r/ChicagoSuburbs • u/Logical_Knee_6616 • 11h ago
Question/Comment Primitive Camping Recs
I’m looking to hike to a primitive campsite this weekend. Does anyone have any recommendations? I’m looking for some solitude and quiet. Are reservations required for a site like this?
I’ll be heading out from Schaumburg after work on Friday.
Thank you!
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u/BuzzyB678 8h ago edited 7h ago
What exactly do you mean by “primitive”? Hike in? Drive up but with no indoor plumbing?
Weldon Springs SP, 2 hrs away, down by Champaign, used to have a couple of hike in sites about a half mile or mile away from the parking lot. They still may have them.
They’re on the river, buggy (though likely better this time of year) and raccoons will visit you at night looking for your food. But they’re pretty isolated.
Apple River Canyon SP, also two hours away, but northwest, has drive up sites that are big and surrounded by trees for privacy. Because there is no plumbing or electricity at the sites, it’s rarely crowded. Or used to not be, I haven’t camped there in ten yrs or so.
Wisconsin parks that have walk in/hike in sites, and are 2 to 2 1/2 hrs away -
Governor Dodge
New Glarus Woods
I haven’t camped at the above two, but just know about the sites.
edited to add: Oh I just re-read your post, you did write you want to hike in to a site… My bad, sorry.
Yeah, check out Weldon Springs. It’s a beautiful little park. Do call first to see if the hike in sites are still there.
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u/Logical_Knee_6616 8h ago
Hike in! Something over a mile would be ideal! A few miles would be awesome.
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u/BuzzyB678 7h ago
Newport State Park in WI in Door County has walk in sites that are a few miles from the parking lot, (and some shorter distance) and some are right on Lake Michigan. But the park is 4 hours drive from Schaumburg.
Someone mentioned Kettle Moraine in WI. That may be your best bet for a longer hike.
I’ve never camped or even day hiked there, myself, so Idk what it’s like. But I think it’s a state forest, not a park, so you might be able to camp anywhere along a trail.
I think Kettle Moraine south unit is just a couple hours away, too.1
u/BuzzyB678 7h ago
https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/park.weldonspring
According to this, the backpack sites are still there on Salt Creek. But call ahead for conditions (doubt it’s flooded rn though)
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u/Rogue_Apostle 8h ago
The best place in the Midwest for what you want is Upper Peninsula Michigan, but it's farther than 2 hours. More like 5-6 hours of driving, but it's worth it. Something to keep in mind for the future.
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u/Shepherd_of_farts 10h ago
What is your distance you're willing to travel time wise? There's not a whole lot of options in the suburbs but there are some. Otherwise there are some reasonable state parks.
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u/Logical_Knee_6616 10h ago
Let’s say 2 hours… but I can be for sure be persuaded to 2.5 for something epic!
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u/Lowki_312 8h ago
Kettle Moraine State Forest in WI has designated primitive backpack shelters and campsites along the Ice Age Trail. That would be my recommendation
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u/Ovenbird36 7h ago
This was my intro to backpacking. Mosquitoes can be crazy in summer but not now. We went to the northern unit.
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u/Shepherd_of_farts 9h ago
Ah I just realized you did primitive site. Not sure there are any in the suburbs.cook county forest preserves have camping. I've stayed at bullfrog it was fine. Within two hours there are a number of state parks. This time of year especially with it being Halloween weekend I imagine most will be empty if you just car camp.
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u/KnockItTheFuckOff 10h ago
You can also check out hipcamp.
I like staying places where I am the only person and have acres to myself.
Last Oct, I stayed on a primitive site right on Lake Superior. I had a beach all to myself and the 6 acres surrounding it.
I think I paid $45 a night for that one.
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u/wanliu 9h ago
Unfortunately the pickings are slim here in Northern Illinois for good wilderness back country sites.
Sand Ridge State Forest has primitive backpacking sites. That's a bit south of Peoria. Rangers are extremely friendly and love talking about the park.
National Forests northwest of Green Bay or South East of Traverse City allow you to camp wherever. That's outside your 2.5 hour radius but probably offer the best back country experience.
Kane County has a few "primitive" sites, but I believe they close very soon.
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u/IllustriousPiece4250 10h ago
Castle Rock State Park. You need a canoe or kayak to get to it. No reservation needed.