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Best Tent Camping near Tinley Park, IL

501 Reviews

Tent camping near Tinley Park, Illinois provides access to several walk-in tent sites and primitive campgrounds within a 30-40 mile radius. The area features tent-only options like Channahon State Park Campground, McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, and the Illinois and Michigan Canal backpacking sites. Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland offers tent campsites in a more developed setting, while Davis Creek Campground at Kankakee River State Park provides walk-in tent sites approximately 25 miles south of Tinley Park.

Most tent campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during peak summer months. Walk-in tent sites at Channahon State Park and McKinley Woods feature vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenities vary by location. Water access differs significantly between sites - McKinley Woods provides drinking water via an old-fashioned pump (though water may appear cloudy), while other primitive tent camping areas require bringing your own water supply. Park closing times affect tent campers, with McKinley Woods closing at 8 PM during summer months and earlier in off-season. The camping season generally runs April through October, though Channahon State Park offers year-round tent camping opportunities.

The tent camping experience near Tinley Park features several waterside options and trail-accessible sites. Channahon State Park provides shaded tent sites surrounded by trees with direct access to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, making it popular with bicycle tourists. According to reviews, "This is a nice, shady place to stop along the I&M Canal Trail." McKinley Woods offers more spacious walk-in tent sites with varying levels of shade and seclusion. One camper noted, "The sites are far apart, #1 is the shadiest and most secluded but uneven." Tent campers should be prepared for potential flooding during heavy rains at some sites, particularly at McKinley Woods. Backcountry tent camping enthusiasts will appreciate the Illinois and Michigan Canal sites, which require hiking in with all necessary supplies.

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Best Tent Sites Near Tinley Park, Illinois (10)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Tinley Park, IL

13 Photos of 10 Tinley Park Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Tinley Park, IL

501 Reviews of 10 Tinley Park 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.

  • H
    May. 26, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Great stay, come ready

    We stayed two nights in mid-May, at site number 72. Area was gorgeous, well maintained, shady and quiet. Tons of hiking trails in very close proximity to the campground! There is electricity on site, but no water or sewage at each site. However there is a water fill station and a dump station. So just come prepared. Also, they have a very strict no alcohol policy. Not that that stopped people, but don't go walking around with a beer bottle! We would definitely return.

  • 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.

  • Elizabeth G.
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Pleasant and quiet

    Stayed in site 43 of the Douglas loop. Douglas loop is all non electric.

    Our site was big enough for our tents, a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms/showers are really close by which is nice but you do get the lights from the bathroom facing site 43. Not a big deal but if you’re looking for more darkness then definitely choose one of the other sites around 43.

    All parking sites are paved for camper vans/trailers but no water or power hookups. All sites have nice huge tent pads that are nice and level. Only noise we heard was the train every now and then.

    The showers are individual rooms separate from the bathrooms. And there’s a gas station and liquor store near the entrance of the campground for fire wood and beer.

    I didn’t get to stay in the walk in campsites but they are very nice and close-ish to the showers.

  • 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.

  • Chris M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Clean & Spacious

    We pulled in around 4:30 in the evening. The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites. Since the weather was cooler , it was pretty sparse with other campers. We stayed 2 nights over the weekend. You are within walking distance to the beach within the park. The buildings have great architecture. The sight had 50 amp electric hook ups but no water or sewer connections, and we knew that going in. We had a back in sight #69. There was plenty of space on all sides. We have a 37’ motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around. The sight also had a wood picnic table and fire ring for a wood fire pit. We will definitely be back! I wish I had taken more photos from the beach and beach pavilion.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Outer Circle

    We reserved a spot in the outer circle. We like having woods on one side. Nice campground camping….parking pad, fire ring, picnic table. Good amount of space between spots. Nice bathrooms & showers. We have a rooftop tent and we’re very happy. Loved the hike over “Mt. Tom” to the gorgeous beach and warmish lake for a swim. We choose the State Park vs. National Park so we could hike to the beach.

  • Crissy R.
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Let there Be Rain and Silence....

    If you’re looking to go camping with the conveniences of the modern world nearby, this is the place to be. Located off of golf way rd and duneway pkwy, this campground is located roughly about an hour from Elkhart, if that’s where you’re coming from. They have a few options as far as sites go. Sites 1-34 are reservable online and the remainder of the sites are first come, first served. Also keep in mind, sites 1-54 you’re able to park your car/RV. However, sites 55-67 are walk in only. There are showers and restrooms located center of both areas. There are also water stations which are very convenient. Most of the campsites are fairly close, but far enough where you are not sitting on top of each other. This time around I opted for the walk In. For starters, let’s just say to be prepared for whatever weather may come. My luck, it poured the entire time and was windy. Furthermore, each site has designated fire rings that have a grill. The experience was awesome, it’s $25 a night that you pay at the automated kiosk. There are rangers that drive around during the day and there are signs posted with all the latest updates, rules/regulations. Overall, great experience, definitely look forward to coming back!

Guide to Tinley Park

Tent camping near Tinley Park, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature while still being close to urban amenities.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a peaceful stay at Camp Shabbona Woods, where first-time campers can find well-maintained sites and helpful caretakers.
  • Cycle along the scenic trails at Channahon State Park Campground, which is conveniently located near the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail.
  • Experience the beauty of nature at McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, where you can hike through wooded areas and enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $30

  • At Davis Creek Campground — Kankakee River State Park, you can find affordable rates while enjoying a well-kept environment with access to water.
  • Kayak Morris offers a laid-back atmosphere with reasonable pricing, perfect for those looking to fish or kayak on the Illinois River.
  • For a unique experience, Mac Finn's Landing provides a fishing retreat with access to great fishing spots along the Kankakee River.

Tent campers should check out McKinley Woods

  • McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove features spacious sites and easy access to the I&M Canal, making it ideal for biking and hiking.
  • The Illinois and Michigan Canal offers a unique backpacking experience with a focus on hiking and enjoying the natural surroundings.
  • For a more secluded experience, Hammel Woods provides a private setting for tent camping, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tinley Park, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tinley Park, IL is Camp Shabbona Woods with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Tinley Park, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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