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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. Sites with Beaches charge a $1 a day per person for beach use only.
IDNR camping and shelter reservations will no longer be taken through the mail or over the phone. Reservations for regular campsites and group campsites require a $5 non-refundable reservation fee and payment of the full camping and utility fees at the time the reservation is made.
Oct 8, 2022 · THE 10 BEST Illinois State Parks. Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe. 1. Starved Rock State Park.
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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 Park to...
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 Park is 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 vi...
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 Area you 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...
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 Park has 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 oppo...
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 Area has 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 yo...
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 Park is 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 Park offers 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 · 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.
Aug 13, 2022 · These are the best State Parks in Illinoi s. Best State Park in Illinois for hiking: Starved Rock State Park. Best Illinois State Park for dogs: Starved Rock State Park. Best Illinois Park which has a beach: Illinois Beach State Park. Largest State Park in Illinois: Pere Marquette State Park.
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Should Lancaster Castle be a tourist attraction?
The majority of the castle is closed including the gift shop so there’s not much to see. Overall I was disappointed that I paid £8 per adult and £12 to park at the train station. May be worth waiting until more of it opens if you don’t want a wasted journey.
