Best Tent Camping near Nachusa, IL

Nachusa, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Nachusa. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Tent Sites Near Nachusa, Illinois (14)

    1. Castle Rock State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oregon, IL
    8 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "Located about 100 miles West of Chicago, Castle Rock State Park features one of the ONLY campgrounds that I've visited this close to the city in which I was completely alone."

    "Site selection is first come, first serve and the registration and payment is done on the honor system, and they do have rangers that monitor."

    2. Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground

    1 Review
    Nachusa, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 456-2878

    $4 - $8 / night

    "are one of those primitive campers who want to take their noble steed(s) with them for the night in order to gallup along some pretty amazing horse-friendly trails."

    3. Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center

    1 Review
    Oregon, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 732-2220

    "Sometimes there are family retreats planned where you can bring your tent or trailer and camp in designated campsites in a tranquil meadow."

    5. MacQueen Forest Preserve

    6 Reviews
    Kirkland, IL
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 522-6254

    "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."

    6. Kayak Starved Rock Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 567-4653

    $29 / night

    "Before we begin, let me share 3 things with you: (1) I love camping, preferably primitive camping where I get to pitch my tent, leaving the comforts of modern civilization behind in the hopes of returning"

    "One such place, an oasis of tranquility and beauty nestled in the Illinois wilderness, is the Kayak Starved Rock Campground."

    7. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    2 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 782-6302

    $8 / night

    "Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"

    8. Hennepin Canal Lock 11

    3 Reviews
    Princeton, IL
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 454-2328

    "While there is no actual check-in or check-out time, which honestly, is a huge bonus, occasionally there is a park ranger that will come by to check on the location and collect those $8 nightly fares,"

    9. Buffalo Rock State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ottawa, IL
    43 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you’re looking for privacy this is it. There aren’t toilets tho or running water.."

    "A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."

    10. Lock and Dam 13

    1 Review
    Fulton, IL
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 259-3628

    "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. Very beautiful and peaceful place. Great fishing, especially along the spillway."

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Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Nachusa, IL

670 Reviews of 14 Nachusa Campgrounds



Guide to Nachusa

Tent camping near Nachusa, Illinois offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tips for tent camping near Nachusa

  • Bring your own drinking water, as many sites like Hennepin Canal Lock 11 do not provide potable water, ensuring you stay hydrated during your outdoor adventures.
  • Prepare for primitive camping conditions at MacQueen Forest Preserve, where you'll find well-maintained sites but limited amenities, making it essential to pack all necessary supplies.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife while camping at Buffalo Rock State Park Campground, where you can enjoy sightings of real buffalo and other local fauna.

Unique local activities to enjoy while camping

  • Take advantage of the fishing opportunities at Lock and Dam 13, where you can cast your line in a serene setting along the river.
  • Visit the nearby Kayak Starved Rock Campground for kayaking adventures on the Illinois River, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
  • Explore the picturesque landscapes and hiking trails at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nachusa, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nachusa, IL is Castle Rock State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Nachusa, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Nachusa, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.