Top Tent Camping near Winnebago, IL

Searching for a tent camping spot near Winnebago? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Winnebago. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Winnebago, IL (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve

    1. MacQueen Forest Preserve

    6 Reviews
    27 Photos
    60 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Rock State Park

    2. Castle Rock State Park

    7 Reviews
    26 Photos
    65 Saves

    Castle Rock State Park is located along the west bank of the Rock River in Ogle County, three miles south of Oregon, on Ill. Rt. 2. Castle Rock camping is centrally located in the Rock River Hills region of Illinois, and its rolling topography is drained by the Rock River. The park is representative of the Rock River Hills area with rock formations, ravines and unique northern plant associations. A sandstone bluff, adjacent to the river, has given the park its name.​​​​

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $6 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from New Glarus Woods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from New Glarus Woods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from New Glarus Woods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from New Glarus Woods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from New Glarus Woods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from New Glarus Woods State Park

    3. New Glarus Woods State Park

    16 Reviews
    31 Photos
    48 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center

    4. Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Blackhawk Memorial Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Blackhawk Memorial Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Blackhawk Memorial Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Blackhawk Memorial Park

      7. Blackhawk Memorial Park

      4 Reviews
      4 Photos
      17 Saves
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      • Tent Cabin
      Camper-submitted photo from Goatland
      Camper-submitted photo from Goatland
      Camper-submitted photo from Goatland
      Camper-submitted photo from Goatland
      Camper-submitted photo from Goatland
      Camper-submitted photo from Goatland

      8. Goatland

      Be the first to review!
      9 Photos
      9 Saves

      It's not a huge place, but the goats, sheep, and a very bossy donkey will keep you company as you bake in the sun, or read under a tree by the creek. Close hwy access, but far enough from that, and in most cases the house, to afford privacy. This is a working farm.

      I have several locations for campers based upon multiple factors like weather, phase of hay growth, whether you have kids, want sun or shade, or animals in your space. I limit the number of people here at one time - there is only one bathroom.

      We're happy to have you, to answer any questions you may have, and to introduce you to the animals. We mind our own business unless you need something. If you require a lot of attention, manicured lawns, electrical service at your site, a grill at your disposal, and parking at your tent, you probably wouldn't be happy here, but if you like animals, quiet, and open space, we may be just what you're looking for.

      Reasonable driving distance to Le-Aqua-Na, Apple River Canyon, Krape and Read Parks, Cadiz Springs, Pecatonica Forest Preserve, and Head Gates Park. About an hour from the Mississippi to the southwest, Galena to the west. There's also a popular walking/biking trail less than 5 mins away.

      We are a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks.

      Lambs are born in March. Kids are born in April or May. Most are gone, or mature enough to be less fun, by Oct.

      Contact me with any inquiries, or questions.

      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Firewood Available

      $35 - $55 / night

      • No image available

        9. Kishwaukee Valley Farms

        Be the first to review!
        1 Save
        • Tents
        • Equestrian
        • Tent Cabin
        • Glamping

        $74 - $100 / night

        • No image available

          10. Scheidegger Forest (Dane County Parks)

          Be the first to review!
          3 Saves

          Scheidegger Forest is nearly 80 acres and offers a mile of loop of hiking trails, a reservable shelter, and restroom. The area has been restored from a former Dane County Sheriff shooting range to a managed forest of primarily oak and hickory. The shelter, kiosk, and bathroom were all built from wood harvested on-site. Water is not available at this site When this Group Camp is reserved, the Shelter is not available to be reserved by another party(and vice versa). Located~ 100 feet east of loop parking lot, just beyond the restroom No potable water at this time. Vault(pit) toilet. Campfire ring. No electricity. 20’ x 30’ shelter– picnic tables. Vehicle parking in parking lot * Reserve a campsite online here: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/widanectywt.wsc/splash.html * Check opening and closing dates here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/Parks-Opening-Closing-Schedule * See campground rules here: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/rules

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Reservable
          • Tents
          • Group
          • Standard (Tent/RV)

          $65 / night


        Recent Tent Reviews In Winnebago

        525 Reviews of 10 Winnebago Campgrounds


        • Jon L.
          Camper-submitted photo from O'Connell's RV Campground
          Oct. 23, 2024

          O'Connell's RV Campground

          BULLET HOLES IN MY AIRSTREAM!

          BULLET HOLES IN MY AIRSYTREAM. Yes, you read that correctly. I had 4 bullet holes in my Airstream and to date, O'Connell's has NEVER RETURNED ANY CALLS OR EMAILS regarding this incident. A police report was made, photos were taken, and still nothing. Thousand Trails should be aware of this, but I'm guessing they are not. What if your kids were playing outside? My neighbor had a bullet hole in her shed and he also posted about it. O'CONNELL'S IS DANGEROUS, stay away from the new "Premium" lot section. I paid extra for this?

        • Linda N.
          Camper-submitted photo from Milton-Madison SE KOA
          Oct. 16, 2024

          Milton-Madison SE KOA

          cant wait to go back

          I ended up here because I was going to a music festival in the area, and they turned me away because I have a service animal. I wasn't going to do all that work for nothing and just go home, so I decided to look up my nearest campground and it was KOA in Milton. they made me feel welcome. they understood my dilemma. it was a wonderful weekend. lots of amenities and I just absolutely can't wait to go back next year. I'm going to try to make it a couple times. so much fun, just me and my dog. And one last the thing, my fellow campers were more than hospitable and very nice and I appreciate that very much.

        • Linda N.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Minnihaha Campground
          Oct. 16, 2024

          Sweet Minnihaha Campground

          music fest

          I originally went to this campground a couple years ago for a music festival, but I discovered how much fun it was. the people were incredible. the staff was really awesome so I continue to make it back at least once a year

        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from Big Foot Beach State Park
          Oct. 11, 2024

          Big Foot Beach State Park

          A bit deceptive

          So this place is much less dog friendly than is advertised. Dogs aren’t allowed in large swaths of the park nor on the (tiny tiny, bordered by loud highway) beach. Lake Geneva is very pretty, but the area is obviously very wealthy and obviously geared toward retirees without dogs or with tiny dogs they leave at the RV (to bark, constantly, at their next site neighbors. Until the owners get back.)

        • Jaime P.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Badgerland Campground
          Sep. 9, 2024

          Badgerland Campground

          Great little campground

          We booked a weekend here for a soccer tournament we had in Verona, so we didn’t spend a lot of time on the property. The staff was amazing! Very friendly and helpful for us new to camping people. We booked online and they were also friendly when I messed up my reservation so thanks for that too. We booked in VIP 1, which is right next to the bath house. We wanted to be close to the showers (coin op). We figured since we’re at a sporting event that might be nice. Very quiet at night. We did have a little time to go fishing at the fishing pond. We didn’t catch anything but we had fun. The fishing pond is a ways from our camping area though. It would have been a long walk so we drove. WiFi is for a fee but it was fine. The fee wasn’t expensive (less than $5). No sewer hook up but there is a dump site so no big deal. Overall good stay.

        • Kenny P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Woods Campground
          Sep. 7, 2024

          Thomas Woods Campground

          Great place for secluded camping

          Camped here on a whim. Amazing area. Super friendly hosts. The only thing I wish was a little more accessible is the website. I didn't know what kind of site I was getting, what it looked like, or if it was a hike in site or not. Turns out mine was, but it was not an issue for me on this trip. Site 30 for anyone interested.

        • CThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Mississippi Palisades State Park
          Sep. 4, 2024

          Mississippi Palisades State Park

          Super cheap for what you get.

          I got a primitive tent site in an area all to myself, with a shower house just down the road, in a beautiful and quiet campground for $10 cash. You really can’t beat that. Campground is separate from the park so you don’t have to pay a park entrance fee to stay here.

        • Brent A.
          Camper-submitted photo from Vel Terra
          Sep. 3, 2024

          Vel Terra

          Wonderful Little Campground

          We stayed at this campground over Labor Day. The owner intentionally doesn't fill all of the sites in order to give people more space- a great luxury over a holiday like this. The sites are pretty small and only one 'sleeping structure' is allowed on each site but we found that Jeff was very willing to let us put up two tents (one for my wife & I 

          + one for the kids) because we were in the same family.

          The bathrooms and showers were very neat and well maintained. We didn't use the showers because they were paid but our friends did and had good things to say about them.

          The campground has a very nice playground (the favorite of the trip for one of my kids) and a lounge where anyone staying at the campground can rest with A/C, wifi, a phone charging area, and some board games.

          The primary drawback is that there isn't a lot of outdoor activities to do in the area. All the land is private so there's not great hiking (a little in the state park about 20 min drive away), IL law allows waterways to be privately owned so you can't kayak the river, etc. Galena is nearby if you want to go shopping and we really enjoyed going to Terrapin Apple Orchard and picking some apples (if you're there in the Fall). But all in all I would say this is a great campground to rest and relax at- probably not ideal for outdoor adventures.

        • S
          Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Acres Camping Resort
          Aug. 25, 2024

          Holiday Acres Camping Resort

          Beware

          Review: Holiday Acres Campground Our recent stay at Holiday Acres Campground was nothing short of a nightmare. From the moment we arrived, we felt unwelcome and targeted by both the staff and the locals. It's hard to say definitively if this place was racist, but the behavior we experienced certainly felt that way. Firstly, we were harassed and intimidated by the locals. They would drive around our campsite at night, yelling racial slurs and other offensive comments. This created a disturbing and unsettling atmosphere that made our stay extremely uncomfortable. The staff were equally unpleasant. We were falsely accused of peeing in the pool without any evidence, which seemed more like an excuse to target us than a genuine concern. Additionally, one staff member consistently displayed unprofessional and rude behavior. She berated one of us and treated him condescendingly, as if he were a boy rather than an adult. She exhibited this condescending behavior with the locals as well. Requests for assistance were met with eye rolls and obvious reluctance. Her dismissive and offensive attitude was consistent throughout our stay. The final straw came when we were kicked out for calling her a name after she persistently treated us with disrespect. While name-calling isn't appropriate, her behavior towards us was intolerable and unprovoked. The facilities were also abysmal. The bathrooms constantly smelled like fart, possibly due to the high sulfur content in the water, which only added to the overall negative experience. The showers were yellow with orange bits that could be scraped off, and the lack of cleanliness was appalling. The playgrounds looked so poorly maintained that you could get a splinter just from looking at them. To make matters worse, we were falsely accused of stealing by a local camper. Despite promises to review security footage, no evidence was provided, and no apology was offered for the false accusation. The pool area was another disappointment. The pool was cold, likely because it had just been filled. While the pool area itself was nice, it lacked lounging chairs, which would have enhanced comfort and relaxation. Overall, our experience at Holiday Acres Campground was horrific. The combination of harassment from locals, the hostile attitude of the staff, the filthy facilities, and the lack of amenities made for an extremely uncomfortable and distressing stay. I would strongly advise anyone considering this campground to stay far away, especially if you are looking for a welcoming and respectful environment.

        • Darshon J.
          Camper-submitted photo from MacQueen Forest Preserve
          Jul. 27, 2024

          MacQueen Forest Preserve

          Well Kept Campground

          Well maintained bathrooms, great secluded sites. Super easy no registration its first come first serve. I will be goin again with my family.

        • Christie B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Green County Fairgrounds
          Jul. 10, 2024

          Green County Fairgrounds

          Ok but you have to work around the events going on because you have to leave when they are going on!

          Nice quiet place no neighbors usually bothering you showers and toilets could be better but overall ok

        • Rebecca C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Rock Cut state park
          Jun. 30, 2024

          Rock Cut state park

          Not well maintained

          We have a 30 amp trailer. When we got there, the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday. We called the Rangers and asked them to look at our site breaker since it kept tripping. They came, told us the park was old and not updated but then ultimately told us it was our trailer. We had to rent a motel for the night because we couldn't even pull out the slide or anything. This was after spending about 6 hours pulling apart all the electrical in the trailer. Went to camping world the next day just for us to use their plugs and it was fine. We thought maybe it was our cord so we bought a new one and still nothing. We called the Rangers again who came to look at it. Told us that the park was just so old that it probably couldn't keep up and moved us to a 50 amp sight. The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again. So we ended up having to go back to camping world to get an adapter to use the 50 amp. Wasted about 30 hours of our trip over their electrical not being updated and they knew that. Tried to reach out to get the first night reimbursed since we literally couldn't even stay there or use our trailer. Was told we had to come back the next day to speak to the head ranger, came back and he wasn't there again. Was told he would call us two different times and never got a call. Will never stay here again.

        • Danielle D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Northwoods RV Resort
          Jun. 22, 2024

          Northwoods RV Resort

          Great for seasonal camping

          The sites are pretty big. The campground is not congested at all. The people are very nice. Everyone waves to everyone.

          We came here because they showed a water obstacle course on their website. When we got here, we were informed that their beach hasn't passed health tests for the past few years. So no obstacle course or beach area.

          The pool is very clean and the staff helped us pick a better site upon arrival. They also have a very pretty river to fish.

          There is no store. The only thing available is firewood. If you need anything at all, there is a Walmart about ten minutes down the road.

          The site is nice and grassy but there are a ton of bugs; mostly gnats.

          All in all, it's a very clean place with great people. The pool is wonderful. The parks are great. But it's definitely a more lay back and relax kind of place. Not a ton of stuff to do for kids.

        • Susan K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Woods Campground
          May. 12, 2024

          Thomas Woods Campground

          Thomas Woods Campground

          The campground is beautiful wish it was open more than the weekend's. The campground host needs to lighten up and shes out on the gator every 30 minutes, that gets annoying, also since we have also worked as campground hosts you don't run around with the gator giving people rides. It is a shame but we won't camp here again.

          They should check up on the campground host and hire one with a pleasant personality

        • J H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Crazy Horse Campground
          Apr. 18, 2024

          Crazy Horse Campground

          Used to be a great place to camp

          Unfortunately, I can no longer say this is a great, affordable place to stay. The weekly rates increased by over $75 a week for the full hookup sites this season.  

          There was also a link to last years pricing still active until 4/16 that has since been deactivated when I asked to have my pricing adjusted to that amount. Seems deceptive to me, having 2 different prices in 2 different places on their site.  They will not honor the price and told me if I don't like it I can find somewhere else to camp. 

          Also, they no longer offer kayaks, which was the big draw to the campground. 

          We may keep our reservation this year, but likely won't be back next season.

        • K
          Camper-submitted photo from Rock Cut state park
          Mar. 14, 2024

          Rock Cut state park

          So close to home

          We camp here at least 5 times a year. It’s only 8 miles from our home. Many trails and not to expensive. They have sites with electric and sites just for tents. The only negative is no drinkable water. Tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond.

        • Joel K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Shabbona Lake State Park
          Mar. 14, 2024

          Shabbona Lake State Park

          Really nice state park

          My daughter and I stayed here twice.  Oct 2019 and Aug 2020.  We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting.

          The store is very nice and well stocked.  Never left the park so not sure how far to “town”.

        • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Kegonsa State Park
          Oct. 26, 2023

          Lake Kegonsa State Park

          Fun Oktoberfest celebration, clean park

          We arrived after 5pm and were able to find out camp spot easily with the reservation email. Everyone was super friendly and there was a little Oktoberfest celebration going on with some families a few sites down. The bathrooms were alright, and there was a fire pit and picnic table at our site which was great. The walking trails are nice and there’s a volleyball net and little playground too.

        • Justin G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Rock Cut state park
          Oct. 22, 2023

          Rock Cut state park

          Fall Getaway

          A perfect spot for a weekend trip. We stayed in the White Oak area and used our tent. This location was close to the shower house (which could have been a little bit cleaner but still usable). There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season.

        • jennifer Z.
          Camper-submitted photo from Big Foot Beach State Park
          Oct. 22, 2023

          Big Foot Beach State Park

          Surprising secret camp ground

          We love private campsites, far enough away from other campers, yet close enough to amenities. We chose a walk in site #16 which was nice but I wish we chose one a bit further in. Bathrooms where very clean. Trails are great. Pet friendly - we brought our small, quiet dogs. Dog friendly restaurant right next to the camp site.

        • m
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Kegonsa State Park
          Oct. 11, 2023

          Lake Kegonsa State Park

          Great Group Sites

          Well-kept, fairly secluded campsite with toilets nearby and only a short walk to the lake. I would definitely recommend for larger groups (up to 20)!

        • J
          Camper-submitted photo from Mississippi Palisades State Park
          Oct. 9, 2023

          Mississippi Palisades State Park

          Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, Illinois

          This is a great campground! The trails are well kept, clean bathrooms, nice campsites sand the best camp hosts ever!!!

        • Drew H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Mississippi Palisades State Park
          Oct. 3, 2023

          Mississippi Palisades State Park

          Great first visit

          First time visiting this park, we stayed for 4 nights. Very clean park and it was incredibly quiet. No alcohol was allowed on the grounds but it didn’t seem like it would be enforced unless there was a campsite causing issues which is fair. Clean bathrooms and showers. We showed up around 11am and saw our site was not occupied so we decided to set up and then checked in at the front at 4:00 when the host arrived. Overall very positive experience. I will absolutely go back.

          Something worth noting. There is no store on site, they do sell wood but it is cash only.



        Guide to Winnebago

        Camping near Winnebago, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

        What to do:

        • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the many trails available at Rock Cut State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Tons of trails, fishing, and even a swimming pond," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
        • Fishing and Boating: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. A visitor shared, "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting."
        • Wildlife Viewing: Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground is perfect for spotting wildlife. One camper noted, "The hiking was beautiful and the scenery was stunning."

        What campers like:

        • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A review for Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake stated, "Bathrooms and showers were clean."
        • Secluded Campsites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by certain campgrounds. A visitor at Blue Mound State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are very well isolated and shaded."
        • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Blackwell Family Campground offer activities for kids. One parent said, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."

        What you should know:

        • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, have strict no alcohol rules. A camper warned, "This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy."
        • Busy Weekends: Expect crowded conditions during peak times. A review for Big Foot Beach State Park Campground noted, "Always full on weekends. Popular destination for locals."
        • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The facilities are clean, but there's only one building with running water and showers."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Ottawa Lake Campground. One reviewer said, "Great trails close by. Family-friendly (parks, beach, pet friendly)."
        • Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Blackwell Family Campground noted, "You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night."
        • Pack for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in wooded areas. A visitor at Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground mentioned, "Only downfall was the gnats."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check Electrical Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A review for Rock Cut State Park Campground mentioned, "The 30 amp plug there would work for about 2 mins and then would keep tripping again."
        • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, especially on weekends. A camper at Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area advised, "This place fills up, so I would definitely recommend calling ahead."
        • Explore Nearby Dining Options: If you want a break from cooking, check out local eateries. A reviewer at Rock Cut State Park Campground suggested, "There’s a handful of dining options nearby."

        Camping near Winnebago, Illinois, provides a mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re in an RV or tent, there’s a spot for you to enjoy the great outdoors!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Winnebago, IL?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Winnebago, IL is MacQueen Forest Preserve with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Winnebago, IL?

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