Tent camping near Colona, Illinois provides campers with access to both the Hennepin Canal system and several wooded riverside locations within a 30-mile radius. The canal system stretches 104 miles through rural Illinois, connecting the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers with multiple primitive camping areas along its route. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions and fewer insects.
What to do
Kayaking on waterways: Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. offers "Wapsipinicon River access for fishing, paddling" with "River Trailhead right outside Kestrel Cabin," according to James M. The center includes trails through forests and prairie areas.
Canal trail biking: The Hennepin Canal Trail provides extensive biking opportunities on crushed gravel paths. At Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground, Art S. notes, "The Hennepin Canal Trail goes right through camp. On a previous visit I rode my bike along the crushed gravel trail. With a few connecting roads, I traveled from a Chicago suburb to the Mississippi River."
Equestrian camping: Some campgrounds accommodate horses with dedicated facilities. A reviewer observed at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 that there is "separate space for equestrian campers and those without horses" with "a few connecting roads" where they "did see a couple riding on the trail."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Tent sites at many area campgrounds offer quieter experiences away from RV areas. At Lock and Dam 13, Ryan describes it as a "very beautiful and peaceful place" despite the fact that "You have to park off a gravel road on the iowa side and its about a mile walk and a half mile off the tracks."
Canal system exploration: The historical lock system provides unique camping experiences. Stuart K. notes at Hennepin Canal Lock 11 that camping spots are "sitting in full view of the canal" with approximately "5-6 individual camping sites" in an unmarked area "just in front of the parking lot."
Lake access: Several campgrounds offer lake access for water activities. At Silva Campground, campers can use "a boat ramp and docks on Lake George" with "primitive campsites (non-electric) surrounded by natural area" that includes "flush toilets, water access, playground, picnic area, and pavilion."
What you should know
Payment system: Canal campgrounds operate on a pay-when-contacted basis. As Iris A. explains, "The Canal's site security officer makes rounds to each campsite to collect camping fees, in-person. Campers can pay by cash or check."
Limited facilities: Many sites offer minimal amenities. According to Jeff and Linda L. at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground, expect "No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations."
Water considerations: Canal system camping requires planning ahead for water. Stuart K. cautions, "There is no potable drinking water anywhere at any of these locks up and down the Hennepin Canal apart from at the Visitors Center, so ensure you bring your own water or filtration system."
Site conditions: Many sites are open grassy areas. Art S. describes Hennepin Canal Lock 21 as having "campsites all on grassy areas with trees at the edges. This gives you some shade depending on the time of day. The grassy sites were a bit unexpected. We saw tire marks showing that people drove into the grass to set up camp."
Tips for camping with families
Educational center access: Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. offers educational resources alongside camping. James M. highlights that the "Park is a nature preserve" and "also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River."
Alternative activities: Some campgrounds offer supplementary recreation. At Cedar River Campground, Steve T. remarks that "we had the kids down for the weekend and we thought a campsite with a pool and mini golf would be a fun break from the norm."
Swimming options: Several locations offer swimming access. James M. notes that Koch's Meadow Lake Campground provides "lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming" along with being "pet friendly" with "community buildings."
Safety considerations: Some canal sites may feel less secure for families. Holly J. cautions about Hennepin Canal Lock 11: "The camp sites here are right between the parking lot and the fishing spots so all the fishermen and hikers go right through your site. No privacy at all. As a single female traveler, i didn't feel safe enough to stay here."
Tips for RVers
Size limitations: Most canal system camping is not suitable for larger RVs. While Jeff and Linda L. reported "We saw a class A, so they do fit" at Hennepin Canal Lock 21, most sites are better suited for smaller rigs or tent camping.
Walk-in requirements: Some campgrounds require carrying gear from parking areas. At Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, James M. describes the experience: "The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings... Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics."
Site layout challenges: RVers should be prepared for basic conditions. Stuart K. warns that at Hennepin Canal Lock 11, this is "one of the most basic and thus primitive" options with limited facilities "apart from the restroom that you will find."
