The Prairie State is rife with spots to pitch your tent or park your RV. Here, the 8 best camping in Illinois where you can hike, fish, canoe, ride a horse or simply lay back & relax.
1. garden of the gods recreation area
WHY WE LOVE IT: Historic, amazing scenery RESERVATIONS: No ATTRACTIONS: Hiking, horseback riding, fishing, historical sites DATES: Year-round
MICHAEL KAPPEL
2. STARVED ROCK
WHY WE LOVE IT: Unique landscape, expansive hiking trails RESERVATIONS: Yes ATTRACTIONS: Hiking, kayaking, fishing, boating, ice climbing DATES: Year-round
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3. WILDLIFE PRAIRIE PARK
WHY WE LOVE IT: Wildlife, unique lodging RESERVATIONS: Yes ATTRACTIONS: Fishing, biking, hiking, kayaking DATES: Spring - October
KATHERINE JOHNSON
4. CASTLE ROCK STATE PARK
WHY WE LOVE IT: Isolation RESERVATIONS: No ATTRACTIONS: Hiking, picnicking, fishing, canoeing DATES: Year-round
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5. YOGI BEAR'S JELLYSTONE PARK RV RESORT
WHY WE LOVE IT: Kid-centric, nostalgic RESERVATIONS: Yes ATTRACTIONS: Aqua parks, boat rentals, electricity DATES: April - October
JELLYSTONE PARK RESORT
6. ILLINOIS BEACH STATE PARK
WHY WE LOVE IT: Relaxing, water access RESERVATIONS: Yes ATTRACTIONS: Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing DATES: April - December
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7. apple river canyon state park
WHY WE LOVE IT: Beautiful canyons RESERVATIONS: No ATTRACTIONS: Fishing, hiking, picnicking DATES: Year-round
ANTHONY AUSTON
8. camp bullfrog lake
WHY WE LOVE IT: Trails, water access RESERVATIONS: Yes ATTRACTIONS: Hiking, fishing, kayaking, bicycling, horse riding DATES: Year-round