Illinois | Midwest Camping

How Much Does It Cost To Camp In Illinois?

February 1, 2021February 1, 2021 by Robbie

Campground prices can vary widely between state parks and private RV-focused campgrounds making it hard to understand how much the cost to camp in Illinois will run you. You don’t want your campsite given away for failing to plan for all of the expenses! We’ve done extensive research on our inventory of over 300 campsites (and growing!) to understand the campsite fees that you’ll encounter so you can plan your next trip!

How much does it cost to Camp in Illinois?

Depending on the campground type you are reserving, your daily cost will range between $15 and $30. The Illinois State Parks are the cheapest option at $8 per night for car campers while private campgrounds start closer to $20-$25 with added amenities like Wifi.

Factors affecting the cost to camp in Illinois

Amenities

Usually denoted by the campground classes AA through D, campsites can offer electricity, shower access, and show if a campsite has vehicular access. These campground classifications are used by the State Parks in Illinois and other state and national parks across the country to help you understand what you are getting and are frequently used to determine daily prices (like the IL DNR does).

Cost to Camp in Illinois State Parks

Classification	Ameneties	Best Suited Equipment	Daily Price
AA	Showers, Electric, & Sewer	RVs, Campers, Tents	$25 - $35
A	Shower & Electric	RVs, Campers, Tents	$20 - $30
B/E	Electric	Campers, Tents	$18 - $20
B/S	Showers	Campers, Tents	$10 - $12
C	None	Tents	$8
D	No Vehicle Access	Tents, Backpacking	$6

Private campgrounds will also usually change their price either by the type of campsite or the specific equipment you’ll be bringing (more on that later). Private campgrounds are more likely to use a more straightforward naming system than the nebulous AA, B/E, Etc. used by the Department of Natural Resources.

Timing

Holiday Weekends Can Increase the Cost to Camp in Illinois State Parks

In Illinois, the state parks have slightly higher pricing for their premium campsites (AA & A-Class) over holiday weekends for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. Expect to pay $10 extra per day for these weekends.

Private and local county operators may have variable pricing based on the larger seasons so double-check their website or the reservation information to be certain. For example, Chicago’s Cook County Forest Preserves have fees that are $15 per night higher in the summer than during the winter.

Equipment

how much does it cost to camp in illinois

Most campgrounds charge different prices for RVs than they do for just tent campers if they aren’t charging you by the campsite type. If you are just driving in and pitching your tent – you likely won’t need to worry about additional fees either way. Tent camping is the cheapest option for sure!

Residency (For Public Campgrounds)

Blackwell Forest Preserve – $20 for residents but $30 for non-residents

For some county forest preserves, there are higher fees for non-residents than residents. For example, at Cook County’s Bullfrog Lake, fees are $10 higher for non-county residents. While this shouldn’t impact you at private campgrounds or state parks, keep this in mind when looking through fees and planning your budget!

The Cost To Camp in Illinois

Without further ado – using our extensive research in Illinois Campgrounds across the state, we have found the average cost to expect at each campground type:

Campground Operator	Average Price Range	Note(s)
Illinois State DNR	$8 – $20	Taken from tent and tent + electricity site prices
City/Park District	$15 – $20
Federal (Army Bases, Federal Land, etc.)	$17 – $20
Private (KOA, Good Sam, etc.)	$25 – $35
County Forest Preserves	$20 – $42	The wide price range is primarily driven by the average $10 price increase non-residents
Illinois Average Daily Campsite Cost	$15 – $30

Cost to Camp in Illinois Infographic

Ready to go camping? Use our County Guides to find your next outdoor adventure!

Best Campgrounds in Illinois

Shabbona Lake Camping Review | Great Group Camping

November 28, 2020November 22, 2020 by Robbie

Nestled within DeKalb County, Shabbona Lake offers some of the best camping within ninety minutes of Chicago. Midwest Camping hit Shabbona Lake camping, just before the turn to winter, in October 2020. We gathered some friends to fill three campsites for three days to really check out what Shabbona Lake’s campsites, facilities, and nearby activities for ourselves.

Shabbona Lake Camping Tips:

Take a look at the campsite map to find sites with amazing Lake views
Note that the sites may be a little small for two medium or large tents
Head to the shower building when you need a bathroom

Campsite

Shabbona Lake had three camping loops to choose from, we opted for the Canvasback Cove loop since it is closest to both the Lake and the camp store – The only real downside of the is that its a little further than the Merganser circle from the best bathrooms. The campsite itself is fairly typical for the state parks with a metal campfire circle, picnic table, and gravel parking for two. While the site are supposed to be large enough for two tents, we had a challenging time finding enough flat ground for just our REI Grand Hut Four. You may want to consider getting two sites if you’re worried about space for two tents.

Shabbona Lake Camping Activities

Walking the loop trail is a great way to spend a few hours around the state park, enjoying the great outdoors and admiring the different areas around the lake. It was a little cold for us but if you’re there in the summer, check out the boat rentals to relax or to fish – we saw a lot of successful fisherman around the lake during our time there.

We also drove about fifteen minutes away to Jonamac Orchard spend a day doing fall activities like apple picking, navigating a corn maze, and enjoying hot cider. They also had a cider house where you can try a whole flight of different hard ciders! We walked out with a dozen donuts, half peck of apples, and more cider than I’d like to admit!

Facilities

Back at camp, there are outhouses and a larger shower building with more developed facilities (and of course, the showers). It is definitely worth the walk to go all the way to the better spot if you’re interested in running water. The shower house was clean but not very well heated so keep that in mind for winter months!

hiking in shabbona lake state park — Shabbona Lake Hiking Trail

Camp Store

The camp store is well stocked and has plenty of firewood. We went in October, right as the weather started to turn but there was plenty of firewood to keep us warm. The woodpile is also accessible outside of store hours in case you run out after they close (just be sure to leave the right amount and fill out the envelope!).

Verdict

Shabbona Lake camping is a delightful way to spend a weekend – take a look at their website for more information. We will certainly be back there again in the future! If you’re going to have more than one tent in the group, take care to ensure you’ll have enough space given the terrain.

3 Great Winter Weekends – Cabin Camping Near Chicago

December 27, 2020October 24, 2020 by Robbie

As the days get shorter, there’s nothing better than enjoying the crisp winter air in your own private cabin, camping near chicago. When the lakes and rivers freeze over, new activities spring up that aren’t possible during the summer to make for a memorable trip! Try snowshoeing near Joliet or cross country skiing over miles of old canal trails or you can curl up with a book near your fire and enjoy a weekend of seclusion.

We’ve found the best cabin camping nearby so take a look and plan your next trip today!

1. Lasalle / Peru KOA

Cabins Near Starved Rock

While these cabins are a little further than the ones offered by the forest preserve, Lasalle Peru KOA cabins offer you the ability to hang all day at Starved Rock and then head back to a heated cabin and take a nice long shower. The extra hour drive is worth it to get to what we think is your best bet for cabin camping near chicago.

In the winter months, Starved Rock attracts hoards of Bald Eagles you can watch feast on fish. The dam breaks up the river ice allowing the birds to get to the fish beneath. For more winter fun, spend time ice climbing if you have your own equipment or rent cross country skis at the nearby Mattheison state park!

2. Camp Danbeard

Best Cabin Camping Near Chicago

camp dan beard small cabin nov16 — Camp Danbeard Cabin

Only a half hour away from the city, the cook county forest preserve’s Camp Dan Beard offers heated cabins for you to defrost during your escape. This six cabin campground has five cabins that can sleep up to eight people and one larger cabin with room for ten. The larger cabin also features a private bathroom, heat, and air-conditioning – perfect for the cold dry winter.

3. Camp Reinberg

Cabin Camping for Groups

camp reinberg apr16 — Camp Reinberg (Cook County Forest Preserves)

Camp Reinberg has cabins for groups of all sizes, even space for up to three dozen people making it the perfect place for a couple families or few people looking to maintain social distancing! For a more regular sized trip, Reinberg has additional cabins more suited for 8 or 12 people.

Conclusion

While cabin camping is a bit more sparse than your options for spring, summer, and fall – it offers a completely different experience that everyone should have. There’s nothing better than the silence of a fresh snowfall along with your coffee just outside your warm cabin door. Reach out if you have any other cabins in the area you think we should recommend!