Places To Camp And Fish In Illinois

Located two hours west of Chicago, this park is situated on a bluff that overlooks the Rock River. It is home to the Black Hawk Statue – a 50-ft wonder that is considered the second tallest monolithic statue in the world. Hiking on the four miles of trails, boating, and fishing are popular river activities, however swimming is not permitted. Lowden State Park has 80 Class A campsites that include electricity hookups and nearby showers. There are also 38 sites with shower-only access and 8 sites for primitive tent camping.

The campground sits on the southeast side of the lake, and campers must pay for electric and water usage. If you’re looking for a place to park your RV for the season, Lake Mattoon’s Campground East is a great option to consider. Lithia Springs is in the heart of central Illinois and sits on the eastern shore of Lake Shelbyville. Here you’ll find more than 100 campsites nestled among the oak and hickory forest.

Lake Le

Blessed with a plethora of fish and tradition, it has been a popular fishing spot in the area ever since. Campers can choose from water and electricity or full hook-up RV and tent sites. For more information on camping at Mississippi Palisades State Park, visit the webpage. Starved Rock State Park is one of my personal favorite places for camping in Illinois.

Campers will find 184 sites in addition to more secluded, walk-in sites for a primitive camping experience. Kickapoo is located within the Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area, which has about 35 miles of hiking trails and 12 miles of mountain biking trails. White Pines is one of the oldest state parks in Illinois and has one of the southern most forests of white pines in the Midwest.

Johnson Creek Recreation Area

Originally a 176 acre canyon and small stream, Matthiessen State Park has grown to 2000 acres filled with canyons, streams, prairies, and forests. The canyon is the main park attraction and was formed by water erosion – the minerals carried in the water contribute to the unique coloring of the canyon rocks. Matthiessen State Park also has a field archery range and a radio-controlled model airplane field for those that want to practice their hobbies.

This is the perfect camping spot for girls that just want to have fun, and for families that want to be a part of the fun too. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources does not charge an Entrance Fee to any state owned or operated land with the exception of Wildlife Prairie Park. Sites with Beaches charge a $1 a day per person for beach use only. The fee schedule listed on the right navigation bar is for all sites with camping. For camping at other State Parks, consult the park listing page.

All Camping Options

RV camping is available in the park’s Honey Suckle Hollow and Fox Den campsites. Youth group campers are welcome at the park’s Mud Lake West campsite. Other features include seven picnic areas, nature and equestrian trails, showers, and bicycling trails.

There is plenty of nature surrounding this campground, including a lake, but most campgrounds have a lake. What they don’t have are the historical monuments that Crazy Horse has. Here is another pristine campground with a beautiful surrounding area. Waterfalls and scenic trails surround Ferne Clyffe State Park.

Camp, Rv, And Explore Outdoors

The park is very good sized with nice camping sites, pet friendly, loads of trails to hike and bike and a lake for quiet water sports, no motor boats allowed.” –The Dyrt Camper Lisa H. “The campground offers a wide variety of sites from RV to primitive. The camp is close to the lake and offers several places to throw your pole in. There is a short hiking trail that will take you to the resort. All in all a nice place to stay.” –The Dyrt Camper Chad K.

If these lakes are a little on the small side for your tastes, just over an hour’s drive east you can access the shores of Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park. It is true that the Prairie State is, indeed, prairie for the most part. However, one of the best-kept secrets about Illinois is its rich natural beauty paired with plentiful outdoor recreation. Cave In Rock State Park – Hardin County, IL – Super scenic camping for those who like to rough-it, and a lodge option for those who do not.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park At Pine Lakes

The state park offers something for everyone, with plenty of trails and activities. Twelve trails provide five miles of hiking and the chance to see 200 bird species. The park offers ice fishing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling in the winter. This campground is a seasonal campground and the perfect place for those looking for more than just a weekend of camping.

Although swimming is prohibited, this 318-acre lake is one of the best campgrounds in Illinois for fishermen. The lake boasts more than ten different species of fish in its waters, most notably muskies. The campground offers 150 RV campsites, all equipped with electricity, fire rings, and picnic tables.

The easy hike is only 1 mile round trip so it’s perfect for bringing families or small children. This is a bucket list destination if you’re planning on camping in central Shawnee. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is not a state park, but an area located in the Shawnee National Forest. There are 12 campsites located here that cost $12 and have fire pits and toilets. You will find 38 campgrounds here equipped with electricity for an RV and shower houses. Pere Marquette State Park in western Illinois near St. Louis is known for its spectacular fall colors.

If you want a rustic camping experience, Pere Marquette has many options for you. There is a Class A campground with 80 sites, two of which are handicap accessible. There is a youth tent camp area as well as three organized group camps for larger groups.

The shower house is serviced several times a day, and always had plenty of hot water for our showers. My family goes every Memorial and Labor Day weekend to this campground as we have found it to be one of the best around.” –The Dyrt Camper Jamie T. Buck Ridge campground features around 30 sites, some of which offer direct views and access to the lake. All campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and each of the sites are equipped with tent pads, picnic tables, and grill tops. While there are few developed trails in the region, the Lake of Egypt does allow boats, with a boat launch stationed very near the campground at Hickory Point.

Equestrian campsites and a 7-mile horseback riding trail are also available. With 200 different species of birds, Argyle Lake is also a treat for birdwatchers. This lakeside Illinois camping destination offers RV, tent, equestrian, and youth group camping. The 40-acre lake is a hub for fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors also enjoy more than eight miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as well as cross-country skiing in winter. Only thirty minutes from Chicago but gives off the feeling that you are totally secluded from the big city.

Other recreational activities include hiking, hunting, winter sports, and nature watching. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, this spot is awesome for hang gliding. There are two different campgrounds throughout the park, one with full RV hookups and the other designated for more primitive camping.