Illinois gets the attention of tourists because of the towering skyscrapers in luxurious shopping centers in Chicago. However, the state has numerous things to offer apart from the sophistication of the Windy City. Illinois boasts a plethora of natural wonders suitable for your desires, be it camping, fishing, hiking, or horseback riding.
The state of Illinois has four regions. These are the Northern, Western, Central, and Southern regions. With these regions come numerous national forests, state parks, and RV resorts. Thus, reasons become endless when he justifies Illinois as his camping destination.
Why Experience Adventures in Illinois?
Photo lifted from Millpoint RV Park
Beyond Chicago’s urban skylines lies the greeneries and other wonders of nature that await you as you plan to go camping across Illinois. The 55-foot mouth of a cave in Rock State Park, the savanna in Mississippi Palisades State Park, and the sprawling Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford are just a few of the many breathtaking sceneries waiting to welcome you the moment you decide to pursue adventures.
RV camping in Illinois provides you with the opportunity to experience picturesque sceneries from sunrise to sundown. You can find eye-capturing views in every angle that shall make your serene moment a more enjoyable one. I can go endless, citing the positive reasons you should give your Illinois camping plan the green light. But, you should go and experience it first-hand.
Best Parks and Resorts for Recreation and Camping
Credits to: DN
Blessed with natural elegance from its various landforms to freshwaters, the state of Illinois enjoys the abundance of campers–tourists and locals– because of these reasons. We will help you find the best camping sites and aid you with the relevant facts and figures you need for your camping adventure. We’ll guide you in achieving that ultimate Illinois camping getaway you deserve!
Driftwood RV Park Info
Photo lifted from rvquincy
Located at 2300 Bonansinga Drive, Quincy, Western Illinois, the Driftwood Campgrounds and RV Park affords its campers a luxurious view of Quincy Bay. The camping site has been in existence since 1965. The town itself boasts a rich culture seen in Quincy’s historic district.
The camping site is ideal for adventurers who love watersports since boat launching camps are accessible in front of the area. Furthermore, the fishing grounds and hunting sites are within proximity of the area. Thus, the place is not only ideal for camping but also for hunting, fishing, and boating.
The Driftwood Campgrounds and RV Park offer a lighted camping area, picnic tables, comfort rooms, laundry rooms, electrical hookups, a dump station, and a trash station. The campsite has a children’s playground, swimming pool, and camp rings for campfires. On its laundry room and patio area, a Wi-Fi connection is available.
As of the moment, 44 RV parking sites are operational seven days a week. The daily rate for RV campers who shall use electricity, water, and sewer shall pay $35. If you shall use only water and 120 Volt, your daily rate is $28. The check-in time is at 3 PM. On the other hand, the checkout time is at 11 AM. Inquiries and reservations can be made through https://www.rvquincy.com/
| Name: | Driftwoods Campground and RV Park |
| Address: | 2300 Bonansinga Drive, Quincy, Western Illinois |
| Check-in Time: | 3 PM |
| Checkout Time: | 11 AM |
| Operating Times: | Year-round |
| Rates: | · $35 (water, electricity, and water hookups) · $28 (water and 128 volts) |
| Reservations | info@rvquincy.com |
| Map Link: | shorturl.at/iluQ4 |
| Hotline: | 217-430-3575 |
Geneseo Campground Details
Photo lifted from MapQuest
The address of Geneseo Campground is 22978 Illinois Highway 82. The area is well known for the beauty of the historic Hennepin Canal. The camping site in Geneseo offers a touch of Victoria architecture for art lovers and various craft shops. Furthermore, the place attracts history and archeology buffs because of its nearby attractions.
Apart from RV camping, you can also experience kayaking or fishing in the majestic canal. You may opt to enjoy its pristine beauty by riding a surrey cart. These facilities are adjacent to the area. You can also rent out pedal carts, fat tire bicycles, canoes, and kayaks.
The RV site offers water, electric hookup, and sewers. Wi-Fi is available on all sites. Shower areas, laundry rooms, a camp store, and a dump station are present in the area. There are also yurts and cabins. Portable fire pans are available for campfires. However, you must purchase your firewood. On certain Saturday evenings, campers tend to come together in the camp commons area to share and enjoy a night of acoustic music.
There are 40 pull-thru sites with water, electricity, and sewer. Also, there are 22 RV sites with water and electricity hookups. The daily rate of the place ranges from $28 to $35. The Standard Pull-Thru or Back-In with Water/Electric (30 Amp) costs $28 per day. On the other hand, the Deluxe Pull-Thru with Full Hook-Up (30 Amp) is worth $32 per day. Furthermore, the daily rate of Premium Pull-Thru with Full Hook-Up (50 Amp) is $35. The check-in time is at 3 PM; the checkout time is 2 in the afternoon. Campers can reserve through www.camplife.com/413/reservation/step1.
| Name: | Geneseo Campground |
| Address: | 22978 Illinois Highway 82, Geneseo, Illinois |
| Check-in Time: | 3 PM |
| Checkout Time: | 2 PM |
| Operating Times: | Year-round |
| Rates: | · The Standard Pull-Thru or Back-In with Water/Electric (30 Amp) $28 per night · Deluxe Pull-Thru with Full Hook-Up (30 Amp) $32 per night · Premium Pull-Thru with Full Hook-Up (50 Amp) $35 per night |
| Reservations: | www.camplife.com/413/reservation/step1 |
| Map Link: | shorturl.at/fzB47 |
| Hotline: | 309-944-6465 |
Marion RV Park Info
Photo lifted from Marion Campground and RV Park
With a prime location at 119 7th St, Marion, the Marion Campground and RV Park boast about their accessibility. With nearby attractions that include the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Shawnee National Forest, and the Rend Lake, you can indeed find what you are looking for here. The proximity of the camping site to natural wonders captures the attention of numerous tourists.
Campers who are also golf and aqua sports enthusiasts shall love the place due to its proximity to areas of interest that offer these activities. For campers with high athletic spirit, you may opt to visit the Southern Illinois Miners Baseball and Southern Illinois Roller Derby.
The area possesses shower areas, laundry rooms, a playground, a pet walking area, a pavilion, and a package store. Wi-Fi is accessible on every site. In every camping site, water and sewer hookups are available for use. For those campers who are planning to have a long-term stay, mail and fax services are available. Also, there is the availability of satellite television on each site.
There are 58 full-service sites and 22 pull-thru sites with 50/30 amps are available in the area. As an RV camper, you have to pay $39.95 per day. You can check in and checkout at 11 in the morning. Inquiries and reservations are entertained on http://marioncampground.weebly.com/contact.html.
| Name: | Marion Campground and RV Park |
| Address: | 119 7th St, Marion, Illinois |
| Check-in Time: | 11 AM |
| Checkout Time: | 11 AM |
| Operating Times: | Year-round |
| Rate: | · $39.95 |
| Reservations: | http://marioncampground.weebly.com/contact.html |
| Map Link: | shorturl.at/juO48 |
| Hotline: | 618-997-3484 |
Illinois Beach State Park Info
Photo lifted from Illinois Department of Natural Resources
For the campers/beachgoers, the expansive six-and-a-half-mile shore of Lake Michigan is the ideal camping site for you. The Illinois Beach State Park, also known as Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park, is situated in Lake Front Drive, Zion.
The area boasts numerous recreational activities you can do in the area. The historic site was once a transient place for hunters and trappers in the early 19th century. Furthermore, the pristine shores became an army training center during World Wars I and II. The current beauty of the shorelines rarely reflects its bittersweet past.
The beach park’s long stretch is suitable for physically active campers since they are job and bike through the trails. The 4,160-acre park prides itself on the wide-ranging activities you can engage yourself in, such as swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. If you are a botany enthusiast, the site is ideal for seeing the more than 650 plant species native in the area.
The Illinois Beach State Park southern unit area offers 244 Class A sites for RV campers. These sites have electrical and sewer hookups. Shower areas and restrooms are available for use for the campers. Picnic tables, handicap facilities, fire Pits, playgrounds are also available for use. There is also a dump station and a camp store in the state park.
The place is open from April to December. Before making reservations, a camp permit is necessary that is accessible in the camp shelter. The acquisition of a camp permit allows you to stay in the camp for not more than 14 days in 30 days. There are many places to choose from. The Class AA sites (access to showers, electricity, water hookups, sewer hookups, and vehicular parking) cost $25 per night. The Class A sites (access to showers, electricity, and vehicular parking) cost $20 per night.
Meanwhile, the Class B-E sites ( access to electrical hookups and vehicular parking) cost $18 per night. The Class B-S Premium sites (access to shower areas and vehicular parking) cost $12 per night. The Class C sites (access to shower areas and vehicular parking or tent camp) cost $8 per night.
Campers must note that they should not carry alcoholic drinks within the campgrounds. The Check-in time runs from 7 AM to 10 PM; the checkout time is 3 in the afternoon. Reservations can be made through www.reserveamerica.com or 847-662-4811.
| Name: | Illinois Beach State Park |
| Address: | Lake Front Drive, Zion, Illinois |
| Check-in Time: | 7AM to 10PM |
| Checkout Time: | 3 PM |
| Operating Times: | April-December |
| Rate: | · The Class AA sites (access to showers, electricity, water hookups, sewer hookups, and vehicular parking) $25 per night· The Class A sites (access to showers, electricity, and vehicular parking) $20 per night· Class B-E sites (access to electrical hookups and vehicular parking) $18 per night· Class B-S Premium sites (access to shower areas and vehicular parking) $12 per night· The Class C sites (access to shower areas and vehicular parking or tent camp) $8 per night |
| Reservations: | www.reserveamerica.com or 847-662-4811 |
| Map Link: | shorturl.at/ksxF1 |
| Hotline: | 847-662-4811 |
Pine County Camping Resort Details
Photo lifted from Reserve America
Surrounded by lush greeneries at 5710 Shattuck Rd., Belvidere, Illinois, the Pine County RV Campground and Camping Resort welcomes campers from April to October every year. The camping site is ideal for both solo backpackers and family campers. Historic nearby attractions include the town of Rockford and the fun-filled Boone County Fair.
Apart from camping, you and your loved ones can relax in the outdoor swimming pool or play volleyball. Children can also enjoy the playground and arts and crafts activities. If you want to enjoy the tranquility of sunrise or sunset, you may opt to stroll through the woods or path walks covered with trees. In the area, pets are welcome, and fishing activities are available.
The place is open from April to October annually. Picnic tables and camp rings are accessible in the area. On the grounds, water, electrical, and sewer hookups are available. Shower rooms, laundry facilities, a barbecue area, a basketball court, and a camp store are accessible on the site. Wi-Fi is free in the site’s clubhouse.
The check-in and checkout time is at 11 in the morning. RV campers must pay $52 per night. Also, only individuals 21 years old and up can check in. Their guardians or parents must supervise guests under the age of 21. Reservations are made through https://www.rvonthego.com/illinois/pine-country-rv-camping-resort/.
| Name: | Pine County RV Campground and Camping Resort |
| Address: | 5710 Shattuck Rd., Belvidere, Illinois |
| Check-in Time: | 11 AM |
| Checkout Time: | 11 AM |
| Operating Times: | April-October |
| Rate: | · $52 |
| Reservations: | https://www.rvonthego.com/illinois/pine-country-rv-camping-resort/ |
| Map Link: | shorturl.at/ekwO1 |
| Hotline: | 888-481-6348 |
Things to Do and Bring in the Campsites
A camping adventure in one of the campgrounds in Illinois triggers excitement. However, a camping experience in Illinois is not fully enjoyable without ample preparation. As such, we will provide you with a brief checklist of your must-dos before driving your RV to your destination.
Inspect Your Vehicle before the Trip
Before driving to one of Illinois’ camping sites, you cannot leave your home without a thorough inspection of your RV. Check its interiors and exteriors; its lights, brake systems, tires, engine, generator, covers, power steering, and others. Check your onboard appliances, as well. Please do not forget to grab the toolbox and cleaning materials like trash bags and liquid washing solutions before leaving.
Preparing Your Supplies and Personal Items
Fill your food storage with more than enough foodstuff supply. To avoid inconvenience, prepare hygienic supplies such as toothpaste, toothbrush, mouth wash, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, tissues, and the likes. If you are under specific medication, do not forget to bring them along with the first-aid kit.
Prepare items of clothing that will suit the weather of your destination. Be sure to grab comfortable pieces of clothes and footwear. Do not forget to bring your favorite books, board games, and devices that shall help you ease boredom in the quiet moments.
Getting There With the Right Attitude
RV Parks in Illinois strictly observe quiet hours, usually from 10 PM to 8 AM. Be friendly to other campers by following the camping rules. Please do not play loud music at night. Do not turn on your generator in the wee hours. More importantly, please do not litter and leave your camping site as it was when you arrived. Also, it helps to do a little research about Illinois laws.
Conclusion
With extensive scrutiny and weighing of options, we give you the best camping sites in the state of Illinois. The criteria for choosing the best Illinois campgrounds include vital factors such as affordability, amenities, range of activities, accessibility, and camp rules, among others. Those camping sites are ideal for an individual soul-searching or the family who seeks fun by celebrating the holidays together.
The state of Illinois is undoubtedly gifted with many campgrounds that come with naturally beautiful landscapes. Other superb campgrounds inside Illinois are also worth visiting.