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Best Tent Camping near Olympia Fields, IL

445 Reviews

State parks and forest preserves within 30 miles of Olympia Fields, Illinois offer tent-only camping options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking proximity to Chicago while enjoying natural settings. Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland provides tent campsites with basic amenities, while McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove features walk-in tent sites along the I&M Canal. Channahon State Park Campground offers year-round tent camping with hike-in and walk-in access, making it popular for cyclists and hikers exploring the regional trail system.

Most tent campgrounds in the region require short walks from parking areas to reach the actual campsites. At McKinley Woods, campers should note that sites are approximately 100 yards from parking, with some sites featuring paved pads for accessibility. Water sources vary by location, with some campgrounds offering hand pumps that provide drinkable but sometimes cloudy water. Park closing times can be restrictive, particularly at McKinley Woods which closes at 8 PM during summer months and earlier in off-season. Toilet facilities typically consist of vault toilets or porta-potties, and most sites include fire rings and picnic tables. Seasonal flooding can affect low-lying tent sites, particularly after heavy rains.

Tent campers frequently use these locations as bases for exploring the extensive trail networks. According to reviews, Channahon State Park is "surrounded by trees" and serves as "a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock" along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. The walk-in nature of many sites provides additional privacy and a more primitive tent camping experience. One camper noted that at McKinley Woods, "the sites are far apart," with specific sites offering varying levels of shade and seclusion. Site #1 is described as "the shadiest and most secluded but uneven," while site #2 is "wide open and in the sun." Nighttime sounds typically include owls and distant trains, with some riverfront locations experiencing early morning boat traffic.

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Best Tent Sites Near Olympia Fields, Illinois (10)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Olympia Fields, IL

16 Photos of 10 Olympia Fields Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Olympia Fields, IL

445 Reviews of 10 Olympia Fields Campgrounds

  • H. K.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Nice but very little shade

    We stayed in the primitive tent area near the back of the park. It is walk in.

    There was a pole for a lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring and tent pad. There is one clean flush toilet and shower per each gender (the shower stall was spacious with plenty of hooks and benches). There were also vault toilets not too far away. The water spigot was pretty far away though. There were plenty of garbage cans.

    There were a few small trees but very little shade. On hot days I think a pop up shade shelter would be necessary to make it bearable.

    Overall it was pretty quiet.

    The last night we were there a large group of people with their tents showed up. There were not enough tent pads or picnic tables for all of them. I don't know if it was the park that booked so many people or if it was the group that overbooked.

  • H
    May. 26, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Great stay, come ready

    We stayed two nights in mid-May, at site number 72. Area was gorgeous, well maintained, shady and quiet. Tons of hiking trails in very close proximity to the campground! There is electricity on site, but no water or sewage at each site. However there is a water fill station and a dump station. So just come prepared. Also, they have a very strict no alcohol policy. Not that that stopped people, but don't go walking around with a beer bottle! We would definitely return.

  • Elizabeth G.
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Pleasant and quiet

    Stayed in site 43 of the Douglas loop. Douglas loop is all non electric.

    Our site was big enough for our tents, a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms/showers are really close by which is nice but you do get the lights from the bathroom facing site 43. Not a big deal but if you’re looking for more darkness then definitely choose one of the other sites around 43.

    All parking sites are paved for camper vans/trailers but no water or power hookups. All sites have nice huge tent pads that are nice and level. Only noise we heard was the train every now and then.

    The showers are individual rooms separate from the bathrooms. And there’s a gas station and liquor store near the entrance of the campground for fire wood and beer.

    I didn’t get to stay in the walk in campsites but they are very nice and close-ish to the showers.

  • Chris M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Clean & Spacious

    We pulled in around 4:30 in the evening. The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites. Since the weather was cooler , it was pretty sparse with other campers. We stayed 2 nights over the weekend. You are within walking distance to the beach within the park. The buildings have great architecture. The sight had 50 amp electric hook ups but no water or sewer connections, and we knew that going in. We had a back in sight #69. There was plenty of space on all sides. We have a 37’ motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around. The sight also had a wood picnic table and fire ring for a wood fire pit. We will definitely be back! I wish I had taken more photos from the beach and beach pavilion.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Outer Circle

    We reserved a spot in the outer circle. We like having woods on one side. Nice campground camping….parking pad, fire ring, picnic table. Good amount of space between spots. Nice bathrooms & showers. We have a rooftop tent and we’re very happy. Loved the hike over “Mt. Tom” to the gorgeous beach and warmish lake for a swim. We choose the State Park vs. National Park so we could hike to the beach.

  • Crissy R.
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Let there Be Rain and Silence....

    If you’re looking to go camping with the conveniences of the modern world nearby, this is the place to be. Located off of golf way rd and duneway pkwy, this campground is located roughly about an hour from Elkhart, if that’s where you’re coming from. They have a few options as far as sites go. Sites 1-34 are reservable online and the remainder of the sites are first come, first served. Also keep in mind, sites 1-54 you’re able to park your car/RV. However, sites 55-67 are walk in only. There are showers and restrooms located center of both areas. There are also water stations which are very convenient. Most of the campsites are fairly close, but far enough where you are not sitting on top of each other. This time around I opted for the walk In. For starters, let’s just say to be prepared for whatever weather may come. My luck, it poured the entire time and was windy. Furthermore, each site has designated fire rings that have a grill. The experience was awesome, it’s $25 a night that you pay at the automated kiosk. There are rangers that drive around during the day and there are signs posted with all the latest updates, rules/regulations. Overall, great experience, definitely look forward to coming back!

  • Jonathan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2023

    Big Rock Campground

    First time campers

    Nice clean area to camp. Most of the sites are for travel camper or RV’s.

    A couple of drive Ups.

    50/30 amps hookups. Water hookups as well. Great water pressure.

    Running water restrooms & non-running water restrooms.

    2-dump sites they have sections for tent camping- but down fall is they do not have showers.

    Overall experience was great and we will return.

  • A
    Jul. 3, 2018

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Clean and cute

    This is a good place for people starting to camp. Good size lakeside sites and large, clean cabins on the inner road. Clean bathroom house. Firewood came with the site, which is awesome, and they rent gear, from tents to sleeping bags. Well stocked store and decent trails nearby. But keep your stuff locked and secured. We did and that's why the guy trying to open our car didn't make of with any of our stuff. Sigh... Cook County...

Guide to Olympia Fields

Tent camping near Olympia Fields, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, from well-equipped sites to scenic natural surroundings.

Tent campers should check out Camp Shabbona Woods

  • This campground features amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for first-time campers. Camp Shabbona Woods is located in a small urban area, providing a unique camping experience close to the city.
  • Fires are allowed here, and firewood is available, perfect for those cozy evenings around the campfire.
  • The helpful caretakers ensure the campground remains clean and welcoming, enhancing your overall experience.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove

  • This campground offers drinking water and picnic tables, along with reservable sites, making it convenient for planning your stay. McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove is known for its spacious layout, ideal for family gatherings.
  • Access to the I&M Canal and bike trails provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities like biking and kayaking.
  • Be mindful of the potential for flooding, as some sites are in low-lying areas, which can affect your camping experience.

Explore local attractions near Davis Creek Campground — Kankakee River State Park

  • Nestled in a scenic area, Davis Creek Campground is well-kept and offers good access to water, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • The campground is a walk-in site, providing a more secluded experience away from the hustle and bustle.
  • With no electric hookups or showers, it’s perfect for those looking to disconnect and enjoy a more rustic camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Olympia Fields, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Olympia Fields, IL is Camp Shabbona Woods with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Olympia Fields, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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