SUMMER FUN: The 5 Best Camping Spots in Illinois

Grab your gear, and pack the coolers, it's time to get outside and enjoy some fresh Illinois air. If you're looking for a new spot to camp this year, here's a great start.

Best Things About Camping

What do you love most about going camping with friends and family (or alone)?

Is it a connection with nature?

Is it all the outdoor activities?

Maybe it's the campfires?

Do you love camping for some peace and tranquility?

Is your reason for camping to unplug from technology?

It's every one of those things, for me. I'm not much of a tent person though. I much prefer a camper or RV.

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If you get out a lot, perhaps you've been to one of these 5 camping spots. If you have, send me your review and maybe you'll see your comments added. If you've never been to one of these posts, now you have some new places to check out.

5 Best Camping Spots in Illinois

Mississippi Palisades State Park, Savanna, IL

Rich in American Indian history, this 2,500-acre state park is teeming with wildlife including many bird species such as eagles, woodpeckers, and wild turkeys. There are over 240 campsites available and two youth camping areas.

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Apple River Canyon State Park, Apple River, IL

It's the massive cliffs and scenic canyon areas that make this park such a great place to stay. You'll find nearly 50 campsites plus some group sites.

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Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL

Campers have access to 13 miles of hiking trails, boating on the Illinois River, and 133 premium campsites equipped with electricity. There are also plenty of RV hookups and open grassy spots ideal for pitching a tent.

Shawnee National Forest, Harrisburg, IL

This massive forest offers more than you can possibly imagine, including the state's tallest waterfall. This is also the home of the most dangerous hiking trail in Illinois. Shawnee Forest also offers many camping options ranging from tent spots to a developed campground with electricity and showers.

Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton, IL

If connecting with nature is your favorite reason to camp, this park is a dream. Pere Marquette has 12 miles of marked hiking trails and 20 miles of horse trails. The park has 80 campsites equipped with electrical hookups, two cabins, a youth tent camping area, and organized group camps.

For more details on these sites, plus other great Illinois camping spots, visit Best Things in Illinois.