Best Tent Camping near Normal, IL

Recent Tent Reviews near Normal, Illinois

239 Reviews of 5 Normal Campgrounds

• J

  Julie N.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 22, 2024

  Millpoint Park

  Beautiful and spacious!

  Met up with family to fit in one last night of tent camping for the year. They didn’t really take reservations and the pricing shifted on us (quoted $75 for 6 adults 4 kids over email, then $10 per person when we actually showed up) so that was a bit weird but I’m not too concerned bc it was still a great deal. This is basic campground—flush toilets/showers and 3 cabins available but no other amenities unless you include water/electric hookups. I couldnt tell where the primitive tent sites were bc the map online doesn’t quite line up with what we saw there. You’d come here to relax around the fire, play some outdoor games, maybe do a little walking, and that’s about it. It was just what we were looking for. Some people looked like they were going to try to fish but the water in the fishing area was low which makes me wonder if it gets really buggy in the summer. We were on 2 huge pull-thru sites with just our 2 tents and we were the only tent campers I saw—maybe 1/3 of other sites had RVs. Some seemed to be permanent so not sure if that is common? Views of the river were great, kindling was plentiful, and it was SO QUIET and peaceful at night! I usually don’t sleep the first night of camping because my brain has to tune in to the new noises but we got some good rest even with temps dipping down to 45. Would love to come back in the summer for longer.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 30, 2018

  Carl Spindler Campground

  Smaller campground on Illinois River, IL

  Stayed with daughter in tent site right on shore of Illinois River. Has marina adjacent, showers, host, and laundry. Inexpensive tent sites with access for fishing, paddling, wildlife and sunset viewing.

• 

  Kathie M.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 20, 2020

  Comlara County Park

  Nice county campground

  Camped here twice-once tent and once in new camper. Well kept campground. Nice lake-good fishing. RV sites fairly close together with not many/any trees for privacy. Tent sites a bit more spread apart however all traffic from campground routes by tent sites due to one way traffic. There are more hike in tent sites that would provide more rustic experience.

• 

  Beau C.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 8, 2023

  Hickory Lane Campground

  👍

  Small. Quiet. Pretty. Two small lakes with fountains. You can hear the fountains at night, it's nice. Excellent price for tent camping.

• A

  Austin and Natasha S.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 17, 2021

  Jubilee College State Park Campground

  Regular camper…

  We typically tent camp here, but have car camped in one of the RV spots. Staff is always great, and facilities are clean. Hikes are always fun too!

• B

  B S.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 19, 2024

  Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest

  It's okay

  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.

• 

  Julie P.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 11, 2018

  D & W Lake RV Park

  Overnight Stop

  RV Park with 5 tent sites, a lake, small playground, and a dog run. The bathrooms and showers were very clean and well maintained.

  The host was extremely friendly and helpful. Our reserved tent site was waterlogged from torrential rainstorms just before our arrival. He created a space for us that was elevated, dry, and actually more private than the original site.

  Our only “problem” with the park can’t be changed. The interstate noise could be heard all night, and at times overpowered the sounds of nature. This is probably only an issue for tenters, though.

• L

  Layla R.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 5, 2022

  Livingston County 4-H Campground

  Great Place!

  We tent camped for one night the weekend of Independence Day. Very quiet campground. Clean and spacious camping areas with a nice bathroom and multiple shower stalls. Bring firewood with you. We plan to stop again on our next road trip!

• 

  Priscilla J.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 1, 2021

  Weldon Springs State Park Campground

  Loved the Hike-in Sites

  We came on Memorial Day weekend so the campground was very full. It didn't feel too crowded though except when playing on the playground there were lots of kids and its not a very big play area. But it was fun for the kids to play with other kids. 

  While I wish the tent are and comfort station were closer to one another, the walk really wasn't all that bad from our campsite. I loved that the tent sites (especially as you go further back (like to sites 6-10 probably) just had a secluded woodsy feeling to them. I loved how convenient our site was though being right by our car and the road to the restrooms. 

  Some of the tent sites are close together with some having a little more seclusion. There are a  lot of trees and plants with it being in the woods so this does help. But with the trail running right down the middle that cuts out a little of your privacy. But the seclusion is definitely better than the RV sites that we saw in the main big loop of the campground. 

  We walked a couple trails and they were lots of fun for us and the kids/dogs. 

  There is a STRICT no alcohol rule in the tent sites. A sign said coolers are subject to inspection, but from our experience and the vibe of the place, I don't see this really being an issue unless your group gets kind of rowdy ;) 

  All in all a great experience.

• B

  B S.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 22, 2022

  Moraine View State Recreational Area

  Overnight stay only

  First stop on a cross county trip. We were directed to Catfish Bay for tent camping. It was lightly drizzling and on an overcast day most of the tree-covered campsites were dark. There are some nice sites right on the water (be prepared to walk your gear in from parking lot). Site #21 was private, with more open sky and a shorter walk to parking/outhouse. The outhouse was in really rough shape--looked like it hadn't been swept out or hosed down for awhile. Won't be back.

• 

  Barry G.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 13, 2022

  Comlara County Park

  Great hidden gem

  What a great little hidden gem.  I don't get the four star reviews.   I have stayed a lots of campgrounds in my years, if you are tent camping or even Pop-Up or RV it is a five star for sure.  If you are a big RV'r looking for cement pads, this is not the place for you, but for what it is, it is a five in my book.    Facilities are very clean and the park is kept very clean.   Fishing, boating, hiking, biking, camping.   Enjoyed it completely.  Maybe on the high side price wise, but loved it anyway.

• 

  Ranko K.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 13, 2020

  Millpoint Park

  Quiet; Deep Shade by the River

  If you’re looking to stay close to Peoria and enjoy beautiful sunsets and the water this place has it. Big trees, deep shade and it’s right on the Peoria Lake on the Illinois River. The place could use some TLC but the owner is super nice and the the location and shaded spots are well worth it. Took my son out fishing and had him practice casting! He is 4. If you’re looking to escape, be in nature, close to the water with nice sites, this place is it. If you’re looking for super clean and lots of amenities this is not it. Most sites are full hook up with some that are for tent camping. Plenty of room and easy to get a site. Our family enjoyed a little time in the breeze and shade by the river away from the scorching summer heat! We really loved our site!

• 

  Ryan M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 18, 2020

  Moraine View State Recreational Area

  Different areas of campsites vary widely

  We went here with a group of tent campers sight unseen, so that’s always rolling the dice. We stayed until the main part where you could reserve online through reserve America. Would not recommend that area to anyone. Sites are right on top of each other in every direction. Not sure who would seek this out or agree to it after seeing it.

  Upon finding the rustic tent sites, we’d wished we’d known about that area before going. Those were still a little close together but were at least wooded and you could walk from your car.

  The dispersed camping sites were the closest to what I’d been used to coming from New Hampshire, but it was more of a hike than I would be looking for.

• 

  Kathie M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 7, 2023

  Comlara County Park

  Nice county campground

  County campground with good rates. Nice no wake lake for fishing, kayaking. 4 RV sites with lake view, 2-3 tent sites with view. A lot of sites in wide open areas with few trees and privacy. Fire pits need work-many sinking. Shower house adequate but nothing to rave about. In general area nice picnic pavilions and play area. Firewood and ice for sale. Could use more than a single dump station-I waited in line for 1.5 hours during the week. Site 16 during heavy rain becomes a river of mud. They give discounts for longer stays, veterans and county residents. Site 30 level and with shade tree. On cul-de-sac so less traffic. Backs up to pond.

• 

  Brooke C.

  Ranger

  

  May. 22, 2018

  Jubilee College State Park Campground

  Nice campground & good trails

  This campground is our "go-to" when we need a last minute getaway from city life. Located outside of Peoria, Jubilee is far enough away from town that you get clear, start night skies.

  The campsite has three main loops with RV pads and electric goo ups. We tent camp and majority for the sites also have plenty of room for one or two tents. There is also a fourth tent-only loop, which is all grass and technically "hike-in" but a very short hike depending on which site you pick. All loops have restrooms and a water spigot. There is a shower house near loop B, which is not bad. Could be cleaner, but gets the job done.

  There is a decent trail system, which supports hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trails are well maintained and most are used on regular basis.

  The campground host is very friendly! If you are looking for food or supplies, the town of Kickapoo is not far, and Peoria is only a 15min drive, which offers Hy-Vee and an abundance of restaurants if you prefer not to cook over a campfire. Overall, Jubilee offers a nice camping option near Peoria, IL.

• 

  Scott N.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 14, 2020

  Comlara County Park

  Beautiful lake side camping

  I really enjoyed my stay at Evergreen Lake.  The rustic tent sites are located on the opposite side of the lake from the RV's in an area called White Oak. These sites are the way to go for privacy.  It was roughly a quarter-mile hike to site 14, where I stayed. It initially took me longer to find the site since there are no signs along the way. I eventually found site 12 then 11. I turned around and made my way to 14.  

  Site 14 is very spacious like it could be used as a group site. I was surprised to see three picnic tables. It also had a fire ring with grill and a separate grill. There was always shade and two pairs of trees that are perfect for a hammock. The best part was the view of the lake. There was a spot that a person could get a kayak or canoe into the water but I opted to use the dock. The dock was just a short walk away. It’s very cool that the folks at Comlara put that dock there for the tent campers to use.

  One thing to be aware of is the trash point is at the parking lot. Also, keep in mind that sound travels across a lake very easily. I could hear other campers that were a few sites over very clear as well as people fishing on the lake.

  My Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D\_ZlAXbMLGY&t=3s

  My Website:  https://www.lost13.com/camping/2020/6/18/comlara-park

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 30, 2021

  Carl Spindler Campground

  Good for passing through

  General: City camping is generally challenging but this was a good place for us to land for the night as we were passing through. Very easy access as soon as you cross Peoria Lake to East Peoria. The flip side of this is that you will hear constant road noise and an occasional train. Reservations are made by phone and when I called to make mine, was told we would be in Site 33. Typical for us, we arrived after the office was closed and saw Site 33 was occupied. We took Site 36 and when I went to pay the following morning, I discovered this is where we had been moved to as site numbers are not supposed to be guaranteed. It appeared that there were many long-term campers staying here. The rate of $24 for an electric site was reasonable. Full hookup sites and a few tent sites are also available. 

  Site Quality: Site sizes are, for the most part, very generous and can accommodate a large RV and extra vehicle/s. Some are very close to each other (beach and overflow) and there is no physical separation between them. Each site has one (or two) picnic tables and a fire ring. Some sites have paved pads while the ones closest to the water are either gravel or sand. There are also several cabins.

  Bathhouse: Clean but the only downside is there is only one sink, and it is located in an awkward place (perpendicular to and close to one of the stalls). Showers were small and I did not use so cannot comment on how well they worked. Hot water was appreciated. 

  Activities/Amenities: If you are a boater, this is a great place for you as this is a marina! Small and outdated playground and a basketball stand but no basket or net. There is also a laundry room. 

  Conclusion: For us, passing through, this was an ideal place to land for the night but since we don’t have a boat, we wouldn’t stay longer than one night.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 1, 2025

  Millpoint Park

  Waterfront Camping Bliss @ Family-Friendly CG

  Perched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing a sublime encounter with nature on top of offering direct waterfront sites that will frame one of the most beautiful sunsets as you look west to Peoria during Happy Hour. In all, there’s about 80 sites – all of which are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks – to choose from at Millpoint, where a slow meandering gravel lane will have you navigating around the campground where you’ll take good note of the excellent shade that is provided everywhere.

  From an amenity standpoint, Millpoint Park packs a punch with a combination of back-in and pull-thru sites offering up standard water, sewage and electric hook-ups, relatively new picnic tables and in-ground fire rings as well as a designated dumpster upon exiting the grounds. There’s a fantastic boat launch that will have you fishing, kayaking and experiencing this body of fresh water shortly after you anchor into your spot for the night.  In fact, you don’t even need to get into a boat, by accessing one of 2 small little lakes where you can simply cast a line in from the dock or around the perimeter. The meticulously clean restroom / bath house facility is located near the front adjacent to the main office, where next to this are 3 cabins that can be rented, just in case you forgot your tent or RV. Additionally, there’s decent hiking paths to explore both north and south of the property, with the latter offering up a small beachhead at Funks Run. The place also sells firewood, but if you need anything else, you’ll need to head south towards town where there’s no shortage of shops and restaurants.

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a tent camper, there’s 3-4 designated areas for primitive camping, but if you’d like something less primitive and with access to water and electricity, then book yourself into one of the 5 designated tent sites: #233-#237, of which I recommend #236 and #237 as they have a small waterfront area flanking the southern perimeter; (2) The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don’t attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it’s fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you; (3) If you haven’t camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay; and (4) The owner, Don, is quite possibly one of the most accommodating and friendly campground owners I have ever met– so don’t be shy if you need anything at all during your stay, including a discount to his pizza restaurant.

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 16, 2023

  Hickory Hill Campground

  Off-The-Grid Midwest Camping Outpost

  Nestled in the verdant rolling hills of central Illinois, you’ll discover Hickory Hills Campground located just a short drive west of I39 and completely off the grid, due to the slight incline of this heavily forested campground outpost. This place is a massive RV enclave with various different neighborhoods and haunts to choose from – and while there are a very fair number of folks who make Hickory Hills their year-round outdoor destination, there’s a decent amount of temporary spots to select from. But if you’re a tent camper, you will be hard-pressed at this location to find a suitable spot to set up for the night as Hickory Hills is definitely designed for the RV and 5th Wheeler crowd in mind. 

  The amount of amenities at Hickory Hills is a pretty long list that includes an in-ground pool opened between Memorial Day and Labor Day (any other time here in Illinois, you would be ice fishing!), basketball court, mini golf, shuffleboard, pool table, ping pong and various soda and snack vending machines and games in the recreation center, catch & release lake for fishing and a fully-stocked general store, which also serves as the main office where you will check-in upon arrival, offering up firewood, snacks, water, ice and other sundries. There’s also a coin laundry and bottle propane station in addition to the standard RV hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage). 

  What I love most about Hickory Hills Campground is the very strong Midwestern hospitality and warm welcome you’ll receive from just about everyone you encounter here – from the very great folks that run the place to the guests and residents that roll out the red carpet and ensure that everyone feels connected to the very tight-knit community that has formed here. 

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) This campground is pretty isolated, clear out in the boondocks just northwest of the major college town of Bloomington (Illinois State University), where you can easily access everything, but if you do make your way out here to Hickory Hills, you better bring everything you need because while it’s a short drive into the nearest town here, which is El Paso, to be honest, there's not a lot there either, so likely you'll have to go further afield to get just about anything else; (2) When you grow weary of staring down the insides of your onboard mini-fridge and want to try some of the local cuisine, I would HIGHLY recommend The Local Tap Craft Kitchen & Ale House, which has glorified bar food (wings, pizza, burgers), slightly above average wine list (hey, while the Sauvignon Blanc is just Cupcake, it’s pretty amazing that they have Sauv Blanc at all!) and a pretty amazing selection of local craft brews from 5 distinct nearby breweries; (3) If you are on the hunt for some real outdoor tent camping, great hiking or care to dip your kayak into some really nice fresh water, then head on over to nearby Comlara Park, featuring Evergreen Lake, which has some really nice areas to explore, in particular Deer Island, which you can anchor on or near and explore this little picturesque outcrop; and (4) Should you need anything, I would encourage you to explore nearby El Paso, which has some nice surprises awaiting you, such as Ruth’s Garden Tea Room or coffee at Java Café, CVS Pharmacy for all your sundries, El Paso Mexican (for just OK Mexican) and Woody’s Family Restaurant for some good ‘ol down home Midwestern comfort food and some decent (not amazing) pizza at Monical’s. 

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 26, 2024

  Carl Spindler Campground

  Waterfront Camping Bliss with City View

  This waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River. For campers who want to get away from it all, while still being within close driving distance to civilization, Carl Spindler offers the convenience of a nearby major city (Peoria) while still providing a decent escape for some rest & relaxation within a fairly decent vicinity to nature. The best part about this lakefront getaway – apart from the incredibly cheap prices for an overnight stay – was hands down, the very friendly staff who offer up everyone a very strong dose of Midwestern hospitality.

  This pet-friendly CG offers a lot of amenities including: FHUs featuring electric, water and sewage as well as playground, community fire pit, restroom and shower facility that are in pretty good (not pristine) condition, laundry, fresh tap water, boat launch, 2 dump stations, WiFi (although very poor connection) and a beachhead. All sites are very level here and come with a picnic table, fire ring and electric, while a good number of the RV slots have a combination of electric amp options in addition to water and sewage hook-ups. At the marina, you can purchase ice, small sundries and camping supplies and / or simply use this spot to launch your boat, kayak or canoe from. There’s also options to rent a slip, store your boat and / or trailer for the winter. There’s even a deluxe cabin to rent in case you don’t have a tent or RV.

  While most of Carl Spindler is designed more for the RV-driving or 5th Wheel toting kind – and to be honest, some of these look like longer-term residents and / or traveling professionals – offering up some 55 individual slots (some of which I would definitely describe as ‘very snug’), this outfit does provide 2 different options for decent camp sites with me tent pitchin’ bredren in mind, both of which sit right in front of the Illinois River. In these areas, and actually for the entire campground, there’s not much (if any) shade, tree cover or brush that contributes to an overall lack of privacy – so whatever your activities might be, you and your camping brood will be on full display to the rest of the campground. At least if you chose to set up your tent over in the primitive camping area, this area is still pretty underdeveloped (for now), so over in these parts, you’ll have a greater feeling of solitude, peace & quiet.

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’d like to knock some pins down while slurping some delicious local cold brew, head on over to Landmark Bowling Center; (2) Should you be looking for some decent trails to hike check out nearby Powerton Lake State Park; (3) You will want to time your sundowners correctly, because if you do, you’ll be sipping Mai Tais leaning back in your camp chair listening to some Amy Winehouse watching the sun set in the west over the Illinois River as the twinkling stars come out to shine their brightest all with a crackling bonfire keeping you warm and lit on a gorgeous Midwestern night; (4) While I always pack a long 100 foot electrical cord for all of my electricity needs, I’ve never had to use it, except here, where the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites and ours was the furthest away – so we got lucky; and (5) In the event that you grow weary of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge and want to check out some local flavor, there’s a handful of options, but all will require a bit of a drive, of which I highly recommend Avanti’s Ristorante for their excellent pizza and Italian subs, the Blue Duck BBQ Tavern for outstanding smoked brisket and Obed & Issacs Microbewery for the finest local taps as well as their signature dish, Kitchen Sink Pie (don’t ask, just order).

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Marisa A.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 17, 2020

  Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

  Busy Central Illinois Campground on a lake

  This is our go-to campground when visiting the U of I. It is a large campground with well spaced campsites for tents and rvs. Almost every site has plenty of shade with lots of tree cover. This also means in the dog days of summer the breeze is blocked by the trees so get an electric site even with a tent and bring a fan. They have a beach and a boat launch. The loops that allow alcohol can get a bit rowdy with weekend partiers, but the alcohol restricted loops can get loud from all the families. However, with full hook-up options there is no generator noise. The showers/bathrooms are kept up well given the massive amount of people served. If you own a boat and camp, this place is ideal for central Illinois.

• 

  Scott M.

  Legend

  

  Mar. 24, 2020

  Comlara County Park

  Fishing is the key

  Simple campground...simple is the key. Not a whole lot of fluff with this campground. The reason to camp here is to make sure you get to fish or be on the water. The location is nice as it is in central Illinois and one of the few in the area. Costs can be a little expensive to some but reality is it is right in par with the state. You need to make sure there is good weather coming here as there isn’t too much to do minus the lake. Sites are electric and some are right in the water which would be ideal for kayak/canoe. It is a pretty big park and it is normally booked up so better to reserve early.

  I’ve stayed here a few times and we have always stayed with friends sharing sites as it is always better with friends along. It is located close tot he bike paths for mountain bikes so that is an added bonus. Nice little get away at the end of it.

• 

  Stephanie G.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 22, 2022

  Weldon Springs State Park Campground

  Raccoon problem

  I had a friend stay in the tent area and she had to leave in the middle of the night because the raccoons were so bad. The couple a few sites down had their tent destroyed. She had all of her food and smelly things locked in her car.

• 

  Ashley C.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 9, 2018

  Jubilee College State Park Campground

  bobcats

  this camping spot was very quiet and secluded, just like I wanted, but at about midnight there were at least 3 bobcats snarling and growling near our tents and then they circled our tents, sniffing them. my friends and I were stuck in our tents for an hour waiting for the bobcats to walk off into the woods so we could run to our cars and go home.

• 

  Cindy H.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 16, 2019

  Carl Spindler Campground

  Inexpensive

  Quiet but tight spots. Along the Illinois River. Includes showers and laundry house.

• M

  Mike S.

  Scout

  

  May. 5, 2019

  Millpoint Park

  Nice quite, owners working on sprucing it up.

  Full hookups each site. On Illinois river. Has cabins for rent, showers. Check it out on google.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 15, 2024

  Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area

  Primitive Camping Bliss Amongst the Levees

  This is a beautiful, off-the-beaten path ‘no frills’ campground that comes very close to being called primitive, yet offers water pit privies and a designated sanitary dump station in addition to in-ground fire rings with fold-up BBQ grills along with decent standard-issued picnic tables. You’ll discover that the entire camping area is blessed with really great shade provided by native cottonwood, silver maple and willow trees. The land is relatively flat making for great level locations to pitch your tent or set up your trailer for an overnighter.

  Shortly after meandering down the weaving gravel country lane that will lead you to the tree-lined entrance of the park, where before hitting the bend that will take you north to the actual campground, you’ll see a concrete fort-like structure that serves as a spot to gut & clean your fish, which is definitely a bonus. If you continue west past this structure, you’ll likely pass about 100 trucks with empty trailers, which have already deposited their boat cargo into the nearby confluence of fresh water where the Illinois River converges with Meadow Lake and Babb Slough.

  As for the campground, there’s approximately 20 scattered sites that are easily marked by the single picnic table and fire ring that each site is issued. There’s a rather large covered community pavilion perfect for an afternoon picnic or a family BBQ. The rather large open expanse of Woodford SFWA features scattered restrooms with at least half of those closed due to needing repair. Surrounding the park and further afield, which makes for a decent hiking experience, are 3 miles of hiking trails marked by levees where you’ll see no shortage of waterfowl like wood ducks and Canadian geese.

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While most of Illinois is low-lying, you will want to make particular note of this as you’re encamped next to a river that can (and often does) flood, so be sure you know what the weather conditions have been for the previous few weeks as well as what is likely to happen during your stay, which you can accomplish by calling the park ahead of time at+1.217.782.6302; (2) This location is quite popular with local fishermen and gets absolutely jam-packed, particularly on the weekends, so don’t be surprised by a long parade of F150s hauling their boats on trailers that begin entering the park as early as 5am; (3) You will want to keep in mind that this entire area is prime hunting ground, whether that’s on foot trekking deer or on the water shooting migrating fowl, so if the sound of gunfire bothers you, bring ear plugs, and if you plan on hiking during hunting season, where some BRIGHT orange; (4) If you haven’t camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay; and (5) There is VERY little out in these parts that will offer up dining options, but if you don’t mind a short drive, then head back north on Route 26 to Midway Duck Inn for some delicious buttermilk-brined pan fried chicken, corn fritters and full filets of panko-encrusted catfish.

  Happy Camping!