P
Peter N.
Scout
ScoutSunrise Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Nice sites. Lots of road noise.
Tent Camping near Lincolnshire, IL
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MacQueen Forest Preserve offers primitive tent camping in a secluded setting approximately 80 miles northwest of Lincolnshire, Illinois. The preserve features nine tent sites spread at least 50 yards apart, providing privacy rarely found at established campgrounds. Located along the Kishwaukee River, these sites require a short walk along gravel paths or across meadows to access. Camp Shabbona Woods, another tent camping option in the region, provides a more urban camping experience but still caters to tent campers seeking a natural setting.
Tent sites at MacQueen Forest Preserve are equipped with basic amenities including fire pits and picnic tables. The preserve operates on a self-check-in system with a payment box in the parking lot, charging only $4-5 per night per tent. Campers should note that while water is available from well pumps throughout the grounds, it is not potable for drinking. Vault toilets are maintained regularly but reflect the primitive nature of the campground. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. The entrance gate locks from sunset to sunrise, requiring campers to plan arrivals accordingly.
The tent camping experience varies across available sites. At MacQueen, sites 1, 2, and 8 are located in forested areas, while others surround a large open meadow that offers potential for stargazing. Campsite 8 is particularly noted for its remote location overlooking the river. Campers should be prepared for occasional train noise at night, as tracks run relatively close to the preserve. The former Boy Scout camp atmosphere provides a rustic experience with minimal development. A visitor commented, "It's very basic, just a fire pit and a picnic table at each spot. There wasn't anyone there. I assume it's because it's early in the spring."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Lincolnshire (6)
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. Melody Park Campground
3. Camp Shabbona Woods
"camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping. The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $80 / night
4. Kishwaukee Valley Farms
from $74 - $100 / night
5. 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
6. 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"
Drive Time
- 28 min from Kenosha, WI
- 36 min from Chicago, IL
- 39 min from Racine, WI
- 1 hr 7 min from Rockford, IL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lincolnshire, IL
7 Photos of 6 Lincolnshire Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Lincolnshire, IL
470 Reviews of 6 Lincolnshire Campgrounds
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.
- 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.
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.
- MManny A.Traveler
Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
Simple and local
Simple campsite. We should have brought some leveling blocks, But otherwise my wife and I enjoyed the site for our rental RV. Short 10 minute walk to Lake Michigan. The camp store is fairly robust with friendly people working there. I appreciate that there are 2 lanes for dump/fill stations. My wife and I would absolutely stay here again.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendEscape to Nature
Simply Lovely
We had a truly enjoyable stay and would’ve stayed an extra day if our travel schedule would’ve allowed. David was a wonderful host. Greeted us with a smile and escorted us to our site. We had our choice of 2 spots, both lovely. Picnic table and plenty of FREE firewood to keep us cozy. Wild turkeys roamed the grounds as well as the friendly ducks. All in all, a very peaceful evening and a special place.
- MMyriam F.Scout
Thousand Trails Pine Country
A Nice, Quiet RV Park
Stayed with Thousand Trails. It's mostly an annual park, but they've got about 20 TT sites. They've got a clean pool, good size. And a clubhouse that's open til 9pm. Laundry & trash dumpsters nearby. Full hook ups. We enjoyed our stay.
- kelsea D.Traveler
Sunset Campground — Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Amazing place
It’s a lot bigger than I expected it to be. Our site is great the bathrooms are well maintained. There’s plenty of things to do here. Getting wood is great and easy the only downside is paying $8 a bundle. Otherwise great campgrounds. Would definitely come back.
Guide to Lincolnshire
MacQueen Forest Preserve provides secluded tent camping opportunities 80 miles northwest of Lincolnshire, Illinois. The Kishwaukee River flows through this natural area, offering water recreation alongside primitive camping options. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during daytime hours, while spring and fall camping can experience nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s, requiring appropriate gear for comfort.
What to do
River recreation: The Kishwaukee River provides opportunities for water activities during summer months. Some campers create their own tubing routes that end at the campground. "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," notes reviewer Marisa A. at MacQueen Forest Preserve.
Hiking trails: MacQueen Forest Preserve offers hiking trails through wooded areas and along the river, though they are limited in scope. A camper explains, "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," according to Marcus D.
Stargazing: The open meadow areas provide excellent nighttime sky viewing away from city lights. "About half of the campsites are in a meadow at the back end of the campground. It would be beautiful for stargazing!" reports Amy G.
What campers like
Site privacy: The significant distance between campsites creates an uncommon sense of seclusion. "Spots are pretty spread out. Only sites 1,2,8 are forested the rest are around a large open field," notes Nick C. at MacQueen Forest Preserve.
Budget-friendly pricing: The self-service payment system and low nightly rates make this an economical camping option. "The very best part? You're in the middle of the country, with gorgeous sunsets, and the primitive camping is only $4," shares Amy G.
Well-maintained facilities: Despite being primitive, the campground receives regular maintenance. "Well maintained bathrooms, great secluded sites. Super easy no registration its first come first serve," reports Darshon J. at Camp Shabbona Woods.
What you should know
No potable water: While water pumps exist throughout the grounds, they do not provide safe drinking water. "There is water, but it is not, I repeat is not, potable," emphasizes Amy G.
Gate closure hours: The entrance gate locks from sunset to sunrise, requiring planning for arrivals and departures. "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok," notes Jeffrey L. about Camp Shabbona Woods.
Train noise: Proximity to railway lines creates periodic noise disturbances overnight. "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," Amy G. cautions.
Tips for camping with families
Pack transportation tools: Walking distances to campsites require equipment to transport gear. "You have to walk up to the sites. There's a wagon and a dolly to take your things," explains Marcus D. at MacQueen Forest Preserve.
Urban-adjacent option: For families seeking tent camping with more amenities and less isolation, consider Camp Shabbona Woods. "This camp site is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping. The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing. Caretakers were very helpful and did a great job keeping the campground clean," explains Scott M.
Site selection strategies: For families wanting more shade and privacy, target specific site numbers. "By far the best spot on the grounds. Great remote location over looking the river," Nick C. says about Site #8 during his winter camping trip at MacQueen Forest Preserve.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle restrictions: RV camping is not accommodated at these tent-focused campgrounds near Lincolnshire. "You can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite," Jeffrey L. notes about Camp Shabbona Woods.
Accessibility considerations: Tent camping locations near Lincolnshire primarily serve tent campers with limited vehicle access, though some accommodate those with mobility needs. "There is one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy," Marisa A. mentions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Lincolnshire, IL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lincolnshire, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lincolnshire, IL is MacQueen Forest Preserve with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
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What is the best site to find tent camping near Lincolnshire, IL?
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