Tent camping opportunities near River Forest, Illinois extend beyond just forest preserves and state parks. Sites are available within a 45-60 mile radius of this Chicago suburb, offering diverse terrain from riverside locations to woodland settings. Many campgrounds remain open from April through October, though select sites provide year-round access with winter camping options for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
What to do
Water activities on the Illinois River: Kayak Morris offers direct river access with camping sites along the shoreline. One camper noted, "I have my own kayak and the river here is so calm its awesome. My friends rented the dual kayaks ant they loved them. Great location great cover on hot days."
Cycling along canal trails: Channahon State Park Campground provides excellent access to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. A cyclist reported, "The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp. You can stop for a rest or stay the night. It's a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock. The trail is crushed gravel and is a beautiful ride."
Wildlife observation: Early mornings at tent sites offer opportunities to spot local birds and small mammals. Sites near water features attract diverse wildlife. Many campers report hearing owls at night, particularly during spring and fall months when migratory species pass through the area.
What campers like
River access for fishing: Kayak Morris receives high marks from anglers who frequent the area. As one fisher explained, "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!"
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing between tent sites at several preserves. A visitor to McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove mentioned, "All sites have enormous banquet sized picnic tables with cut-out in the bench for wheelchairs. Firepits are 3' across, the steel rim is a foot above the ground, but the pit is 8" below ground level."
Privacy from urban areas: Despite proximity to Chicago, several campgrounds offer surprisingly secluded experiences. At Central Avenue Walk-in Sites in nearby Indiana Dunes National Park, a camper shared, "The spot was clean. It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long."
What you should know
Gate closure times: Several campgrounds implement strict entry/exit rules. At Camp Shabbona Woods, one camper observed, "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite."
Walk-in requirements: Many tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. This distance varies significantly between campgrounds. Some sites at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites require following the trail all the way down before turning left to find sites 5, 4, 3, and 2 in that order.
Flooding concerns: Low-lying areas near rivers can experience water issues during heavy rain. A McKinley Woods visitor cautioned, "Nothing was mentioned about this site being a flood zone. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Urban-adjacent options: For families new to camping, sites closer to suburban areas provide easier access while still offering outdoor experiences. At Camp Shabbona Woods, a visitor explained, "camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping. The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."
Boat rental availability: Several sites offer equipment rentals, eliminating the need to transport bulky items. One Kayak Morris visitor mentioned, "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."
Bathroom considerations: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. While some offer maintained restrooms with showers, others provide only vault toilets or portable facilities. Consider this when camping with young children or during extended stays.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent camping areas near River Forest restrict or completely lack RV hookups. Campers with small trailers might find accommodations challenging. One camper at McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove shared their experience: "We have a small, motorcycle trailer so we ended up rolling down hill 100 yds. then back again after our 2 night stay, a bit of a hassle, but not a problem. Just be aware of it."
