Best Dispersed Camping in Illinois

There’s a lot more to Illinois than the great city of Chicago. Along with this exciting urban hub there are many natural areas where locals and residents alike enjoy getting outside. With 141 parks it’s no wonder the DNR created the motto, “State Parks, Great Parks” in 2013. This phrase is the title of their initiative to continue improvements on local natural areas with upgraded campgrounds and additional staff to cater to the more than 44 million yearly visitors looking for hiking and camping in Illinois.

People from all over the state – and even outside the country – take the short 1.5-hour drive from Chicago to Starved Rock State Park, where they can hike 13 miles of trails offering elevation gains on wooded pathways along the Illinois River. The 18 canyons serve as great places to spot waterfalls after a rain and families love ending the day with s’mores around the bonfire at the nearby Starved Rock State Park campsites.

Those looking to learn about the state’s heritage while camping in Illinois may head farther south to Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park & Memorial. This 162-acre park is 12 miles southwest of Decatur near Harristown, IL, and features the land where Abraham Lincoln first resided in the state. If you visit be sure to check out the memorials commemorating this important president.

People who want to mountain bike in this Midwestern state will enjoy heading to Palos Park, a forest preserve known for its excellent biking, hiking and equestrian trails that cover over 50 miles of terrain. When it comes to camping in Illinois, this locale offers beautiful facilities at Camp Bullfrog Lake where you can put up a tent next to a lake and hike short or long loops that end up back at your campsite.

If you want to check out the beautiful Lake Michigan drive to Illinois Beach State Park to spend time in the water along the 6.5 miles of sandy shoreline. The park is 4,160 acres offering ample opportunities for hiking, watersports, picnicking, fishing and camping. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Illinois during your stay in the Prairie State.

Best Dispersed Sites in Illinois (6)

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Guide to Illinois

Discover the thrill of dispersed camping in Illinois, where nature lovers can find secluded spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping in Illinois

  • Jackson Falls offers a spectacular experience with private sites accessible by vehicle, perfect for those seeking a bit of solitude.
  • At Dutchman Lake Camp, you can enjoy beautiful scenery and decent fishing, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful getaway.
  • The Trail of Tears State Forest provides remote sites with essential amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, ensuring a comfortable stay in nature.

Dispersed campers should check out Lake Glendale Recreation Area

  • Lake Glendale Recreation Area features well-maintained sites with electric hookups and clean facilities, making it a great choice for families.
  • With a large sandy beach and rental options for paddle boats and kayaks, this area is perfect for water enthusiasts looking to enjoy a day on the lake.
  • The campground's proximity to other parks and activities, like Cave-in-Rock and the Ohio River, offers plenty of opportunities for exploration.

Great hiking and outdoor activities while free camping in Illinois

  • Jackson Falls is renowned for its hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities, attracting adventure seekers looking to explore rugged terrain.
  • Panther Den Wilderness provides a unique experience with its marked trails and stunning sandstone walls, ideal for those who appreciate primitive camping.
  • The vast area around Herod in Shawnee National Forest allows for easy access to hiking and wildlife viewing, making it a favorite among nature enthusiasts.