Best Glamping near Bismarck, IL

Il start this by saying: we prefer tent camping/primitive/atleast semi isolated spots. If you’re looking for RV camping, this is probably a decent spot so read no further!

We drove in to the Middle Fork Forest Preserve looking for a place to camp same day on our way down to Giant City. We weren’t able to make a reservation less than 5 days in advance online so we tried to call. No one in the office except Th-Sunday and it was Wednesday so we couldn’t get in touch. All good. It happens and it did say that clearly on their website and on voicemail. We needed a place for the night so decided to risk driving over from I57 S. Rolled in around 5 and all the campsites were marked reserved but there were about 3 people set up to camp there. We didn’t end up camping the night 1. Because we didn’t want to be jerks about the reservations although it seemed like no one else would be arriving until at the earliest the next day and 2. All of the campsites were pretty tight together and surfaced with gravel. That’s a personal preference thing. We always look for primitive/walk-in/hike in sites to set up tents/hammocks. This spot was mostly set up for RVs.

The hiking looked pretty lovely and the grounds/facilities looked well kept! Just maybe not our preference.

Campground Review:

This is a pleasant discovery! The drive into the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve winds between a few ponds. We saw many families fishing around each of them. Once at the campground, check in with the camp host. Right now you must register online due to COVID-19. There were no photos of the campsites online so we picked a spot distant from the others(my dog gets finicky). We should have picked a different site. Sites 40- 48 get full sun until around 2 in the afternoon. Luckily it was cool for our visit or we would have melted. Other sites are mostly shaded and beautiful. Some sites give more privacy than others(32 looked nice). There is a swimming beach and playground that were also closed for COVID. Each site has a raised fire pit, picnic table and lantern hanger. Every site comes with electric and still it only cost us $16 for the night. The shower house was also closed but pit toilets were available. There are double sites where small groups can share space. There is also a group camping area(near our site) that has a large open field right in front of it. A theater stage is found long a hiking path that starts near the camp host. Perhaps your family can put on a play :) 

The hiking here is interesting! The Oak Burl trail is mostly wooded. We came upon a 8” deep creek to cross (thanks small tree branch to walk across!). We found little offshoots to spots along the Middle Fork River. One couple found a rock bar to lay out on for their own private river-beach. The hiking on the other side goes through a mix of prairie and woods. The prairie is in restoration and we saw some traditional prairie plants among field grass- signs that they are working on things. Going further out brings you right to the fork between Sugar Creek and the Middle Fork river. We hiked these during the morning and still needed water and a rest. The trails are wide but some of the grass was almost a foot tall- its been raining here. 

We discovered a couple donut shops in a town about 20 minutes west- one is known for their scones! We enjoyed this campground but would hesitate before camping here during the heat of summer- unless you have a/c.

Product Review: GCI Pod Rocker with Sun Shade in Loden Green 

As a Dyrt Ranger, sometimes I get products to review. I am so happy that I found this chair! A good travel chair that is comfy and folds is key to summer-long adventures. The pod rocker folds into its own carrying case(extra tip: I put the case flat on the ground and my dog loves to lay on it away from some of the crawling ants and things). It is simple to push on the 4 corners of the chair and it opens right up. I immediately noticed that there are some extra shocks on the chair. This adds some weight so this chair might not be great for backpacking very far but it is still certainly carryable. 2 legs in front stabilize the pod rocker in a secure position. The first time I went to rock it I felt like I was falling over- there is a gap before you settle onto the flat base that allows the rocking. Once on this extra base, the shock compresses allowing you to rock your heart out! This transition from stable to rocking was easy to get used to and provides a solid base for eating/activity vs. rocking. This isn’t a chair that rocks on its own. You apply consistent force to rock. The sun shade is a retractable part that can rest behind your seat out of the way. It is really easy to click up above your head at different angles. I so often find myself in places without much shade that this is a feature I will continue to enjoy! When it came time to leave camp, the chair was easy to compress and slide into the carrying bag- no struggles at all. The arm rests are not a perfect fit for my body geometry but didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the pod rocker. Tucked under one of the arms I found a cup holder(big enough for my large coffee container) and a slim pocket perfect for my phone. I did enjoy one extra feature that the wide chair provided room for. The chair will allow you room to rock so I used this to turn the chair into a sort of recliner. I propped my feet on a table, scooted my butt forward in the chair and rocked back. My head was now supported by the top of the chair and my feet were up. Perfectly cradled for recovering after a long hike with my dog! Although you might see in the photo/video that my dog seems to like the pod rocker too. Maybe I need another one for her:) The material in the pod rocker feels like it will keep me sitting comfortable for the rest of the summer and in years to come.

This is a really lovely spot! There’s 2 bars of Verizon service, a shower house with warm water and flush toilets, as well as pit toilets. There are a few hiking trails that leave from the campground as well. My only problem was that it was extremely busy when I visited and some of my neighbors were quite loud (although they quieted down by quiet hours).

Super friendly owners. Quickly responsive to an on-the-road call. Reasonably priced.

I've stayed here several times. The grounds are well kept and the owners are just nice people.  The only caveat I have is that there is only one building for showers for the whole site, unless that's changed since the last time I was there. 

This is my default campground when going to Turkey Run state Park

Site 91 was tucked away in a more forested area away from RVs. Did a nice kayaking loop using their service. Had everything you needed, very chill experience. Will return fsho.

One of the best parks in Indiana! If your looking for rugged trails look no further. For the most part campground is nicely shaded.

Recommend going in the off season if you want to visit. The park is overrun in the summer months and week days in the spring can be overrun with school groups. That being said, we have visited here for 15 years and continue to return and invite friends! The hiking trails are extensive and fun. You walk they creek beds, climb boulders and waterfalls. There is horseback riding and canoes/kayaks available nearby. Also a nice visitor center and historic home onsite. We find Geodes in the riverbed often!

There is lots to do here! I came here earlier in the summer for a day of hiking and really enjoyed it. We hiked for hours and only covered a small protion of the trails available. There are so many nice spots to take in the views. Its dog friendly but some trails have steep parts with ladders so you'll have to keep to the more shallow trails. The trails can also get full of people during the midday and early afternoon so get out early. I can't wait to come back amd explore all there is to see.

This is one of my favorites for hiking. All the obstacles and little creeks that dub the trail "very rugged" get me excited just thinking about it. Not to mention the beautiful views, from being so high and seeing over the top of the park, to being down in the raviens and coming across the Punch Bowl. If you're a hiker and haven't been here yet. Go. As mentioned in my review of Shades, it's only a short drive between the two. And you can do some fishing at the nearby Raccoon Lake. Enjoy!

We were able to reserve our spot online weeks in advance. Check-in & check-out times are 2pm every day. Each camp spot has a nice metal ringed firepit with a grill grate for cooking on the fire. Camp store is filled with stuff you'd need on case you forgot it, and they have plenty of firewood for sale too! My wife and I will definitely be going back every summer now that we know how gorgeous Turkey Run State Park is!! There have over 10 miles of hiking trails ranging from novice to expert. There is also a kayak rental company right down the road called Sugar Creek Valley where you can rent kayaks, canoes, and even tubes to float down the river on.

I had heard about Turkey Run a few times but never thought much of it. On my way through we decided to stop in and we were so blown away we stayed the night. This state park is definitely the Gem of Indiana . There are lots of view stops along the river, the suspension bridge is super neat, and the rocks, waterfalls, and streams will have you awestruck the whole time. I cannot wait to return, I’m sure it is breathtaking in the fall. there are lots of inclines and steps , not much of it was extremely easy hiking, but we did see lots of families with kids doing just fine. We camped out of our Jeep and didn’t have any issue. My favorite part about camping is the sunrise and Turkey Run was not disappointing.

Campers should know that camping here will provide you with wonderful, shady camping and several hungry raccoons!

We love Turkey Run. The campgrounds are clean and fun for all ages. The outer edge campsites provide beautiful views of the woods and are pretty secluded from other sites. The hiking trails are incredible...one of a kind for Indiana. The trails are more like adventures, leading in and out of the creek, up stairs carved into rock, up and down ladders, and across a cable bridge. It’s just beautiful. The facilities are clean, the staff is as nice as can be. You won’t regret staying at Turkey Run.

Nice state park with access to the river for water activities. Books up way in advance so make reservations early

It's a very popular park all the time, not just for the Covered Bridge Festival. Over 200 sites, all electric. Some sections are shady and wooded on winding roads that can make backing in a little challenging. Also lots of sunny pull-thrus. Showers and restrooms are well-maintained and clean. Hiking and climbing in valleys and canyons, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, fishing on Sugar Creek. A relaxing and rewarding trip - great place for Shinrin-yoku.