Camping in Illinois is an amazing experience. If you're traveling through the midwest, you won't want to miss these five-star parks and campgrounds.
ILLINOIS BEACH STATE PARK
(847)662-4811
Located in Zion, IL, on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, this 4,160 acre park is not only beautiful, but filled with things to do and see. There are 244 fully developed campsites within the park grounds, which also feature 20 miles of park trails and 10 miles of biking paths. Don't forget your swimsuit! Lake Michigan is one of the clearest and most swimmable waters in all the midwest!
APPLE RIVER CANYON STATE PARK
8763 East Canyon Road
Apple River, IL 61001
(815)745-3302
There are 50 campsites at Apple River, all equipped for tents and RV's. Campsites are open April 15-November 1. Winter camping is also permitted in a small area of the park. This park is most famous for the rare Bird's-Eye Primrose, which blooms here in during the early spring months. This park also allows for fishing, hiking and biking.
ROCK CUT STATE PARK
7318 Harlem Road
Loves Park, IL 61111
(815)885-3311
Rock Cut State Park is open year round and most well known for their many miles of biking and hiking trails. The park is open to fishing, boating and swimming, as well. There are 212 campsites, all with electric hookups on park grounds, and 60 primitive tent sites. This area is heavily wooded and offers the camper beautiful surroundings. Rock Cut has 36 miles of hiking and biking paths.
WHITE PINES FOREST STATE PARK
6712 West Pines Road
Mount Morris, IL 61054
(815)946-3717
Hardwood forests and limestone bluffs make this park a spectacular site to pitch a tent. There are 106 campsites here, some RV compatible, though no electric hookups are available anywhere in the park.
STARVED ROCK AND MATTHIESSEN STATE PARKS
PO Box 509
Utica, IL 61373
(815)667-4726
(815)667-4868
These two State Parks are conjoined, offering the camper entrance to both areas. Starved Rock is where the campsites are located, 133 in all. There are also 13 miles of hiking trails through this area, which features bluffs, canyons and some outstanding waterfalls. Matthiessen State Park has 5 miles of hiking trails and 9 miles of horse paths.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI
1710 Riverview Road
Thomson, IL 61285
(815)273-2732
There are more than 200,000 acres of wooded islands and waterways that make up the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This area of the Refuge is a major migration stopover for birds, so you'll want to pack your binoculars. Primitive camping is available on the islands. Campers are urged to call for reservation information.
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST
Hwy. 50
Harrisburg, IL 62946
(618)253-7114
There are 273, 800 acres that make up the Shawnee National Forest. Hills, lakes, sandstone ridges and heavily forested areas make this southern Illinois park a favorite among outdoorspeople everywhere. Visitors are welcome to hike, horseback, and rock climb on the 338 miles of trails. Primitive camping is also available on a first come, first serve basis.
KICKAPOO STATE PARK
10906 Kickapoo Park Road
Oakwood, IL 61858
(217)442-4915
Kickapoo State Park is rich with things to do and a perfect resting stop for families. Fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding are favored activities. The park encompasses some 2, 842 acres, and is made up of lakes, ponds, and heavily wooded areas. There are 183 tent and RV sites here.
