Ferne Clyffe State Park, located in the southern tip of Illinois, has been home to more than 2,400 acres of scenic park for nearly 100 years. Picturesque hiking trails, along with picnicking, hiking, hunting and fishing make it an ideal tent camping location. Ferne Clyffe features 56 first-come, first-served camping sites, with no reservations permitted. The park allows four unrelated adults or one family per site, and the gates open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. But campers may enter at any time. The park allows your dogs on leashes and horses for horseback riding at the sites, which include electric hook-ups, grills and picnic tables. The park provides a playground and shower building, open from April 1 until the Monday before Thanksgiving.
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Rt. 37, P.O. Box 10
Goreville, IL 62939
stateparks.com/ferne_clyffe.html
Eagle Creek State Park, located in east-central Illinois, has camping sites that encompass an area with 11,100 acres of water and 250 miles of shoreline. Eagle Creek has 56 reserve-only sites and campgrounds that include picnic tables, electricity and showers open from May 1 to November 1. With hiking, hunting, boating and fishing literally at your tent's front door, Eagle Creek State Park is a lovely area conducive to tent camping.
Eagle Creek State Park
R.R. 1, Box 198-B
Findlay, IL 62534
217-756-8260
dnr.state.il.us
Rock Cut State Park, located in extreme northwest Illinois, offers over 3,000 acres that include a 162-acre lake and 270 camping sites. Sites include electricity, and the campground offers showers, toilets, a boat launch and playground equipment. Equestrian camping is allowed but restricted to one site location. While open year-round, only electricity and pit toilets are available from November to April. From cross-country skiing in the winter through hunting, swimming and hiking over 40 miles of trails, you will always find something to do at Rock Cut State Park.
Rock Cut State Park
7318 Harlem Road
Loves Park, IL 61111
815-885-3311
dnr.state.il.us
Weinborg-King State Fish & Wildlife Area is located in west-central Illinois, and boasts 772 acres known for their equestrian camping. The area offers 30 miles of riding trails and 19 electrical hook-ups and pads for camping. You will also find a non-electric campground available for all non-equestrian campers. Hunting, fishing and picnicking areas are all available, and wildlife abounds throughout the park.
Weinborg-King State Fish & Wildlife Area
P.O. Box 203
Augusta, IL 62311
217-392-2345
illinois.com
