P
Peter N.
Scout
ScoutSunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Nice sites. Lots of road noise.
Tent Camping near Lake in the Hills, IL
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Tent camping near Lake in the Hills, Illinois centers around several secluded, primitive tent campsites within an hour's drive of the suburban area. MacQueen Forest Preserve stands out as a dedicated tent-only campground about 45 minutes west, offering nine well-spaced primitive tent campsites along the Kishwaukee River. Other tent camping options include Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area in Yorkville and the Illinois and Michigan Canal hike-in sites, both providing backcountry tent camping experiences within reasonable driving distance from Lake in the Hills.
MacQueen Forest Preserve features walk-in tent sites that require campers to transport gear along crushed gravel paths from the parking area. The preserve provides wagons and dollies to assist with gear transport. Each tent campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table, with vault toilets available near the entrance. The well water pumps on site are non-potable, requiring campers to bring their own drinking water. Sites cost approximately $4-5 per night through self-service registration at the parking lot pay box. The entrance gate locks from sunset to sunrise, securing the campground overnight. Alcohol is prohibited, and pets must remain leashed.
The tent camping at MacQueen Forest Preserve offers exceptional privacy with sites spaced at least 50 yards apart. Sites 1, 2, and 8 are located in wooded areas, while the remaining sites surround a large open meadow ideal for stargazing. Site 8 provides river views and is considered particularly remote. According to campers, the primitive tent sites offer solitude rarely found in the region, though occasional train noise may be heard at night. One visitor noted, "The campsites require a walk/hike along a gravel path for completely wooded sites or across a football-sized meadow for open air sites." Winter tent camping is possible, though weather conditions can be challenging. The surrounding forest preserve provides limited hiking opportunities along the river and through wooded areas.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Lake in the Hills (7)
1. MacQueen Forest Preserve
"This is where to go if you don't like pitching a tent in a field of RVs. There is one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy."
"You can't see the campsite next to you, and they all have a picnic table and a fire ring. You do have to walk into all of them, but they do have one wagon and a dolly you can use to tote things in."
2. Kishwaukee Valley Farms
from $74 - $100 / night
3. Melody Park Campground
4. Equestrian Campground - Rock Cut State Park
"If your family's perfect camping trip includes saddling up and exploring miles of wooded trails together, the Equestrian Campground at Rock Cut State Park offers a wonderfully peaceful place to spend a"
5. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
"Situated about five miles west of Yorkville in Kendall County, Silver Springs State Fish& Wildlife Area spans over 1,350 acres including the beautiful Silver Springs, two manmade lakes and several"
6. Hammel Woods
"They have 6 primitive sites, and you have to walk in from the parking lot. It is NOT drive in. "
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $40 / night
7. Illinois and Michigan Canal
Check Availabilityfrom $6 / night
Drive Time
- 39 min from Rockford, IL
- 55 min from Chicago, IL
- 1 hr 4 min from Kenosha, WI
- 1 hr 15 min from Racine, WI
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lake in the Hills, IL
5 Photos of 7 Lake in the Hills Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Lake in the Hills, IL
648 Reviews of 7 Lake in the Hills Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendPrairie View Campground - Rock Cut State Park
Nice Shaded Camping Alcove With Plenty of P&Q
Prairie View CG is the very first camping oasis you will come across after entering Rock Cut SP from its northernmost entrance, with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east. Once you enter the park, you will follow the long winding nicely paved two-lane circuit until you begin seeing the signs highlighting where to go for the various campgrounds. Once you access this road, you’ll come across a small building with a ranger where you will check in, after which, you will pass by a designated dump station before coming around a small bend where you will take your first left.
The sites begin with #500 and as you circumnavigate the simple circular loop, you will pass by about 2 dozen or so slots that are nice flat paved slots perfect sized for just about any RV or 5th Wheel. There is a single his / her restroom along with trash area at the beginning of the loop just past sites #503 and #504. To access the shower, you will need to go back to the main road and hike it down the road with your towel and toiletries, which I have to admit, is the biggest bummer about this particular campground. If having close access to shower facilities is important to you, then you may want to contemplate staying at other campgrounds here at Rock Cut SP like Staghorn and White Oak, which offer closer proximity.
One of the greatest assets here at Rock Cut SP is the very massive Pierce Lake, which is great for fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming. To launch your watercraft, you’ll head south to Hickory Hills campground where on the eastern side of this area you’ll be able to find the boat launch. In the Prairie View campground, in addition to restroom and waste disposal, you’ll also have access to running water spigots at each site along with running electric. The small community amphitheather is located centrally just past the campstore and before reaching the Hickory Hills campground. There is an excellent camp store in the middle of Rock Cut SP that offers up ice, firewood, ice cream, snacks, games, limited groceries and a number of other sundries you might need while camping. Additionally, there are 5 shelters that have electricity, with water and restrooms nearby and each shelter available through a reservation system. Two of the shelters (Red Oak and Puri Crest) also have children’s playgrounds nearby.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the best sites here at Prairie View CG are those that are located furthest from the main road, for attaining the maximum camping bliss trifecta of less traffic, little noise and more privacy. As such, look at sites #512, #514, #516 and #518, which are all located on the exterior of the circle, thus providing the greatest amount of intimate nature experience; (2) Once you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your cooler, fret not, and just head out of the park where you will find a handful of dining options: Tom& Jerry’s, Fresh Start Café, Waffle Shop, Golden Chopsticks Buffet, Sunrise Family Restaurant, Beef-A-Roo (in fact, there’s like 4 of these that the park is surrounded by), but one of my absolute favorites is Green Fire, which is a really nice farm-to-table joint; (3) Got bird watching on your mind? Well, you’re in luck, because here at Rock Cut SP you can spot an amazing array of winged adventurers including bald eagles, American robins, northern cardinals, barn owls, mourning doves, indigo buntings, eastern bluebirds, Canadian geese, red-bellied woodpeckers, brown thrashers and many others; (4) Tired of nature and just want to get some really cool culture in you? Then head just due south of Rock Cut SP to explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House, which is simply amazing; and (5) If you come bearing watercraft like canoe or kayak, while Lake Pierce is wonderful and great for fishing, if you want something a bit more challenging, then head due west to the Rock River, where you can drop in from a number of launch sites, however I strongly recommend Atwood Homestead Forest Preserve.
Happy Camping!
Joel K.
GuideHammel Woods
One night campout in October
I've lived within 2 miles of this campground for 7 years, and I've driven past it literally hundreds of times, but it wasn't until a friend of mine found himself unemployed and said "let's go camping" that we actually camped here. They have 6 primitive sites, and you have to walk in from the parking lot. It is NOT drive in. The sites are all decent, have fire rings, and big solid picnic tables, and each site has it's own garbage can. The camping sites are immediately adjacent to the dog park off Black Road. I will say, between Black Rd, I 55, and Rt. 59, the road noise is noticeable. The office staff and park ranger who closed the gate were all friendly and helpful.
- GGladys L.
TravelerPlum Grove Campground - Rock Cut State Park
Rock Cut State Park in Rockford , Illinois
We got a campsite with a concrete pad. Electricity 30 amp site. There is a dump station close to the registration office. Boat ramp available for campers. One cabin for rental overlooking the Pierce Lake $50/night for Illinois resident. Beautiful setting. Wild turkeys roaming through our campground.
- BBeth O.Scout
Blackwell Family Campground
Great Stay
Blackwell has clean bathrooms, offers hiking trails, boating (kayak rentals) or bring your own, fishing, archery, cycling. The gate locks at 7pm but you just call the night guard and he will let you in. They’re only open on Friday, Saturday and holidays. Would definitely stay again. Be aware Winfield Road has a lot of traffic so sites further away from that road are best. Heard coyotes about 3 am both mornings. Rangers were exceptional.
- Stuart K.Legend
Rolling Oaks Campground
Old-School Camping with a Whole Lot of Personality
Rolling Oaks is one of those wonderfully old-school Midwestern campgrounds that feels less like an RV resort and more like a little summer community that has been evolving for generations out here in the rich corn patches of central IL. Family-run since 1969, the sprawling, shady property sits along the Fox River with its very own lake and a decidedly RV-centric personality, where curb appeal is just as important (if not more) than the actual mobile confines people are living in. A substantial portion of the campground is occupied by long-term and seasonal residents, complete with patios, sheds and occasionally elaborate outdoor entertaining spaces, which gives Rolling Oaks an unusual neighborhood feel rather than the transient atmosphere of most CGs.
While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHS and LOWS along with a fresh batch of photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Water is the star here, with a swimming lake, pool and direct access to the Fox River making this particularly appealing if you bring kayaks, canoes or tubes; (2) Plenty of shade and a mixture of full-hookup, partial-hookup and pull-through RV sites plus tent camping accommodate just about every style of camper; (3) Playgrounds, volleyball, horseshoes and a game room give kids plenty to do without leaving the property; (4) Summer weekends have an almost throwback campground-community atmosphere with dancing, cart rides, farmers’ markets, spaghetti dinners, corn boils and pig roasts; and (5) Being only a few miles from the village of Sandwich makes supplies easy while putting you in prime position for the enormously popular Sandwich Fair (if you manage to time your stay here to coincide with this annual attraction).
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The large population of seasonal and long-term campers means portions of Rolling Oaks can feel more like a permanent RV neighborhood than a campground; (2) All that community activity means summer weekends aren't exactly designed for campers seeking solitude and P&Q; and (3) The CGs sprawling layout means the experience can vary considerably depending upon where you land with front sections feel busier and more transient, while areas farther back become increasingly more residential.
Insider’s Tip: For the best balance of scenery, shade and quiet, head toward the far side of the lake, away from the busiest weekend activity. And if you're thinking of bringing a kayak or canoe, definitely bring it as direct Fox River access is one of Rolling Oaks' biggest advantages.
Happy Camping!
Sherry K.ScoutPearl Lake
Late night party central
The park is beautiful. The water is beautiful. They say it's a gated community, but it's open to the public 9 to 5 daily. At twenty five dollars per person. And then on friday and saturday night, the locals that park here for the summer start their party central including karaoke at the camper next door, and several others. I've never had a camcround with that loud of parties. And it's a weekend event. I like hearing and seeing people having fun but when the manager extends the curfew for the parties she's at (they kind of party hop), it starts to affect the enjoyment of the park. If we had to stay, we'd stay in the S## sites in the back, where you don't hear so much of the partying. And then during the day, the rules began. Kind of like the soup nazi.
kelsea D.TravelerPrairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park
A lot to do.
There’s a lot of things to do out here. We did some hiking with our boy. The site we were at was maintained. It’s a nice place to go camping.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendHoneysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Lively Little Campground Beside Turner Lake
There’s something wonderfully EZ about camping where the kids can wander down toward the water and suddenly the whole weekend seems to slow down ... and that’s the entire charm of Honeysuckle Hollow. Here at Chain O’Lakes State Park, Honeysuckle Hollow is the largest and most wide open of the park’s camping areas, with electric sites geared particularly well toward RV families, although the tradeoff is noticeably less shade and almost zero privacy between nearly every campsite, compared with neighboring Fox Den, which offers up much more seclusion and shade. The greatest asset here is undoubtedly the direct access to Turner Lake (although you could also have direct access over at Turner Lake South), giving families an EZ place to fish, paddle or simply explore the shoreline, while electric hookups, picnic tables, grills and a nearby restroom/shower building keep the actual camping comfortably simple. We especially loved those unhurried moments when the boys could wander toward the lake while dinner was getting started and everyone seemed perfectly happy just being outside together. The shower facility here is convenient, although we found it just slightly more dilapidated conditions than the bathhouse located closer to Fox Den. From what we saw, I’d choose one of the better-spaced sites toward the Turner Lake side of the campground, where EZ water access helps compensate for Honeysuckle’s limited privacy. I’d recommend Honeysuckle for families who value electricity, lake access and a lively campground atmosphere, particularly if having Turner Lake practically in your backyard matters more than having your neighbors hidden behind the trees. One point to note is that the pier was in an advanced state of disrepair and so we were not able to fully maximize this particular amenity - so if accessing Turner Lake is important to you and your family, we would recommend calling ahead to verify the condition of the pier.
Guide to Lake in the Hills
Tent camping opportunities within an hour of Lake in the Hills, Illinois provide primitive outdoor experiences in forested settings. Campgrounds in the region typically offer basic amenities with limited facilities. Several conservation areas and forest preserves maintain walk-in and hike-in tent sites that require campers to transport gear short distances from parking areas to designated camping spots.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake offers direct lake access and boat rentals. According to camper Kevin C., "They have on site bathrooms and showers. Electric, water and sewer hookups. They also have tent sites." The lake provides a relaxing fishing experience without crowds.
River exploration: Kishwaukee Valley Farms offers proximity to the Kishwaukee River for paddling and nature observation. Located north of Lake in the Hills, this tent and glamping option provides a rural camping experience with river access points nearby.
Wildlife observation: The conservation areas surrounding Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area in Yorkville support diverse wildlife habitats. The walk-in tent sites here provide access to hiking trails through woodland and prairie habitats approximately 45 minutes southwest of Lake in the Hills.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: MacQueen Forest Preserve offers exceptional site separation. Marcus D. notes, "I stayed one night and I really enjoyed myself. There wasn't anyone there. I assume it's because it's early in the spring. It's very basic, just a fire pit and a picnic table at each spot." The self-service check-in costs $5 per night.
Quiet lake views: Campers at Snug Harbor appreciate the peaceful setting. Alix M. explains, "Great three tiered camping spot. Full hookup, and great views. Has a pub/restaurant with good food. Lots to do!" The three-level design ensures good views from most sites.
Winter camping options: Year-round tent camping is available at select locations. Nick C. shared his winter experience: "Second time coming to this great local spot. This time I stayed in site #8. By far the best spot on the grounds. Great remote location overlooking the river. Great time minus the winter squall that rolled through our first night."
What you should know
Limited drinking water: Most primitive sites near Lake in the Hills require campers to bring their own potable water. At Illinois and Michigan Canal hike-in sites, no drinking water is available on-site, requiring backpackers to carry sufficient water for their stay.
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience nighttime train noise. Darshon J. reports that MacQueen Forest Preserve offers "Well maintained bathrooms, great secluded sites. Super easy no registration it's first come first serve." Despite the seclusion, railroad tracks near several campgrounds mean periodic train noise throughout the night.
Gate closures: Forest preserve campgrounds typically lock entrance gates overnight. Hammel Woods requires reservations and enforces strict gate closure times, preventing late arrivals or early departures outside posted hours.
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: When tent camping with families, select sites closer to facilities. Marcus D. mentions about MacQueen Forest Preserve, "There isn't much in terms of hiking trails. Just the main path and a few paths connecting sites and sort of a path along the river." Choose sites with shorter walks from parking areas when bringing younger children.
Group camping options: Hammel Woods offers tent sites suitable for family groups looking for the best tent camping near Lake in the Hills, Illinois. The walk-in sites require minimal gear transportation and provide good spaces for children to explore safely.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer informal nature programs during summer months. Pack field guides for local plants and animals to create self-guided nature exploration activities for children at primitive sites.
Tips from RVers
Small RV limitations: Most primitive campgrounds near Lake in the Hills prohibit RVs entirely. Josh F. observed at Snug Harbor Inn Campground, "This is primarily an RV/mobile home campground, but there are some nicely tucked away tent camp sites. Gravel roads connect the three loops and the landscaping is well kept and maintained." Check specific vehicle restrictions before booking.
Nearest full-hookup options: James W. shares about his experience at Snug Harbor, "Wanted someplace close to home. Familiar with the Delavan area so was excited to find Snug Harbor. Set up went well, didn't blow anything up! Yea! Staff was great, helped me back in." For RVers seeking full amenities within reasonable distance of Lake in the Hills, Snug Harbor provides water, electric, and sewer connections.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping with RVs requires preparation. Most campgrounds with RV access close seasonally from late October through April due to freezing temperatures that affect water systems and road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Lake in the Hills, IL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake in the Hills, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake in the Hills, IL is MacQueen Forest Preserve with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
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tent camping near
Lake in the Hills, IL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake in the Hills, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Lake in the Hills, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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