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Best Tent Camping near Riverdale, IL

463 Reviews

Tent campsites near Riverdale, Illinois offer primarily walk-in camping experiences with several options within a 30-mile radius. Camp Shabbona Woods provides dedicated tent camping areas in South Holland with accessible sites, though reviews indicate the urban setting means campers may hear city noises like ambulances. Channahon State Park Campground offers tent-specific sites that require a short walk from the parking area, making it suitable for backpackers or cyclists traveling the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail.

Most tent campgrounds in the Riverdale area feature basic amenities with varying levels of facilities. Walk-in sites are common, with McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove offering ADA-accessible concrete pads at two of its four tent sites. Drinking water is available at several locations, though Camp Shabbona Woods reviews mention it may be cloudy even when potable. Fire rings are provided at many sites, but seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Bathroom facilities range from vault toilets to proper restrooms, with Camp Shabbona Woods featuring well-maintained facilities. The camping season generally runs April through October, with some sites like Channahon remaining open year-round.

The surrounding natural settings provide varied experiences for tent campers. "This campground is surrounded by trees. When we showed up, a classic car gathering was going on," noted one visitor to Channahon State Park. Kayak Morris offers riverside tent camping with excellent fishing opportunities and water access directly from campsites. Most tent areas have picnic tables, though shade availability differs significantly between locations. Camp Shabbona Woods has limited shade with "new saplings still growing," while McKinley Woods offers more established tree cover. Several campgrounds connect to trail systems, particularly along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, making them popular with hikers and cyclists seeking primitive tent camping experiences. Riverfront tent sites are available at various locations, providing scenic water views and fishing access.

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Best Tent Sites Near Riverdale, Illinois (10)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Riverdale, IL

16 Photos of 10 Riverdale Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Riverdale, IL

463 Reviews of 10 Riverdale 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.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Paul Wolff Campground

    No showers

    We would gladly stay here again!

    Great campsite with the best staff ever! The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs. And I even grew to like the no alcohol in the preserve rule.

    The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it.

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Great value Chicago suburb campsite

    I've camped here four different occasions this 2020 covid-19 year. The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms. It is a super clean campground with multiple hosts and forest preserve staff. There are a large number of RV pads overlooking the prairie and a few along a grove of trees. I was lucky once to see the equestrian area full of campers with their horses. There are 9 walk-in tent sites about 10-20 yards from parking (the two at the end p7 and p9 are connected for groups that know each other). There are multiple ada sites and two "walk-in/ie roll-in" site in the tent-only area. It's a good mix of young people, retired people, and families. I've seen weekends with mainly RVs and one weekend with a quarter of the drive-in sites being tents. The most shaded sites are p1,3,5,7 and 9. Many of the sites in the middle are wide open with little shade but nice summer breezes. Prices are a great deal if you live in Kane county but still worth the trip if you live in another county. Firewood is $7 for about .75 cu ft (what you can fit in a milk crate.) There are a few trails and I've seen lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels. Lots of people (including me) bring their leashed dogs. The other campers have been polite and friendly. I wish there was more distance between sites in the water/electrical loops for more privacy, but I'd go every weekend if I lived in Kane county because it would be worth the resident price even tho there are so many RVs. Because there is electrical it is a peaceful campground with no generator noise.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Riverdale

Tent camping near Riverdale, Illinois offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature while still being close to urban amenities. With well-reviewed campgrounds featuring essential facilities, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out Camp Shabbona Woods

  • This campground provides essential amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it a convenient choice for first-time campers. Camp Shabbona Woods is located in a small urban area, ensuring easy access to nearby attractions.
  • Fires are allowed here, so you can enjoy cozy evenings around the campfire while roasting marshmallows and sharing stories.
  • The caretakers are known for their helpfulness and commitment to keeping the campground clean, enhancing your overall experience.

Local activities to enjoy while camping

  • The Illinois and Michigan Canal offers a unique hiking experience, allowing you to explore the scenic trails while enjoying the beauty of nature.
  • For those who love biking, Channahon State Park Campground is conveniently located along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, perfect for a leisurely ride.
  • If you're into fishing, Mac Finn's Landing is a great spot on the Kankakee River, known for its excellent fishing opportunities.

Tips for tent camping near Riverdale

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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