Best Tent Camping near Port Barrington, IL
Tent campers visiting Port Barrington, Illinois can find several secluded tent sites within an hour's drive, including MacQueen Forest Preserve in DeKalb County. This former Boy Scout camp offers nine primitive tent sites with varying levels of privacy and forest cover. Tent camping in this region often requires a short walk-in approach, with sites situated along the Kishwaukee River providing a natural setting distinct from the surrounding agricultural landscape.
Primitive tent sites at MacQueen Forest Preserve require campers to walk in along gravel paths or mowed trails, with sites spread approximately 50 yards apart for privacy. The preserve provides one wagon and dolly for transport from the parking area to campsites. Each site includes a basic fire ring and picnic table, with vault toilets available but no potable water on site. The preserve charges $4 per tent, making it an affordable option for backcountry tent camping. Sites are self-registration on a first-come, first-served basis, with the entrance gate locked from sunset to sunrise.
The tent camping experience near Port Barrington offers a mix of wooded and open meadow sites. A recent review noted, "There are eight primitive campsites here, and they're spread out at least 50 yards apart. You can't see the campsite next to you." MacQueen Forest Preserve features sites in both forested areas (sites 1, 2, and 8) and open meadow settings ideal for stargazing. Site 8 receives particular praise for its riverside location. Campers should be prepared for occasional train noise at night. Additional walk-in tent locations can be found at KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site in Wisconsin, offering a more remote experience with an open shelter structure, fire pit, and outhouse. The Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area provides additional walk-in tent options, though with fewer amenities than other locations.
