Tent camping near Thornton, Illinois features varied terrain ranging from riverside spots along the Kankakee and Des Plaines Rivers to wooded areas with mature tree cover. Most sites sit at elevations between 500-700 feet above sea level in this glacially shaped landscape. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during day with 55-65°F nights, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature swings of 30+ degrees within 24 hours.
What to do
Kayaking confluences: Kayak Morris offers exceptional water access where rivers converge, creating prime fishing conditions. "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!" reports Sam Murphy M.
Trail cycling access: Channahon State Park Campground provides direct access to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. "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," notes one cyclist.
River fishing spots: Mac Finn's Landing offers specialized fishing access with controlled water traffic. "One of the best no wake zones and fishing banks on the Kankakee River imo! Lots of access to great fishing holes up the Kankakee and Iroqouis Rivers," according to Raven Rock S.
What campers like
Secluded sites: McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove features well-spaced campsites that provide privacy. "The sites are far apart," notes a camper who appreciated the layout but warns about potential flooding issues after heavy rain.
Water recreation options: Kayak Morris provides immediate river access from each campsite. "We loved this campsite! We stayed when there were not many people there so we had plenty of space but could see it getting crowded when it's full. We brought our own kayaks and launched right from our campsite," writes Amanda W.
Wildlife viewing: Campers report significant wildlife activity, particularly birds. "At night, you can hear owls and distant trains," reports one camper, though they note "motorboats and jet-skis begin around 6:AM" along riverside locations.
What you should know
Flooding concerns: Some sites experience significant water issues after rain. "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," warns Rita S. about her experience at McKinley Woods.
Park closure times: Camp Shabbona Woods enforces strict gate closings. "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite," explains Jeffrey L.
Water quality varies: The pump water at McKinley Woods "is drinkable, but cloudy," according to a camper, while other sites may have no water access at all, requiring campers to bring all needed water.
Tips for camping with families
Urban-adjacent options: Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park offers both privacy and beach access. "The spot was clean. It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long," notes Don W.
First-timer friendly: Camp Shabbona Woods provides a gentle introduction to tent camping. "Camp suite 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," explains Scott M.
Weekend reservation planning: Book early for prime spots, especially for summer weekends. "25 sites to choose from, they fill up fast on weekends so plan to make reservations early," advises a Kayak Morris camper.
Tips from RVers
Trailer considerations: Unloading distance matters for equipment-heavy campers at walk-in sites. "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. We have a small, motorcycle trailer so we ended up rolling down hill 100 yds. then back again after our 2 night stay," explains Brian O. about Davis Creek Campground.
Accessibility options: Two of the four sites at McKinley Woods have paved pads specifically for accessibility. "Sites #3 & #4 are shady and paved. All sites have enormous banquet sized picnic tables with cut-out in the bench for wheelchairs," notes a camper who appreciated these features.
Site-specific amenities: Fire pit designs and cooking options vary between campgrounds. "Firepits are 3' across, the steel rim is a foot above the ground, but the pit is 8" below ground level. There is a non-adjustable grill," explains a camper describing the setup at McKinley Woods.
