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Best Tent Camping near Romeoville, IL

372 Reviews

Tent campsites in the Romeoville area are primarily concentrated along waterways and within state park boundaries, offering access to both the Illinois River and canal systems. Notable options include Channahon State Park Campground with its walk-in tent sites adjacent to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, and McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, which provides primitive tent camping areas from April through October within the Will County Forest Preserve system.

Surface conditions at tent-only camping areas vary substantially across the region, with most sites featuring flat terrain on either natural soil or occasionally paved pads for ADA accessibility. Walk-in access is common at these tent campgrounds, with parking areas typically located 100 yards or less from designated sites. Campfire regulations differ by location, with most forest preserve sites allowing fires in established rings only. According to one visitor, "The campground is surrounded by trees. When we showed up, a classic car gathering was going on. They even set a campfire to use throughout the morning." Many locations offer vault toilets or portable facilities, though drinking water access can be limited.

In early fall, tent campers find these sites particularly appealing for weekend excursions from the Chicago metropolitan area. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes directly alongside several campgrounds, making them ideal stops for bicycle tourists and hikers seeking overnight accommodations. A visitor commented that Channahon State Park is "a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock. The trail is crushed gravel and is a beautiful ride." Buffalo Rock State Park offers more secluded backcountry tent camping options with sites located directly off the towpath, approximately three miles from the ranger station. These primitive tent areas feature basic amenities like fire rings with grills, though campers should be prepared for variable conditions, as one camper noted sites can occasionally flood during heavy rain events. Most tent camping areas in the region remain uncrowded compared to the more developed facilities at Starved Rock State Park.

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Best Tent Sites Near Romeoville, Illinois (11)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Romeoville, IL

19 Photos of 11 Romeoville Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Romeoville, IL

372 Reviews of 11 Romeoville 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.

  • 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.

  • H
    May. 22, 2025

    Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park

    Place felt abandoned, needed weed-whacker

    I camped there the week before Memorial day weekend--not exactly peak season, but not exactly off-season either.  I arrived at about a quarter to five on a Sunday, and surprisingly the office was closed.  So was the camp store, where I'd hoped to buy local firewood.

    I was left to find my campsite on my own, which was easier said than done. One sign pointed the way to Whitetail Campground--but below it said "Closed for the Season." This made no sense as I'd made the reservation via the Illinois DNR website. The signage in other parts of the park was so minimal that I spent about 20 minutes wandering the grounds until I finally found my site.  A couple of signs were missing letters, and some of the site number signs were angled in such a way that they couldn't be read from the road..

    At one point I tried calling the number listed for Illini State Park on the DNR website. I didn't even hear ringing--I just heard a strange tone, even though the name "Illini State Park" appeared on my phone confirming I had the right number.

    I'd reserved a site with electrical hookups, but the hookups were actually on the site net door, which, luckily, wasn't occupied.  But my 25 foot power cord was insufficient to reach the hookups.  I had to drive an hour round-trip to the Menard's in Morris to pick up a 50 foot cord.

    The site was so overgrown with weeds that I couldn't find a place to put up my tent that was also a safe distance from the firepit.  The neighboring firepit was just about 10-15 feet from our picnic bench--had the next site been occupied, our privacy would have been a joke even in this wooded area. So perhaps it was just as well that I couldn't find firewood.

    The potable water pump about 150 feet from the site didn't seem to work--I tried pumping it, opening and closing the handle, but no water. So I had to rely on the ginger ale packed in my cooler for liquid refreshment--it was either that, or go back to town again.

    I was hearing reports that there might be as much as three inches of rain in the area falling in the next 24 hours so I went to the office at about 11 am the next morning. This time the office was actually open.  I told them about the water pump and they were a bit confused because they heard reports that the other water pump at Whitetail was broken too.  I asked them what the likelihood was that my site could turn into a lake of mud with such rain and they said it was possible so I decided to depart early. As I drove back to my site, I noticed that the staff person managed to get the water pump going--he explained to me that after pulling the handle back, it needed to be pulled back an extra notch further.  It would have been nice for there to have been a sign telling people that, as I had not intended to finish a six-pack of ginger ale in one night.

    There's a difference between a "primitive" site (which, as I paid extra for electrical hookups, this was not) and one that just simply isn't maintained. I wonder if there's even any security at the park at night.  The campground has rules, such as no alcohol, which is valid given the way people act when they have a few drinks within them. But I wondered who would be there to enforce the rules.

  • J
    Sep. 18, 2019

    Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    Woods near the river

    Went tent camping here and reserved our spot in advance. We bought fire wood from a locals front lawn at the entrance to the state park. Put 5$ in the bin and take a bundle. Its 30 mins away from Starved Rock and Matthiesson State Park. Good hiking. The river spots are all booked by large RVs and the tent spots have grills over the fire pits and picnic tables. lots of tree cover which came in handy when it rained in the morning. Otherwise great weather and not buggy. Dogs allowed.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • 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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2023

    Nature’s Way RV Park

    Splendid Countryside Campground Experience

    If you find yourself either stuck in the middle of nowhere here in north central Illinois or actually looking to escape the hustle & bustle to find peace, serenity and a tranquil encounter with nature, then look no further than Nature’s Way RV Park, which is set amongst the golden rows of sweet corn that you’ll find out in these parts. From the winding blacktop that you’ll have to maneuver to get here, just a few minutes north of I80 and east of I39, while you will feel as though you are completely isolated, and for the most part you are, what I like most about Nature’s Way is that if you know where you are at and the surroundings, there’s actually an awful lot to explore and enjoy, but if you don’t want to go anywhere, you can simply set up camp here and allow nature to envelope you in a way that only she can. 

    As for the campground, what makes Nature’s Way pretty amazing is that there’s a tremendous amount of infrastructure and a ton of amenities that most private campgrounds don’t offer. Upon entry, you’ll veer left and arrive at the main office where you’ll check-in. Here also is a quaint community room chalk full of books, DVDs and VHS tapes (for anyone still using these) and board games as well as a small alcove kitchen area complete with microwave, sink, dining table & chairs along with 2 driers and 3 washers, both coin-operated. Beyond this, there’s also a seating room with two oversized dollies with freshly cut wood bundles available for purchase as well as yet another room that is the campground market store and has everything from souvenirs to camping supplies, ice, beverages and snacks to charcoal and lighter fluid, BBQ tool sets and roasting forks and just about anything else you could think that you’ll need during your stay here. Just outside and behind this main building, you’ll discover a rather large, covered pavilion which is great for larger groups or for anyone wanting to picnic under some shade. 

    Another reason why I love Nature’s Way RV Park so much is how they have organized the living arrangements. For mi tent pitching bredren, this campground IMHO has set aside the best spots for us – clear in the back, completely surrounded by God’s green nature, you’ll be able to pitch a tent just about anywhere under this shaded forest and will feel a world away from the caravan camping types that, rest assured, are on the other side of the careening creek that cuts this campground nearly in half. Over in these parts, just past the bridge that you would need to cross to reach this primitive camping area, there’s a K9 dog park as well as plenty of scattered picnic tables, in-ground raised BBQ pits as well as water spigots. For the RV driving / 5th Wheel toting crowd, Nature’s Way has spots reserved on its front porch lawn that you will encounter upon first arriving to the entrance. There’s about 20 or so designated RV spots here that offer full hook-ups including 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage. Apart from being located right in front of the main office / market, you’ll be straddled next to the main road, which really should be a problem as this is just a quiet, small country road with not much traffic on it. Just due east of these RV slots are 4 cabins available for rent along with small porches complete with benches, brand new grills, fire pits and picnic tables, which is great for anyone not packing a tent or hauling a makeshift campground with them. Due south of these cabins as well as west of the main building are additional RV slots, but these only offer electric and water, so if you need sewage, you’ll have to book slots #1– 19. 

    From an amenities standpoint, apart from what has already been covered, the ‘crown jewel’ asset here is the in-ground heated swimming pool, completely fenced in preventing the young kiddos from straying too far. Above and beyond this, there’s a designated propane refilling station, very well-maintained restroom and shower facilities, basketball court, scattered picnic tables and stand-up BBQ grills, WiFi and cable access, kid’s playground, community fire rings as well as designated dumpsters and dump stations. 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s but a few: (1) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge, then check out some of the local establishments, of which I highly recommend nearby Cajun Connection, which has some pretty amazing deep fried alligator tail as well as somewhat mediocre Jambalaya (but ask yourself the question: who else is serving up this dish so far away from Louisiana?!); (2) If you are a hiker and looking for some trails to blaze, then check out either Starved Rock SP, which as more than 13 miles of hiking trails awaiting you, or better, the lesser known Matthiessen SP, which has 5-6 of fairly decent challenging, but completely isolated, non-touristy-laden trails to plant your steps on; (3) Should you be wanting to get that beak of your watercraft wet on your outdoors expedition, then look no further than the Illinois River, which is literally less than 5 miles away from Nature’s Way, where you’ll be able to oar your way to some pretty epic wildlife encounters as well as some fairly decent currents as well as amazing fishing holes; and (4) Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t warn you – within just a 20 minute drive of where you have camped out, you’ll discover Rip’s Chicken, which is hand’s down, unequivocally, and judged by experts in more than 40 nations (mmm, OK, that last one may be a stretch) as the best fried chicken in the known universe. Oh, and they have Schlitz on tap. But this place only takes cash, so come prepared. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2019

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Amazing hiking and beautifully kept but a bit pricey

    This campground is in a populated area but the nature preserve is big. We rarely saw traffic once here. A train goes by a couple times but it was always during the day. 

    It’s pricey if you are from out of the county. We were hoping to camp at the primitive sites but they are walk-in only. Our teardrop wasn’t allowed. We settled at site 37 and enjoyed our stay. There are vault toilets but the large number of big RVs meant they were not used often leaving them almost like our private restrooms. Each site has water and electric. Trees are around the outside with few on the inside sites. All the sites have paved pads. 

    The highlight of our experience is the hiking. There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails. There are a lot of loops giving you options. When we left we still hadn’t hiked all of them. 

    If the price was more reasonable we would certainly be back. If you need the water/electric then this is a great choice.

Guide to Romeoville

Tent camping near Romeoville, Illinois offers access to urban-adjacent wilderness along the Illinois River at elevations averaging 600 feet above sea level. Most sites in the region aren't reservable more than 14 days in advance, with typical summer temperatures ranging from 70-85°F. Area campgrounds experience moderate crowds on summer weekends but remain relatively quiet on weekdays from April through October.

What to do

Kayaking the Illinois River: Kayak Morris offers direct river access with rentals available. As camper Sam Murphy notes, "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!"

Classic car gatherings: Local campgrounds occasionally host vintage automobile events during summer weekends. These impromptu gatherings attract enthusiasts from throughout the Chicago suburbs.

Hiking the Grand Illinois Trail: The trail network connects multiple campgrounds in the region. When camping at Buffalo Rock State Park Campground, you can "Walk to Ottawa is very magical," according to camper Jess.

Bicycle touring: The crushed gravel towpath offers flat terrain suitable for cycling between camping areas. Sites are typically spaced 8-15 miles apart, making them appropriate stops for multi-day bicycle tours.

What campers like

Riverside camping: Many tent sites sit directly on waterfront property. Eric R. describes Kayak Morris as having "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."

Wildlife viewing: Early morning hours provide opportunities to see native birds and animals. Dawn hours between 5:30-7:00am offer the best viewing times along the riverbanks.

Fishing access: The confluence areas where smaller tributaries meet the Illinois River create productive fishing spots. At Kayak Starved Rock Campground, Tracy E. reports "The campground, being on the Illinois river, provides fantastic opportunities for kayaking. The calm, clear water is suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers."

Privacy at select sites: Some locations offer more secluded options. Amanda P. says of Buffalo Rock State Park Campground: "If you're looking for privacy this is it. There aren't toilets tho or running water."

What you should know

Flooding concerns: Low-lying sites can experience water issues during heavy rainfall. Rita S. experienced this at McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove: "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."

Walk-in requirements: Many tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. Brian O. notes, "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, so the sites are ADA accessible."

Potable water availability: Water access varies significantly between locations. Some sites require bringing all drinking water, while others have pumps with potentially cloudy but safe water.

Park closing times: Some parks close gates early. Brian O. warns campers to "Check the fine print on your reservation!" as "the park closes early, 8PM in summer, and earlier still off season."

Tips for camping with families

ADA-accessible sites: Some locations have concrete pads and accessible facilities. Scott N. mentions at McKinley Woods, "In McKinley Woods proper there is a large camping area and two of the sites have concrete pads for ADA accessibility."

Kayak rentals for beginners: Several locations offer equipment if you don't have your own. Eric R. notes, "If you forgot your tent they rent them out as well."

Campgrounds for first-timers: Camp Shabbona Woods is "set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping," according to Scott M., who adds "Caretakers were very helpful and did a great job keeping the campground clean."

Wildlife education opportunities: Buffalo Rock State Park maintains a small herd of bison that children can observe from designated viewing areas. Bill M. notes, "Real live Buffalo are a treat for kids and animal lovers."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Most sites near Romeoville cater primarily to tent campers with few RV amenities. Jeffrey L. at Camp Shabbona Woods noted, "No electric or water hook ups can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite."

Urban proximity considerations: Campgrounds in the region often have audible city sounds. Jeffrey L. mentions, "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background."

Gate closure awareness: RVers should note entry restrictions at some parks. As one camper experienced, "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Romeoville, IL is Kayak Morris with a 4.9-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

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

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