3 Great Camping Spots in Illinois National Parks + How to Protect Your Campsite from Wildlife

Jul 17, 2024

Late Summer season is one of the most fun times to go camping. The temperatures are a little less stifling during the day, and night time is much cooler and more comfortable. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a little R&R under the stars and do some campfire cooking and s’mores making. On today’s blog, we’re going to share some great campsite locations in Illinois, along with some very important safety tips for communing with nature.

When you’re camping or hiking in the woods, you’ll want to be mindful and respectful of local wildlife! So, in honor of World Snake Day, at the end of our post we’re also going to help you learn some of the common snakes in our area so you can stay safe on your outdoor adventures! Be sure to check out these important safety tips on identifying snakes of the Midwest so you can rest assured your tent is safe and comfortable.

About State Park Campsites in Illinois

The Spring/Summer camping season in Illinois State Parks runs from May 1st through September 30th. Fall/Winter camping season starts on October 1st and runs through April 30th. You can reserve your campsite with the Illinois State Government to ensure that you’ve got your campsite settled! Some sites may be listed as “walk-in” and are first-come, first-serve campsites upon arrival; it’s important to note that this may mean some sites are full upon your arrival.

Three Great Options for State Park Camping in Illinois

Shawnee National Forest

With more than 280,000 acres of ground to explore including prairies, meadows, lakes, ponds, rivers, waterfalls and dozens of wooded trails, this park is prime time camping real estate! Top attractions at this area include (but most certainly are not limited to) the stunning sandstone cliff seasonal waterfall, Jackson Falls; the Bell Smith Springs recreation area with canyons, streams, sandstone cliffs, and plentiful plants and wildlife; Pomona Natural Bridge hiking trail through a mature oak-hickory and beech forest; Kinkaid Lake which offers plentiful trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, as well as kayaking/canoeing; Garden of the Gods wilderness area with unique rock formations and gorgeous views of the forest from atop rocky cliff sides.

Camping at Shawnee National Forest can be done at the Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, Camp Cadiz Campground, Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, Lake Glendale REcreation Area, Pounds Hollow Recreation Area, Tower Rock Campground, Johnson Creek Recreation Area, Kinkaid Lake and Trail System, and the Pine Hills Campground.

Starved Rock State Park

This 2,630 acre wilderness area is situated right on the Illinois River and is famous for its glacial formed sandstone canyons. The park has waterfalls a plenty, with their primetime season being March through May, but they’re still just as beautiful in any season! To catch the waterfalls you’ll want to follow the Green Interior Canyon Trails map and stop by French Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, Ottawa Canyon, LaSalle Canyon, Kaskaskia Canyon, Aurora Canyon, and St. Louis. You can tour the park on your own from sunrise to sunset along any of the marked hiking trails, or opt for a guided hike with a professional trail guide through the bluffs, canyons, waterfalls, and learn a little about the history of the park along the way. Be sure to bookmark the Starved Rock State Park Checklist of wildlife so you can look for the vast and diverse species of creatures that call this beautiful area home, and learn more about the hundreds of species of plants and flowers that create such a lush, sprawling landscape.

Camping reservations can be made at the Starved Rock State Park CampGround which offers pit toilets and seasonal porta potties, shower houses, a dump station and garbage drop, camp store, water hookups, and a playground. Pets are welcome but must remain on a leash and with their handler at all times; pet waste must be picked up and disposed of in designated areas.

Apple River Canyon State Park

This state park may not be as large as the previous suggestions with just 1,907 acres, but smaller acreage doesn’t imply it’s short on fun by any means! Located on the northwest corner of Illinois near the Wisconsin border, this park boasts impressive Limestone bluffs, deep ravines, sparkling springs, beautiful streams, and abundant wildlife! The region was once part of a very large sea bottom that spanned from the Allegheny Mountains to the Rocky Mountains, and the area’s canyons were formed by the waters of the Apple River over many, many years. There’s lots of space to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities from hiking to hunting to fishing, plus beautiful open meadows and picnic areas to do some picnicking!

Camping reservations can be made at the Canyon Ridge Campground, but they don’t have any showers on site. There are also 6 group sites in the Walnut Grove Youth Campground, which is also used for Winter camping from 11/1-4/15.

Learn How to Spot the Local Snakes of Illinois When Camping

When camping outdoors, especially if you’re opting for tents or open air, backcountry camping, it’s important to be able to identify dangers you may encounter! Learn a little bit about how to identify native Illinois snake species, when to spot different varieties seasonally, and different anatomical and physical qualities of these fascinating native reptiles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBdS4gHgd50

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xle1eIeKVYc