What are some of the best places in Illinois for camping

Roger Franklin

New member
I am looking for suggestions for the best places to explore for camping purposes at the end of February in Illinois. Will be looking forward to the suggestion.
 
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texasnielsen

Outdoorsman
I am looking for suggestions for the best places to explore for camping purposes at the end of February in Illinois. Will be looking forward to the suggestion.
During my eight years in IL whenever we wanted some great camping we’d always head to what we referred to as out largest State park. Other’s might refer to it as Wisconsin. Head north for the great camping. Stay instate for some really good camping; west along the Mississippi at Palisades S.P. South and east along the Ohio Can be very nice as well. For a pleasant surprise try White Pines S.P. Up north.
Although I am personally happy not to live there any longer the State does has some very nice developed camping. Not so much primitive or boondocks. I’d look at Dyrt or Hipcamp apps as some newer social media outlets as well regarding recommendations.

Good luck!
 
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OcoeeG

Member
Southern Illinois is far from the Chicagoland area but there are some really nice camping spots. Especially if you are looking to camp in February I would concentrate your efforts around Southern IL. Garden of the Gods is really neat.
 

alia176

Explorer
I lived there for nine long years and found the nearest decent camping was in the U.P., near Escanaba. I'm not big on developed campgrounds with glampers everywhere so we had to travel that far north to escape the masses. But, the deer flies there were no joke, jeebus!

IN & KY have really nice camping venues but for the most part, I hauled ******** to UT/AZ/NM/CO for my camping needs.
 

jadmt

ignore button user
I heard the walmart parking lots are exciting places to camp in Chicago...very educational for the kids too. You can teach them how to spot a hooker or a drug deal going down..and teach them to tell the difference between a saturday night special sound and a 9mm......
 
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plh

Explorer
Camping in Illinois in February you should plan on the southern part... like Florida.
 

Ragman

Active member
Feb Camping will be cold no doubt and not sure what part of IL you are thinking but I really like Shabbona SP if you can get into the sites by the lake (and in Feb if it is open shouldn't be a problem!). Also like White Pines and Rock Cut if you can get by the lake. Apple River Canyon nice as well.
 

rruff

Explorer
IN & KY have really nice camping venues but for the most part, I hauled ******** to UT/AZ/NM/CO for my camping needs.

I grew up in central IL. Now, NM and CO are as far east as I ever want to go...

IL could be very cold in Feb... like below zero, windy, and 3 feet of snow. Or it might be nice... definitely want to stay in the southern part at least.
 

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