Best Tent Camping near Wayne, IL
Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Wayne? Finding a place to camp in Illinois with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Wayne, Illinois (10)
1. MacQueen Forest Preserve
6 Reviews•27 Photos•60 SavesKirkland, IllinoisThis 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
2. Kayak Morris
11 Reviews•25 Photos•180 SavesMorris, IllinoisLocated only 1 hour from Chicago! Our private Campground is PERFECT for the BEGINNER camper! Camp with your vehicle just steps from your tent. WE are right on the water! All sites are Fully wooded Sandy Beach camping.
Forget Something? Downtown Morris is just steps away, or Walmart/Jewel(5min). Need a shower? No problem! Morris Community Swimming pool (1mile away) features a shower/locker room facility and swimming pool. KayakMorris Outdoor Learning Campground is a new concept in recreational fun for all. KayakMorris' Campground was created out of a need to connect a variety of people and groups to recreational land and outdoor experiential learning programs and features GLAMPING!
We are combining easy access to kayaking, biking, canoeing, fishing, geocaching and hiking all in one great place! We make it FUN! We are even just steps away from historic downtown Morris, which features antique shops, novelty stores and great restaurants. We feature full sand beaches on the Illinois River and we are adjacent to the historic I & M canal and towpath featuring fishing, hiking, biking and geocaching.
Our Campground is specifically for families, youth and those with the utmost respect for the Great Outdoors! We cater to those that seek to escape to the wilderness and spend relaxing time with their friends and family. We pride ourselves in limiting camping privileges to families, youth and those that are truly outdoor enthusiasts.
All camping is online reservation only(unless you have camped with us before). You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$29 / night
3. McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
3 Reviews•17 Photos•40 SavesChannahon, IllinoisFrederick's Grove offers four primitive campsites for family or group rental, with a permit capacity of six people per site. The campsites are on flat terrain in full shade to full sun and provide access to grills, fire pits and latrines. Two of the campsites are on natural surface terrain and two are on concrete pads and are ADA accessible. The campsites are unavailable for rental from November 1 through April 15 each year for safety and maintenance.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$15 - $30 / night
4. Channahon State Park Campground
1 Review•7 Photos•30 SavesChannahon, IllinoisChannahon State Park is the official trailhead for the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Channahon is an Indian word meaning "the meeting of the waters" and signifies the joining of the DuPage, Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers.
Today, Channahon State Park is under the management of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and provides park visitors a look back at a historic waterway that transformed a state. Locks 6 & 7 and the original locktenders house at Lock 6 located at the Channahon State Park enable visitors to daydream of a time when one of the loudest noises heard came from a blacksmith pounding out a new set of horse shoes.
Only primitive tent camping is available and gear must be walked to the campsite. Fire rings, picnic tables, and grills are located in the camping area. A drinking fountain and pit toilets are located within a short distance from the camping area. A camping permit must be obtained from the information center.
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- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
5. Camp Shabbona Woods
1 Review•38 SavesCalumet City, Illinois- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$30 - $80 / night
6. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Be the first to review!•3 SavesPlano, IllinoisFor 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
8. Kishwaukee Valley Farms
Be the first to review!•1 SaveWoodstock, Illinois- Tents
- Equestrian
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
$74 - $100 / night
9. Illinois and Michigan Canal
Be the first to review!•4 SavesJoliet, IllinoisBackpack carry-in is allowed at designated sites along the 61 mile trail. Tent and youth group camping are also available at Channahon and Gebhard Woods. Open fires are permitted in camp stoves and fire pits provided at the sites. Permits must be obtained from the park offices prior to camping.
Call the park office for location of these sites. Class D sites are for tent camping or primitive sites (walk-in or backpack) with no vehicular access.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
$6 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Wayne, Illinois
560 Reviews of 10 Wayne Campgrounds
Marisa A.
Ranger
Blackwell Family Campground
Weekend Camping with lots of activities
For years, this was our go-to campground for weekend nearby adventures. Over the years, the price has increased and at $30 per site for non-residents, it's a bit steep for tent camping for me (so I left off a star rating). All sites are electric, so if you are tent camping and want your fan or slow-cooker, then it's as good as it gets in the burbs. It's located in a beautiful wooded Dupage County Forest preserve. While the sites are pretty close together, there are a few good ones that feel more secluded. Designated chip bark tent sites are level. The grounds are very well maintained. While I didn't camp here this year, I took these photos the last weekend in October to give everyone a sense of how nice this campground could be for them. My favorite sites over the years were the ones closest to Silver Lake along the South Loop road because those sites have the best views. For privacy, my favorite site is #27 on the north loop road which makes you feel like you are alone in the woods. Other than plenty of hiking options including a big hill, the fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release. There is also archery, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course. It is a great place for families. I've brought cub scouts here and my kids' friends. Heads-up that sites 21 & 22 may not be able to see traffic on the busy Winfield Rd in the summer, but you will still hear it at those sites.
- SSadie R.
Guide
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.Ranger
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.
- MMike T.Guide
Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois beach
We stayed here on a nice warm weekend. There is a huge building you can rent a room in or over 200 campsites with water and electricity. We camped in a tent and enjoyed the swimming and fishing from Lake Michigan. Very nice and clean. Employees were helpful and told us of a great fishing spot!!!
- DDougGuide
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.
- Abby W.
Scout
Sycamore RV Resort
Nice fishing ponds
And fun beach!! But no tent camping
Gypsy G.Guide
Thousand Trails Pine Country
Very nice!
Tent camped here one night. Very nice, private sites. Not many campers, lots of RVs. Folks in the office were very helpful.
- Kim M.
Traveler
Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park
Camping on the riverside
Located right on the river. There are many tent sites available and at a great price. The bathrooms located near the electrical sites have showers and running water. The bathrooms that are in the tent site only area are more like port-o-potty style. So in the heat of summer there are a lot of flies and you should have something to wash your hands ie no running water. I’d stay there again and the hosts were very sweet.
John M.TravelerRock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
State park close to Chicago
This is a great state park not too far from Chicago. Has a lot of rv sites and dedicated tent site close to the lake.
- Chloe N.Scout
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Great for kids
We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. There are about 8 tent/pop up sites and the rest of the campground is for RVs. I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site! The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms (no hot water in the showers) right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids! We’re going back this summer. This is not private or rustic camping but still very fun and relaxing.
- DDougGuide
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.
- Casey M.Traveler
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.
- AAmy R.Guide
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.
- Marisa A.Ranger
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.
- CClaire S.Scout
Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Typical State Park Campsites
The state park is larger than expected with decent amenities (boat rentals, concessions, relatively clean pit toilets) and areas designated for trailer camping and tent camping.
We stayed in the Turner South Loop, one of the older tent camping loops, and the age definitely showed. Most of the sites on this loop are pretty worn, with not much privacy. We stayed in T10, but would consider T9 if we returned to this loop for a different reserved site. The prairie loop looked a bit newer with bigger, less worn sites. Both loops had grill pits that were well-maintained for fires and campfire cooking.
Trails were geared more towards horses and bikes, but there are plenty of walking paths, and we were able to find some hidden trails along the lake (read: unofficial). Overall, a place for relaxing and leisurely strolls and not hiking.
- CCari B.Traveler
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
Mitchell S.ScoutRock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground
Easy get away
Nice quiet place to get away. Large lake for boating and fishing. Sights are good sized for campers and pop-ups. Tent sites are a little sloped. Easy trails around the lake.
- Mike P.Scout
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.
KenGuide
Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park
Beautiful Spot
We were camping here right in the middle of fall. The leaves were changing and our site was near the lake. Awesome family friendly spot. Adult beverages must be in a solo cup. Good for RV and tent camping. The bathroom isn’t too far of a walk from any site.
- MMarthaScout
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” - Marisa A.Ranger
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.
- PPhillip T.Guide
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.
- AAndrew S.Traveler
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Fantastic car camping close to Chicago
Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life.
Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well.
Beautiful forest surrounds the lake, lots of hiking in the surrounding enormous forest preserve. Lake has fishing and boats as well.
- Katie A.Traveler
Camp Reinberg
Great little camp ground!
Loved everything about this place. The staff is so helpful, well maintained, nice trail system. We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again. We also came back last weekend and stayed in one of the large cabins- game changer in the winter! It’s a perfect spot for a weekend away from Chicago, will definitely be back.
- Therese T.Guide
Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park
Beautiful serene park
We had a great stay. Level well maintained shady tent site. Bathrooms were fine. The camp hosts were nice. Can’t beat the views of Lake Michigan! Nice trails through the park. Beaches were too cold and rough waters for swimming, but we had an awesome time!
- Mike C.Scout
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
Jonathan S.ScoutBig 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.
Guide to Wayne
Tent camping near Wayne, Illinois offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. From well-maintained sites to unique amenities, there’s something for everyone.
Some prices for tent camping range from $4 to $5
- Enjoy a budget-friendly stay at MacQueen Forest Preserve, where primitive sites are available for just $4 per night.
- Kayak Morris offers a relaxing camping experience with rates that are reasonable, especially for those looking to kayak and fish.
- At Channahon State Park Campground, you can camp year-round with affordable pricing, making it a great choice for any season.
Tent campers should check out MacQueen Forest Preserve
- MacQueen Forest Preserve features secluded sites with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for a cozy camping experience.
- This campground allows for a variety of access types, including boat-in and hike-in, making it ideal for adventurous campers.
- With well-kept bathrooms and a self-service check-in, MacQueen Forest Preserve ensures a hassle-free stay.
Enjoy local activities like fishing and hiking
- At Kayak Morris, you can fish right from your campsite or rent kayaks for a day on the Illinois River.
- Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area offers hiking trails and the chance to explore the local wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
- For those interested in biking, Channahon State Park Campground is conveniently located along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, perfect for a scenic ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wayne, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wayne, IL is MacQueen Forest Preserve with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Wayne, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Wayne, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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