Don’t discount Illinois just because it’s in the Midwest!
Nestled in between Chicago and St. Louis are hundreds of amazing parks, and today I’ve rounded up 5 of the best places to camp in Illinois. So skip the legwork and use the link and info here to plan your next camping trip in Illinois.
Going camping with the kids? Here are activities you can do with no special supplies
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL
Oglesby is home to one of the most spectacular state parks in Illinois: Starved Rock State Park. It is one of the best places to camp in Illinois because the park has something for everyone. From camping and hiking to hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and horseback riding – everyone in the family will have fun!
At this versatile park you can even hike into a waterfall!
The camping experience is also one of the nicest in the state of Illinois, boasting electricity, water and bath houses, as well as a lodge and winery!
What you need to know:
- Nightly rate: starts at $25
- Book stays at Reserve America
- Wifi, camp store, and restaurant available on-site
- Find out more at the Starved Rock State Park website
Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest, IL
The Garden of the Gods camping experience in Shawnee National Forest is one of the best places to camp in Illinois for experience hikers and campers. There are no lodges, restaurants and wineries, but the unique rock formation that the park is known for more than make up for the lack of amenities.
Don’t be scared away though: bath houses are available, and the once-in-a-lifetime views make Garden of the Gods an amazing hiking and camping destination.
- Nightly rate: $10
- Sites are first come, first served.
- Find out more at the Garden of the Gods website
Apple River Canyon State Park, Apple River, IL
Camping at Apple River Canyon State Park just about takes you away from typical Illinois scenery because of it’s limestone bluffs, ravines, springs, streams, and abundant wildlife. It is a small campground with only 49 sites and no shower facilities, but the clear running water makes for excellent river bathing.
It’s truly one of the best places to camp in Illinois – if only because it’s completely different than what you’d expect.
What you need to know:
- Nightly rate: starting at $8.00
- Reservations can be made at Reserve America
- NO shower or bath houses available
- Find out more at the Apple River Canyon State Park website
White Pines Forest State Park, Mt. Morris, IL
Another simple but stunning campsite, courtesy of the state of Illinois is White Pines Forest State Park. The 385-acre park has 103 tent sites (only 3 have electric) as well as the perfect setting for hiking, fishing, or exploring then ample nature with the kids.
If tent camping isn’t your thing, they do have cabins available for rent, and a restaurant within the park is a nice added convenience.
What you need to know:
- Nightly rate: $10 for tent sites
- Reservations can be made at Reserve America
- Restaurant available in-park
- Find out more at the White Pines Forest State Park website
Kankakee River State Park, Bourbonnais, IL
The Kankakee River State Park is hunter’s paradise filled with deer, duck, pheasant, turkey, dove, rabitt, squirrel, and fox to name a few. It’s campsites are fairly primitive, but several do offer access to electricity. Fishermen will also to well here, as the shallow waters host smallmouth bass, channel catfish, Walleye, and even Northern Pike.
What you need to know:
- Nightly rate: starting at $8.00
- Reservations can be made at Reserve America
- Only a few sites have electricity
- Find out more at the Kankakee River State Park
Kickapoo State Park, Oarkwood, IL
The last (and my favorite of the best places to camp in Illinois) is Kickapoo State Park. It is a full-service campground with bath and shower houses, electric hookups on half of the campsites, as well as scuba diving in in the deep water of Inland Sea and Sportsman’s Lake.
If scuba isn’t for you, there is also hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing – fun for the whole family!
What you need to know:
- Nightly rate: starting at $10 per night
- Reservations can be made through Reserve America
- Half of the campsites have electricity
- Shower and bath houses available
- Find out more at the Kickapoo State Park website
Illinois is host to many beautiful places to camp for everyone from avid outdoors men to families with children. Next time you’re planning a camping trip to Illinois, try one of these awesome parks!
What are your favorite places to camp in Illinois?
Til Next Time,
Gretchen
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