Best Tent Camping near Lake in the Hills, IL
Tent camping near Lake in the Hills, Illinois centers around several secluded, primitive sites 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 experience 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.