Tent campsites near Lowell, Indiana cluster primarily along waterways and forest preserves rather than within Lowell itself. Most established sites require 30-60 minute drives from Lowell, with several options following the Illinois and Michigan Canal corridor. During summer months, temperatures typically range 75-85°F during daytime with moderate humidity, while spring camping often encounters muddy conditions in low-lying areas.
What to do
Trail access from camp: McKinley Woods provides direct access to the I&M Canal towpath, making it popular with bicycle travelers. A reviewer noted, "The main draw to this place is the tow path. I highly recommend bringing a bike to enjoy the trail. The trail is also part of the Grand Illinois Trail network."
Watercraft opportunities: Mac Finn's Landing offers prime fishing access with a camper reporting, "One of the best no wake zones and fishing banks on the Kankakee River! Lots of access to great fishing holes up the Kankakee and Iroqouis Rivers. Kayak launch friendly!"
Cross-country running: Davis Creek Campground features trails suitable for running workouts. A visitor shared, "I have been here several times in high school and in my adult years. Lots of what I did was participate in cross country practice here. This campground is open, there are a lot of amenities, it's very well kept."
What campers like
Trail connectivity: Channahon State Park Campground serves as a strategic stopping point for long-distance cyclists. One camper explained, "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."
Beach proximity: Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park offer convenient beach access. A camper reported, "The walk to the beach was not too long. Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail. You have to walk all the way down and take a left before you find sites 5, 4, 3, and 2 in that order."
Site separation: Many tent sites in the region provide substantial privacy between campers. A visitor to McKinley Woods commented, "The sites are far apart, #1 is the shadiest and most secluded but uneven. #2 is wide open and in the sun, #3 & #4 are shady and paved."
What you should know
Urban proximity awareness: Many camping areas near Lowell have some urban influences. A Camp Shabbona Woods camper observed, "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm which was weird but overall ok."
Flooding potential: Some campsites experience water issues after heavy rain. A McKinley Woods visitor warned, "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. We had three inches up to the fire pit."
Early park closures: Operating hours vary significantly by location. At McKinley Woods, a camper noted, "The park closes early, 8PM in summer, and earlier still off season. Check the fine print on your reservation!"
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: First-time campers will find suitable setups at certain locations. A visitor to Camp Shabbona Woods explained, "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."
Accessibility considerations: McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove offers ADA-compliant options. A camper detailed, "The sites are ADA accessible (two of the four sites are paved as well). All sites have enormous banquet sized picnic tables with cut-out in the bench for wheelchairs."
Educational opportunities: Several sites offer nature programming seasonally. In McKinley Woods, campers sometimes encounter organized nature groups, though one camper cautioned about respecting boundaries: "We were rudely woken up by the Woodpecker Association at 7am. They walked onto our campsite and started to touch our belongings."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent sites near Lowell lack electric or water hookups. A Shabbona Woods camper confirmed, "No electric or water hook ups can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite."
Access challenges: Many camping areas require parking in designated lots rather than at sites. A Channahon State Park visitor noted, "It should also be noted that you need to walk in to the campsites (parking is really close by)."
Vehicle restrictions: Weight and length limitations apply on access roads to several campgrounds. At McKinley Woods, a camper with a small trailer explained, "We have a small, motorcycle trailer so we ended up rolling down hill 100 yds then back again after our 2 night stay, a bit of a hassle, but not a problem. Just be aware of it."
