MacQueen Forest Preserve provides tent camping options in DeKalb County, approximately 60 miles northwest of Wheeling, Illinois. The preserve campground sits along the South Branch of the Kishwaukee River in a mixed woodland and meadow landscape. Seasonal considerations include mosquitoes during summer months and train noise throughout the night, with sites accessible from spring through fall depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing access: The Kishwaukee River runs along part of the preserve, though fishing spots require some exploration. A camper notes, "There isn't much in terms of hiking trails. Just the main path and a few paths connecting sites and sort of a path along the river. The places with access to the river were not good locations for fishing."
River activities: Some visitors create their own water recreation opportunities near MacQueen Forest Preserve. According to one review, "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 deep in places."
Stargazing: The open field sites at MacQueen Forest Preserve offer night sky viewing opportunities away from major city light pollution. A camper 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
Site privacy: The significant distance between campsites at MacQueen Forest Preserve provides unusual seclusion for Illinois camping. A reviewer states, "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."
Site location preferences: Certain sites offer better woodland coverage and features than others at Camp Shabbona Woods. A frequent visitor recommends, "I hate to even tell people about this great spot. Spots are pretty spread out. Only sites 1, 2, 8 are forested the rest are around a large open field."
Affordability: The low cost makes tent camping near Wheeling appealing for budget-conscious campers. One reviewer appreciates, "The very best part? You're in the middle of the country, with gorgeous sunsets, and the primitive camping is only $4."
What you should know
Water situation: Campers need to prepare for limited water resources. A visitor cautions, "There is water, but it is not, I repeat is not, potable."
Equipment transport: The walk-in sites require planning for gear transport. A visitor explains, "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."
Accessibility options: Kishwaukee Valley Farms and other area campgrounds offer varying levels of accessibility. At MacQueen, "There is one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy."
Gate hours: Area campgrounds maintain strict access hours. One camper at Camp Shabbona Woods notes, "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok."
Tips for camping with families
First-timer friendly: For families new to camping near Wheeling, Illinois, certain locations offer excellent introductions. About Camp Shabbona Woods, one camper states, "Camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping."
Train noise preparation: Families should prepare children for overnight train sounds at certain locations. A camper advises, "If you cannot sleep to the sound of trains at night, this is not the campground for you. I don't mind them at all, and rather enjoy the sound, but there were probably three of them that went by in the middle of the night rather close to the campground."
Bathrooms: Hammel Woods and other nearby campgrounds have varying bathroom facilities. For MacQueen specifically, "There's vault toilets and the one I used wasn't terrible, but it is primitive. There's even a light switch inside with a functioning light!"
Tips from RVers
Urban campground realities: RV campers seeking tent camping alternatives near Wheeling should consider noise levels at more developed sites. At Camp Shabbona Woods, "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background."
Shade limitations: Some campgrounds in the region have limited natural coverage. A reviewer of Camp Shabbona Woods notes, "The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."
Vehicle restrictions: Tent campers accustomed to car camping should note vehicle access rules. One camper points out, "No electric or water hook ups can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite."
