Camping sites near Manhattan, Illinois offer a blend of public and private options within 30 miles of town. The area sits on relatively flat terrain with elevations between 600-700 feet above sea level, creating conditions where water drainage can be an issue during heavy rainfall. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with humidity levels frequently exceeding 80%, making water activities particularly attractive during peak season.
What to do
Kayaking on local waterways: At Kayak Morris, the Illinois River provides calm waters ideal for paddlers of all skill levels. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes one visitor to the area. Fishing opportunities are abundant, with one camper reporting, "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!"
Mountain biking on forest trails: The trail systems at Camp Bullfrog Lake offer extensive riding opportunities within 30 minutes of Manhattan. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits. What's great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," shares one regular visitor. Another camper confirms: "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here."
Camping with river views: Waterfront camping spots provide direct access to rivers. "We stayed when there were not many people there so we had plenty of space but could see it getting crowded when it's full. We brought our own kayaks and launched right from our campsite which was amazing," reports a camper at Kayak Morris. Many sites offer immediate water access, though availability varies seasonally.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Potowatomi Campground at Kankakee River State Park earns praise for maintenance. "The campsites are very spread out and you will have a very private quiet campsite. This site is near a small cemetery that has tombstones that are hundreds of years old," notes one visitor. Another camper shares: "The area is well kept, clean, and well managed. I have frequented this park because it offers a lot of activities from primitive camping, RV parking, fishing, hiking, biking, backpacking, etc."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest preserves support diverse wildlife. "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," reports a visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake. Bird watching is particularly productive in morning hours, with one camper noting the "Amazing chirping of the birds in the morning. Just beautiful piece full with nature."
Water recreation: McKinley Woods offers multiple water options. "There is easy access to the I&M canal and bike trail with a dock, access to the Des Plaines river is an unofficial path from the overlook. The canal is navigable, but swampy with algae and some downed trees," explains one camper. Paddling routes connect multiple waterways, though seasonal water levels affect navigability.
What you should know
Flooding concerns: Low-lying areas near rivers can flood quickly 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. By the time we packed up it reached the side walk," warns a camper at McKinley Woods. Water drainage varies significantly between campgrounds.
Highway noise at some locations: Martin's Camping Ground sits near Interstate 80, affecting the camping experience. "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by to I-80. There's a lot of traffic given the proximity to Chicago. If you're able to sleep with large trucks driving in the background, you'll be fine," notes one visitor. Site selection matters significantly for noise sensitivity.
Seasonal operating hours: Many sites have restricted operating schedules. "The park closes early, 8PM in summer, and earlier still off season. Check the fine print on your reservation!" advises a McKinley Woods visitor. Water access points and services may have different schedules than the camping areas themselves.
Weather extremes: Summer heat combines with humidity to create challenging conditions. "We camped during July 4th so it was busy but the team came out to clean up promptly. There are vault toilets, water, and trash cans in each loop. The river was nice to visit and we were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river). Playgrounds are unfortunately exposed so it was not suitable for the 100 degree days we had," reports a Potowatomi Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for varied comfort levels: Camp Sullivan offers alternatives to tent camping. "Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds. There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups," explains one camper.
Choose shaded sites during summer: Heat management becomes crucial for comfort. "Our site was perfect with trees to hang a hammock on and for the kids to run around," shares a Potowatomi Campground visitor. Another notes: "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods)."
Pack water recreation gear: With limited swimming options, portable water equipment helps with cooling. "We had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view," reports a local camper. Water toys for shallow play can provide relief from summer heat while maintaining safety.
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup options: Hollywood Casino RV Resort provides better serviced sites. "Friendly staff who were quick to respond to any issues. $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant. No wi-fi found except at hotel," notes a visitor. Another adds: "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!"
Check site dimensions before booking: Space varies significantly between locations. "The sites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded," shares one Camp Sullivan visitor. Many campgrounds in the area were not designed for larger modern RVs, requiring careful planning.
Limited seasonal availability: Water systems at many campgrounds shut down during colder months. "Not a bad spot. Average and relatively inexpensive," says a Hollywood Casino visitor, adding an important note: "No water before 4/15." Seasonal closures affect amenities even when parks technically remain open year-round.
