Camp Reinberg has space for groups of all sizes camping in cook county, from car campers permitted all year, up to full campground rentals for up to 200 of your closest friends. Camping in Illinois is very popular thanks to its thick forests, rolling hills, and beautiful wetlands. Our property has a great view of a BNSF rail line, about 1 mile away as the crow flies, so trains are heard. The resort also offers on-site canoes and paddle boats, as well as kayak access. This campground can support RVs and has a nature play space for families to keep the kids occupied outdoors. Watching the most spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and the moon rising over the hills. Its all about priorities. There are over 40 miles of hiking trails and 23 miles of mountain bike trails in the park for active campers. They also have heat and AC. This forest area near Cobden offers year-round free campsites for those looking for affordable outdoor recreation in Illinois. There is a beach, pool, playground, and other activities to enjoy while you're here at, This well-kept, varied campground keeps campers coming back for more. Chain o Lakes State Park has 151 Class A Premium sites, 87 Class B Premium sites, and a youth group camping area that can accommodate up to 150 youth campers. On the shores of Lake Michigan, Illinois Beach has more than 200 RV campsites, all equipped with electricity and located near restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Coon Creek offers 181 campsites. Grand Detour Islands Retreat, Illinois The outhouse is a short walk from the campground. You'll find everything you need to get started here. This scenic state park has miles of trail systems to explore in the Rock River Valley. Springfield, IL 62702 Take your pick of some of the states most rewarding hikes, including the River to River Trail and the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail, and dont miss the extraordinary rock formations of the Garden of the Gods. Although the site offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups, there are some tent-only, non-electric sites available for those seeking a more primitive experience. Both experienced and first-time archers are sure to enjoy Blackwells beginner, advanced, and interactive archery ranges. 16 Free Illinois Boondocking Spots With Maps. Now, that you know our favorite places to camp in Illinois we want to hear from you! The park features more than 200 Class A and B campsites, restroom and shower facilities, picnic areas, and six picnic shelters. This site is quiet and offers some peace from the traffic and hubbub of other visitors. 1 Camelot Campground, Rock Island : Activities: boating, fishing, paddle boats, hiking. Our family found the property years ago while wilderness camping which has been a tradition of ours for over 50 years. Hike all over our six acres of countryside. Since then, I have camped in 48 states and hiked in nearly all of the National Parks. Subscribe to stay up to date on the BEST that the midwest has to offer and we'll throw in a free packing list so you don't forget the matches next time you head into the great outdoors! Campers can enjoy the park and water or venture into Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve adjacent to the park. You wont find amenities like water, dumpsters or toilet facilities at these campsites. Illinois Indiana Kentucky Missouri Ohio West Virginia. Its best known for its water activities. Eight miles of trails wander the landscape for hikers and winter cross-country skiers. Kinkaid Lake, which is located in the northern portion of the Shawnee National Forest has free primitive camping just outside the Johnson Creek Campground. The park itself has a nature center, restaurant and aquarium display. Five fishing lakes, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor pool, and a fitness center are just a few recreational attractions at Sunset Lakes. For camping at other State Parks, consult the park listing page. Check out the DNR for more information or to make a reservation at this picturesque state park! You can bring your own tent or we can set one up for you with a large inflatable queen size bed. Find your perfect spot for camping in Northern Illinois for fishing, hiking, boating, and more! Fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking are popular. If you are looking for primitive camping in Illinois, There are 241 Class A and B campsites. You can go camping, fishing, hiking and boating as well as get great views of Lake Michigan. Jubilee College State Park offers both RV and tent camping from April 15th to November 1st. Horseshoe Lake State Park in western Illinois will feel like visiting a different region of the US. If you dont have your own watercraft, you can rent paddle boats, canoes and motorized boats at the park. If youre up for one of the worlds most famous road trips, drive your RV on down to Springfield, the birthplace of Route 66, or if woodland views and lake fishing are more your jam, head to Walnut Point State Park, Wolf Creek State Park, or Sangchris Lake State Park. There are many camping options for you here, whether you are planning on camping in a tent, RV, or rental unit. Amenities include grills, picnic tables, and camp pads, as well as drinking water and restrooms near the parking area. How do I reserve a campsite at an Illinois state park? Chain o Lakes State Park is part of Illinois largest hub of natural lakes, offering a range of water-focused activities to any camper. Add a deeper experience to your stay at Spring Creek Farm! anning your big weekend camping in Illinois? These places have minimal amenities so the cost per night will be the cheapest around and youre less likely to be crowded with other campers. Activities include fishing for walleye or bluegills to swimming or enjoying a game of volleyball in the sand of the parks private beach. Located just 90 minutes north of Chicago, this is the largest concentration of natural lakes in the area making it a boaters paradise. The site offers both campground and dispersed camping. Or is it one that we didnt include this time? Discover Camping in Illinois - Recreation.gov We want to keep in touch! Camping near Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois Outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Dixon, Illinois, the metro area neareast to Grand Detour Islands Retreat. Garden of the Gods has popular rock formations and tall bluffs. British Columbia. Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park Watertower Park is maintained by the city of Oakland. May 9, 2022 by // by Midwest Explored Leave a Comment Affiliate Links Are you trying to plan a trip to go camping in Illinois? There is an outdoor fire pit to cook meals, or you can use a low copper fire pit for campfire enjoyment. A further three campsites offer tent camping. About 100 miles from Chicago. There is also a separate equestrian campground at, 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA, There are 210 premium Class A sites and 60 Class B sites. Thank you! Ready to go? You cant reserve this campsite so the earlier the better if youre trying to camp in Silver Springs! Its important to note none of the sites offer sewage or water hookups. Meadows, woods, and a natural fen transition into one another offering a beautiful look into the landscape ecology of Midwest prairies. Northwest KOA offers some of the best winter camping in northern Illinois! At just over 3,000 acres, Rock Cut State Park has a little something for everyone. Illinois is home to 309 state parks most with camping. For more secluded and private camping options in Illinois, consider checking out Hipcamp for a variety of unique camping experiences. Explore over 13 miles of trails, stumbling on waterfalls, meandering into canyons, and enjoying lush forest all in a couple of hours. This is the place to go if you love outdoor adventure. Illinois has numerous state parks, national forests, and private camping options for both tent and RV campers. I have fishing small boating swimming on site. Check out the next time theyre available here! Buy firewood from a local gas station or the campground store which also sells items like ice and batteries. Fishing, camping, canoeing, and kayaking are just a few of the. Hiking and camping go hand-in-hand nicely, dont they? Mountain bike, equestrian, cross country ski, and snowmobile trails are mixed in among the many areas hikers can explore. Illini State Park offers a great place for families willing to brave the chill. Classified as D for dry camping or boondocking. The 10 Best Illinois Glamping Rentals - Territory Supply This campground in Johnston City welcomes both RV and tent campers wishing to enjoy scenic Arrowhead Recreation and Wildlife Area. This campsite is extremely popular during the summer months, so a reservation is recommended! From traditional tent to luxurious cabin camping, KOA has you covered. It is not allowed to boondock in Illinois state parks or on private lands without permission from the landowner. I love RV camping in Illinois because it allows you to enjoy this beautiful state while still enjoying modern comforts. Activities like camping, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing, climbing and hunting are popular in the area. The campgrounds have electricity and shower houses. Tent campers interested in fishing and canoeing will especially enjoy the parks three fishing ponds, the Illinois & Michigan Canal, and Nettle Creek. Campgrounds in Island Lake Illinois: Campendium has reviews of Island Lake RV parks, state parks and national parks making it your best Island Lake RV camping resource. 40 of the Best Places to Go Camping in Illinois The most-visited sites are listed below. We put together a handy list of some of the most incredible hikes you can take in our previous post, Go Glamping At These 3 Campgrounds In Illinois With Yurts For An Unforgettable Adventure, These 10 Rustic Spots In Illinois Are Extraordinary For Camping, 10 Lakeside Camp Resorts In Illinois Youre Missing Out On, The Most Unique Campground In Illinois Thats Pure Magic, Youll Find A Luxury Glampground At Camp Aramoni In Illinois; Its Ideal For Snuggles And Relaxation, Illinois Is Home To One Of The Best Dark Sky Parks In The World, Illinois New Glampground Getaway, Sankoty Lakes Is Truly One Of A Kind, The Grayville KOA Holiday May Just Be The DisneylandOf Illinois Campgrounds, 15 Marvelous Trails You Have To Hike In Illinois Before You Die. This tent-only campground offers full-sand, wooded campsites on the banks of the Illinois River just one hour from Chicago. 15 Best Places To Go Camping In Illinois - Midwest Explored Hikers and equestrians can also enjoy the forests trail system. The most popular campgrounds in Northern Illinois are: Chain OLakes State Park, Illinois Beach State Park, Kankakee River State Park, Rock Cut State Park, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, and Starved Rock State Park. You can also go tent or RV camping here. As its name implies, this Northeastern Illinois state park possesses several natural lakes, most connected in a chain by the Fox River. Convenient amenities include Wi-Fi access, restrooms with hot showers, concession, and coin laundry. There are 150 campsites for you to choose from. For more information,take a look at their website. Click Here to check out our Shabbona Lake State Park Review for even more detailed information about the Shabbona Lake experience & ideas on what to do nearby! Since then, I have camped in 48 states and hiked in nearly all of the National Parks. It features four duplex guest houses with eight suites. Skip to content Midwest Camping MENU MENU Home Camping Islands Map - Campsite - Illinois, United States - Mapcarta Its truly a unique location to visit. Castle Rock State Park has primitive campsites accessible only by canoe or boat, making it one of the best places for canoe and kayak camping in Illinois when you want to leave the modern world behind. Activities include bank-fishing along the Rock River and hiking through scenic sandstone bluffs, ravines, and rock formations. NOTE: If selected, only campgrounds that have cell reports will be displayed. Boonies Farm is your outdoor family fun or rural relaxing destination. What did you think and are there any others you would add? Its 1 hour North of Chicago and located right on the lake; sandwiched between the North Dunes Nature Preserve and the Illinois Beach Nature Preserve. Rates start from: $159/night. Looking for a bit more privacy? Youth group campers are welcome at the parks Mud Lake West campsite. The following sites have been designated as Premium Campgrounds: One Natural Resources Way These campgrounds can be great for cabin camping or for alternatives when the state parks are full! Weve compiled our favorites from the northern region here. The most popular campgrounds in Northern Illinois are: Chain O'Lakes State Park, Illinois Beach State Park, Kankakee River State Park, Rock Cut State Park, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, and Starved Rock State Park. They are walk-in and first come, first serve. It's on the doorstep of the Starved Rock State Park's 18 canyons, as well as a lodge and conference center offering all the creature comforts you need. This trail/park stretches 26 miles from Alta, in Peoria County, to Toulon, in Stark County. The property leads to the Kishwaukee River where people can kayak or canoe. The Ski Club has been a cooperative club for decades and members still ski and sled here. Here are a few areas dispersed camping is permitted: There are 2 National Parks in Illinois and 3 National Historic Trails that are perfect for hiking. Map of Illinois Campgrounds | Amenities & Popular Camping Areas Just like in Northern Illinois, free camping is hard to come by in central Illinois. Additional fee and registration required. There is also water and two sanitary dump stations. Rich history in this property. Facilities available at Illiniwek include 25 primitive camping areas of which 17 are located within feet of the Mississippi Riverfront, 60 campsite pads with water and electric hookups to serve RV's and other mobile camping options, two shower houses (one of the shower houses is ADA Accessible), and a dumping station. Once youve marveled at the skyscrapers and filled up on hot dogs in Chicago, youll find several of Illinois most impressive state parks within day-trip distance of the Windy City. American Indian tribes use the land for their burial ground ceremonies. Both RV and tent camping welcome, with no vehicle size limit. Take a look at thenext available date here! Current weather conditions and forecast for Grand Detour Islands Retreat, Illinois. Family activities offered at Hickory Holler include paddle boats on a lake, putt-putt, shuffleboard, and a playground. Of course, you can find tent camping sites at all of these campgrounds as well. Camping is available at many Illinois State Parks. Located in Palatine, this is a hidden campground and cabins right in the middle of the suburbs. Best Camping in Illinois: 15 Must-See Parks and Campgrounds Birdwatchers will especially enjoy the wide range of bird species that migrate through the refuge each year, most notably bald eagles. Electricity, showers, dump stations, boat rentals, and theres even a restaurant on-site. You will find 38 campgrounds here equipped with electricity for an RV and shower houses. Some popular camping destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Shawnee National Forest, Illini State Park, and Chain O'Lakes State Park. Find beautiful campgrounds across the US & Canada by region. This website allows you to search for available campsites in Illinois state parks, view the amenities and features, and make reservations online. Located just a few miles from the famous Starved Rock State Park, this is an excellent place to settle for the night and get ready for a morning ride. Dating from 1890, this land has never been plowed or disturbed. Peaceful & enchanting. It also provides six handicap-accessible campsites. Camping is available at many Illinois State Parks. Spring and summer campers will enjoy seeing more than 100 kinds of wildflowers. Primitive Camping in Illinois | Best Private Backcountry Campsites There is a primitive group campsite here in this Kendall County park that will require you to hike in your gear. Part of the Corps of Engineers Rock Island District, it offers 34 campsites on 6.5 acres, all with river views. The most popular parks fill up quickly so you'll want to reserve a spot ahead of time. In 2017 I moved into a Dodge Ram Van to travel the US and explore the outdoors. Within 10 miles of the campground you can go antiquing, shopping, or take scenic drives. Illini State Parks offers dozens of campsites across six loops for RV, family, and youth group camping. Camping info for Rock Island County, Illinois. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, full hookups, open rec room, swimming pool, and an on-site store.