Best Tent Camping near Stillman Valley, IL

Searching for a tent campsite near Stillman Valley? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Stillman Valley. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Stillman Valley campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Stillman Valley, Illinois (9)

    Jessica W.'s photo of tent camping at Castle Rock State Park Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Castle Rock State Park Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Castle Rock State Park Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Castle Rock State Park Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Castle Rock State Park Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Castle Rock State Park Campground near Stillman Valley, IL

    1. Castle Rock State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    26 Photos
    65 Saves
    Oregon, Illinois

    Castle Rock State Park is located along the west bank of the Rock River in Ogle County, three miles south of Oregon, on Ill. Rt. 2. Castle Rock camping is centrally located in the Rock River Hills region of Illinois, and its rolling topography is drained by the Rock River. The park is representative of the Rock River Hills area with rock formations, ravines and unique northern plant associations. A sandstone bluff, adjacent to the river, has given the park its name.​​​​

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $6 / night

    Amy G.'s photo of tent camping at MacQueen Forest Preserve near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at MacQueen Forest Preserve near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at MacQueen Forest Preserve near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at MacQueen Forest Preserve near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at MacQueen Forest Preserve near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at MacQueen Forest Preserve near Stillman Valley, IL

    2. MacQueen Forest Preserve

    6 Reviews
    27 Photos
    60 Saves
    Kirkland, Illinois

    This 48-acre former Boy Scout camp still includes the dining hall lodge, three enclosed shelters with wood stoves, hiking /cross country trails and a dozen tent campsites. It is one of the most botanically rich and topographically varied forested preserves in our district. Showy Orchis, Glade Mallow, Cancer Root, ferns, and a nice array of other uncommon plants occur in the diverse upland and floodplain forests. A 100 foot bluff, too steep to walk, drops to the South Branch Kishwaukee River – a run where the river flows across limestone bedrock and the drops over THE GREAT KISHWAUKEE FALLS: an eroded fracture straight across the river’s bed that allows the water to crash straight over the precipice before falling six inches to the bedrock below! (OK, maybe not spectacular, this is the Midwest, after all.) The state endangered Black Sandshell mussel has been found in this portion of the river and Bald Eagles nest less than a mile west, down the river.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center near Stillman Valley, IL

    3. Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    Oregon, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo at Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground near Stillman Valley, IL

    4. Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground

    1 Review
    10 Photos
    Nachusa, Illinois

    This is an equestrian campground only. Please register at the self check kiosk.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $4 - $8 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake near Stillman Valley, IL

    6. Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake

    6 Reviews
    18 Photos
    70 Saves
    Delavan, Wisconsin

    Snug Harbor is the place to be for Campgrounds in Wisconsin. At Snug Harbor you’ll find excellent fishing, boating and swimming on a private, clean, sandy beach.

    Our campgrounds offer three different options for today’s camping enthusiasts: Tent Sites, RV Sites, and Manufactured Housing. We have all the modern conveniences while allowing you to relax and enjoy majestic views from every site. Amenities include full hookup, laundromat, ice, firewood, bait, candy, and some fishing supplies. Rent one of our rowboats or canoes for a relaxing day on the lake, or join in a pick-up game of volleyball or horseshoes. Additionally, our RV sites have 30 and 50 AMP electric service and full sewer hookups.

    Campsite rentals include sewer hookup. Reservations are recommended. Boat slips are available for a fee. We offer affordable rates for RVs and tent campers. We also have reasonable rates for pier rental, visitors, and our four-legged friends.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $15 - $45 / night

    Naimhe R.'s photo of tent camping at Goatland near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Goatland near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Goatland near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Goatland near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Goatland near Stillman Valley, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Goatland near Stillman Valley, IL

    7. Goatland

    Be the first to review!
    9 Photos
    9 Saves
    Orangeville, Illinois

    It's not a huge place, but the goats, sheep, and a very bossy donkey will keep you company as you bake in the sun, or read under a tree by the creek. Close hwy access, but far enough from that, and in most cases the house, to afford privacy. This is a working farm.

    I have several locations for campers based upon multiple factors like weather, phase of hay growth, whether you have kids, want sun or shade, or animals in your space. I limit the number of people here at one time - there is only one bathroom.

    We're happy to have you, to answer any questions you may have, and to introduce you to the animals. We mind our own business unless you need something. If you require a lot of attention, manicured lawns, electrical service at your site, a grill at your disposal, and parking at your tent, you probably wouldn't be happy here, but if you like animals, quiet, and open space, we may be just what you're looking for.

    Reasonable driving distance to Le-Aqua-Na, Apple River Canyon, Krape and Read Parks, Cadiz Springs, Pecatonica Forest Preserve, and Head Gates Park. About an hour from the Mississippi to the southwest, Galena to the west. There's also a popular walking/biking trail less than 5 mins away.

    We are a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks.

    Lambs are born in March. Kids are born in April or May. Most are gone, or mature enough to be less fun, by Oct.

    Contact me with any inquiries, or questions.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Firewood Available

    $35 - $55 / night

    8. Kishwaukee Valley Farms

    Be the first to review!
    1 Save
    Woodstock, Illinois
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping

    $74 - $100 / night

    9. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

    Be the first to review!
    3 Saves
    Plano, Illinois

    For those who like rustic, primitive environs, an area overlooking the Fox River is available for Youth Group camping. No vehicles are permitted in the camp area, so it requires backpacking a short distance. Only the sounds of nature surround campers in this heavily-wooded area along the river, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
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Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Stillman Valley, IL

453 Reviews of 9 Stillman Valley Campgrounds


  • Josh F.
    Camper-submitted photo at Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake near Stillman Valley, IL
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake

    RV campground with lake access

    I did not stay here, but I spend some time walking through to get a feel for the place.

    This is primarily an RV/mobile home campground, but there are some nicely tucked away tent camp sites that I'll recommend later in this review. Gravel roads connect the three loops and the landscaping is well kept and maintained. The campground sells ice, firewood and rents boats.

    There is a very clean bathroom and bathhouse, freshwater for campers, and some electric tent campsites. The property is basically terraced along a slope down to the lake, with the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake. The tent sites are above it all with decent views of the lake below (and the RVs). 

    The Galapagos tent campsite is elevated and a short distance from the loop road, and has a nice view of the lake. The Box Turtle site is also a bit elevated above the main driveway as is Snapper 7, though I am not sure where you are supposed to put your tent in that site.

    Now, Snapper 4, 5,6 and 7 would be nice for group camping because they are all very close to one another and a bit more private, set away from the rest of the campsites. There are lots of electrical sites for campers and RVs, most of which look like they are quite permanently in place.

  • Becca Z.
    Jessie A.'s photo of tent camping at Lowden State Park Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Aug. 30, 2020

    Lowden State Park Campground

    Great camping spot!

    We were so happy with the size of the tent camping sites. They were mostly all flat, plenty of space and gave privacy from the neighbors. We were at site 28 which had both sun and shade. Right across from the pit toilets which I wouldn’t pick next time. There was no shower house or running water in the loop we were at. Across the street were the electric rv sites and a few tent sites. Only compliant is even from the middle of the campground we could hear the road noise. Otherwise great!

  • Nick C.
    Jessie A.'s photo of tent camping at Lowden State Park Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Oct. 27, 2021

    Lowden State Park Campground

    Great family camp ground

    Two main camp grounds. Main rv/ tent camp ground has clean pit toilets and well maintained sites. Primitive camp ground on the east side of the main entrence is very basic yet spaced far enough apart to have some privicy

  • John W.
    Jessie A.'s photo of tent camping at Lowden State Park Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Jul. 29, 2020

    Lowden State Park Campground

    Nice camping on the Rock River

    We tent camped in the Shady Rest Loop. The B sites (we were B-36) are a strip on one side on the loop. It’s mostly RVs and a shower facility is close by. You get shower access with the B tent sites. They have reserve and walk up. There is a fairly big road that can be noisy. There are tent sites across the road but we did not check them out. Loredo Taft sculpted the large Blackhawk statue on the river (also sculpted the alma mater at U if I). There are some wide hiking trails, very shaded. AT&T got decent cell service in camp. The camp host will sell you firewood. Wed-Sun they have a snack shop with hot dogs and ice cream type stuff. There are volleyball and basketball court, playground and lots of open space if you like to use for games. Fishing is a bit tough from the shore. If you had a boat it might be easier to put in and fish off some of the islands in the river. Water quality from the pumps seemed good. The camp ground is pretty open, so if you are looking for more secluded sites, this might not be for you. That said, aside from the road, it was pretty quiet but we camped mid week. The B sites in this loop were a bit slanted. And our site, B-36 was across the road from the streetlight, our car blocked it pretty well so not a if deal for us. A video of the loo and some pics of the sites are included. Enjoy your camping!

  • S
    Tricia E.'s photo of tent camping at Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    Good Tent Sites

    We visited this spot last summer as a place to stay for 1 night on our way farther north.

    We really enjoy tent camping and prefer walk-in/hike in sites so we can have some privacy away from other campers. The campsites were decently dispersed and the ground was nice and grassy so it was pretty comfortable.

    We always want more space between campsites, but I think the privacy level was fine. The tent sites are right off the parking lot where the boat ramp is so maybe on a busy weekend it would be a little loud, but overall a nice night for us!

    We left in the morning to continue our drive so we didn’t spend much time checking out the hiking trails.

    We did however go checkout the beach which wasn’t much to write home about. If I remember correctly, we had to pay a fee to enter. Always happy to support a state park. We just figured since we were already paying to camp there, it wouldn’t cost extra. I’m pretty sure we paid an admission fee and didn’t stay for long. It was across the way and requires a drive instead of a hike to get there.

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Amy G.'s photo of tent camping at MacQueen Forest Preserve near Stillman Valley, IL
    Aug. 16, 2020

    MacQueen Forest Preserve

    Secluded Hike-in Tent Campsites on the Kish

    This is where to go if you don't like pitching a tent in a field of RVs. There is one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy. This is a very primative campground with 1 set of Vault toilets. The other campsites require a walk/hike along a gravel path for completely wooded sites or cross a football sized meadow for open air sites. There are several well-water pumps "not for drinking." Each campsite has a fire pit and a picnic table. Pack out your garbage for the dumpster in the parking lot. There are only 9 sites total. VERY private and secluded. Tents only! Massive forest preserve area for excellent hiking. Some fellow campers were doing a diy tubing right to the campground. (About a 2 hr lazy river tube from Kingston or 5hrs from Genoa on the slow moving S. Branch of the Kishwaukee River which can be pretty deep in places.) Absolutely NO ALCOHOL. Cost for tent sites is only $4 per tent or tent-like structure. There are primitive cabins for rent and a large lodge if you rented the structure for an event here. By their facebook page, it looks like there have been beautiful weddings here. This is a former scout camp flanked by more forest preserves. The ranger is very nice and the entrance is locked from sunset to sunrise. I hesitated even posting this tent-camping primitive heaven, because I almost want to keep it for myself and the locals. Please practice leave no trace and follow the rules if you go so this place stays open. Dog friendly, but must be leashed all of time or a $50 fine. My dog loved the trails and river crossings! Gorgeous hidden gem about an hour into cornfield country from Chicago NW suburbs like Woodfield Mall. I had cell service at one spot in the parking lot, but it was fleeting with T-mobile. A fellow camper had the best private spot (#2) which other than the ada site was the best because it was closest to the parking lot, yet she still had a festival/yard cart to pull her gear up a gravel path. Make sure you bring yours or are outfitted with backpacking gear. Like anywhere, prevent insect deforestation and don't bring firewood, it's fine, they have plenty.

  • D
    Doug's photo of tent camping at Paul Wolff Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Jul. 12, 2022

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Clean and Nice

    I've stayed in a tent and a trailer here. Love this place. Super clean, everyone is pleasant. The tent sites are kind of away from the RVs. There's only 10 tent sites, but you could land your tent at an RV site if you wanted water or electric. Love coming here.

  • Casey M.
    Tricia E.'s photo of tent camping at Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Aug. 9, 2020

    Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    Weekend getaway

    We tent camped in the staghorn section, less packed that the other options. Nice place, bathroom and showers were decent. Lot of trails, rentals of kayak, great for dogs and kids. Meijer is also close by in case you forget anything.

  • A
    Tricia E.'s photo of tent camping at Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Aug. 17, 2019

    Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    Tent camping near lake

    Tent sites are in hickory hills area. Easy walk to showers/toilets over across from site 100. Tent sites are much more shaded and private than electric sites. We were traveling with another family so had two sites. If you have two parties I'd recommend sites 27 and 31 which have a little private path and potentially 53 and 5 which also appeared to have a path between them. Our sites 47 and 53 were big and shaded but not very flat for sleeping. Boat launch very close if you bring your own kayaks or canoes. There are also some for rent at the other end of the park. Park and ice at concessions.

  • D
    Matt K.'s photo of tent camping at Thomas Woods Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Jan. 3, 2022

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Great Campground

    Have stayed here a few times tent camping. Smaller campground in McHenry county. Good staff. Other campers relatively friendly and quiet. County police make a presence in the camp ground. Clean. Decent sites, some have hike in (kind of). Decent toilets.

  • Jason A.
    Tommy K.'s photo of tent camping at Green River Oaks Camping Resort near Stillman Valley, IL
    Aug. 2, 2021

    Green River Oaks Camping Resort

    Great family owned campground

    Clean bathrooms and showers, well maintained sites with water and electric. A bit cramped for tent camping as sites are small and no space between neighbors.

    However 2 pools, activities, green river at back of campground for fishing, tubing, and trail hiking.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo at Rockwood State Park Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Rockwood State Park Campground

    Quiet little campground

    Nice long trail, friendly people, and a cute little ice cream shop that was a lifesaver after a long hike. Beautiful scenery, firewood available for $6 a bundle, water, electricity and fairly clean bathrooms with showers. We tent camped for $20 a night.

  • Matthew S.
    Jessie A.'s photo of tent camping at Lowden State Park Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Jul. 28, 2022

    Lowden State Park Campground

    Good hotel alternative

    Pro: it's only $10 to tent camp.

    Facilities are clean.

    Con: it's state Park camping. For someone who prefers a more primitive camping style, it's a bit jarring to have no privacy between sites that are packed in tight together. But for $10, it still beats a hotel.

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Chris B.'s photo of tent camping at Big Rock Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Oct. 10, 2020

    Big Rock Campground

    Expensive RV park for non-residents

    Not worth the drive here to tent camp if you live outside of Kane county. Even their 9 hike-in primitive sites hugging the treeline lack privacy. Yes, all the sites are very flat. It's a nice field if that's what you look for in a campground.

  • C
    Doug's photo of tent camping at Paul Wolff Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Oct. 10, 2020

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Nice enough for a stopover

    Well maintained park. We stayed at a tent site, nearby pit toilets are basic with no running water. Odd numbered sites had better shade than evens. The RV sites looked closely spaced but nice enough

  • Mike P.
    Meg K.'s photo of tent camping at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area near Stillman Valley, IL
    May. 13, 2020

    Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    Beautiful lake, mediocre camping

    The lake is beautiful. We did some fishing from the shore. 

    We went last minute and got one of the few remaining tent camping spots remaining. 

    These are a long walk from the lake and the bathrooms. Only pit toilets within walking distance. 

    Not a place we would go back to.

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Matt K.'s photo of tent camping at Thomas Woods Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Beautiful IL woods and prairie

    Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers. Hand pumps for water and well-kept pit toilets. Hiking galore! My "leashed" dog loves this place, as do I.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo at Sycamore RV Resort near Stillman Valley, IL
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Sycamore RV Resort

    Secret get away

    No tent camping allowed but pop up trailers on up are welcome. Very nice grounds that are quiet. 10 minute drive to town. 20 minutes from Dekalb. Some Covid 19 restrictions. Beach and restrooms are closed. Campers must have their own toilets. Other wise very clean shower house and restrooms if there were no Covid 19.

  • M
    Doug's photo of tent camping at Paul Wolff Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Not for #vanlife

    Full hook ups and electric sites plus some restricted Equestrian and walk in sites
    Not for #vanlife. I tried to pay for a tent site and was told “you’re not supposed to sleep in your car” “this campground is for RV’s only”

  • Mike C.
    Meg K.'s photo of tent camping at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area near Stillman Valley, IL
    Apr. 9, 2019

    Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    seinic overlooking lake

    Has rustic tent sites along with camper sites with water and electric. Privies can get ripe in summertime but depending on your site you could walk to laundry shower building. Camp store has everything you forgot to bring along with boat canoe and pontoon rentals bait and tackle

  • Iris A.
    Camper-submitted photo at Hansen's Hideaway Ranch and Family Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    Dec. 9, 2021

    Hansen's Hideaway Ranch and Family Campground

    Camp at a working ranch!

    This is a working ranch where you’re able to board your horse while camping yourself. They have a game room, snack bar, swimming pond, playground, water and electric hook-ups, shower building with flush toilets, and firewood. Rates start around $20 for a tent site. They’re open from April 15th to October.

  • Jonathan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Chris B.'s photo of tent camping at Big Rock Campground near Stillman Valley, IL
    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.

  • Amanda P.
    Erick B.'s photo of tent camping at Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds near Stillman Valley, IL
    Jun. 14, 2020

    Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds

    Great for kids!

    Tent sites are right across from a park with a back drop creek that runs through the camp. Fish are very abundant. When the lake is open it’s great to bring kids for the water sports. They have dances every Saturday night. It’s mostly an RV park, but really great for the family.


Guide to Stillman Valley

Discover the charm of tent camping near Stillman Valley, Illinois, where nature's beauty meets outdoor adventure. With a variety of campgrounds offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tent campers should check out unique features

  • The Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center spans 640 acres of meadows and forests, offering a tranquil environment for family camping retreats.
  • At Goatland, campers can enjoy a farm experience with friendly animals, making it a fun destination for families looking to connect with nature and animals.
  • Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area provides a serene setting for tent camping, with opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing in a picturesque environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Stillman Valley, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Stillman Valley, IL is Castle Rock State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Stillman Valley, IL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Stillman Valley, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.