Illinois is a natural paradise. Whether you want to go rock climbing in Jackson Falls, visit a canyon, catch a waterfall, spend the day hiking or explore the grasslands, it is possible in the Prairie State. On top of all that, Illinois provides plenty of opportunities to find dispersed and primitive camping in and near state parks and forest areas, making boondocking in Illinois a cinch.
Ready to go dry camping in the great state of Illinois? Here are some of the best spots.
Boondocking Sites in Illinois
Apple River Canyon State Park
Near the Wisconsin state border, Apple River Canyon State Park offers 49 dry camping RV sites. For just a few bucks a night, you can enjoy hiking along one of their five trails, where you might spot a family of deer. Or go fishing for carp in the Apple River. Keep in mind that alcohol is not allowed. From Stockton, take US-20 W to S Canyon Park Rd. Then drive 6.2 miles to the state park.
Dutchman Lake
Enjoy the solitude that comes from dispersed camping near the secluded 118-acre Dutchman Lake. Go boating or fishing for bass and catfish. Motor restrictions are 10 hp. This area is located in the Shawnee National Forest, one-half hour south of Marion.
Jackson Falls
Enjoy waterfalls, dispersed camping and rock climbing in Jackson Falls. Pets, including horses, are allowed. The Shawnee National Forest is only a fifteen-minute walk away from the campground that is accessed by following a narrow road paved with gravel until you reach the trailhead. After that, it becomes a dirt road. Visitors should be warned that there are high and potentially dangerous cliffs in the area.
Sand Ridge State Forest
Be on the lookout for coyotes, deer, foxes, and quail while hiking or mountain biking along the trails of Sand Ridge State Forest. Equestrian trails are available for horseback riding. The forest offers several campsites at just $8 a night for a genuine back woodsy, wilderness experience. This site is located a little more than one hour west of Bloomington via IL-9 W.
Tower Rock Campground
Catch views of the Ohio River. Enjoy peace and quiet as you go boating and fishing at the Tower Rock Campground. Keep in mind that the campsite is prone to flooding. The campground is part of the Shawnee National Forest. It’s located half-hour away from the Garden of the Gods. If driving from Elizabethtown, follow IL-146 E.
Turkey Bayou Campground
A great choice for bird lovers, Turkey Bayou Campground offers a designated Waterfowl Refuge Area that is closed during the waterfowl hunting season. There is also a boat launch, picnic area, and pond. Dispersed camping is available throughout the year. If you are coming from Murphysboro, take Hwy 149 W to Hwy 3 for 5.5 miles to Oakwood Bottoms Road. Follow Oakwood Bottoms Road for 4 miles to the campground.
Where to Boondock in Illinois
- Shawnee National Forest is a big draw for boondockers wanting to experience a forest paradise and primitive camping.
- Low cost dry camping sites can be found at many state parks and state forests in Illinois.
- A handful of Dept. of Fish and Wildlife sites offer low cost boondocking.
- There are also some free Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds available in the southwest tip of the state.
Boondocking in Illinois brings peace and serenity as well as a lot of fun in the outdoors. If you do not own an RV, consider renting one, so you can experience the magic of boondocking. Having an RV makes it easy to park with everything you need to comfortably experience and fully commune with nature.
