Best Places To Go Camping In Illinois

The lake offers unrestricted boat fishing year-round, and was home to 91 tournaments in 2018. Little Grassy Lake is another lake in the southern part of the state that offers some of the top-tier bass, sunfish, and bluegill fishing in Illinois. At 1000 acres, the lake is plenty big enough to offer guests a variety of spots to fish, whether it be from the shoreline or in the middle of one of the lake’s many long fingers.

Discounts are available for Illinois residents who are senior citizens, disabled, or veterans. There are not many options for free campsites in Illinois. Most primitive sites in state parks require permits and cost $5-$10 per night. In southern Illinois, you can find free camping in Shawnee National Forest. Onsite amenities include a playground, store, pavilion, and newly-renovated swimming pool. The campground connects to the 19-mile Rend Lake Bike Trail, offering easy access to get out and explore the waterfront.

The Plainview and Lakeside Campgrounds at Lincoln Trail State Park have RV campsites that offer all the creature comforts, including electricity, showers, water, and toilets. Lakeside Campground also has an area set aside for tent camping. Popular activities include fishing, boating, and hiking as well as ice fishing and cross-country skiing in winter.

There are also two cabins available for rent and a campground for those traveling with horses. When warm weather comes to Illinois, it’s time to get outdoors and bask in nature. Among beautiful foliage, waterfalls and other natural features, you can find activities ranging from hiking to biking to simply enjoying the scenery. The 1,200-acre Kentucky Horse Park Campground in Lexington, Kentucky, offers campers the ultimate camping experience. At the Kentucky Horse Park, visitors, exhibitors, and campers have diverse opportunities to engage with, learn about, and be enchanted by horses.

Mill Point Rv Park

Their fees vary, depending on whether you’re a rider or passenger. Just 2 hours west of Chicago, and you’ll find Ki Tracks MX. It’s one of the best off road parks in Illinois, especially if you want a great day with your family. Matthiessen State Park was named for prominent industrialist and philanthropist Frederick William Matthiessen who bought the lands in the late 19th century.

Unimproved hiking trails lead to the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers. Nearly every campsite in the Echo Park Campground has sweeping views of Steamboat Rock and surrounding cliffs. Campers can soak up the natural landscape and archeological history in this Colorado destination. With 120 acres of land, this off-road park offers miles of trails to get your blood pumping.

Camping Near Clinton Lake

Kankakee River State Park is home to several campgrounds for RVs, tent campers, and even backpackers. Along with fishing and boating on the Kankakee River, the park also boasts many non-river related activities, most notably the extensive trail system for hikers. Trails north of the river are for hiking, cross-country skiing, and biking while those south of the river are equestrian and snowmobile trails. Bring your camera and visit one of the park’s several scenic overlooks which all boast incredible views of the Mississippi River. Explore a naturally-occurring, water-carved limestone cave while simultaneously enjoying stunning views of the Ohio River. There are more than 50 campsites for RV and tents as well as four playground areas, five picnic areas, and several parking areas throughout the park.

Five fishing lakes, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor pool, and a fitness center are just a few recreational attractions at Sunset Lakes. The resort also offers on-site canoes and paddle boats, as well as kayak access. Journey back through history while enjoying the comforts of modern RV camping. Visit the replica fort as it was in 1802, or spend the day fishing, boating on the river or hiking the trails. This forest area near Cobden offers year-round free campsites for those looking for affordable outdoor recreation in Illinois. Although all recreational vehicles must remain in parking areas, there are a number of walk-in sites with fire rings and picnic tables.

Campgrounds

You can fish and swim to your hearts content, enjoying the sandy beaches and clean water. Anglers come by to catch crappie, bass, catfish, carp, and even more fish species. The picnic area and playgrounds are perfect to keep kids entertained.

This facility has a variety of amenities and offers outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing. Water-oriented outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hunting. Named for the massive sandstone bluffs formed more than 12,000 years ago, Giant City State Park offers a variety of camping options. There are 85 popular Class A sites available with full amenities including water, electricity, and showers.

Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois’ largest manmade lake.Boulder Campground offers 82… Boulder Day Use Area is situated on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois’ largest man-made lake.The Carlyle Lake Visitor Cente… “Really, this state park is a must for anyone who lives nearby or is driving through. There are lots of well maintained trails to hike… hikes that include bluffs, caves, creeks, etc.

The lakes offer abundant opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching are also popular, and the park office has a list of the 200 sighted bird species. The lakeside campground has more than 230 campsites, seven picnic areas, and six miles of trails for biking and hiking – plentiful fun for the whole family both on and off the water. A great place to enjoy a quiet, relaxing camping experience. Sycamore RV Resort is only an hour and a half from downtown Chicago. This lakeside campground offers a beach for swimming, fishing, boat rentals, tennis courts, and many other camping amenities.

Affordable Places To Stay In Illinois You Never Knew Existed

Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and has a wealth of exciting opportunities that draw millions of visitors every year. Chicago sits on the western edge of Lake Michigan, and its huge harbor system includes beaches and beachfront parks. Parkland is an important city feature; there are over 570 parks, the centerpiece being Lincoln Park, a 1200-acre space. Archway RV Park is one of the best campgrounds in Illinois for a calm, relaxing base camp, or as a pit stop on your way through.

But despite its name, you can find large forests, rugged hiking trails, and plenty of camping throughout Illinois. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge’s 44,000 acres of land and water contain a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Major habitat types on the refuge include hardwood forest, agricultural land, grazing units, brushland, wetlands, and lakes. The refuge provides significant resting areas for migrat… Cliffs, ferns, waterfalls, limestone bluffs, and caves can be found throughout Ferne Clyffe State Park. Trails weave throughout thick forest and moss-covered rock-formations, giving hikers and campers a close-to-nature experience.

Kids Activities Near Me: Grant Park

Apple River Canyon State Park offers scenic canyon areas, massive cliffs, and lush vegetation filled with a wide variety of wildlife. The Apple River Canyon has cut through the limestone for centuries, forging the current landscape and exposing numerous fossils. Campers are provided with nearly 50 campsites and six group sites. Winter camping is also available in this beautiful state park. Affordable family lodging, camping cabins, campers and primitive camping. Analysis mostly center on the beauty around the campground, and it isn’t hard to see why.

Mill Creek Park

Located just 90 minutes north of Chicago, this is the largest concentration of natural lakes in the area making it a boaters paradise. You also can find over 6 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails in the park. This facility offers amenities such as walking & fitness trails, shoreline fishing, and a scenic overlook of the lake and dam. There is one reservable picnic shelter that has 6 picnic tables under th… Hopefully, our guide has inspired you to get out and explore a side of Illinois you didn’t know existed! Campers will find 184 sites in addition to more secluded, walk-in sites for a primitive camping experience.

Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. His favorite place he’s ever visited is Alaska, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading, depending on the day. In his free time, Tyler can be found searching Portland for the next great food establishment or perusing the many bookshelves of Powell’s. The Springfield KOA is located just a few minutes drive from Lake Springfield, and offers a highly developed campground for RVers and car campers alike. With a pool, mini golf, and wifi onsite, this campground is an excellent summer destination for families and anglers alike.