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Best Tent Camping near Wood Dale, IL

513 Reviews

Tent campgrounds near Wood Dale, Illinois offer a mix of forest preserve and riverfront camping options. MacQueen Forest Preserve provides secluded tent sites on the Kishwaukee River, while Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland offers more developed tent camping with amenities. Kayak Morris provides riverfront tent camping along the Illinois River with water access and a natural setting.

Most tent sites in the region require walk-in access from parking areas. MacQueen Forest Preserve features nine widely spaced tent sites, some in wooded areas and others in open meadows, all requiring a short walk on gravel paths or mowed trails. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table. Vault toilets are available, though water sources are marked as non-potable. Camp Shabbona Woods provides drinking water, showers, and toilets but campers cannot keep vehicles at their sites. Kayak Morris offers primitive tent camping with fire rings and picnic tables directly along the riverfront.

The tent camping experience varies significantly between locations. MacQueen Forest Preserve provides exceptional privacy with sites spaced at least 50 yards apart. "Sites are pretty spread out. Only sites 1, 2, 8 are forested while the rest are around a large open field," noted one camper. At Camp Shabbona Woods, campers may experience urban sounds like ambulance and fire truck noise, though bathrooms are well-maintained. The sites have limited shade as trees are still growing. Kayak Morris offers a unique riverfront experience where tent campers can launch kayaks directly from their sites and occasionally observe tugboats and barges on the Illinois River. Most campgrounds in the area allow fires, though restrictions may apply seasonally. Train noise can be noticeable at some locations, particularly at MacQueen Forest Preserve.

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Best Tent Sites Near Wood Dale, Illinois (10)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wood Dale, IL

17 Photos of 10 Wood Dale Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Wood Dale, IL

513 Reviews of 10 Wood Dale Campgrounds

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2020

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2021

    MacQueen Forest Preserve

    Beautiful primitive campground I almost don't want to tell anyone about

    $4 individual primitive site

    Note: 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. There's a little bit of road noise, but not disturbing at all in the middle of the night. There's also a river on one side of the campground, but it can only be heard if you were at one particular campsite.

    This is one of those places that's so awesome, you really don't want to tell people about it. It used to be an old boy scout camp, and now they let the public use it. 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, and they all have a picnic table and a fire ring. 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, and they do have one space near the parking lot that's handicap accessible. 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. The perfect area for a small group camp (as long as each party paid for the campsite that's back there).

    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! There is a ranger house at the very front, and I get the impression that there's the possibility that someone actually lives there. The campsite looked very well maintained, like it had been freshly mowed around the edges.

    Even if the rangers don't actually live here, they're here regularly and it's obvious.

    The very best part? You're in the middle of the country, with gorgeous sunsets, and the primitive camping is only $4.

    There is water, but it is not, I repeat is not, potable.

    There are trash cans and dumpsters. There's also a lodge and pavilion which can be rented out for separate cost.

    I'll definitely be back next time I'm through this area. It's all self-checking, you just use the pay box in the parking lot.

  • Jonathan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2023

    Big 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

Guide to Wood Dale

Tent camping near Wood Dale, Illinois offers walk-in and boat-in access options within a 50-mile radius. The region features both forested settings along waterways like the Kishwaukee River and open meadow sites with varying degrees of privacy. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping provides more moderate conditions and fewer crowds at most preserves.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Kayak Morris, the river convergence creates excellent fishing conditions. "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper. I don't know if its the river convergence or the lake but they bite here hard!" reports Sam Murphy M.

Paddle the waterways: The Illinois River at Kayak Morris offers calm waters perfect for beginners. "I have my own kayak and the river here is so calm its awesome. My friends rented the dual kayaks ant they loved them," notes Art P. Some campgrounds offer special paddling events like nighttime tours.

Bike the I&M Canal Trail: Channahon State Park Campground sits directly on the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. "The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp. You can stop for a rest or stay the night. It's a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock. The trail is crushed gravel and is a beautiful ride," says Art S.

What campers like

Riverfront camping: Campers appreciate direct water access at McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove. "There is easy access to the I&M canal and bike trail with a dock, access to the Des Plaines river is an unofficial path from the overlook," explains Brian O.

Privacy between sites: The spacious layout at many area campgrounds provides more separation than typical campgrounds. At MacQueen Forest Preserve, one camper notes: "Great little gem. Spots are pretty spread out. Only sites 1,2,8 are forested the rest are around a large open field."

Budget-friendly options: Most tent camping options near Wood Dale are affordable. MacQueen Forest Preserve offers primitive camping at just $4-5 per night. "The very best part? You're in the middle of the country, with gorgeous sunsets, and the primitive camping is only $4," reports one visitor.

What you should know

Urban proximity effects: Some campgrounds closer to populated areas experience urban sounds. At Camp Shabbona Woods, "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok," explains Jeffrey L.

Transport logistics: Many sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At MacQueen Forest Preserve, "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."

Water quality varies: Non-potable water is common at more primitive sites. MacQueen Forest Preserve has "water, but it is not, I repeat is not, potable." At McKinley Woods, "Water is available by an old fashioned pump, and is drinkable, but cloudy."

Tips for camping with families

Accessible options: Some preserves offer ADA-accessible sites. MacQueen Forest Preserve has "one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy," and at McKinley Woods, "two of the four sites are paved."

Kid-friendly water activities: Kayak Morris offers family-friendly paddling. "We brought our own kayaks and launched right from our campsite which was amazing but they rent kayaks for pretty cheap If you don't have your own," shares Amanda W.

Beginner-friendly setup: Camp Shabbona Woods is designed for new campers. "Camp site is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping. The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing," notes Scott M.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Wood Dale don't accommodate RVs. When RVs are permitted, sites typically lack hookups. At Kayak Morris, RVs are allowed but there are "NO drinking-water, NO electric-hookups, NO sewer-hookups."

Weather preparedness: Some sites are vulnerable to flooding. At McKinley Woods, one camper reported, "Nothing was mentioned about this site being a flood zone. Our night went from on and off light rain to three hours of down pour rain. With that said our site was flooded once we woke up."

Site selection matters: Choose sites based on your vehicle needs. Most preserves feature walk-in access only with limited vehicle accessibility. At McKinley Woods, "the sites are ADA accessible (two of the four sites are paved)," but "the road is a path" requiring campers to hand-carry gear to most sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wood Dale, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wood Dale, IL is Kayak Morris with a 4.9-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

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