Tent camping near Shorewood, Illinois offers several options within 30 miles of town, with sites primarily concentrated along riverways in forest preserves and state parks. The region sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level in the Illinois River watershed, creating camping opportunities that feature both wooded settings and water access. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer cooler conditions better suited for hiking.
What to do
Fishing at Kayak Morris: The Illinois River convergence creates excellent fishing conditions. One camper reported "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!" at Kayak Morris.
Paddling historic waterways: The Illinois and Michigan Canal offers paddling routes connecting multiple camping areas. A camper at McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove noted "The canal is navigable, but swampy with algae and some downed trees. The Chanahan state park website says you can paddle from there to Morris IL, 15 miles, but be aware this is best down in spring or fall."
Hiking at Buffalo Rock: The park features trails with river views and wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor mentioned "It only took me a couple of hours to walk all the trails. They are nice well-kept trails. Most of the surface is gravel but some parts are just dirt. The trail is wide and mowed at least two feet on either side."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Buffalo Rock campsites offer privacy away from crowds. A camper stated "Camp sites aren't actually in buffalo rock, they're across the street at I&M canal. You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you're looking for privacy this is it."
Bicycle-friendly locations: Channahon State Park Campground caters to cyclists with sites adjacent to trails. One reviewer noted "This campground is right in town. Arriving by bicycle is even better. 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."
Urban-accessible natural settings: Some preserves provide nature experiences despite proximity to urban areas. At Camp Shabbona Woods, a visitor observed "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok."
What you should know
Site flooding concerns: Low-lying areas may flood during heavy rain. A visitor to McKinley Woods reported "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."
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Several tent camping locations have minimal amenities. At Buffalo Rock State Park Campground, "There aren't toilets tho or running water." Similar conditions exist at other primitive tent sites in the region.
Early park closure times: Many preserves have restricted hours. McKinley Woods closes at 8 PM in summer and earlier in off-season, which can limit evening activities for tent campers.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Riverside camping offers water-based recreation for kids. A visitor to Kayak Morris shared "We loved this campsite! We brought our own kayaks and launched right from our campsite which was amazing but they rent kayaks for pretty cheap If you don't have your own."
Beginner-friendly options: Some locations cater specifically to new campers. A reviewer noted Camp Shabbona Woods "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kayak Starved Rock Campground offers animal sightings along the water. A camper mentioned "The wildlife is diverse and plentiful, and the colors of the landscape shift beautifully with each season, making it a worthwhile visit any time of the year."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Shorewood restrict or prohibit RVs. Kayak Morris accepts smaller RVs but without hookups, while one camper advised "sorry RVers and 5th Wheelers, but you'll have to go back to the concrete paved lots for your slightly compromised outing in nature."
Alternative accommodations: Some locations offer cabin options for those seeking more comfort than tent camping. Davis Creek Campground at Kankakee River State Park provides both tent sites and basic cabins according to visitor reports, with one noting "there are a lot of amenities, it's very well kept, and there is good access to water."
Vehicle restrictions: Many tent camping locations require walk-in access. A visitor to McKinley Woods explained "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."
