Tent camping near Sycamore, Illinois offers several primitive experiences within the Fox River watershed. Sites throughout DeKalb and surrounding counties range from riverside camping at elevations between 650-850 feet to prairie settings with minimal shade coverage. Summer temperatures typically peak in the mid-80s with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons experience frequent temperature fluctuations and occasional flooding after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Paddle the Rock River: Castle Rock State Park Campground offers boat-in sites that provide complete isolation from vehicle traffic. According to one camper, "Located about 100 miles West of Chicago, Castle Rock State Park features one of the ONLY campgrounds that I've visited this close to the city in which I was completely alone." The return trip requires planning: "Paddling back up river was not easy, but it was not impossible. It took approximately 3 hours, allowing for a few breaks to rest."
Explore scenic overlooks: Buffalo Rock State Park Campground provides views of the Illinois River without crowds. One reviewer noted, "This little gem is across the river from Starved Rock State Park. So, you can appreciate the bluff overlooks of the river without dealing with the crowds. Real live Buffalo are a treat for kids and animal lovers."
Stargaze in open meadows: For night sky viewing, several sites offer unobstructed views. A camper at MacQueen Forest Preserve mentioned, "About half of the campsites are in a meadow at the back end of the campground. It would be beautiful for stargazing! There's also a giant fire pit with benches."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The spacing between campsites at primitive locations exceeds typical campground standards. A MacQueen Forest Preserve visitor wrote, "There are eight primitive campsites here, and they're spread out at least 50 yards apart. That's right, at least 50 yards. You can't see the campsite next to you, and they all have a picnic table and a fire ring."
Budget-friendly options: Kayak Starved Rock Campground offers affordable waterfront camping with basic amenities. "The very best part? You're in the middle of the country, with gorgeous sunsets, and the primitive camping is only $4," noted one MacQueen camper. Most sites in the region maintain similarly low fees between $4-10 per night.
Access to multiple outdoor activities: Many campgrounds connect to broader trail systems. One camper at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center shared, "There are over 640 acres of meadow, forest, and stocked pond. I'm not sure if it's still there, but there used to be a challenging obstacle course up a steep hill, over a wood wall with stations in the woods."
What you should know
Limited drinking water access: Most primitive sites require bringing your own water supply. At Castle Rock, "Please note that water is not available at the campground and must be boated in. A small park-information stand contains the 'permits' that you can purchase on-site and money is collected via the honor system."
Self-registration process: Payment systems vary by location. A MacQueen visitor explained, "It's all self-checking, you just use the pay box in the parking lot." Bring exact cash for most locations as change isn't available.
Seasonal flooding concerns: Low-lying campsites can become waterlogged after heavy rain. A McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove camper 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."
Tips for camping with families
Bring transport carts: For walk-in sites, equipment to move gear makes setup easier. As one MacQueen camper described, "You do have to walk into all of them, but they do have one wagon and a dolly you can use to tote things in. It's an easy walk, on a crushed gravel road and mowed trail."
Consider ADA accessible options: Some locations offer designated accessible sites. At McKinley Woods, "There is a large camping area and two of the sites have concrete pads for ADA accessibility. Further west along the I&M Tow Path is another camp site."
Plan for wildlife encounters: Kayak Morris offers fishing opportunities for children. One visitor 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!" This provides an engaging activity for families with young anglers.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Most primitive sites near Sycamore accommodate tents and small pop-ups only. Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground allows limited RV access, but amenities are minimal. A visitor noted, "From an amenities standpoints, while you will find 4 picnic shelters, restrooms, potable drinking water, stand-up grills and fire pits, there is very little in the way of amenities in the actual equestrian campground apart from water spigots with a picnic shelter, restrooms, running water, show area and the occasional picnic table."
Access local supplies: Several campgrounds have nearby towns for provisions. "Should you get tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or on-board RV mini-fridge, then you are in luck as with in the nearby town of Franklin Grove, given its very small population of just slightly more than 1,000 souls shouldn't have many restaurants (let alone stop lights), but thankfully for your sake, it does."
