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Outdoor Gang, 2151 Hilltop Street, Fox Valley, IL (2026)

08/16/2022

Best Camping Sites in Illinois: Spots You'll Want to Return to Year After Year (Part 10)

Note: This is part of the mini post series.

CAMP ARAMONI

Why We Recommend It: Luxury camping at its finest
Distance: 1 hour, 46 minutes
Class: A-Premium
Reservations: Yes
Attractions: Hiking, biking, lawn games, fishing, canoeing
Dates: April to November

Some of us just weren’t meant to be one with nature—at least not in the traditional sense. And that’s OK! In fact, that’s exactly who Camp Aramoni—the “first and only boutique campground” in the state—was made for. Here, you’ll stay in one of 11 safari-style tents that have everything you could ever want, including AC, heat, a mini fridge and a comfy bed with luxury linens, plus breakfast, dinner and gourmet S’mores for your own personal bonfire. There are private hiking trails, so you won’t be bothered while you’re taking in nature, fishing and canoeing, and plenty of wildlife to behold, including turkeys, deer, birds and turtles. And if you get tired after all your busy activities? You can opt to ride in a free golf shuttle back to your nature-inspired suite.

08/13/2022

Best Camping Sites in Illinois: Spots You'll Want to Return to Year After Year (Part 9)

Note: This is part of the mini post series.

YOGI BEAR’S JELLYSTONE PARK RV RESORT AT PINE LAKES

Why We Recommend It: Kid-centric, nostalgic
Distance: 4 hours, 22 minutes
Class: A
Reservations: Yes
Attractions: Aqua parks, boat rentals, water and electricity hookups, inflatable slide
Dates: April 15 to October 30
Scoff all you want, but Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park holds a special place in my heart, as it likely does for anyone who’s ever visited one of its campgrounds as a child (or a parent). Sure, it may not be bedecked with stunning cliffs or waterfalls, but if you’re looking for a place to make lasting memories around the campfire with your family (shoutout to grandma Joan and grandma Jennie) and your friendly RV neighbors, this is your spot. Maybe it’s the surprise appearances (and photo opps) you'll get from the camp’s mascots, Yogi, Cindy Bear and Boo Boo, or maybe it was my young, impressionable age, but 30-some odd years later, I still remember this place fondly.

08/10/2022

Best Camping Sites in Illinois: Spots You'll Want to Return to Year After Year (Part 8)

Note: This is part of the mini post series.

CASTLE ROCK STATE PARK

Why We Recommend It: Isolation, high overlook
Distance: 1 hour, 53 minutes
Class: D
Reservations: No
Attractions: Hiking, picnicking, fishing, canoeing
Dates: Year-round

This one admittedly takes some work to get to—the camping is primitive, and you’ll have to canoe or take a boat to get to it, since it’s not accessible by foot or car. If you’re up for the challenge, however, you’re in for a treat, with 6 miles of trails to explore. The main event, of course, are the stairs you’ll climb up to Castle Rock Overlook, where you’ll be privy to all the sights the Rock River Hills region below has to offer you.

08/07/2022

Best Camping Sites in Illinois: Spots You'll Want to Return to Year After Year (Part 7)

Note: This is part of the mini post series.

FERNE CLYFFE STATE PARK

Why We Recommend It: Incredible views, diverse camping options
Distance: 5 hours, 12 minutes
Class: Varies
Reservations: Yes
Attractions: Hiking, picnicking, fishing, horseback riding
Dates: Year-round

Come for the hiking, stay for the absolutely breathtaking scenery. You’ll have your pick of a whopping 18 different trails interlaced with pretty waterfalls, the Ferne Clyffe lake, primitive backpacking and more at varying levels of difficulty. There’s also a 53-acre nature preserve that’s ripe with lovely flowers in the warmer months and colored leaves come fall. You’ll have the option to experience Ferne Clyffe just about any way that you choose, with class C campsites available for backpackers who just want to be one with nature and class A facilities with proper showers and flushing toilets (aah) for those who like to stay more connected to the modern world.

08/06/2022

Best Camping Sites in Illinois: Spots You'll Want to Return to Year After Year (Part 6)

Note: This is part of the mini post series.

CHAIN O’ LAKES STATE PARK

Why We Recommend It: Surrounded by water, wildlife watching
Distance: 1 hour, 23 minutes
Class: Varies
Reservations: Yes
Attractions: Fishing, ice fishing, boating, archery, horseback riding
Dates: Year-round

Water lovers, rejoice! As its name implies, Chain O’ Lakes is basically an aquatic wonderland, making it a popular destination for fishing and boating (rentals are available, though there is a user fee required). It borders three natural lakes (the Grass, Marie and Nippersink) plus the Fox River, so it also just so happens to be a popular destination for grassland birds, if nature photography is your bag. When you’re ready to hit dry land, there will be four trail systems waiting. There’s also 8 miles of equestrian trails, so you can do a little riding while you’re there.

08/05/2022

Best Camping Sites in Illinois: Spots You'll Want to Return to Year After Year (Part 5)

Note: This is part of the mini post series.

WILDLIFE PRAIRIE PARK

Why We Recommend It: Interact with wildlife, unique lodging
Distance: 3 hours, 1 minute
Class: Varies
Reservations: Yes
Attractions: Fishing, biking, hiking, kayaking, disc golf, animal sightings
Dates: Spring to October 30

If your favorite part of nature are the creatures that come along with it, we’ve got just the spot for you. Say hello to Wildlife Prairie Park: An 1,800-acre recreational oasis, the trails of which are home to 60 different species of animals. When you’re not “ooh”-ing and “aah"-ing over Bambi and friends, you can engage in all of the usual camping suspects (think fishing, kayaking, disc golfing and more). The cabins are all available on Airbnb, and range from house-sized spaces to prairie stables and renovated train cabooses.

08/04/2022

Best Camping Sites in Illinois: Spots You'll Want to Return to Year After Year (Part 4)

Note: This is part of the mini post series.

WHITE PINES FOREST STATE PARK
Why We Recommend It: Charming cabins, incredible hiking views
Distance: 1 hour, 55 minutes
Class: B/S
Reservations: Yes
Attractions: Bonfires, hiking, picnicking, bird-watching, cross-country skiing
Dates: Year-round

Think sleeping on the ground is for the birds (er, squirrels)? Us too, TBH. White Pines offers a slightly elevated camping experience courtesy of the cutest little log cabins you ever did see. Built in the 1930s, they’re plenty rustic, yet equipped with a gas fireplace, queen beds, a mini fridge and yes, even AC, so you can take in the great outdoors in modern comfort. In the morning, you can hit one of seven different trails (several of which will take you high into the moss-covered cliffs), and by lunch, you can have a quaint little picnic in one of the spacious fields. Conditions permitting, you may even be able to drive over several shallow fords for an extra magical touch.

08/03/2022

Best Camping Sites in Illinois: Spots You'll Want to Return to Year After Year (Part 3)

Note: This is part of the mini post series.

STARVED ROCK

Why We Recommend It: Unique landscape, expansive hiking trails
Distance: 1 hour, 41 minutes
Class: A-Premium
Reservations: Yes
Attractions: Hiking, kayaking, fishing, boating, ice climbing
Dates: Year-round

Starved Rock is one of the most famed parks in Illinois (which means it’s liable to be one of the busiest this summer). Luckily, there’s plenty of room, with 129 class A-premium campsites to speak of and vast, expansive trails you can easily get lost in (don’t worry—there are guided tours available). No matter how you choose to explore it, however, its 18 canyons with vertical walls of moss will have you marveling at your surroundings.

08/02/2022

Best Camping Sites in Illinois: Spots You'll Want to Return to Year After Year (Part 2)

Note: This is part of the mini post series.

GARDEN OF THE GODS RECREATION AREA

Why We Recommend It: Historic, killer scenery, clean
Distance: 5 hours, 38 minutes
Class: C
Reservations: No
Attractions: Hiking, horseback riding, fishing, historical sites
Dates: Year-round

There’s a reason Camel Rock, which is found on a 1/4 -mile trail in the Garden of the Gods, is reportedly one of the most photographed spots in Illinois—it’s absolutely gorgeous. Rock formations that date back 320 million years (nbd) provide for the Insta-worthy views, and equestrian trails allow you to take in the scene from a whole new perspective. It’s also just a hop, skip and a jump away from historical areas, like the Trail of Tears and forest sites used in the Underground Railroad.

08/02/2022

Best Camping Sites in Illinois: Spots You'll Want to Return to Year After Year (Part 1)

Note: This is part of the mini post series.

“Summer” and “camping” go together like PB and J. But if you live in Chicago, you're lucky if you can catch a glimpse of the stars on any given night, let alone secure pristine outdoor space to sleep beneath them. Fortunately, you don’t have to go *too* far to get a taste of wilderness—the Prairie State is rife with spots to pitch your tent or park your RV. Here, the best camping in Illinois where you can hike, fish, canoe, ride a horse or simply lay back and feast your eyes on all those stars.

Outdoor Gang

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