Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 21 Campground

For Illinois residents seeking a tranquil and unpretentious camping experience, the Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 21 Campground in Wyanet stands out as an ideal destination. This primitive campground, nestled directly along the historic Hennepin Canal, offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, providing a simple yet deeply rewarding connection with nature. Unlike larger, more developed campgrounds, Lock 21 embraces a "Class C" primitive camping style, meaning it focuses on essential amenities and encourages self-sufficiency, making it perfect for those who truly want to unplug. Visitors consistently praise the campground for its peaceful ambiance and cleanliness, with reviews highlighting "Nice and quiet with clean toilets and good picnic tables!" and commendations for the staff's dedication to maintaining the sites. Whether you're a seasoned tent camper, a bike packer exploring the canal's extensive trails, or even an equestrian looking for a unique overnight spot, Lock 21 offers a welcoming environment. It’s a place where the sounds of nature prevail, sunsets over the canal are spectacular, and the opportunity for quiet reflection and outdoor adventure is abundant. The campground's charm lies in its simplicity and its direct gateway to the vast recreational opportunities offered by the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park.

Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 21 Campground is located in Wyanet, IL 61379, USA, directly on the iconic Hennepin Canal. This strategic placement makes it highly accessible for a wide range of Illinois residents, particularly those in the central and northern parts of the state. Wyanet is a charming community in Bureau County, providing a serene backdrop of rural Illinois. The campground's location along the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park means immediate access to its extensive multi-use trails, making it an excellent base for cyclists, hikers, and equestrians. Access to the campground from major state routes is straightforward, ensuring a relatively easy drive for campers. While the campground offers a feeling of being immersed in nature, basic services and supplies can be found in nearby towns, allowing for convenience without compromising the rustic experience. Furthermore, Lock 21 is notable as one of the few locations along the canal where a public motor vehicle can access a historic lift bridge, adding a unique point of interest. This blend of convenient access and a genuinely natural setting makes Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 21 Campground a compelling choice for Illinois locals looking for an accessible outdoor adventure on a historic waterway.

• Primitive Campsites (Class C): The campground offers primitive camping without showers or electricity. Sites are primarily designed for tents, pop-up campers, and RVs that are capable of dry camping (no hookups).
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables, providing a convenient surface for outdoor dining and gear organization.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available at each site, allowing for safe campfires, cooking, and warmth, enhancing the traditional camping experience.
• Clean Vault Toilets: Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets (outhouses) available at the campground, ensuring a more comfortable basic restroom experience.
• Water Access: While there are no individual site water hookups, potable drinking water is available at hand pumps at Lock 21 (and Lock 22 and the Visitor Center), which is a key amenity for primitive camping.
• Equestrian Camping: Lock 21 is a unique highlight as it offers a separate space specifically for equestrian campers, allowing horse owners to camp with their steeds (equestrian campers are asked to bring a shovel to clear horse droppings).
• Boat Launch: A boat launch is available at Lock 21, providing convenient access to the canal for canoeing, kayaking, and limited horsepower boating.
• Trash Receptacles: Designated trash bins are available for proper waste disposal.
• First-Come, First-Serve Basis: Camping at Lock 21 operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, meaning no reservations are taken. Fees are collected in-person by a site security officer.
• Affordable Fees: Camping is typically $8.00 per family unit per night. Illinois senior citizens camp free Monday-Thursday, and Illinois disabled persons with a Class 2 or 2A card camp free Sunday-Saturday.

• Quiet & Clean Environment: Consistently praised in reviews, the campground maintains a remarkably "nice and quiet" atmosphere with "clean toilets" and well-maintained sites. This creates a peaceful and respectful camping experience.
• Direct Hennepin Canal Access: Its location directly on the Hennepin Canal Parkway is a major draw. Campers have immediate access to 155 miles of hiking trails, 91 miles of surfaced bike trails, and 73 miles of equestrian trails, providing endless opportunities for exploration.
• Equestrian Camping: As the only designated equestrian camping site on the Hennepin Canal, Lock 21 offers a unique advantage for horse riders, providing specific areas to camp with their horses.
• Excellent Fishing: The Hennepin Canal is well-stocked with various fish species, including bluegill, crappie, walleye, and bass. Campers can enjoy fishing directly from their campsite or along the canal.
• Historic Significance: The Hennepin Canal itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offering a unique historical backdrop to your camping trip. Lock 21 features one of the historic lift bridges accessible by public motor vehicle.
• Family and Youth Group Friendly: While primitive, the facilities like picnic tables and the open spaces are conducive to family outings and youth group camping (with specific rules and fees for youth groups).
• Beautiful Scenery: The flat terrain, grassy areas, scattered trees, and proximity to the canal offer picturesque views and a serene natural setting, perfect for enjoying sunsets and observing wildlife.
• Supportive Staff: Reviews mention "Kevin has been great, and the camp sights are always clean," indicating helpful and dedicated park personnel who contribute to a positive experience.

Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 21 Campground is part of the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). As a first-come, first-serve primitive campground, direct reservations for individual sites are not taken. However, for general inquiries, group information, or current conditions, you can contact the park office.

Address: Wyanet, IL 61379, USA (The main park office for Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park is typically: R.R. 2 P.O. Box 201, Sheffield, IL 61361, which oversees all locks and campgrounds along the canal).

Phone: (815) 454-2328 (Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Office)

It is always advisable to call the park office ahead of your visit, especially for information on site availability during peak seasons, current water availability (as it's a hand pump), and any updated park regulations. Remember that camping fees are collected in-person by a site security officer.

For Illinois locals, Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 21 Campground offers a fantastic opportunity to embrace simple, peaceful outdoor living right in their backyard. Its status as a clean, quiet, and well-maintained primitive campground makes it a standout choice for those who value tranquility and direct access to nature's offerings. The unique advantage of being located directly on the historic Hennepin Canal means unparalleled access to miles of scenic trails, perfect for biking, hiking, and even horseback riding, appealing to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers will particularly appreciate the excellent fishing opportunities the canal provides. The affordability of the sites and the convenient access from various parts of Illinois make it an ideal local getaway without the need for extensive travel. Despite its primitive nature, the provision of clean vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings ensures a comfortable stay. For those who appreciate the essence of traditional camping, the history of the canal, and a supportive park environment, Lock 21 Campground is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a cherished spot where Illinoisans can disconnect, recharge, and create lasting memories amidst the beautiful and serene landscape of the Hennepin Canal. The consistent positive feedback from visitors underscores its value as a true local gem for authentic outdoor adventures.

Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 21 Campground

Wyanet, IL 61379, USA