Tent campsites near Elkhorn, Wisconsin range from secluded forest settings to open meadows with varying access requirements. Most primitive sites operate seasonally from May through October, with early spring and fall offering better conditions for sites with limited shade. Winter camping is available at select locations, though facilities and water access may be restricted during cold months.
What to do
Fishing access: MacQueen Forest Preserve offers sites near the Kishwaukee River, though visitors note varying quality of fishing spots. One camper mentioned, "The places with access to the river were not good locations for fishing," suggesting anglers should scout locations before setting up.
Tubing adventures: The South Branch of the Kishwaukee River provides natural recreation for tent campers at MacQueen Forest Preserve. A reviewer noted, "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."
Stargazing opportunities: Several tent sites provide excellent night sky viewing conditions, particularly at the meadow sites. A visitor to MacQueen Forest Preserve observed, "About half of the campsites are in a meadow at the back end of the campground. It would be beautiful for stargazing!"
What campers like
Site privacy: Tent campers frequently praise the seclusion at primitive sites. At KMSF Shelter 1 Backpack Site, one reviewer appreciated that "It's very secluded for privacy," making it ideal for campers seeking isolation.
Affordable rates: Budget-conscious tent campers can find exceptional value. MacQueen Forest Preserve charges just $4 per night for individual primitive sites, with one visitor commenting, "The primitive camping is only $4. There is water, but it is not, I repeat is not, potable."
Terraced camping layouts: Snug Harbor Inn Campground offers tent sites with unique positioning. One camper noted, "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."
What you should know
Carry-in requirements: Several tent campgrounds require gear hauling from parking areas. At Sandhill Station State Campground, "all 15 standard sites are carry-in only. The parking lot is anywhere from 100-500 yards from the campsite, depending on which one you choose."
Insect considerations: Seasonal mosquito populations can impact camping comfort. One visitor to Sandhill Station noted, "The sites are really near some stagnant water, though, so WAY too many mosquitoes, even with the really intense bug spray. We were there in mid-June on one of the hottest weekends of the year and we were massacred."
Noise factors: Some tent sites experience regular noise disruptions. A MacQueen Forest Preserve visitor warned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Equipment transportation: When camping with children, prepare for carry-in requirements. 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 path and mowed trail."
Accessible options: Families with mobility concerns can find appropriate tent sites. MacQueen Forest Preserve features "one wheelchair accessible tent site on a blacktop path in the forest canopy" and "they do have one space near the parking lot that's handicap accessible."
Group camping considerations: Families camping together should select adjacent sites. At MacQueen, "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)."
Tips from RVers
Tent sites near RV areas: Some campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping in proximity. At Snug Harbor Inn Campground, "This is primarily an RV/mobile home campground, but there are some nicely tucked away tent camp sites. The Galapagos tent campsite is elevated and a short distance from the loop road, and has a nice view of the lake."
First-time setup insights: New RVers find local campgrounds accessible for learning. One visitor to Snug Harbor shared, "Wanted someplace close to home. Familiar with the Delavan area so was excited to find Snug Harbor. Set up went well, didn't blow anything up! Yea! Staff was great, helped me back in."
Off-season availability: Shoulder seasons offer quieter camping experiences. A MacQueen Forest Preserve visitor noted, "I stayed one night and I really enjoyed myself. There wasn't anyone there. I assume it's because it's early in the spring. It's very basic, just a fire pit and a picnic table at each spot."
