Tent camping near Lombard, Illinois offers a range of opportunities within an hour's drive of Chicago's suburbs, despite the region's predominantly flat landscape. Most campgrounds in the Lombard vicinity are situated near rivers or canals, creating natural recreation corridors for campers. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing, making most tent camping sites seasonal with closures from late October through April.
What to do
Kayaking on calm waters: Kayak Morris offers tent sites along the river with immediate water access. "I have my own kayak and the river here is so calm its awesome. My friends rented the dual kayaks ant they loved them. Great location great cover on hot days," shares camper Art P.
Fishing for stripers: Anglers can find productive fishing spots where rivers meet. "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper. I don't know if its the river convergence or the lake but they bite here hard!" reports Sam Murphy M. at Kayak Morris.
Biking on canal trails: Channahon State Park Campground connects directly to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. "This campground is right in town... Arriving by bicycle is even better. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp. You can stop for a rest or stay the night. It's a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock," notes Art S.
Night paddling excursions: Some campgrounds organize evening water activities during summer months. "Had my first experience of a lit up kayak tour for fireworks," mentions Eric R. about special events at Kayak Morris.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Waterfront sites provide direct access for water activities. "Camp sites are dotted next to the shore of the river, there's kayak rentals, and there's enough space for multiple tents on one site," explains Eric R. about Kayak Morris.
Site privacy: MacQueen Forest Preserve offers unusually spacious site layouts. "This is one of those places that's so awesome, you really don't want to tell people about it... There are eight primitive campsites here, and they're spread out at least 50 yards apart. That's right, at least 50 yards," notes Amy G.
Affordable rates: Basic tent sites often cost less than $10 per night. "The very best part? You're in the middle of the country, with gorgeous sunsets, and the primitive camping is only $4," reports Amy G. about MacQueen Forest Preserve.
ADA accessible options: Some campgrounds have made efforts to accommodate all campers. "There is one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy," notes Marisa A. about MacQueen Forest Preserve's accessibility options.
What you should know
Train noise: Be prepared for passing trains at several campgrounds in the area. "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," warns Amy G. about MacQueen Forest Preserve.
Urban proximity: Some campgrounds have noticeable urban elements. "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok," mentions Jeffrey L. about Camp Shabbona Woods.
Gear transportation: Many sites require carrying equipment from parking areas. "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. It's an easy walk, on a crushed gravel road and mowed trail," explains Amy G.
Flooding potential: Some sites can experience water issues after heavy rain. "Our night went from on and off light rain to three hours of down pour rain. With that said our site was flooded once we woke up. We had three inches up the the fire pit," reports Rita S. about McKinley Woods.
Tips for camping with families
Look for "Glampout" events: Kayak Morris offers organized camping experiences. "25 sites to choose from, they fill up fast on weekends so plan to make reservations early. the glampouts are a blast," shares Eric R., while another camper mentions "morning breakfast after the glampout night provided by the staff, good food and quite environment."
Bring your own collection of sticks: Some campgrounds allow gathering small wood. "They sell firewood but also let you pick up sticks in the area that are small- we didn't need to buy firewood after gathering our own," explains Amanda W. about camping with family at Kayak Morris.
Check for amenities for beginners: Camp Shabbona Woods is designed with new campers in mind. "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. Caretakers were very helpful," notes Scott M.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Lombard don't accommodate larger RVs. "This is a very primative campground with 1 set of Vault toilets. The other campsites require a walk/hike along a gravel path for completely wooded sites or cross a football sized meadow for open air sites," explains Marisa A. about MacQueen Forest Preserve.
Gate closure timing: Check gate schedules if arriving after dark. "The ranger is very nice and the entrance is locked from sunset to sunrise," warns Marisa A., meaning late arrivals may not be able to access camping areas.
Water sources: Most tent sites lack full hookups. "There is water, but it is not, I repeat is not, potable," cautions Amy G. about the water pumps at MacQueen Forest Preserve, indicating RVers should arrive with full water tanks.
