Top Tent Camping near Lena, IL
Looking for tent camping near Lena? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Lena, including sites, reviews, and tips. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Lena, IL (10)
1. New Glarus Woods State Park
16 Reviews•31 Photos•48 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$15 - $25 / night
2. Blackhawk Memorial Park
4 Reviews•4 Photos•17 Saves- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
3. Castle Rock State Park
7 Reviews•26 Photos•65 SavesCastle Rock State Park is located along the west bank of the Rock River in Ogle County, three miles south of Oregon, on Ill. Rt. 2. Castle Rock camping is centrally located in the Rock River Hills region of Illinois, and its rolling topography is drained by the Rock River. The park is representative of the Rock River Hills area with rock formations, ravines and unique northern plant associations. A sandstone bluff, adjacent to the river, has given the park its name.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$6 / night
4. Goatland
Be the first to review!•9 Photos•9 SavesIt's not a huge place, but the goats, sheep, and a very bossy donkey will keep you company as you bake in the sun, or read under a tree by the creek. Close hwy access, but far enough from that, and in most cases the house, to afford privacy. This is a working farm.
I have several locations for campers based upon multiple factors like weather, phase of hay growth, whether you have kids, want sun or shade, or animals in your space. I limit the number of people here at one time - there is only one bathroom.
We're happy to have you, to answer any questions you may have, and to introduce you to the animals. We mind our own business unless you need something. If you require a lot of attention, manicured lawns, electrical service at your site, a grill at your disposal, and parking at your tent, you probably wouldn't be happy here, but if you like animals, quiet, and open space, we may be just what you're looking for.
Reasonable driving distance to Le-Aqua-Na, Apple River Canyon, Krape and Read Parks, Cadiz Springs, Pecatonica Forest Preserve, and Head Gates Park. About an hour from the Mississippi to the southwest, Galena to the west. There's also a popular walking/biking trail less than 5 mins away.
We are a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks.
Lambs are born in March. Kids are born in April or May. Most are gone, or mature enough to be less fun, by Oct.
Contact me with any inquiries, or questions.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Firewood Available
$35 - $55 / night
6. Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center
1 Review•2 Photos- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Cabins
7. Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites — Governor Dodge State Park
4 Reviews•3 Photos•6 SavesThere are six backpack campsites near Hickory Ridge. All sites are about 0.5 miles from the parking lot. Water and pit toilets are near the parking lot. Please note that coordinates listed on The Dyrt are for the entry to the State Park. Please call to gather detailed instructions on how to access these walk-in sites.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
8. Hickory Ridge Group Camp — Governor Dodge State Park
2 Reviews•10 Photos•2 SavesThere are 8 campsites that can accommodate groups of 15 to 40 persons per site in the Hickory Ridge Group Camp. Only tents are allowed. Each group site has a tent area, picnic tables, a large fire ring and a set of pit toilets. Drinking water is available at the shower building located near group site B and across from the backpack sites parking lot near group sites E, F, G and H.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
10. Scheidegger Forest (Dane County Parks)
Be the first to review!•3 SavesScheidegger Forest is nearly 80 acres and offers a mile of loop of hiking trails, a reservable shelter, and restroom. The area has been restored from a former Dane County Sheriff shooting range to a managed forest of primarily oak and hickory. The shelter, kiosk, and bathroom were all built from wood harvested on-site. Water is not available at this site When this Group Camp is reserved, the Shelter is not available to be reserved by another party(and vice versa). Located~ 100 feet east of loop parking lot, just beyond the restroom No potable water at this time. Vault(pit) toilet. Campfire ring. No electricity. 20’ x 30’ shelter– picnic tables. Vehicle parking in parking lot * Reserve a campsite online here: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/widanectywt.wsc/splash.html * Check opening and closing dates here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/Parks-Opening-Closing-Schedule * See campground rules here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/rules
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$65 / night
Recent Tent Reviews In Lena
499 Reviews of 10 Lena Campgrounds
Linda N.
Traveler
Sweet Minnihaha Campground
music fest
I originally went to this campground a couple years ago for a music festival, but I discovered how much fun it was. the people were incredible. the staff was really awesome so I continue to make it back at least once a year
Jeff and Linda L.
Guide
Grant River Recreation Area
Feet from the Mississippi
The park is on the beautiful might Mississippi river. It’s 2 miles from Potosi, WI with a large brewery with good food as well. Army Corps so half price with America The Beautiful senior discount card. If you like trains you will see many, close and going fast.
- Jerry H.
Scout
Swiss Valley County Park
Very nice experience
Nice trails around. Camp was clean. Cool creek and bridge. Priced appropriately at $23 a night.
- CCharles E.Traveler
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Super cheap for what you get.
I got a primitive tent site in an area all to myself, with a shower house just down the road, in a beautiful and quiet campground for $10 cash. You really can’t beat that. Campground is separate from the park so you don’t have to pay a park entrance fee to stay here.
Brent A.Scout
Vel Terra
Wonderful Little Campground
We stayed at this campground over Labor Day. The owner intentionally doesn't fill all of the sites in order to give people more space- a great luxury over a holiday like this. The sites are pretty small and only one 'sleeping structure' is allowed on each site but we found that Jeff was very willing to let us put up two tents (one for my wife & I
+ one for the kids) because we were in the same family.
The bathrooms and showers were very neat and well maintained. We didn't use the showers because they were paid but our friends did and had good things to say about them.
The campground has a very nice playground (the favorite of the trip for one of my kids) and a lounge where anyone staying at the campground can rest with A/C, wifi, a phone charging area, and some board games.
The primary drawback is that there isn't a lot of outdoor activities to do in the area. All the land is private so there's not great hiking (a little in the state park about 20 min drive away), IL law allows waterways to be privately owned so you can't kayak the river, etc. Galena is nearby if you want to go shopping and we really enjoyed going to Terrapin Apple Orchard and picking some apples (if you're there in the Fall). But all in all I would say this is a great campground to rest and relax at- probably not ideal for outdoor adventures.
Dj Y.TravelerGrant River Recreation Area
Sandy and Gentleman worker=AMAZING
I was hitchhiking thru, was dropped off by a ride that said he was buying a $14 tent site for me, come to find out he never did, I just was honest with sandy and the gentleman worker and offered the only 8$ I had, no sir, they said please stay for free and just enjoy. WONDERFUL PPL THAT CARE ABOUT OTHERS!! THANKS YALL
Jenna R.Scout
Blue Mound State Park Campground
Great for families
Lots of playgrounds for kids age 2-10. Pit toilets smell- I’d avoid sites around them. Hot Showers by lot 30 and at pool. Pool is not heated as stated- definitely not 80 degrees. West tower is the best for sunsets. Site 75 was nice as it was a bit back from the road and you can’t see your neighbors.
Erin Z.Traveler
Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites — Governor Dodge State Park
We will be back!!!
Great backpack base camp! Great views, plenty of privacy and an easy hike. We stayed at 806.
Renee R.Guide
Brigham Park
Nice spot for summer camping.
I've visited this campground twice and it's been a hit both times.
Pros:
- Scenic overlook is gorgeous.
- The dense tree cover and near-constant slight breeze help to both keep this campground cool and the mosquitos at bay.
- Well-kept vault toilets.
- Close to a many points of interest.
Cons:
- Some of the sites are strangely graded and situated. One site near ours had the fire pit at the very edge, making sitting around it virtually impossible. 14 was a pretty site but had a large tree in the middle of it.
- Using the County website to reserve the site was clunky and time consuming.
- Christie B.Traveler
Blackhawk Memorial Park
Peaceful and serene!
Quiet , off the grid! Very pleasant !
Alex A.ScoutToms Campground
Great, friendly, affordable, convenient
We needed a place after visiting the House on the Rock and couldn't find anything with hookups nearby. We stumbled upon Tom's Campground hoping to find a site. We pulled in and Tom met us at our camper as soon as we got to the top of the hill and before we even got out. He was very friendly and informative. Showers were good enough but we aren't picky, 7 minutes for $0.25. The area was beautiful.
Sarah B.Guide
Yellowstone Lake State Park
Def do not recommend for summer 2024!
I wanted so badly to love this campground experience, but just didn't. Site 19 was an easy walk-in that theoretically had nearby vault toilets, parking, and water.
Each site only had space for one car to park before walking in. Not a huge deal, but annoying as there were 2 of us who drove separate and we had to problem solve. When we got to the site I was shocked to see that what was labeled as a tent site had literally NO flat space to actually set up a tent. Spacious site, but fully sloped.
Also, what I would have loved to know, is that the vault toilets are closed because they are doing construction to build something new in that space. Construction that starts loudly each day at 7am. Honestly every site from about #35 down was affected by the noise because the construction is happening in the middle of the loop (and actually blocking some of the one-way road as well).
The park in general was okay. Per the usual, the pet areas were lacking. No beach at all, just grass covered in goose poop and one cut out on the raised shore between tall grasses and foliage where a dog could potentially jump in. Certainly nowhere for a human to enjoy the water with their pups unfortunately.
- Jarrett G.Traveler
New Glarus Woods State Park
Cramped
Handful of sites, not very level. Lots of bugs, had raccoons fighting outside my tent. Was right across from the New Glarus brewery.
- Christie B.Traveler
Green County Fairgrounds
Ok but you have to work around the events going on because you have to leave when they are going on!
Nice quiet place no neighbors usually bothering you showers and toilets could be better but overall ok
Rebecca C.Scout
Rock Cut state park
Not well maintained
We have a 30 amp trailer. When we got there, the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday. We called the Rangers and asked them to look at our site breaker since it kept tripping. They came, told us the park was old and not updated but then ultimately told us it was our trailer. We had to rent a motel for the night because we couldn't even pull out the slide or anything. This was after spending about 6 hours pulling apart all the electrical in the trailer. Went to camping world the next day just for us to use their plugs and it was fine. We thought maybe it was our cord so we bought a new one and still nothing. We called the Rangers again who came to look at it. Told us that the park was just so old that it probably couldn't keep up and moved us to a 50 amp sight. The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again. So we ended up having to go back to camping world to get an adapter to use the 50 amp. Wasted about 30 hours of our trip over their electrical not being updated and they knew that. Tried to reach out to get the first night reimbursed since we literally couldn't even stay there or use our trailer. Was told we had to come back the next day to speak to the head ranger, came back and he wasn't there again. Was told he would call us two different times and never got a call. Will never stay here again.
- Charles M.
Ranger
Bellevue State Park
Campsite Was Average at Best
I took my son and one of his friends campjng to Bellvue State Park, however, we did not visit the actual park itself. The camp sites were close to one another, many had almost no privacy from the other campsites. We were at campsite 40, which had a severe incline. Also, if you prefer to hammock camp you may not be able to do so. I was able to find one tree and hook the other side up to my vehicle.
- AAC S.Scout
Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites — Governor Dodge State Park
Group trip!
Huge park! This is a beautiful place to go camping, lots of things to do! Lots of access to pit toilets and water fountains from primary camping sites!
J H.Scout
Crazy Horse Campground
Used to be a great place to camp
Unfortunately, I can no longer say this is a great, affordable place to stay. The weekly rates increased by over $75 a week for the full hookup sites this season.
There was also a link to last years pricing still active until 4/16 that has since been deactivated when I asked to have my pricing adjusted to that amount. Seems deceptive to me, having 2 different prices in 2 different places on their site. They will not honor the price and told me if I don't like it I can find somewhere else to camp.
Also, they no longer offer kayaks, which was the big draw to the campground.
We may keep our reservation this year, but likely won't be back next season.
- KKevin C.Guide
Rock Cut state park
So close to home
We camp here at least 5 times a year. It’s only 8 miles from our home. Many trails and not to expensive. They have sites with electric and sites just for tents. The only negative is no drinkable water. Tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond.
Napunani
Legend
Prophetstown State Park
Pit (Vault) Toilet in Campground
This fairly new State Park would of merited "5 stars", but the pit (aka vault) toilet smell was just tooooooo much and we weren't even close!
PROS
Park beautifully maintained and mowed throughout S
Site 109 shady
Site 109 gravel parking pad level
Moveable wooden picnic table
Metal campfire ring with cooking grate
Roadways easy to maneuver without obstacles
Quite except for train whistle close by
Partial privacy from neighbors
Toilet/shower facility in next campground (Savanna) very clean and sufficiently stocked
Very nice 12 ft wide asphalt bike trails
Night sky friendly as no street lights in campground
Firewood for sale at entrance gate
Frequent park ranger campground drive throughs
Double lane dump station
Double lane portable water fill stations
CONS
The aroma of the pit toilet between Spruce and Savanna Campgrounds could be smelled throughout both campgrounds. Disgusting!!! No hand wash station at pit toilet
Modern toilet/shower facility only in Savanna Campground
No security gate closure overnight
All trash dumpsters near campground entrance gatehouse
5pm checkin
No interpretive programs Monday thru Thursday
Justin G.ScoutRock Cut state park
Fall Getaway
A perfect spot for a weekend trip. We stayed in the White Oak area and used our tent. This location was close to the shower house (which could have been a little bit cleaner but still usable). There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season.
- JJill B.Scout
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, Illinois
This is a great campground! The trails are well kept, clean bathrooms, nice campsites sand the best camp hosts ever!!!
Barb N.RangerToms Campground
Clean and full hookups
Friendly and well kept.
Drew H.TravelerMississippi Palisades State Park
Great first visit
First time visiting this park, we stayed for 4 nights. Very clean park and it was incredibly quiet. No alcohol was allowed on the grounds but it didn’t seem like it would be enforced unless there was a campsite causing issues which is fair. Clean bathrooms and showers. We showed up around 11am and saw our site was not occupied so we decided to set up and then checked in at the front at 4:00 when the host arrived. Overall very positive experience. I will absolutely go back.
Something worth noting. There is no store on site, they do sell wood but it is cash only.
- jjulianaGuide
New Glarus Woods State Park
Quiet
Small rustic campground, large sites. Beautiful area. Trails are well groomed and easy hikes. Great bakery in town!
Stacie H.Guide
Morrison Rockwood State Park
A lovely campground with the CLEANEST bathrooms and showerhouse!
This campground is a lovely gem! Most of the camp sites are fairly secluded from one another by distance and from surrounding foliage (see pic). The exceptions would be sites 55-64 that loop around the playground. We, unfortunately, didn't know this and so had site 61. It was nice little spot with plenty of shade but I was a bit jealous of those with more secluded spots, especially since we are tent campers and all of the others on the loop were big RVs.
The pros:
- The campground hosts were lovely. Friendly but not overbearing, as some can be.
- The on site restaurant/bait shop/ boat rental was very convenient! Husband forgot to pack something and the little bait shop had what we needed. Plus, we were able to buy firewood there, too.
- Lovely scenery! The hiking trails were well maintained and there were lots of beautiful flowers, bird, and butterflies. We even saw a raccoon!
- The (and I cannot emphasize this enough) CLEANEST campground bathrooms I've ever seen! I'm not squeamish and have been camping for years so my expectations for campground bathroom cleanliness is well calibrated but these bathrooms (even the vault toilets!) were amazingly clean! There weren't even spiderwebs on the ceiling of the shower house. Just *chef's kiss*
- The water from the pump was very clean.
The cons:
- Lack of privacy/seclusion for the 55-64 sites along the loop.
- For that same loop, since it circles the playground, if kids playing noises bother you, might want to choose a different site.
- The food at the restaurant was meh. It was fine- it was sustenance. Nothing to write home about.
- LOTS of big RVs. It wasn't an issue for us on this trip, but on other camping trips sometimes being surrounded by big RVs just isn't a great vibe.
Carl F.Scout
Rustic Barn Campground RV Park
Close to touristy spots
Quiet, clean & friendly. FHUs and city water/sewer! The gorgeous sunsets were an added bonus. I wish we would have booked a back in site, because they were wonderfully shaded and appeared easy to back into. (Our last 2 campground back ins were nightmarishly narrow with close trees.)
Guide to Lena
Camping near Lena, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the numerous trails available at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season."
- Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Pierce Lake, which is a popular spot for anglers. A reviewer noted, "The biggest problem you are likely to encounter here is exactly which of the 7 campgrounds to stay at."
- Caving: Visit Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground for a unique adventure. One camper shared, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Governor Dodge State Park said, "Bathrooms and showers seemed clean enough."
- Secluded Sites: Many campers enjoy the privacy offered by the sites at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "These sites are separated by plenty of vegetation giving you good privacy."
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Twin Valley Campground are noted for being great for families. A camper remarked, "We really love camping at Governor Dodge. It has some fantastic hiking trails, nice lakes, and family-friendly camping."
What you should know:
- No Alcohol Policy: Some campgrounds, like Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A visitor noted, "No alcohol was allowed on the grounds but it didn’t seem like it would be enforced unless there was a campsite causing issues."
- Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like White Pines Forest State Park Campground may have limited amenities. A camper mentioned, "The campground is absolutely jammed with campsites—it's ridiculous."
- Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife, especially at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground. One camper shared, "Even my little chihuahua seemed to enjoy her first spelunking experience."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Flat Sites: Look for flatter sites, especially at White Pines Forest State Park Campground. A reviewer advised, "I wouldn’t recommend any on the hilly side, but sites 20-26 are fabulous!"
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. One family at Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "We camp here at least 5 times a year."
- Pack Snacks: Bring along snacks for the kids. A camper at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were clean and the showers were warm."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your site has the right electrical hookups. A visitor at Cox Hollow Campground mentioned, "We booked an RV site but decided to camp."
- Be Prepared for Slopes: Some sites may be sloped, so check the terrain before booking. A reviewer at Blue Mound State Park Campground said, "The sites are very well isolated and shaded, but some sites are non-electric."
- Bring a Good Adapter: If you're using a 30 amp RV, consider bringing an adapter. A camper at Rock Cut State Park Campground shared their experience with electrical issues.
Camping near Lena, Illinois, has its perks and quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lena, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lena, IL is New Glarus Woods State Park with a 3.6-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lena, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Lena, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.