunity to teach children about river transportation systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kane, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kane, IL is Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.

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