Best Tent Camping near Lincolnshire, IL
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."
