National Camp Day: Exciting Campgrounds in Illinois and Wisconsin and Car Camping Gear

Nov 19, 2021

Today is National Camp Day and we’ll be sharing some of our picks for great camping gear for life on the go and all your road trip needs. In addition, we’ll also be highlighting some great spots to visit in both Illinois and Wisconsin. So pile your pals and your family in your new car from Classic and let’s experience the Great Outdoors together. You’ll find everything you need in our handy guide!

Great Campsite and RV Park Destinations

Illinois Beach State Park at 1 Lake Front Drive in Zion IL
MWR Navy Gateways RV Campgrounds at 7150799 Ziegemeier Street in North Chicago IL
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort at 32223 N US Highway 12 in Volo IL
Grass Lake Marina and RV Park at 26250 W Heart O Lakes Boulevard in Antioch IL
Island On the Chain Inc at 38600 N Lakeside Place in Antioch IL
Fox Den Campground at 8068 State Park Road in Spring Grove IL
Happy Acres Kampground at 22230 45th Street in Bristol WI
Red Maple Campsite in Salem WI
Sanders Park in Mt Pleasant WI
Cliffside Park Campgrounds in Racine WI
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Caledonia WI

Tips For Camping in the Car, SUV, or Van

Most modern day cars are roomy and spacious and make the perfect alternative to camping in tents or RVs. Check out these great tips for using your Van, SUV, or roomy sedan as cozy camping quarters!

Make sure you’ve packed these ten camping essentials from REI experts in your car and have fully filled your car’s gas tank.
Check which spaces are designated for parking your vehicle overnight, and if a ticket or permit is required to do so. Some places may require you to pay in advance to secure the site.
Select a flat, shaded area to set up your “campsite” so you don’t overheat or have to worry about your car rolling.
Place your food in a safe place inside the vehicle in a cooler or carrier to prevent spoilage or animal intruders.
Keep any overhangs, tables, chairs, and other belongings close to your vehicle to avoid crowding out other campers. If your campsite permits fires, be sure to set up any campfires about 150 feet or so away from your car to prevent accidents.
Make sure all the interior lights are turned off so you don’t run your battery down. Hang battery operated lights from the handles or clip headlamps to the headliner of the car so you can see at night when needed, or bring a reading light for a little relaxation.
Roll out a compact pillow and bedroll, foam mattress, or thick sleeping bag to keep comfortable.
Keep the windows or moon roof/sun roof cracked open for ventilation and air circulation. You can apply a thin mesh or piece of screen to prevent little critters and bugs from sneaking in the gaps. Don’t place any valuables under the windows to prevent any potential moisture or rain from getting in.

Here’s a list of Campfire Friendly Recipes to try:

Suggested Camping Gear for Your Next Road Trip

iKamper Skycamp 2.0

This is a convenient camper accessory for your SUV or other vehicles (different models are available for your car!) Enjoy a socially distanced vacation flying solo or with a partner or your kid. Sets up in 60 seconds, sleeps up to 4 people, and fits most vehicles! The closing straps have locks for your security and safety. Also includes tension poles, a ladder with angled steps, a UV cover to protect it, too. Comes in multiple sizes (mini or regular) and works with a wide array of accessories on the iKamper site!

Campfire Solo Stove

Don’t want to travel with tanks of butane or gasoline? We get it! Moving through the world in a waste-free, safe manner is important to us, too. Reducing your carbon footprint is great for the environment! Why not grab one of these wood-fueld Campfire Solo Stoves. Fire it up lickety split with just foraged twigs, ruffage, and sticks from your campsite. (Make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy, though, just in case!) Packs away safely and can travel in all weather!

Ultimate Cast Iron Camping Cook Set

Keep it simple with these easy to use, easy to clean, travel friendly campsite cooking utensils. This 8 piece set has everything you need for perfect campsite meals. From grilling the fresh catch of the day to stewed veggies and herbs you’ve foraged safely (grab some wilderness and foraging books and take a class to learn how to safely ID non-toxic edible plants!) you can cook it all. These are the perfect thing for every travelling roadtripper!

Thermarest’s MondoKing 3D Sleeping Pad

This sleeping mat comes in two sizes: Large and XXL. It’s four inches thick and has stable sidewalls and comfortable stretch knit fabric so you can sleep soundly. It’s easy to compress and store, but convenient to inflate for use.

The Trekker Chair Kit

Turn your mattress roll into a chair for no-fuss seating without the bulk or hassle of carrying folding chairs in your gear. Multiple sizes to fit your bed roll.

Compressible Pillows from Thermarest

This convenient portable pillow is easily stowed for travel, but expands quickly for comfortable sleep. Has multiple styles and sizes to choose from!

MEGAWHEELS Trunk Tent Waterproof Fabric

Included in this kit is a carry bag, car lock rings, and a tent with waterproof fabric. Attach this to your car/truck body to keep yourself safe and dry and warm while camping in your car. It also stops bugs and critters from invading your space late at night or in muggy weather.