Best Tent Camping near Colona, IL

Tent camping near Colona, Illinois provides several options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural settings along waterways and forested areas. Indian Meadows Campground in Loud Thunder Forest Preserve offers secluded tent-only sites with Lake George access, while Silva Campground provides primitive campsites on the east shore of the same lake. For those willing to travel slightly farther, the Hennepin Canal system features multiple primitive tent camping locations at Lock 11 and Lock 21, connecting campers to both the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers through a historic waterway system.

Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly along the Hennepin Canal where no reservations are accepted. The canal's Class C primitive camping costs $8 per night per family, with payment collected by rangers who make occasional rounds. Vault toilets are available at most sites, but potable water is limited or nonexistent, requiring campers to bring their own supply or filtration systems. Fire rings are provided at designated sites, and fires are only permitted within these established pits. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with most facilities closing during winter months.

The tent-only experience at Indian Meadows offers what one camper called "primitive perfection" with "individual private sites" that provide genuine seclusion. Some sites are more open while others are described as "nature playpens" with varying levels of tree cover. At Hennepin Canal Lock 21, campers noted grassy sites with trees at the edges providing shade depending on time of day. The canal system provides opportunities for fishing, paddling, and hiking along the crushed gravel Hennepin Canal Trail. Lock and Dam 13 requires more effort to access, with one visitor reporting it's "about a mile walk and a half mile off the tracks," but rewards backcountry tent campers with "a very beautiful and peaceful place" featuring excellent fishing opportunities and a small beach area.

Best Tent Sites Near Colona, Illinois (11)

    1. Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Illinois City, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 795-1294

    $14 - $32 / night

    "Shower/RR nearby, trails including horse and bike . Main park has firewood, boat rentals, etc."

    "Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking."

    2. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    5 Reviews
    Wheatland, IA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3286

    $70 - $80 / night

    "Cabin offers modern amenities: stove, oven,micro, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, ADA access, shower. AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails."

    "Cabin sleeps 6, full modern kitchen, ADA accessible, fire ring, grill, wood at no cost, picnic table, hard surface parking for 2 cars, bird feeder for viewing, River Trailhead right outside Kestrel Cabin"

    3. Silva Campground

    1 Review
    Illinois City, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 795-1040

    4. Cedar River Campground

    10 Reviews
    West Liberty, IA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 946-2431

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"

    5. Lock and Dam 13

    1 Review
    Fulton, IL
    32 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."

    6. Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground

    2 Reviews
    Sheffield, IL
    39 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"

    7. Hennepin Canal Lock 11

    3 Reviews
    Princeton, IL
    45 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,"

    8. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

    1 Review
    West Liberty, IA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 850-9298

    "This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming."

    9. Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

    1 Review
    Muscatine, IA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 264-5922

    $10 / night

    "The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too."

    10. Hidden River Campground

    1 Review
    West Liberty, IA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 325-1700
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Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Colona, IL

456 Reviews of 11 Colona Campgrounds



Guide to Colona

Tent camping near Colona, Illinois offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from primitive sites to well-equipped campgrounds, there's something for every type of camper.

Tips for tent camping near Colona

  • Silva Campground provides a primitive experience with access to Lake George, perfect for those looking to kayak or fish.
  • Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve features private sites surrounded by nature, ideal for campers seeking solitude and tranquility.
  • Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground offers a unique opportunity to explore the Hennepin Canal, making it a great spot for those who enjoy water activities.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area includes flush toilets, showers, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay for families and groups.
  • Wildcat Den State Park Campground features rustic sites with picnic tables and fire rings, providing a cozy atmosphere for evening campfires.
  • Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. offers modern cabins along with tent sites, making it a versatile choice for those who want a mix of camping styles.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Cedar River Campground is close to various recreational activities, including fishing, paddling, and hiking, making it a great base for adventure seekers.
  • Koch's Meadow Lake Campground provides lake access for swimming and fishing, perfect for a fun-filled day in the water.
  • Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp allows for fishing and paddling along the waterway, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Colona, IL is Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Colona, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.