Tent camping options near Lakemoor, Illinois extend beyond the immediate town boundaries, with sites available within a 50-mile radius. Primitive campsites throughout the region typically cost $4-5 per night with self-registration systems in place. Several campgrounds feature walk-in tent sites that require transporting gear from parking areas along crushed gravel paths or mowed trails.
What to do
River activities: At MacQueen Forest Preserve, campers can access the Kishwaukee River for water recreation. "Some fellow campers were doing a diy tubing right to the campground. About a 2 hr lazy river tube from Kingston or 5hrs from Genoa on the slow moving S. Branch of the Kishwaukee River which can be pretty deep in places," reports Marisa A.
Stargazing opportunities: The meadow campsites at several preserves offer excellent night sky viewing. At MacQueen, half the campsites are positioned in an open meadow area away from light pollution. One camper noted, "It would be beautiful for stargazing! There's also a giant fire pit with benches."
Fishing access: While fishing opportunities exist, they vary by location. Marcus D. observed at MacQueen Forest Preserve, "I don't have a lot of experience with fishing, but the places with access to the river were not good locations for fishing."
What campers like
Site privacy: The significant distance between tent sites is frequently praised. At KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site, Erin Z. appreciated that "It's very secluded for privacy. We will definitely be back." Similarly, at MacQueen Forest Preserve, sites are "spread out at least 50 yards apart. That's right, at least 50 yards. You can't see the campsite next to you."
Water views: Campers value sites with water frontage or views. Nick C. recommended MacQueen's "site #8. By far the best spot on the grounds. Great remote location over looking the river." At Snug Harbor Inn Campground, the terraced design means "Great three tiered camping spot. Full hookup, and great views," according to Alix M.
Low cost camping: The affordable pricing of primitive sites attracts budget-conscious campers. "The very best part? You're in the middle of the country, with gorgeous sunsets, and the primitive camping is only $4," writes Amy G. about MacQueen Forest Preserve. Another camper mentioned, "I will definitely be going back this year especially since it's close to me and it's only $5/night."
What you should know
Train noise: At several locations near train tracks, nighttime noise can be an issue. One camper at MacQueen Forest Preserve cautions, "if you cannot sleep to the sound of trains at night, this is not the campground for you. I don't mind them at all, and rather enjoy the sound, but there were probably three of them that went by in the middle of the night rather close to the campground."
Water availability: Most primitive tent sites in the region do not offer potable water. "There is water, but it is not, I repeat is not, potable," warns a MacQueen Forest Preserve visitor. Bring sufficient drinking water or water purification systems for your stay.
Limited cell service: Connectivity is unreliable at most primitive sites. One camper reported, "I had cell service at one spot in the parking lot, but it was fleeting with T-mobile." Plan communications accordingly, especially for longer stays.
Tips for camping with families
Gear transport assistance: Families with young children should utilize available transport options. MacQueen Forest Preserve provides "one wagon and a dolly you can use to tote things in" to help with walk-in sites, according to Amy G. Another visitor recommended bringing "a festival/yard cart to pull her gear up a gravel path."
Site selection for amenities: Kishwaukee Valley Farms and other locations offer both tent and glamping options which may better accommodate families with varied camping experience levels. Consider sites closest to bathrooms for young children.
Bathroom considerations: Facility quality varies widely. One camper at MacQueen noted, "There's vault toilets and the one I used wasn't terrible, but it is primitive. There's even a light switch inside with a functioning light!" At KMSF Shelter 1, a visitor warned, "There is an outhouse, but I wouldn't recommend using it."
Tips from RVers
Tiered camping experience: At Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake, the layout creates distinct camping zones. Josh F. explains, "The property is basically terraced along a slope down to the lake, with the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake. The tent sites are above it all with decent views of the lake below (and the RVs)."
First-timer friendly: Some locations cater to novice RVers. James W. recounts his "Maiden Voyage" 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! Staff was great, helped me back in."
On-site amenities: Unlike primitive tent camping, RV sites often include additional conveniences. Snug Harbor offers a "Nice Bar/Restaurant on site" according to one visitor, with Alix M. confirming they have "good food. Lots to do!"
