Tent camping near Riverdale, Illinois provides numerous options within 30 miles across Cook, Will, and DuPage counties. The area features both state parks and forest preserves offering year-round camping opportunities. Average summer temperatures reach 85°F with winter lows frequently below freezing, making April through October the primary camping season for most visitors.
What to do
Kayaking opportunities: Kayak Morris offers excellent paddling access with multiple water features. "If you want a nice riverfront camp site this place is perfect. they also have kayak rentals available," notes Eric R. The convergence of waterways creates unique fishing conditions too.
Trail exploration: The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail connects several campgrounds for hikers and cyclists. At Channahon State Park Campground, "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."
Fishing: Multiple riverfront camping locations provide access to diverse fishing opportunities. "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!" reports a Kayak Morris visitor. Most fishing spots require valid Illinois fishing licenses, available online or at local sporting goods stores.
What campers like
Waterfront proximity: Many tent sites offer direct water access. "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," shares an Eric R. about Kayak Morris. Several campgrounds feature sites where you can launch directly from your campsite.
Private spaces: Despite urban proximity, several campgrounds offer secluded sites. At Central Avenue Walk-in Sites in nearby Indiana Dunes National Park, "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."
Natural settings: Forest preserves provide wooded camping environments. "Davis Creek Campground is open, there are a lot of amenities, it's very well kept, and there is good access to water," notes Andrea F. Wildlife sightings commonly include owls, deer, and various bird species throughout these natural areas.
What you should know
Urban noise levels: Many Riverdale-area campgrounds experience some city sounds. Most tent sites at nearby preserves are less than 5 miles from major highways, resulting in ambient road noise at some locations.
Access restrictions: Several campgrounds have limited entry hours. "The park closes early, 8PM in summer, and earlier still off season. Check the fine print on your reservation!" advises a visitor to McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove.
Water conditions: Water availability and quality vary significantly between sites. "Water is available by an old fashioned pump, and is drinkable, but cloudy," reports a McKinley Woods camper. Many locations recommend bringing your own drinking water, especially during peak summer months.
Flooding potential: Some campgrounds experience seasonal flooding. "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," warns a McKinley Woods visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose sites with terrain appropriate for children. At Mac Finn's Landing, "One of the best no wake zones and fishing banks on the Kankakee River" provides safer water access for families with children compared to main river channels.
Accessibility options: Some campgrounds offer ADA-compliant sites. "In McKinley Woods proper there is a large camping area and two of the sites have concrete pads for ADA accessibility," notes Scott N., making these options suitable for families with mobility considerations.
Activity planning: Most family-friendly campgrounds offer multiple recreation options. "The main draw to this place is the tow path. I high recommend bringing a bike to enjoy the trail," suggests a McKinley Woods visitor. Bring bicycles for children to take advantage of the extensive trail networks connecting many camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Walk-in awareness: Many tent sites require walking from parking areas. At Davis Creek Campground, campers must plan for walk-in requirements ranging from 100-300 feet from parking areas to tent sites. "First off, we didn't realize this was a walk-in campground, the details on the Will county site were vague, and the satellite photo showed a paved road. The road is a path," notes a McKinley Woods camper.
Weekend planning: Popular sites fill quickly on weekends. "25 sites to choose from, they fill up fast on weekends so plan to make reservations early," advises a Kayak Morris visitor. Most reservable campgrounds allow bookings 3-6 months in advance through their respective websites.
