Best Tent Camping near Kane, IL

Recent Tent Reviews near Kane, Illinois

248 Reviews of 9 Kane Campgrounds

• 

  ML W.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 10, 2018

  Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

  Lovely location

  Peaceful tent camping on Walkers Island at $8 per day.

• W

  Wendy

  Traveler

  

  May. 15, 2021

  Cool Creek Resort

  No tents

  I'm sure it's a nice place to stay, but no tent camping allowed

• W

  Wendy

  Traveler

  

  May. 15, 2021

  St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA

  Does not allow pets for tent sites

  Doesn't allow pets for tent sites

• 

  Luke G.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 2, 2019

  McCully Heritage Project

  A fanatastic little place to camp

  A small and not crowded place to camp with all you need and hospitality. Great for tent camping and hiking.

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 17, 2016

  Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

  Babler State Park

  Nice state park close to St Louis. Good, if short, trails. The campground is used a lot by RV and campers, not so much by tenters. Lots of campsites had electric. All had the standard pininic tables and fire rings, and the campground has a decent and clean shower house. You might end up pitching your tent on a parking pad as many tent sites don't have level grassy spots for your tent. Sites are not very private, and some are right on top of the next. I like sites 65 and 58 for their privacy or grassy tent spots.

• M

  M. Susan A.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 31, 2018

  Beaver Dam State Park Campground

  Spacious campsites, beautiful fall color, on the edge of a cornfield

  Quiet midweek in tent camping area except for heavy equipment in field nearby. Large campground with open space and playground for kids. Short walk to beautiful lake.

• 

  Greg E.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 22, 2023

  St. Charles County Klondike Park

  Awesome Experience

  Did a 2 night tent camp with my family and it was awesome. We had a great time on the trails and near the Mighty Missouri River.

• W

  Whiskey B.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 13, 2022

  Pittsfield City Lake

  Quiet, tree covered and spacious

  Real nice campground with bathrooms and showers. Only $5 to tent camp here! Great view of the lake and easy to hike trails. Only downside is that the mosquitoes will eat you alive!

• 

  Barbara P.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 7, 2020

  Rainey Park

  Name Changed to Wright Park

  This is a paved lot past the ballfields. Pull in at the sign and follow the road. The lot is beside private property so I called the police to verify parking is still allowed and they said no problem. No tent camping allowed Quiet night , great stop

• 

  Joseph F.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 31, 2018

  St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

  Pretty views for days

  This park is beautiful. Located about 25 minutes from St Louis. They have paddle boats and bikes and group bikes for rental. Located right next to a lake with a lot of RV and tent camping spots. Kids had a blast riding bikes. Even finding a few little frogs jumping around and fireflies at night.

• 

  Marty C.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 10, 2021

  St. Charles County Klondike Park

  Tent amping In A eautiful Park Along The Missouri River

  The campground is located in a gym of a park located along the Missouri River. Reservations are required and the sites are in high demand. Tent camping only. There is water available in the park.

  This Campground places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94.

• E

  Elle H.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 15, 2019

  Beaver Dam State Park Campground

  Spacious

  Primitive tent camping area is very spacious but bathrooms were dirty and gross.  The women’s bathroom near T3 didn’t have toilet paper the entire three days we stayed there.  I drove to other restrooms while we stayed there.   Shower house was nice, with one small shower stall and large ADA shower stall.  Camp host was friendly and helpful. The campground is just a few minutes from Carlinville Walmart and restaurants.

• 

  Jan S.

  Guide

  

  May. 6, 2022

  Cuivre River State Park Campground

  Good getaway close to Saint Louis

  Great location for a weekend getaway, only 1 hour from the city! Hiking trails, level lots, full hookups available, There are 2 loops, the tent camping side is well shaded with a lot of room between sites. The full hookup loop has a lot of room, but can be a challenge backing in, as the camp sites are at a 90 degree angle to the road. Would love to return.

• 

  Brooklyn G.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 2, 2023

  Beyond the Trail RV Park

  Safe, convenient, last minute

  Easy to book online even the day of. Choose your spot ahead of time and pull in, easy as that! There are RV & tent sites, bathrooms with hot showers. Had no problem booking around 7pm the day of and arrived around 1 am quietly set up in my previously reserved spot. Check out is at 2 pm

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 30, 2021

  Cozy C RV Campground, LLC

  Convenient spot for a quick stop

  Currently this is an RV only campground due to Covid restrictions, but there is ample space for tent camping when they return to allowing tents. So, RV sites include pull through and back in with water and electric hookups, and a dump station on site. There is a nice bathhouse and super clean laundry with a little lending library. Also on site is a community room(currently closed due to covid restrictions), an outdoor pavilion, and a miniature golf set up. The campground is wedged between the highway and a cow farm, so expect some noise, especially with few trees or landscaping to absorb the sound.

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 21, 2021

  Great River Road Campground

  Good enough for an overnight

  No frills camping on the edge of the fairgrounds, there are campsites mostly for RV’s (full hook ups- 50 amp and 30 amp, and sites with sewer), and space for tents on the margins (might be why tent “sites” are free). The bathhouse was locked when I passed through, and no one was camping here, but there is an emergency number to call, so I guess if I had wanted to camp here I could have had someone come out and unlock the bathhouse for me. The town is a short walk away with a convenience store and not much else, but still cute. Don’t expect any privacy or shade here as there are no trees.

• R

  Rick I.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 30, 2024

  Cherokee Lakes Campground

  Secluded and spacious tent camping sites

  I spent a night here camping while on a road trip. The check-in was quick and easy. The host showed me the tent campsites, which are secluded and private from the RV sites. The sites are outfitted with a picnic table and brick fire rings. Some have water spickets. There's a central covered picnic area. Lots of shade and tall trees. You'll want to check them for dead limbs before setting up your site. I didn't ask if hammock camping is allowed. There are at least two sites that would work nicely for a hammock. A portable toilet is available to keep the area sanitary for urgent needs; the flush toilets, laundry, and fitness center at the main entrance are also available for a longer walk or short drive.

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  May. 1, 2020

  St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

  RV delight

  I wanted to escape the house and go camping while on the work from home order (Covid-19 happening at the time of this review), so I headed to a very local park and campground to pitch my tent. I've been to 370 Lakeside Park many times to walk around the huge lake and to hear concerts in the summer, but I had never camped there. Still haven't. I'll explain. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they were not so keen on having tent campers. But they were very nice and gave me the general lowdown on this "in the city" campground. Since they opened the campground, most of their campers have been RV owners, and so it is really designed for the RV camper. There is a small primitive section for group tent camping, but the majority of the sites are full hookups for RVs. Some sites are pull through and some are back in. All have picnic tables and fire pits. The park has planted some trees, but they are really just saplings, so there is no shade yet. There is a nice bathhouse with free showers for the campers and pay laundry. If you are lucky, you can get a site close to the water, but it means the walking trail is right next to your unit. Trade offs, I suppose. One couple I talked to was camping long term (I think they are permanent RV'ers) and they got a free membership to the St Peter's RecPlex recreation center with their long term spot (they said something about having to book a least a month out to get this perk). One of the downsides to this location is that it is prone to flooding. It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded. But the City of St Peters did a great job getting this place back to usable with new sod, a new bathhouse, and some general sprucing up. The lake is great to walk around, about a 3 mile walk or bike on a paved trail. You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes. In the summers they have live music in the large pavilion, and you can rent kayaks and other small boats to take out on the lake as well as bikes to ride around on. The office told me that they have 24 hour on site security also. If I really wanted to tent camp, I could rent a section of the group camping area, but $30 seemed pricey for just me, and it was very soggy to boot. Or I  could rent an RV spot, but $45 was silly when I don' t need hookups.

• L

  Larkyn

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 3, 2021

  Beaver Dam State Park Campground

  Good place to rest and shower for the night

  Drive by, choose a spot, let the host know. We tent camped. The ground was relatively flat minus some tree stumps. Every site has a fire pit with adjustable grill, picnic tables, ours had a concrete slab for gatherings, 2 vehicle parking bumper to bumper. Outhouse was a short walk from us and was decent (no sink). Water spicket just beyond that. They’re sporadically placed. Our site was in the shade and not far from the road though there were others that were further back. We did some of the trails which were okay. Something to do, a bit of exercise, and it had some cute little bridges and stops to sit or step out onto the water (must be able bodied). It is a pond not a lake, I could see all points of it from one standing position. Also, no beavers, they left a long time ago. The showers were clean. Walmart is about ten minutes away if you need groceries. It’s a good stop if you’re passing through and need to rest, get a little walk in, shower. Definitely wouldn’t recommend for some one out of town or state who wants to plan a vacation here.

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 1, 2021

  Beyond the Trail RV Park

  It’s all here!

  This new little (and fast expanding) campground has it all. A short 5 minute walk to “downtown” Defiance, the campground is right next to the Katy Trail. Forgot your bike? Walk 3 minutes away and rent one. Want to float the Missouri? They have a canoe outfitter on site.  Need a cold beer or hot coffee, it’s right next door at the local brew pub and coffee house. Want to hear live music? You’ve got two biker bars (with pretty good burgers and barbecue to pick from and the wineries are just a short drive or Uber away. Firewood for sale on site, really clean new shower house, and great night sky viewing. And for all the locals, you can get your Ted Drews frozen custard just up the street too. Tent sites back up to woods and the Katy Trail and the rv sites are out in the open meadow. Warning, this place will likely flood if it rains heavy. Which means the mosquitos might be plenty if they don’t spray for them.

• 

  April D.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 19, 2018

  Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

  Babler State Park

  Babler is always a place you should try. we camp here every weekend because its so close to our house when we cant travel. but there are a few things to keep in mind.

  The good: good trails, the whole park is a memorial so good history, very large, equestrian available, showers and bathrooms, playground, paved drive in, wood and ice available, near a grocery store and restaurants

  The bad: racoons everywhere! they are scandalous and will be happy to shake your hand they dont care. thats how close they get to you. we used homemade cayenne pepper water for a perimeter but it only works until we went to bed. if you are tent camping your spot is very hit or miss. we always plan ahead and look at the pictures because some sites say its for tent but its just a dropping slope. you might as well pitch on the concrete. the sites are good are Very good! the sites that are bad... just annoying while sleeping. it lools like they are fixing it this year though. the ticks are pretty bad in spots nesstled into the trees. fpr RV's half the spots for you are out in the sun. you have to look at the pictures and choose wisely.

  i know its a lot but babler is really a great park.

• 

  Lucas M.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 18, 2020

  Greensfelder County Park

  Good for City Folk

  For those who need to get out of town yet can't imagine not checking the latest tweet, Tik Tok, or Instagram post, this park is for you. Not 2 miles from Six Flags, and 5 minutes from the freeway, you'll find plenty of beauty, creature comfort amenities, and cell service. 

  We are looking at 3 primitive campsites(closed at the time of this review), 6 family tent sites, as well as plenty of RV spaces with electrical hookups. 

  The park is known for its well-groomed trails, which are used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike. Plenty of stables surround the area, where you may rent a horse and go for a stroll through the woods. 

  The primitive sites are large, with picnic tables and an outhouse, while the family tent ones are near restrooms, showers and a source of water. 

  The whole park is rather pretty with plenty to do and see. 

  Now, with that said, I was not a huge fan. This is not a place for a person who wants to get away from people. The Family tent sites are very close to the road, as in 10ft from it, so traffic to and from the stables are rather annoying. Being very close, the freeway noise is still present, and you'll find many motorcycles riding by you on their way through the winding roads of Wildwood. It's a nice sight but the noise sucks. The place has A LOT of deer which means that ticks are everywhere-which is not a big deal if you know what you're doing. 

  During the time I spent here 2 different homeless looking kids stopped by asking for food, money, to borrow my phone to make a call. One after the other had to be shooed out of my site. That was followed by a STL County Police Officer patrolling the location. That did not settle well, and the night was a bit odd. Keep in mind that I was here alone and during the middle of the week so, chances are, during the weekend you might not have the same experience. 

  Overall, this is well maintained park with plenty of activities and close to all the luxuries that a town can offer, lots of amenities nearby or on site. 

  You would enjoy it: 

  • If you want to be near civilization. 
  • If you are a family with children. 
  • If you want to enjoy Six Flags and then go camping. 
  • If you would like mountain biking. 
  • If you need facilities such as bathrooms and showers 

  You'd, maybe, not enjoy it so much: 

  • If you'd like to disconnect. 
  • If you are looking for less noise 
  • If you are looking for less cars/traffic 
  • If you are looking to be alone with your thoughts.
• 

  Anne H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 23, 2018

  Cuivre River State Park Campground

  Natural, well maintained

  Nice campground with tent areas and RV area well separated. Fire rings with attached rebar grills on a bricked square. Picnic table and lantern post. Small playground near the check in station/camp store. The store is small but will have what you need. The showers were adequate with the requisite daddy long legs. There were a fair amount of ticks so spray your gear with permethrin. Many of the sites were pretty small - we had a hard time seeing where a tent would fit, usually the answer was on the side of the road. Also, many were close together with little privacy. We stayed on site 53. Which I definitely recommend. Plenty of space for the tent (on a bit of a slant with tree roots, but doable, especially with air mattresses), great privacy on one side, decentprivacy on the other, and a lovely view of the woods at the back.

• P

  Peter H.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 11, 2019

  St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA

  Clean, trains, slow wifi

  We stayed in a tent spot... Had shade and a nice concrete pad to park on. Good clean power. Clean bathrooms and pool looked like it was taken care of.

  Tent spots have Charcoal grills, table and benches, and a nice metal cover to sit under if it rains.

  It's not in the prettiest location, very industrial and the train tracks run close. First night one came through blowing its horns around 5am.

  Spent the day in Forest park, a much prettier place to park and explore.

• K

  Kelly C.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 2, 2020

  William R. Logan Conservation Area

  No Complaints

  Plenty of tent spots with tree cover and fire pits. Lighting bugs came out at night.

• 

  Hannah W.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 15, 2021

  Cuivre River State Park Campground

  Beautiful campground and warm showers

  The campsites and grounds are well-maintained. However, the campsites did not have designated gravel tent pads. Given that we had to set up in/right after a rain, our tarp was sitting in grass and mud. I never knew how much I appreciated a designated gravel tent pad until then. Having never camped here, we had reserved site 25 and had the whole loop to ourselves (it was a Monday night, though). Our site, though, was the smallest in the loop, tucked away in the weeds, and the only area to pitch our tent was on a slight slope. After walking the loop, I noticed that sites 26 and 29, offered more room and were better maintained. We probably could’ve changed sites had we not arrived so late and in the rain.

  Firewood is available for $5. We saw a nice playground at the entrance. There were plenty of showers (water was nice and hot!) and flush toilets in the bathhouse. The bathhouse could use some TLC, but the warm water made up for it. There are laundry facilities, though we didn’t use them.

• 

  Chris C.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 12, 2021

  The Double J Campground and RV Park

  Lovely Private Campground

  We stayed here in order to visit Springfield, Illinois, and we really enjoyed this spot. The sites are a good size, the campground is easily accessible from the highway, and there are nice amenities. We would definitely stay here again.