White Pines Forest State Park offers standard camping options with sites that vary in size and privacy. The campground features two distinct loops—Cedar Ridge for a more secluded experience and Sunny Crest for those who prefer more open sites. Sites are arranged in a linear fashion, with some positioned behind others, meaning campers may need to drive through occupied sites to access theirs. Most tent sites lack designated pads, and many campers note significant slopes on several sites. Water crossings known as "fords" provide unique access points to the campground, though these are closed after heavy rains when an emergency road must be used instead.
What to do
Hike the trail system: White Pines Forest State Park offers multiple interconnected trails with moderate elevation changes. "If you're a hiker, there are hills here for some decent elevation change (not bad for the Midwest). There are many trails which you can combine to get a good amount of miles in," notes one visitor. The park maintains an accessible trail for visitors with disabilities.
Fish for trout: The park's streams and waterways support seasonal trout fishing. While fishing is popular year-round, the park is particularly known for its trout seasons. Pack appropriate tackle for stream fishing conditions. According to campers, the fishing spots are accessible from various points along the hiking trails.
Explore historical CCC structures: Thomas Woods Campground area contains remnants from the Civilian Conservation Corps era. "Along the trails you'll find some spots that remain from the CCC," mentions a camper. These historical markers provide context to the park's development during the Great Depression.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area offers secluded camping with substantial tree cover. "The sites are a bit more private and secluded than others," notes a visitor. The campground has multiple loops with different levels of privacy, with Pine Ridge area recommended for quieter stays.
Water recreation options: Kings Camp provides accessible water activities included in your stay. "There is a lake for swimming and fishing with paddle boats and kayaks available to use for free," reports a camper. The campground maintains clean swimming areas and properly maintained watercraft.
Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds in the area prioritize cleanliness. "The bathhouse had nice hot water. Restaurant was nice for dinner. The gift shop is cute," shares one visitor about White Pines. Shower facilities are generally available at the larger established campgrounds, with most maintaining regular cleaning schedules.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Choose carefully when booking at White Pines Forest. "Many of the campsites are sloped and some are sloped A LOT. This isn't obvious from the booking page," warns one camper. Request information about site levelness when making reservations.
Water crossings can close: The unique "ford" road crossings at White Pines may become impassable after heavy rains. "It had rained the day before was went and so the road to the campgrounds was blocked off (presumably because the creek was running too high), but there was NO SIGNAGE telling us how to get there another way," notes a visitor. Always check road conditions before arrival, especially after rainfall.
Limited yurt camping options: Yurt camping near Stillman Valley, Illinois is primarily available at Chicago Northwest KOA, located about 45 minutes away. The permanent yurt structures provide a rustic glamping experience with more amenities than tent camping. Availability is limited and advance reservations are essential.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Green River Oaks Camping Resort offers structured programs for children. "During the summer, each week has a theme attached to it (e.g. Barnyard Palooza), and subsequent activities organized around it," explains a visitor. These programs typically run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Choose sites near playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature playground areas with adjacent campsites. "There are a handful of sites that loop around the playground. It was great for the kids who could go play," shares one parent about Morrison-Rockwood State Park. These sites typically have less privacy but offer convenience for families.
Visit during themed weekends: Many campgrounds host special events throughout the season. "They have a Daily Activity bracelet that allows you to partake in all activities but you need to purchase per person for each day regardless if you will utilize," notes a visitor about regional activities. Check campground calendars when planning your visit to coincide with family-friendly events.
Tips from RVers
Be prepared for uneven sites: Several campgrounds in the area have challenging terrain. "The rise angle to our space was almost too much to back in without dragging the bumper. Once in, the concrete pad was level," reports an RVer at Timber Lake Resort. Bring leveling blocks and wheel chocks for potentially sloped sites.
Consider campground noise levels: Some campgrounds feature regular entertainment that can affect quiet hours. "They had live music, loud live music Saturday night. To be fair, the music was made clear on their webpage. We were kind of close and didn't have to go to the stage area to hear it clearly," notes a camper. Research potential noise sources when selecting campgrounds.
Check hookup locations: RV sites at many parks require additional hose or cable length. "The sites all had some form of firepit. Some had a table, but many didn't," observes a visitor. Bring extension cords and longer hoses to ensure proper connections regardless of site layout.
