Tent campsites near North Aurora, Illinois range from heavily wooded sites to open meadows with river access. Summer temperatures average 83°F with humidity levels often exceeding 70%. Primitive camping options throughout the region require varying levels of preparation, with many sites offering self-check-in systems and limited access to potable water sources.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing opportunities: Kayak Morris offers direct river access with calm waters ideal for beginners. "I have my own kayak and the river here is so calm its awesome. My friends rented the dual kayaks ant they loved them," shares camper Art P. The river confluence nearby provides excellent fishing, with one reviewer noting, "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!"
Explore historic canal trails: The Illinois and Michigan Canal towpath near Buffalo Rock State Park Campground offers hiking and biking routes with river views. Sites along this path provide a unique camping experience with "beautiful views of Illinois River" from several overlooks. A camper noted, "Walk to Ottawa is very magical," referencing the trail connection to nearby towns.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several preserves feature natural habitats where you can spot local wildlife. "Saw lots of wild life," reports a camper about Buffalo Rock, which uniquely houses live buffalo. A visitor mentioned, "Real live Buffalo are a treat for kids and animal lovers. A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: MacQueen Forest Preserve offers exceptional spacing between campsites, unlike many Illinois campgrounds. A camper described the experience: "There are eight primitive campsites here, and they're spread out at least 50 yards apart. That's right, at least 50 yards. You can't see the campsite next to you." The preserve maintains the grounds regularly, with another reviewer noting, "The campsite looked very well maintained, like it had been freshly mowed around the edges."
Riverfront camping: Kayak Starved Rock Campground provides direct water access with impressive views. "Our campsite was wonderful and was on a point on the river that has a 180 degree view of the river," writes Paul R. The campground's positioning offers unique perspectives: "There is no other campground that I know of within the vicinity of Starved Rock SP that ostensibly sits on the water's edge offering both a southernly view of absolute natural beauty."
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds in the area offer affordable camping experiences. MacQueen Forest Preserve charges only $5 per night, with a camper stating, "I will definitely be going back this year especially since it's close to me and it's only $5/night." Self-service check-in systems are common at these primitive locations.
What you should know
Train noise affects sleep: Railway lines run near several campgrounds in the area, creating potential disturbances. At MacQueen Forest Preserve, a camper warned: "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."
Flooding risks: Some sites experience water issues during heavy rain. At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, a camper reported: "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."
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Most tent camping areas offer basic amenities only. Buffalo Rock's campsites have "no restrooms but there is a water source you can filter." Similarly, campers at MacQueen noted, "There is water, but it is not, I repeat is not, potable."
Park closing times: Some preserves maintain strict access hours. Camp Shabbona Woods has unusual restrictions, with a camper noting, "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access sites for beginners: Camp Shabbona Woods provides an approachable camping experience for first-timers. "Camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping," writes a reviewer. The campground offers shower facilities unlike many primitive options in the area.
Campgrounds with playground access: Buffalo Rock State Park includes recreational facilities for children. "The park has a playground, restroom (with running water), and drinking fountains with spouts," notes a camper. These amenities provide entertainment options beyond hiking and water activities.
Family-friendly water activities: Several campgrounds cater to families with water recreation. At Kayak Morris, a visitor shared that "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. If you forgot your tent they rent them out as well."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options near preserves: Most tent campsites near North Aurora prioritize tent camping with few RV accommodations. Kayak Starved Rock Campground is described as having "about 50 primitive campsites that are 100% marked exclusively for tent camping (sorry RVers and 5th Wheelers, but you'll have to go back to the concrete paved lots for your slightly compromised outing in nature)."
Plan for no hookups: RV campers should prepare for primitive conditions. "No electric or water hook ups can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite," reports a visitor to Camp Shabbona Woods. This setup requires self-sufficiency with solar panels or generators where allowed.
