The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Winthrop Harbor, IL

483 Reviews

Tent camping options near Winthrop Harbor, Illinois include several established campgrounds within driving distance. KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site across the Wisconsin border offers secluded tent camping with a hike-in access point. Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake provides tent sites alongside other accommodations, while Melody Park Campground offers seasonal tent camping from May through mid-October.

Most tent campsites in the area offer varying levels of amenities and terrain. KMSF Shelter 1 features primitive facilities with pit toilets but no drinking water, requiring campers to pack in their own supplies. The site includes a picnic table, fire pit, and an open shelter structure where tents can be placed. Snug Harbor provides more developed tent camping with access to drinking water, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Most tent areas require reservations during peak season, though the backpacking shelter site at KMSF operates on a first-come basis.

Tent camping experiences vary significantly between these primitive and established sites. The KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site offers a more secluded experience with natural surroundings. A camper noted, "Great backpack camp site with decent walk and terrain to get to the site. It's very secluded for privacy." This location provides a true backcountry feel despite being relatively close to urban areas. At Snug Harbor, tent sites are arranged on terraced levels overlooking Turtle Lake, with a visitor commenting that "the tent sites are above it all with decent views of the lake below." Sites nearest to Winthrop Harbor typically experience moderate weekend traffic during summer months, with greater availability and solitude during spring and fall. Fire restrictions may apply during dry conditions, and campers should verify current regulations before arrival.

Map showing campgrounds near Winthrop Harbor, IllinoisExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Winthrop Harbor, Illinois (3)

Show More
Showing results 1-3 of 3 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Winthrop Harbor Contest

Enter to Win

Tent Camping Reviews near Winthrop Harbor, IL

483 Reviews of 3 Winthrop Harbor Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2020

    Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Well maintained and clean

    Very impressed with this state park! It was huge, almost 3 miles just to our site! The showers were clean. The spots were large and wooded with nice fire ring set ups. The staff was very helpful answering any questions and giving recommendations. We stayed on a primitive/wilderness site for $12 with no electric. They will allow anyone on these sites-we even saw huge RV'S and 5th wheels on primitive sites.

    There are amazing trails through park for people to hike, bike, or ride horse on.

    Spring Grove is a tiny town nearby with a little corner bar called “The Grove”. They serve amazing food with great service. Very clean! I recommend checking it out if you’re looking for some good food.

  • Scott N.
    Jul. 14, 2020

    Thomas Woods Campground

    Great trails, loud neighbors, lots of bugs

    Thomas Woods campground has some great sites, particularly the tent sites. Many of them are set off a short distance from the parking area. I stayed at site 30 which was less than a tenth mile from the parking spot. There are no trash cans at the site, the dumpsite is near the entrance. Most of the roads are one way so after dropping the trash off you must drive all through the campground to get back to your site. The site itself had plenty of room and privacy. The woods are dense and block all views of the neighboring sites. Unfortunately, I think some people think if they can’t see you, you can’t hear them. Every site has a raised pad for a tent. This was very nice. I did track in some of the small gravel into the tent, though. It looks like kitty litter. Not a big deal. It was nice sleeping flat and not sliding off my sleep pad.

    Near Marengo Ridge is a bike trail called H.U.M. Trail. It is only 3.5 miles long. From what I understand is they lost funding for the project. The path is paved and offers a scenic forested view. The hiking trails of Marengo Ridge are the true stars of the area. I walked for almost two hours and still didn’t see them all. Some of the trails have wide paths of grass while others are single-track dirt. 

    As other reviewers have written, the mosquitoes are insane.  Bring plenty of bug spray!

    My website:  https://www.lost13.com/camping/2020/7/13/marengo-ridge

    My video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh4TzLzf\_PY&t=1s

  • Meg
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Good For families, a few downsides

    *** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) we chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end as the ones closest to the main loop aren’t very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best.

    Pros- easy pull in sites and lots of walk-in availability. Sites are almost all flat thankfully, so no weird slopes to sleep on and easy for babies/toddlers to stay safe. Also seemed pretty respectful in the evenings with people toning down the noise.

    Lots of electric sites, deep enough for 2 tents, 2 cars (although close to neighbors and no trees between sites), picnic table and fire pit.

    Bathroom shower houses were decent (we usually just have toddler use her travel potty, but this one was fine).

    Multiple playgrounds, access to launch sites for kayaks, little store to buy ice cream or snacks.

    Cons - SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick, but they literally fall out of the trees into people! Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair.

    Also - the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it’s dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s’mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2019

    Paul Wolff Campground

    Amazing hiking and beautifully kept but a bit pricey

    This campground is in a populated area but the nature preserve is big. We rarely saw traffic once here. A train goes by a couple times but it was always during the day. 

    It’s pricey if you are from out of the county. We were hoping to camp at the primitive sites but they are walk-in only. Our teardrop wasn’t allowed. We settled at site 37 and enjoyed our stay. There are vault toilets but the large number of big RVs meant they were not used often leaving them almost like our private restrooms. Each site has water and electric. Trees are around the outside with few on the inside sites. All the sites have paved pads. 

    The highlight of our experience is the hiking. There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails. There are a lot of loops giving you options. When we left we still hadn’t hiked all of them. 

    If the price was more reasonable we would certainly be back. If you need the water/electric then this is a great choice.

  • R
    Jun. 29, 2022

    Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Nice little get away

    Large sites with plenty of room to spread out. Plenty of birds and other wildlife for the kids to see. No alcohol is allowed so it made for a great family weekend. Short walk to bathhouse. Pit toilet for emergencies.

  • Josh F.
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Snug Harbor Inn Campground on Turtle Lake

    RV campground with lake access

    I did not stay here, but I spend some time walking through to get a feel for the place.

    This is primarily an RV/mobile home campground, but there are some nicely tucked away tent camp sites that I'll recommend later in this review. Gravel roads connect the three loops and the landscaping is well kept and maintained. The campground sells ice, firewood and rents boats.

    There is a very clean bathroom and bathhouse, freshwater for campers, and some electric tent campsites. The property is basically terraced along a slope down to the lake, with the RV and mobile home sites closer to the lake. The tent sites are above it all with decent views of the lake below (and the RVs). 

    The Galapagos tent campsite is elevated and a short distance from the loop road, and has a nice view of the lake. The Box Turtle site is also a bit elevated above the main driveway as is Snapper 7, though I am not sure where you are supposed to put your tent in that site.

    Now, Snapper 4, 5,6 and 7 would be nice for group camping because they are all very close to one another and a bit more private, set away from the rest of the campsites. There are lots of electrical sites for campers and RVs, most of which look like they are quite permanently in place.

  • A
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

    Not what you’d expect

    More of a yard style, open camping. No privacy. Lots of kids everywhere. No alcohol allowed. Packed during the day at the beach. Ok trails.

Guide to Winthrop Harbor

Tent camping near Winthrop Harbor, Illinois presents options across Illinois and neighboring Wisconsin. This border region offers access to both Lake Michigan shoreline sites and inland camping experiences, with most destinations requiring a 15-45 minute drive from Winthrop Harbor. Seasonal availability varies widely, with the prime camping season running May through October when temperatures average 65-85°F during summer months.

What to do

Trail exploration: KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site offers access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a 1,000+ mile footpath through Wisconsin. The shelter site serves as a convenient basecamp for day hikers. A camper notes, "Decent walk and terrain to get to the site. There is an open shelter to put your tent if you prefer to outside."

Water recreation: During summer months, campers can access swimming, fishing, and kayaking opportunities at several lakes within 30 minutes of Winthrop Harbor. At Melody Park Campground, tent campers have convenient access to Twin Lakes for water activities from May through mid-October.

Seasonal wildlife viewing: Spring migration (April-May) brings numerous bird species through the area, making binoculars essential gear for tent campers. Fall camping (September-October) offers cooler temperatures and changing foliage, with fewer crowds at most sites.

What campers like

Privacy levels: Campers consistently mention the seclusion available at certain tent sites despite proximity to urban areas. At Kishwaukee Valley Farms, the tent and glamping sites provide a secluded agricultural setting different from typical campgrounds in the region.

Natural surroundings: The terrain around Winthrop Harbor includes a mix of hardwood forests, prairie remnants, and lakefront environments. At most sites, campers can expect a mix of oak, maple and hickory trees providing partial to full shade coverage.

Cost considerations: Several tent camping options near Winthrop Harbor offer budget-friendly experiences. KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site provides free camping, though requires bringing all water and supplies. One visitor mentioned, "There is a fire pit, but we found our own wood around the site. (Bring a small axe)."

What you should know

Water availability: Most primitive tent camping sites near Winthrop Harbor require campers to bring their own water. KMSF Shelter 1 has an outhouse but a camper cautions, "There is an outhouse, but I wouldn't recommend using it."

Reservation requirements: During peak summer weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day), advance reservations are strongly recommended at most established campgrounds within 30 miles of Winthrop Harbor. The backpacking shelter site at KMSF operates first-come, first-served year-round.

Weather conditions: The Lake Michigan shoreline experiences significant temperature swings, with evening temperatures often 15-20°F cooler than daytime highs, even in summer. Spring camping (April-May) frequently encounters overnight frost.

Tips for camping with families

Safety considerations: For families with younger children, tent sites at established campgrounds offer better accessibility to emergency services than backpacking locations. Most family-friendly campgrounds have cell reception, while more remote sites may have limited coverage.

Amenity access: When camping with children, consider sites with bathroom facilities rather than primitive options. The terrain at several sites includes uneven ground and potentially challenging access points for younger campers.

Activity planning: Family camping trips benefit from proximity to rainy day alternatives. Snug Harbor Inn Campground provides tent sites with lake access while remaining within 20 minutes of indoor activity options if weather turns unfavorable.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most tent-focused sites near Winthrop Harbor cannot accommodate RVs due to access road limitations or site design. RV campers should verify vehicle length restrictions before booking, as several campgrounds have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger rigs.

Electric hookups: Limited electric-hookup tent sites exist in the region, with most primitive tent camping areas offering no power access. RV campers who prefer tent camping should bring portable power solutions for any necessary equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Winthrop Harbor, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Winthrop Harbor, IL is Melody Park Campground with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Winthrop Harbor, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Winthrop Harbor, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring