Pine Campground anchors the camping sites near Forest City, Illinois in Sand Ridge State Forest, where sandy soil creates an unusual Illinois ecosystem with prickly pear cactus and pine forests. The region sits at approximately 500 feet above sea level with a continental climate that brings warm, humid summers and cold winters. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, though some campgrounds maintain year-round availability.
What to do
Hiking sandy trails: Sand Ridge State Forest offers unique hiking with terrain that differs from typical Midwest trails. "Trails are long and well maintained. All sand! This is my go to state forest since it's so close to my home. Campgrounds are clean and it's never super busy!" explains a visitor to Oak Campground.
Fish in multiple lakes: Spring Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities with designated areas. "There is lots of fishing opportunity here. Spring lake is long and shallow. They allow pole fishing. We saw people fishing from boats as well as from nicely designed pullouts along the road," notes a visitor to Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Winter camping adventures: The forest remains open for winter camping with certain amenities still available. "We spent Christmas 2020 here! We camped in spot B4. One of the park staff stopped by. He was super nice, and offered some great info for future visits. Toilets were open, and he did mention we could still use the water spigot!" reports a winter camper at Pine Campground.
What campers like
Pine forest environment: The pine-dominated landscape creates a distinctive camping experience. "Large sites in a pine forest with a thick bed of pine needles. Pit toilets and water are available. The orange trail (5 mile loop) starts at the campground making it easy to access the trail to check out the sandy forest and prickly pear cactus," explains a visitor to Pine Campground.
Quiet, uncrowded camping: Most campgrounds in the area receive relatively light use, even during peak season. "$8. The staff isn't always there, so you could end up with a free place to stay (especially if you come late.) Lots of trails nearby, and plenty of beautiful green trees. Outhouse on site. One of the more quiet sites that doesn't get a lot of action," notes a visitor to Horseman's Park.
Year-round accessibility: Several campgrounds remain open throughout winter months. "Stayed here Dec. 9, 2021. Registration is just down the road and up the hill (take the main road west and a left at the fork). Facilities were clean, there was only one other camper there the night I stayed so it was super quiet," shares a winter visitor at Pine Campground.
What you should know
Water planning required: Water access is limited within the forest, particularly for backpacking. "Awesome pine forest, not much traffic and great for primitive camping/bushcrafting...very few sources of water," warns a camper at Pine Campground.
Primitive camping logistics: Backpacking sites require planning and good navigation skills. "There are 7 sites well spaced with a picnic table, fire ring, trash can and three sided shelter in each site. Pit toilets are in the middle. Each site is along the tree line with plenty of shade. These are walk in sites ranging from 0.10 miles to 0.50 miles from the parking lot. Just $6 a night," explains a visitor to Primitive Campground.
Campground amenities vary: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. "Campground is very quiet, and we were the only campers the first night. Most sites are level some have a mild incline in the drive but would still be able to level out a camper with some blocks. No water or electric hook ups so bring your generator. There are water pumps to fill up your water tanks," notes a camper at Pine Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Evening Star for families: Evening Star Camping Resort offers more amenities for family camping. "Lots of planned activity and music entertainment. Bathrooms are not clean and It's very buggy," shares a visitor to Evening Star Camping Resort.
Watch for cacti with kids: Prickly pear cactus grows throughout the area, particularly in open areas. "One drawback is the amount of prickly pear cacti. It is everywhere! There are some free areas to set up a tent but definitely watch where you walk," warns a visitor at Oak Campground.
Bug preparation essential: Insects can be problematic, especially in summer months. "Stopped here overnight in late August. Only a few other campers on a Sunday so nice and quiet. Typical midwest tent camping on dirt, lots of mosquitoes, pit toilets," notes a visitor to Pine Campground.
Tips from RVers
Generator requirements: Some camping areas lack hookups, requiring self-contained power. "No water or electric hook ups so bring your generator. There are water pumps to fill up your water tanks, but you will need a funnel to get the water in your hose since there is no threaded tip on the pump," advises an RVer at Pine Campground.
Leveling considerations: Some sites require leveling equipment for RVs. "Most sites are level some have a mild incline in the drive but would still be able to level out a camper with some blocks," notes an RVer at Riverfront Park Campground.
Electric access varies: Not all campgrounds offer electrical hookups. "The electrical box was locked when I got there, so I ended up dry camping. I was too tired to bother finding someone to unlock it," shares an RV camper at Pine Campground.
