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NewsNBC Chicago – LocalJuly 2, 2026United States

15 Illinois Camping Sites for Summer

This article lists 15 state parks and camping locations across Illinois suitable for summer outdoor activities. It recommends booking reservations in advance through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or local forest preserve districts.

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Why It Matters

Residents planning summer camping trips should be aware that advance reservations are required for these 15 state-managed or county-managed sites.

Key Facts

  • The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recommends making advanced reservations for state camping sites.
  • Clinton Lake State Recreation Area (DeWitt) features fishing, boat riding, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
  • Apple River Canyon State Park (Apple River) offers fishing, hiking, and picnic areas.
  • Camp Bullfrog Lake (Willow Springs) is operated by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and offers year-round camping, kayaking, and fishing.
  • Camp Dan Beard (Northbrook) provides cabins for groups and open fields for tents.
  • Camp Reinberg (Palatine) is operated by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and features hiking trails.
  • Chain O’ Lakes State Park (Spring Grove) includes 6,500 acres of water for boating, fishing, and skiing.
  • Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday (Union) offers tent sites, cabins, and trailer rentals.
  • Illinois Beach State Park (Zion) is located on Lake Michigan and offers swimming and fishing.
  • Kankakee River State Park (Bourbonnais) offers canoeing, bicycling, camping, and hiking.
  • Mississippi Palisades State Park (Savanna) covers 2,500 acres and highlights Indigenous history.
  • Rock Cut State Park (Loves Park) offers premium camping and rustic cabins.
  • Starved Rock State Park (Utica) offers boating, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking.
  • Shabbona Lake State Park (Shabbona) features 1,500 acres of prairie and a 318.8-acre lake.
  • Shawnee National Forest Garden of the Gods (Herod) offers horseback riding and hiking.
  • White Pines Forest State Park (Mt. Morris) offers cabins for individual or family stays.

Who's Mentioned

organizationForest Preserve District of Cook County“Operates specific camping sites like Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Reinberg.”organizationIllinois Department of Natural Resources“Manages state park reservations and information.”