Search results
- Camping is available at many Illinois State Parks. The most-visited sites are listed below. For camping at other State Parks, consult the park listing page. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) does not charge an Entrance Fee to any state owned or operated land with the exception of Wildlife Prairie Park.
People also ask
Where is the best camping in Illinois?
Are Illinois State Parks good for camping?
How do I Reserve a campground in Illinois?
Are there free campsites in Illinois?
Camping is available at many Illinois State Parks. The most-visited sites are listed below. For camping at other State Parks, consult the park listing page.
- Northern Illinois
- Central Illinois
- Southern Illinois
- Best Camping in Illinois!
1. Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park
1. Type: RV and tent 2. Electric: Yes 3. Nearest town(s): Utica and Oglesby, 4 miles One of the most popular recreation destinations in northern Illinois (hint: we recommend reserving early), Starved Rock State Parkis most well known for its ancient sandstone rock formations carved by glacial water. The park has 130 campsites for RV or tent camping, 13 miles of trails, plentiful waterfalls, and opportunities for boating and fishing on the Illinois River. Neighboring Matthiessen State Parkto t...
2. Chain O’Lakes State Park
1. Type: RV and tent 2. Electric: Yes 3. Nearest town: Spring Grove, 5 miles Calling all water-lovers! This state park is smack in the middle of Illinois’ largest concentration of lakes and borders three – Grass, Marie, and Nippersink. With more than 6,000 acres of water and almost 500 miles of shoreline, Chain O’Lakes State Parkis a midwest utopia for those who like to be on, in, or near water. The lakes offer abundant opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. Wildlife vie...
3. Kankakee River State Park
1. Type: RV and tent 2. Electric: Yes 3. Nearest town: Bourbonnais, 7 miles Miles of trails stretch along both banks of the Kankakee River. These make this northern Illinois state park and its 110 sites at Potawatomi Campground an excellentnature escape for canoe enthusiasts, hikers, and bikers. The smaller Chippewa Campground is temporarily closed, but when in operation offers more primitive camping (no showers, some electricity). An equestrian campground and group site round out the tent ca...
8. Kickapoo State Recreation Area
1. Type: RV and tent 2. Electric: Yes 3. Nearest town: Oakwood, 3 miles How’s this for a plot twist: in addition to camping, at Kickapoo State Recreation Areayou can also scuba dive! The area is known for its water-based activities and with good reason. Kickapoo has access to the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River and features 22 natural lakes. Certified scuba divers can explore the clear water of Inland Sea and Sportsman’s Lake. Prefer to be on the water rather than in? There are plenty of o...
9. Pere Marquette State Park
1. Type: RV and tent 2. Electric: Yes 3. Nearest town: Grafton, 5 miles The largest state park in Illinois, Pere Marquette State Parkhas 80 reservable Class A sites as well as a section of Class B sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your bikes! The Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail runs from the park to the city of Alton, approximately 20 miles south. The entire trail is paved. You’ll also find 12 miles of marked hiking trails, 20 miles of trails for horseback riding, and oppor...
10. Johnson Creek Recreation Area, Kinkaid Lake
1. Type: Tent camping 2. Electric: No 3. Nearest town: Ava, 5 miles Kinkaid Lake is one of the largest in Illinois, and a popular destination for many outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing. In the northwest corner of Kinkaid Lake, the Johnson Creek Recreation Areahas 20 tent camping sites that are first-come, first-served. Sites are large and fairly basic, with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. They also have hitching posts, and several equestrian and hiking...
11. Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
1. Type: RV and tent 2. Electric: Yes 3. Nearest town: Carlyle, 7 miles One of the largest campgrounds in the Illinois state park system (and therefore, not quiet and remote, but fantastic for families!), Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Areahas more than 350 campsites and 20 cottages. Recreation abounds at this campground, and amenities include a playground, basketball and volleyball courts, and a large, zero-entry outdoor pool that reaches a maximum depth of 4.5 feet – ideal for those with you...
12. Ferne Clyffe State Park
1. Type: RV and tent 2. Electric: Yes 3. Nearest town: Goreville, 2 miles Named for – wait for it – an abundance of ferns, Ferne Clyffe State Parkis home to a wide variety of plants in addition to numerous geological features. In addition to a large Youth Group campground available for organized group camps, this state park has two campgrounds to choose from. Deer Ridge Campground has Class A shaded tent sites and RV campsites that offer just about all the comforts of home, including showers,...
13. Giant City State Park
1. Type: RV and tent 2. Electric: Yes 3. Nearest town: Carbondale, 8 miles Named for the massive sandstone bluffs formed more than 12,000 years ago, Giant City State Parkoffers a variety of camping options. There are 85 popular Class A sites available with full amenities including water, electricity, and showers. For a more intimate and rustic camping experience, there are also 14 walk-in sites. The real gem of this park for backcountry enthusiasts is the Red Cedar Trail. This 6-mile hike on...
Hopefully, our guide has inspired you to get out and explore a side of Illinois you didn’t know existed! From the epic rock formations of the Garden of the Gods to the waterfalls and canyons of Starved Rock State Park, camping in the Prairie State offers unlimited possibilities for outdoor activities amid beautiful landscapes. What are your favorit...
Jun 27, 2018 · Best Illinois State Park Camping. Illinois is home to 309 state parks – most with camping. Although we’ve already mentioned a few on this list, we wanted to highlight a few of our additional favorites for the perfect Illinois state park camping experience. Cave-in-Rock State Park
Oct 13, 2020 · 1. Find your Perfect Park! Use the department of natural resources website or our Illinois campground guides to find a campground with the amenities and features you’re looking for in the location you desire. 2. Book it!
- Starved Rock State Park. Starved Rock State Park is likely the most famous and popular park in Illinois, and with good reason too. Featuring over 13 miles of trails and countless opportunities for fishing, boating, and photography, this state park is a can’t-miss destination if you want to experience the best of what Illinois’ wilderness has to offer.
- Matthiessen State Park. The beautiful Matthiesen State Park is located nearby the previously mentioned Starved Rock State Park and is a great option to add to a larger itinerary.
- Illinois Beach State Park. The beautiful Illinois Beach State Park stretches along the coast of Lake Michigan. You can experience the white sand and the clear water, as well as the serene views of the lake.
- Pere Marquette State Park. The Pere Marquette State Park was first established in 1931 and has been a popular destination for outdoor adventurers ever since.
Spending a few days camping is the perfect way to experience what they have to offer to the absolute fullest. Scuba diving, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and canoeing are just some of the options that you’ll have to explore the gorgeous state of Illinois.
May 7, 2024 · Illinois is home to some of the most beautiful state park campgrounds. Whether you're a nature lover, a family looking for a weekend away, or just someone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there's a campground in Illinois that's perfect for you.
getyourguide.com has been visited by 1M+ users in the past month
Your ticket search stops here. Find the best prices for the attractions you want to see. From our free cancellation policy to our mobile ticketing, we make your trip stress-free.
Book Your Site and Camp in Comfort with Included Resort-Style Amenities. Discover Your New Favorite Campground: Enjoy Premium Sites, Pools, Tractor Rides, and More
