Illinois
Looking for the best camping in Illinois? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Illinois. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Camping Spots in and near Illinois
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Herod, Illinois
Hike the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail
4.91 miIn the southernmost part of Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is a wonderful natural area that transports you far from the flat agricultural landscape typical of so much of the Midwest. Located in the central area of the forest, Garden of the Gods is a 3,318-acre wilderness area characterized by ...Read more -
Oglesby, Illinois
Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park
5.03.9 miThis canyon is not as popular as some of the others in this park but it is my favorite by far. You can either hike the full 3.9 miles from the visitor center or you can jump in your car and head over to one of the parking lots on the east side for a shorter hike. Either way you will not be disap...Read more -
Oregon, Illinois
Hike Castle Rock North Trails
4.03.5 mi / 442 ft gainThe Castle Rock North Trail is a 3.5 mile loop that is great for all skill levels, such as families, and dogs are allowed on leash! The hike features a river, and has scenic views of the nearby landscapes from the top of a lookout point.Read more -
Topeka, Illinois
Backpack the Yellow Trail at Sand Ridge State Forest
14.8 miPark in Parking lot 2 on E. Co. Rd. 2300 N - from there you'll find the trail head for the Yellow/Red Trails. The Yellow Trail is the large 14.8 mile loop you'll follow for the whole trip. Start your hike by heading north on the trail; at this point the Yellow Trail is combined with the Red Trail...Read more -
Golconda, Illinois
Ghost Dance Canyon
0.58 mi / 39 ft gainWhen you arrive at Dixon Springs State Park, drive through the park and stop and take in the main attraction of a waterfall that is partially man made. Then drive and park at the swimming pool, walk to the front of it where the building is, and turn to the right. Follow the trail, and be mindful ...Read more -
Galesburg, Illinois
Camp at Lake Storey's Allison Campground
Allison campground at Lake Storey is a beautiful and popular area for campers of all skill levels. It provides easy access to the lake and to launch your boats if you wish to go fishing. There are plenty of places to set up camp. The campground is RV accessible with a significant amount of space ...Read more -
Ozark, Illinois
Explore Camp Ondessonk
10 miIn the heart of the Shawnee National Forest is an amazing camp that provides many adventures for those with all skill levels. When camp is out, anyone is allowed to visit Camp Ondessonk as a guest and explore. There are over 10 miles of trails through pristine forests, sandstone canyons, and sev...Read more -
Wolf Lake, Illinois
Hike to Inspiration Point at LaRue Pine Hills
0.75 mi / 164 ft gainInspiration Point Trail is a 0.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Wolf Lake, Illinois. The Inspiration Point Trail offers a panoramic view of the Mississippi River valley and the Big Muddy bottomlands and is well worth the climb. The 300-foot drop, seven feet to the left ...Read more -
Metropolis, Illinois
Visit Fort Massac State Park
0.5 mi / 15 ft gainThe long decorated history of Fort Massac dates back to 1757 during the French and Indian War when this French fort was constructed overlooking the Ohio River in Southernmost Illinois. The French left the fort behind at the conclusion of that war, then was rebuilt and used once more during the Re...Read more -
Cobden, Illinois
Hike Indian Creek Trail
0.75 mi / 65 ft gainThis wandering intermittent creek inside of Giant City State Park only flows in periods of heavy rain or after snow melts. Prior to a confluence with Drury Creek, the path comes to a mid sized shelter bluff wall. What this shelter lacks in sheer size, it made up for in importance to Native Americ...Read more -
Goreville, Illinois
Camp at Ferne Clyffe State Park
Ferne Clyffe has a campground for everyone. From the more modern, or primitive, larger groups, backpackers and even equestrian campers. From beginner to hardened veteran eagle scout, there is a campsite for everyone. The shower facilities that are offered at some campgrounds are available seasona...Read more -
Golconda, Illinois
Camp at Oak Point Campground
Oak Point Campground is located in the Lake Glendale Recreation Area, there are 34 full hook up sites and 25 primitive tent camping sites. Group camping is also available at the Duck Bay Shelter and the Goose Bay Shelter. All sites are first come first serve and does get crowded on Summer weekend...Read more -
Jonesboro, Illinois
Camp in the Trail of Tears State Forest
Trail of Tears State Forest lies within one of the most rugged landscapes in Illinois. The hills are steep, and the soil is shallow and susceptible to erosion. Cliffs are all around and streams with gravel bottoms are in the narrow forest filled valleys. In 1838-39 the Cherokee, Creek, and Chicka...Read more -
Cary, Illinois
The Hollows Trail
3.77 mi / 220 ft gainThe Hollows Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Cary, Illinois.Read more -
Murphysboro, Illinois
Paddle at Lake Murphysboro State Park
Beautiful rolling hills and woods surround Lake Murphysboro and provide opportunities for boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and hiking. Paddling is a perfect past time here. Canoe, Kayak, and Paddle Boards are all allowed much of the year. If fishing is on the agenda, a 10 hp maximum outboard...Read more -
Makanda, Illinois
Camp at Giant City State Park Campground
Giant City is a popular weekend retreat because it provides for all levels of camping. There are 85 campsites in the Class A Campground which provides water, electricity, showers and restroom facilities for tent and trailer camping. Some facilities such as showers are closed for the winter. A sep...Read more