Description
Book SynopsisPerfect Camping for You in Illinois
The Prairie State provides a spectacular backdrop for some of the most scenic campgrounds in the country. But do you know which campgrounds offer the most privacy? Which are the best for first-time campers? John Schirle has traversed the entire region—from Apple River Canyon State Park in the northwest, with its bubbling creeks and steep ravines, to the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in the south, one of the most photographed locations in the state—and compiled the most up-to-date research to steer you to the perfect spot!
Best Tent Camping: Illinois presents 50 private, state park, state recreation area, forest preserve, and wildlife area campgrounds, organized into three distinct regions. Selections are based on location, topography, size, and overall appeal, and every site is rated for beauty, privacy, spaciousness, safety and security, and cleanliness—so you’ll always know what to expect. The new full-color edition of this proven guidebook provides everything you need to know, with detailed maps of each campground and key information such as fees, restrictions, dates of operation, and facilities, as well as driving directions and GPS coordinates.
Whether you seek a quiet campground near a fish-filled stream or a family campground with all the amenities, grab Best Tent Camping: Illinois. It’s an escape for all who wish to find those special locales that recharge the mind, body, and spirit. This guide is a keeper.
Table of ContentsIllinois Campground Locator Map
Map Legend
Acknowledgments
Preface
Best Campgrounds
Introduction
NORTHERN ILLINOIS
- Apple River Canyon State Park
- Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
- Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park
- Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
- Marengo Ridge Conservation Area
- Pecatonica River Forest Preserve
- Sugar River Forest Preserve
- Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area
CENTRAL ILLINOIS
- Argyle Lake State Park
- Beaver Dam State Park
- COMLARA Park
- Eagle Creek State Recreation Area
- Forest Glen Preserve
- Friends Creek Conservation Area
- Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Kickapoo State Recreation Area
- Lincoln Trail State Park
- Lodge Park
- McCully Heritage Project
- Moraine View State Recreation Area
- Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
- Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Sand Ridge State Forest
- Siloam Springs State Park
- Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Walnut Point State Park
- Weldon Springs State Park
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
- Beall Woods State Park
- Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area: Red Bud Campground
- Camp Cadiz Campground
- Cave-in-Rock State Park
- Devils Kitchen Campground
- Dixon Springs State Park
- Ferne Clyffe State Park
- Garden of the Gods Recreation Area: Pharaoh Campground
- Giant City State Park
- Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Lake Murphysboro State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Pine Hills Campground
- Pounds Hollow Recreation Area: Pine Ridge Campground
- Pyramid State Recreation Area
- Randolph County State Recreation Area
- Saline County State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
- Trail of Tears State Forest
- Turkey Bayou Campground
- Washington County State Recreation Area
- Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park
APPENDIX A: Camping Equipment Checklist
APPENDIX B: Sources of Information
INDEX
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
