If you’re trying to find the best campgrounds near granite city then you don’t need to go any further than madison county for camping! With a unique mix of private campgrounds and a small state park, the campgrounds near granite city are fantastic for fishermen. Almost every campground on this list has fully stocked lakes and campsites along the water.
Take a look below for the top four madison county campgrounds!
4. Town & Country Lakes
Best Private Camping for Angelers
Town & Country Lake
Town & Country Lakes is an RV focused campground with five tent sites with three located right along the small lake bordering the campground – making it a perfect place to fish day or night! The owners stock the lake with catfish, bass, carp, and bluegill so there should be plenty for you and your family to catch dinner. For more information, check out their website here.
3. Horseshoe Lake State Park
Best Camping for Fishermen
As its name suggests, Horseshoe Lake State Park is a fairly large body of water within protected lands just outside of Granite City. The lake has a distinctive ‘horseshoe’ shape that provides lots of shoreline and water for fishers to try their hand catching catfish, bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, and buffalo. Take advantage of the boat ramps to BYOB(oat) to access the more overgrown fishing areas.
The park holds 26 tent/trailer sites along with pit toilets for a fairly rustic experience. While they don’t take reservations, you can check out more information here!
2. St. Louis / Granite City KOA
Second Best Private Campground Near Granite City
Just twelve miles from downtown St. Louis, the Granite City KOA is a great place to camp during your time exploring the city. Like all KOAs, this is going to provide a few amenities not typically included in your local state park or county campgrounds. This St. Louis Campground includes free morning coffee, wi-fi, cable tv, a dog park, jumping pillow for the kids, and even a pool during the summer months!
To stay out of the weather, take advantage of the one-room or two-room cabins that include televisions, a grill, memory foam beds, and most importantly – a roof! You’ll need to bring your own linens but it may be worth it to stay dry and air-conditioned. Go to the KOA website to make a reservation or check out more details!
Located in New Douglas, IL, Rustic Acres offers some of the nicest private campgrounds near Granite City! Traditionally aimed towards seasonal RV campers, Rustic Acres has one of the most developed activity calendars we’ve seen. 2020’s calendar included a Luau weekend, superhero weekend, movie weekend, something for all the major holidays, and even a science-themed weekend!
Rounding out the list of available amenities – the campgrounds feature a soccer field, volleyball court, basketball court, or browse the camp store. If the size of the grounds is intimidating, you can always rent a golf cart and zoom around all weekend instead! Take a look at their site or explore the next available date now!
Other Nearby Options
For more campgrounds in Illinois, check out the Illinois State Guide. For some glamping nearby granite city, check out the RV park in Jefferson County, IL. If we’ve missed any of your favorite sites for madison county camping, please let us know by contacting us!
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 fishermen around the lake during our time there.
We also drove about fifteen minutes away to Jonamac Orchard to 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!
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 Review
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.
Looking for camping near Rockford? Make a weekend trip easy with these four parks and preserves for the best camping in Winnebago County!
4. Hononegah
Located just outside of Rockton, just across the Rainbow Bridge lies Hononegah Forest Preserve. Nestled in mature white oaks and hickory trees, Hononegah is the oldest forest preserve offering camping in Winnebago County. RV and car campers alike can reserve one of the 50+ sites within the preserve or use the campsites as a launching point for your fishing trip on the Rock River!
Split down the middle by Grove Creek, Seward Bluffs features stunning limestone bluffs and magnificent oak trees for some great camping only twenty minutes away from Rockford! Take advantage of one of the 47 campgrounds that the Winnebago Forest Preserve operates from May to October. The preserve has room for RVs or Car Campers and offers over eight miles of hiking and equestrian trails to explore the Bluffs. Take a look at the next available date here!
The largest of the Winnebago Forest preserve campgrounds with over eighty campgrounds, Sugar River has some of the best primitive river camping in Winnebago County. As one of the only places with showerhouses, this forest preserve is a great place for beginner or advanced campers!
If you’re willing to haul your stuff just a little bit from the parking lot, you should look at one of the primitive campgrounds just along the river. The campsites lie right along the Sugar River, allowing you to fall asleep to the sounds of rushing water and wake up the colorful birds that call the shores home.
A quick twenty minutes away, Rock Cut State Park offers the best camping near Rockford, IL! With a large lake for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing and another 75 miles of combined hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails it’s impossible to stay bored during your visit!
Rock Cut holds over two hundred Class A sites and another sixty Class B sites, this is the best opportunity for camping in Winnebago County. They even have equestrian only campgrounds if you’re looking to ride in and out of your trip. During the day, check out Olson Beach – a great place to spend a hot day playing volleyball, eating ice cream, and swimming! The lake is full of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, catfish, bullhead, northern pike, muskellunge, and walleye if you need to catch dinner.
During the winter, explore groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails and cozy up in the primitive cabin available at the park.
If you’ve already explored these and want to tackle some new campgrounds, check out Starved Rock in LaSalle County or our guides for the nearby McHenry and Kane Counties! Don’t see your favorite Winnebago County campground? Drop us a line!
If you’re looking for the best camping in McHenry county, you don’t need to go far! You can choose between one of Illinois’ best state parks, a stunning county forest and savannah, or a private campground with all the benefits – all within an hour’s drive of Marengo! Check out the list below for the latest and greatest camping near Marengo!
Just a ten minute drive from Marengo, the McHenry County Conservation District (MCCD) operates almost thirty tent campsties and seventeen RV sites for use between May & October. Located in the middle of Marengo Ridge, the Thomas Woods campground will put you right in the middle of the woods, giving you easy access to five miles of pristine savannas and forest.
As one of the only two campgrounds on this list with Cabins, Northwest KOA offers some of the best winter camping in McHenry county! Like other KOAs, Northwest serves RVs and car campers alike, with added amenities expected on private campgrounds.
Northwest KOA Pioneer Tent (Yelp)
During the afternoon, take advantage of their frisbee golf, mini-golf, or take a dip in the pool! If you’re looking to venture off the grounds with the kids, check out Onesti’s Wild West Town for their wild west show and mine cart coaster!
For more of a private experience, check out the romantic Pioneer tent. Tucked away in the corner of the campground, this solar-powered canopy tent has a nice wooden porch to give you the perfect place for a morning cup of coffee or midnight stargazing.
As one of Illinois’ “premium” state parks, you’ll need to make your reservation in advance for Chain O Lakes but it is worth it! Crossing over McHenry and Lake Counties, Chain o’ Lakes State Park can accommodate RVs, tent campers, and youth groups. There are 151 Class A Premium sites, 87 Class B Premium sites, and their youth group camping area can accommodate up to 150 youth campers.
Chain O’ Lakes
Nestled into the state’s largest hub of natural lakes, this water-oriented campsite offers a wide range of activities, and every camper is sure to find something they enjoy. Looking to spend some time out on the lake? Rent a boat or canoe and explore all the beauty this state park has to offer! Is fishing your passion? Chain o’ Lakes is home to many types of fish including bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, and catfish! Looking to try something new? Check out their archery range or horse rental! Chain o’ Lakes also offers four trail systems where campers can walk, bike, or even ride a horse to experience the serenity of being surrounded by nature.
Take the hour drive for the best camping near Marengo and find the next available date below!
In addition to the individual campsite at Thomas Woods, the MCCD also operates five group campgrounds that scouts, family reunions, and other groups can reserve across the county. Click here for more information about each one.
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
KOA Cabin
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 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.
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!
When it comes to camping in Will County, there are plenty of options for family campers, primitive campers, or first-time campers! The local forest preserve offers rental packages so you don’t have to drop a lot on a permanent set of camping gear if you’re just giving it a try or planning to camp once or twice a year! For more amenities, check out the private campground, just 45 minutes away from Joliet.
7 – 3 Forest Preserve Camping
Best Local Primitive Camping in WIll County
The forest preserve district of Will County runs five campgrounds across the county and a rental program in case you’re just getting started or trying to drag some friends out to experience the outdoors for a change! We recommend taking a look at the gear packages for a lot of equipment for a good price, especially for first-time family campers!
7. Messenger Woods Nature Preserve
With four primitive family campsites, the Messenger Woods nature preserve has the best camping in Homer Glen. With wide habitat diversity, you can explore the forest, wetland, prairie, and savanna all from your campsite! Messenger woods is great for birdwatching in Will county, find all 60 bird species that live across the preserve! The only thing you can’t do is bring your pets in order to protect wildlife.
In the winter, Messenger Woods has almost two miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails to keep you moving and warm!
Messenger Woods
6. McKinley Woods
Nestled within Frederick’s Grover, McKinley Woods offers primitive campsites (two ADA accessible) for rent. With over five hundred acres of forest, McKinley woods will show you forests, prairies, wetlands, and the magnificent Des Plaines river throughout a network of short trails under three miles each and access to the mighty I&M Canal State Trail you can take for over 60 miles!
This forest preserve offers primitive camping twenty minutes away from Joliet, perfect for a quick weekend trip! With spacious campsites that offer good privacy, fill your days fishing along the DuPage River, kayaking the Illinois water trails, or hunting for geocaches throughout the namesake woods. If you’re quiet, you might even catch a glimpse of the native long-tailed and least weasels!
For more information – check out their website here!
4. Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
Winter in Goodenow Grove
With nine large campsites (two ADA accessible campsites), the Goodenow Grove Preserve campsites are just off a circle parking, making them more like primitive campgrounds so be ready for a short walk!
If you’re camping in the winter, the nature center offers snowshoe rentals that you can use across over three miles of trails throughout the Plum Creek Greenway. A short walk away is a 40-foot high sledding hill with tubes available for rental in the same place as the snowshoes! The last place that makes this great for winter camping is the ice-skating pond that the forest preserve opens when conditions allow.
3. Forked Creek Preserve
If you take the Ballou Road Access about a mile in, you’ll find two primitive campsites, including one ADA accessible primitive campsite that is perfect for a family or group to spend the weekend in. Offering privacy, a dog park, and easy access to the Wauponsee Glacial Trail, there is plenty here to keep you busy for days.
Take a look at the next available dates at this link!
2. Channahon State Park
State Park Camping near Joliet
The only state park that allows camping in Will County, Channahon is a primitive campground near Joliet. Just a twenty-minute drive, Channahon camping only requires a permit from the information center, making it an easy trip for spontaneous campers! During your trip, you can paddle the fifteen miles of canals – spotting animals along the banks. If you’d rather stick to land, the park accesses over 60 miles of bike and hike trails along the old I&M Canals.
1.Emerald Trail Campground
Best Private Camping in Will County
Emerald Trail
A large campground in Crete, Illinois, just a few short miles away from the border of Indiana, Emerald Trails has 140 campsites available in Will County, including thirty tent-only sites. Just forty-five minutes away, this is some of the best private camping near Joliet. Emerald Trails offers full shower and laundry facilities, easy access to almost thirty golf courses, and plenty of trails for hiking and biking the entire weekend!
When booking your campsite, ask for one near the water. They have a few campgrounds that overlook a small pond that can add privacy and make your trip memorable.
Reach out to Emerald Trails at (708) 672 – 8700 or visit their website for more information!
Haven’t Found Your Perfect Campsite?
More state parks, private campgrounds, and primitive campsites are waiting!Check out 14 more of our favorite campgrounds north of I-80.
Northern Illinois Campgrounds
Additional Camping Near Joliet
For car camping and more glamorous private rentals, you don’t need to stick with camping in Will County – check out other campgrounds in nearby DuPage, Cook, and Kankakee Counties, or explore the rest of the state!
Looking for seclusion or a weekend beach getaway? There are places for each type of camper when camping in Lasalle County! Home to one of the most magnificent State Park’s in Illinois and two of Illinois’ top seasonal RV campgrounds, you can explore canyons, waterfalls, and beaches in Northern Central Illinois. As the home to starved rock, camping nearby is going to give you the best access to the park if you’re trying to explore over multiple days! Take a look at our favorites below for some of the best camping near Chicago!
6. Buffalo Rock State Park
Best Primitive Camping in Lasalle County
Buffalo Rock State Park (Yelp)
Tucked away between Buffalo Rock and Utica lie three primitive campsites open for first come first serve camping. The sites contain a fire ring but that’s about all in terms of amenities! You can walk or even bike into the campsites. This is by far the best place for secluded camping in Lasalle County. Just be sure to bring your own water!
During your stay, take a hike around the park to explore the five sculptures of critters found in Illinois rivers. These sculptures are large enough to walk on! You can take the loop around Holman Lake. Be sure to carve some time out to swing by the grazing area for the two bison that still call Buffalo Rock home.
Pleasant Creek is a private campground located in Oglesby, Illinois, and has only been operating for a little under five years. While more focused on seasonal RV’s, they do have a number of primitive campsites, car campsites, and cabin campsites. The campsite offers wi-fi and alcohol on the grounds, depending on the kind of weekend you’re trying to have! Located less than a ten-minute drive away from Starved Rock, this campground can provide a private alternative to the state park campgrounds with all of the same great access to the trails and waterfalls.
A private, seasonal RV-focused campground, Hi-Tide is packed with amenities. From the expansive camp store filled with arcade games, a fishing area, mini-golf, hayrides, and a swimming lake, there is something for everyone to stay entertained. Their sandy beach offers plenty of sandcastle or tanning spots along with a small slide and shallow water area for the smaller kids! If you head out a little deeper, the swimming area has a large floating climbing wall, several trampolines, and a log roll! Looking for something lower key? Try bingo night for all ages, held in the outdoor pavilion.
KOA offers a few different types of experiences at this private campground. RVers, car campers, and cabin campers alike can find something at this KOA. Enjoy one of the four golf courses within a fifteen-minute drive, kick back at the KOA pool, or check out one of the nearby state parks (about half of this guide!). Looking for a bit more privacy? Check out the ‘Honeymoon corner’ with three tent sites. You may have to carry some of your gear to get to the campsites, but you’ll enjoy much more seclusion than the rest of the campground and many other places on this list.
Illini State Parks offers dozens of campsites across six loops for RV, family, and youth group camping. If you plan far enough in advance, you may be able to snag one of the sites just along the river (check out the Great Falls sites 13-18 for the best river campsites in the park). Take advantage of the Illinois River to catch Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Carp, Bullhead, and more. While the weather allows, a camp store offers hundreds of ice cream combinations, pizza, burgers, and even taco Tuesdays!
If you’re looking to get away in the colder months, they set up an ice-skating pool and there are great hills for sledding. Illini State Park offers a great place for families willing to brave the chill. Visit their website for more information!
1. Starved Rock State Park
Best Camping in LaSalle County
Starved Rock Waterfall (Flickr)
With over 130 campsites and another six group campsites, Starved Rock has space for RVs and family campers. Campsites have access to showers and there are electric hookups at each site to make your stay a little more comfortable. Unfortunately, there is no hikable connection from the campground to the park so be prepared to drive each day even if you stay within the state park.
Best Campsites at Starved Rock
While Starved Rock is one of the best state parks in Lasalle County, the campsites can be hit or miss if you don’t pick right! Keep these tips in mind when reserving your starved rock campsite:
East Loop is going to offer more privacy since there is far more tree cover and vegetation between campsites, especially for campsites 70 – 125
For more space for activities, especially for group camping in starved rock, the best campsites are 40 – 47 which back up to a large lawn and playground! The entire West Loop should offer easy access if those are not available.
For the most private campsite at Starved Rock, try to reserve campsite 96 or 97. They may be the furthest ones but also have significant vegetation and less nearby campsites than the rest of the East Loop
During the day, explore over 13 miles of trails, stumbling on waterfalls, meandering into canyons, and enjoying lush forest all in a couple of hours. The park offers suggested portions for all types of hikers from the one-mile beginner to the ten-mile overhang – canyons trail combo. If you sign up early enough, you can get into a guided hike to learn more about the park from the Nature Resource Coordinator.
Rather spend more time on the water? There are kayak rentals, paddleboats, and a boat launch if you brought your own fishing boat. The river offers various types of fish for any avid angler.
Fall Trees in Starved Rock (Flickr)
The most unique thing about starved rock camping is that in the winter months, it can attract Bald Eagles who feast using the dam’s ability to break up the river ice and access the fish beneath. Make it a weekend and spend time ice climbing if you have your own equipment or rent cross country skis at the nearby Mattheison state park!
More state parks, private campgrounds, and primitive campsites are waiting!Check out 14 more of our favorite campgrounds north of I-80.
Northern Illinois Campgrounds
Summary
Hope you found something that fits your needs with the six best places for tent camping in Lasalle County above! If you’re still looking for the perfect campsite, check out other nearby lists for Illinois Campgrounds or drop us a line to let us know if we’ve missed your favorite!
Located west of Chicago, Kane County is home to some great camping spots! The Forest Preserve District offers some of the best campsites in Kane County and is committed to preserving and restoring natural areas and improving wildlife habitats. Explore the variety of terrains such as woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. Check out our list of campsites in Kane County below and plan your next adventure!
4. Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve
Kane County Camping for Groups
Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve (Kane County Forest Preserve)
Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve is a great place to take your youth group for a nature-filled camping experience! This picturesque forest preserve, located in St. Charles, IL, is comprised of prairie and woodland. It offers almost 9 miles of trail, including the starting point for the Great Western Trail. It is also home to Creek Bend Nature Center, the center of the Forest Preserve District’s Environmental Education program. The nature center offers exhibits you can’t miss such as a prairie biodiversity exhibit and a wetland exhibit that gives an underwater look at the Fox River.
Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve does not rent out campsites in Kane County to the general public; they only rent out sites to organized youth groups. There are 8 campsites available, and each campsite can accommodate up to 25 campers. Total capacity between all 8 sites is 200 campers. You are able to rent more than one campsite. Firewood is provided as well. For more information on how to make a reservation, visit this link!
3. Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
Best Group Campsites in Kane County
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls (Alltrails)
Looking for somewhere to bring your youth group camping? Let your members experience the true beauty of nature at Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls. This campground is adjacent to Freeman Kame Forest Preserve and offers opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities. Note that Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls does not rent campsites to the general public. This campground offers both tent campsites and an indoor lodge.
There are 13 campsites that can accommodate up to 25 campers each (that’s a total of 325 campers). You are able to rent more than one campsite. If you’re looking for an indoor camping experience, check out the lodge! The rustic-feeling Tomo Lodge can accommodate up to 100 people and includes bathrooms, a stove, a refrigerator, tables and chairs, and a wood-burning fireplace. It’s important to note that the lodge does not provide any sleeping amenities, so make sure you bring your own sleeping bags or cots! For more information or to reserve campsites/Tomo Lodge, please call the Forest Preserve District of Kane County camping reservation line at (630) 232-1242.
2. Paul Wolff Campground
Paul Wolff Campground is located within Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin, IL. Burnidge Forest Preserve offers 9 miles of trails where you’ll encounter many different types of plants and wildlife on your journey. They even have a 2.25-mile trail that you can hike, bike, or ride your horse on! If you enjoy fishing, you’re in luck! Paul Wolff Campground offers two different ponds you are able to fish in.
Paul Wolff (Daily Herald)
Paul Wolff Campground can accommodate both tent and RV campers. It offers 89 campsites that include 50-amp electrical service, water access, a parking pad, and a fire ring. Each of these sites can accommodate motor homes up to 50 feet long. Paul Wolff Campground also offers 5 equestrian campsites where you can camp with your horse! If you’re looking to camp away from the main area, check out the primitive campsites. These 10 wooded campsites are for tent campers only and do not have electrical service.
Note that this campground does not accept reservations! The campsites are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Paul Wolff Campground only accepts checks and cash for payments, no credit cards are accepted. For more information on this campground, check out the forest preserve of Kane County camping website here!
1. Big Rock Campground
Best Campsites in Kane County
Big Rock (Enjoy Aurora)
Big Rock Campground is nestled into the beautiful acres of Big Rock Forest Preserve located in Big Rock, IL. Explore woodlands, marshes, creeks, and even a 65-foot deep lake as you hike, bike, or ride your horse on the 10.3 miles of trail this forest preserve offers. If you enjoy fishing or are interested in trying it for the first time, check out the catch-and-release fishing at Siegler Lake! This campground is also conveniently located near Deer Valley Golf Course.
Big Rock Campground is perfect for tent and RV campers. It offers 96 campsites that include 50-amp electrical service, water access, parking pads, and a fire ring. If you’re looking to camp even deeper in nature, check out the primitive campsites! These 9 campsites can only be reached by foot and are for tent campers only. It’s important to note that this campground does not accept reservations; the campsites are available on a first-come-first-served basis. They also only accept cash and checks for payments. To learn more about this campground, check out the forest preserve website!
If you are looking for a place for camping in Jefferson County, Archway RV Park in Mt. Vernon, IL is the place for you! Conveniently located just off of interstates I-57 and I-64, this family-owned and operated campsite is open all year. Some of their amenities include a dog run with an exercise field, a catch-and-release fishing pond, a playground, wifi, and a laundromat.
Archway RV Park can accommodate RVs and tents. Don’t fret if you don’t own an RV or tent, the park offers three different rental lodging options. The first option is a rental camper. These campers can accommodate up to four people and include a refrigerator and freezer, a microwave and stovetop, a TV, and a shower! If you’re not interested in the rental camper, be sure to check out one of their cabins. Looking to hop on the glamping trend? You have to inquire about the park’s glamping pods! These pods are somewhere between a tent and a cabin and are perfect for those interested in experiencing minimal housing.
Glamping Pod (Archway RV)
For more information or to make a reservation, check out the link below!
Additional Options for Camping Near Jefferson County
For other camping near Jefferson County, check out nearby spots using our Illinois State Guide or use the buttons below to navigate to nearby counties!
We know that navigating the different rules across the state can be difficult so we’ve put together the most frequently asked questions about camping or RV’ing in Illinois State parks. If you’re ready to reserve your weekend, find the best camping spots in Illinois using our campground guides, find the best deals on gear with our gear guides ,and best spots to find used camping gear in Illinois!
Head over to ExploreMoreIl to select the dates you need (new for 2021) by clicking on the blue checkmarks for the dates available and filling out the reservation and payment details. Be sure to take a look at the campground map and try to select a site with privacy or a nice waterside view!
3. Get ready for your trip!
Take a look at the FAQs below to make sure you know what to do with your car or beer when you arrive to the campsite! Most state parks are hosted by a volunteer, have a self-service pay box, or a check-in station so be sure to check out your park’s specific rules before you arrive (you might not have much cell service!). Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions about Illinois State Park Camping
Are Illinois State Parks Free?
Illinois State Parks do not charge an entry fee other than the $1 charge for state beaches also run by the DNR. To camp in state parks, you should expect to spend between $8 – $35 per day depending on the type of campsite and if you are reserving for high-demand weekends.
Can I get a refund after camping at Illinois State Parks? What is the refund policy?
According to section 130.80 of the DNR rules, refunds for camping and utility fees can be requested for unused time as long as the request is made by the registered camper within seven days of departure. Note that they may take off one night of the camping and utility fee if you cancel a reservation after their cut-off date (usually, about three days before but check your reservation).
How many cars can I park at each IL State Park campsite?
Two cars per tent or trailer campsite. If you have motorcycles, you can either have two motorcycles or two motorcycles and a car parked at each campsite. Vehicle campsites are similar except you can also park the camper or RV itself without counting it as a car. If you’re in a primitive site, you can only keep your bike, canoe, or snowmobile with you.
Can I bring my dog or cat camping at the state parks?
Yes! The only place you cannot bring your furry friend is into any of the Rent-A-Camp cabins. Just be sure to keep them on a leash! While the DNR doesn’t have any specific guidance on cats, they are presumably bound to similar rules and regulations. If you’re looking to bring your pet in the winter, there are a number of private campgrounds with cabins nearby parks across the state. Check out our state guides to find the best one for you!
Can I smoke at Illinois State Parks?
Yep! Smoking tobacco is permitted as long as you’re adhering to the normal state guidelines around building entrances whenever nearby camp stores, restrooms, etc.
Can I smoke cannabis / marijuana / weed camping at Illinois State Parks?
Unfortunately, the state laws for IL prohibit ‘public consumption’ of weed in Illinois. While the DNR hasn’t provided a specific ordinance against it, it is likely that smoking or consuming cannabis would be subject to a fine unless you have a medicinal card. Given that camping attracts all ages and types of families, consider picking up less disruptive types of marijuana, like edibles, if you must bring something for your weekend in the state parks.
Can I drink alcohol camping in Illinois State Parks?
In most state parks, alcohol is prohibited on the campgrounds. To check your specific site rules for alcohol, take a look at this page on the DNR website. In any case, as long as you aren’t disruptive or openly displaying your goods, we’ve never had issues in the past (but understand what your local DNR rules & penalties are before taking any risks!)
Can I mushroom hunt in Illinois State Parks?
Yes, you can hunt mushrooms in Illinois State Parks and recreation areas butnot in nature preserves. Additionally, during spring turkey hunting season (May 10th & 17th depending on your region), any parks with turkey hunting are closed to mushroom hunters until 1 pm for safety. If you want to be certain that you won’t encounter any trouble while mushroom hunting on state park land, just give them a call and they’ll be happy to answer your questions! Happy hunting!
Where can I buy an Illinois State Parks gift card?
Unfortunately, you cannot purchase gift cards for the Illinois State Parks. While some lodges within parks, like at Starved Rock, may offer gift certificates – the IL DNR does not.
What is the cancellation policy for Illinois State Park camping reservations?
Camping fees may be refunded if you cancel your camping reservation online at least three days ahead of the first night. Note that there is a $5 non-refundable reservation deposit that is made when you first reserve that will not be returned.
Which is the largest Illinois State Park?
The largest State Park in Illinois is Pere Marquette with over 8,000 acres to explore at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.
Which is the most popular state park in Illinois?
In 2020, the most popular state park in Illinois was Starved Rock State Park. A longtime Illinoisan favorite, over 2.3 million people visited in 2020.
Which is the least popular state park in Illinois?
With less than 4,000 visitors in 2020, the Fall Creek Scenic Overlook was the least popular state park in Illinois. A small park with limited activities, this park sees about 300 people a month throughout the year for archery hunting.
Where was the first State Park in Illinois?
Along the Ohio River, Massac State Park was first established in 1908 to preserve the history behind this French-Indian war encampment first built in the mid-1700s
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