Illinios shake down trip

[Hollywoodgt]

Curious on anyone have suggection for a shake down trip in the next few weeks. I looked at Shanonna but the sites they have open are small, branches hanging low and uneven sites with ruts.

Any suggestions maybe something a little flatter and easier to manover into?
Leaving out of the New lenox area

[Mountndream]

Starved Rock?

[richp]

Hi,

Take a look at Big Rock Forest Preserve in Kane County. Nice level gravel sites, some pull throughs -- a relatively new location with no tree interference.

Hope this helps.

Rich Phillips

[richp]

Hi,

Taking a look at where you are located, Kankakee state park might also be an option, and easier to get to than Big Rock. We have camped there many times as well.

Rich

[Hollywoodgt]

This is truly great when you belong to a forum and get such great reponses. I will look at all of them. I believe the kankakee one would be out becuase our friends are coming from up north.

[Hollywoodgt]

Great recomendationslooks like a clean place and has improved sites. Trouble is both open May 1, so were out of luck there

[richp]

Hi,

Well if folks are coming from the north, look at Kane County's Paul Wolff forest preserve campground. Nicely laid out particularly in the new section, not far off the interstate and Randall Road, and reasonably priced just like Big Rock.

Good luck.

Rich Phillips

[richp]

Hi,

Bummer on the dates.

I've given up on Shabbona also, because its so tight for my tall, long fiver. We like Rock Cut near Rockford, and Chain of Lakes, although it is sort of off the beaten track.

Hang in there.

Rich

[stevem4134]

Kankakee state park is closed and has been for the past year. Don't know when it will reopen. Call them first.

[richp]

Hi

Doesnt seem like it is all closed, depending on what kind of site you want. From the web site...

"....There are 98 sites are offered at Chippewa Campgrounds -- sites are Class BE (electricity only, no showers) and Class C (no electricity, no showers). Potawatomi Campground, classified as Class A (showers and electricity), has 110 sites and two Rent-a-Cabins in a wooded setting, is closed for the 2018 season for an improvement project. Reservations are taken for Kankakee River Class A, BE, and C campgrounds."

FWIW.

Rich Phillips

[jtatum65]

Not sure how far you wanna go, but Leisure Lake opened March 1st and it within 30mins of you. Not sure the rates, but they are a Good Sam park.

[gfarmcafe]

Go a little south to Rantoul, IL to Prairie Pines Campground. It's part of the old Air Force Base. Easy access off I-57, but far enough to be quiet. Flat sites and friendly host.

[mraynie]

You can check on RV Park Reviews for Illinois campgrounds. I always use that source. In our area, We've camped at Hi-Tide in Leland. A nice campground, probably one of the nicer ones although it's probably been easily 10 years since we were there. I did not like any of the Jellystones, they were crowded, and nickel and dime you. We've stayed at Hide Away in Yorkville, scary, scary place. It felt like we were on the set of "Deliverance" Illini State Park is nice and along the Illinois River. We haven't stayed there but do have a permanent camp nearby. There's also Glenwood RV Park in Marsailles, and 4 Star campground outside Marsailles. 4 Star was okay but Glenwood was kind of scary also. Good luck with your shakedown cruise. Those have always been exciting times whenever we had a new RV to do that with.

[Velosprout]

I have always enjoyed Chain-O-Lakes in Illinois, and it has both some more secluded sites but more open sites near the boat launch area. Illini State Park in Marsailles has some open sites near the river but some more secluded and quiet sites as well.


Morraine View is just north of Leroy and has plenty of open grassy sites but the shade of mature trees, and there a few lake-frontage sites. Plenty to do and see with nearby Bloomington/Normal.


Lincoln's New Salem State Park north of Springfield is largely open sites with few trees. The proximity to Springfield and Lincoln's history in the park gives you plenty to do, and make sure to eat at Mauldner's or Auggies in Springfield. Check first, as a Lincoln historic site, it is a favorite location for scouts to meet to learn history and hike the full distance to Springfield, so at times it is crowded with youth, albeit well-behaved.


Head East to any of the Indiana State parks. While there is an initial entry fee, it isn't paid again while you are a registered camper. Tippecanoe River State Park at Winnemac is a nice northern place to camp, fish, hike, and bicycle, but they do grow some monster mosquitos in those parts.

[Hollywoodgt]

Think it will be Rock Cut state Park the other ones mentioned in Kane County looked amazing but not open yet.

[jeff64]

There are 3 county parks in Winnebago County. 1 around Pecatonnica, Rockton and along the sugar river north west of that. Check winnebago county camping on web. One of the areas of sites at the chain don't open until Memorial day. There's a KOA in Milton north of Janesville

[Platokidd]

Big Rock Forest Preserve in Kane County like Paul Wolff in Kane county are not open til May.
Paul Wolff has large sites and is no problem for any size rig.

[Hollywoodgt]

Originally Posted by Platokidd

Big Rock Forest Preserve in Kane County like Paul Wolff in Kane county are not open til May.
Paul Wolff has large sites and is no problem for any size rig.

Yes both of them look like some amazing campgrounds. Even looked like they had some pull thru's

[Platokidd]

Originally Posted by Hollywoodgt

Yes both of them look like some amazing campgrounds. Even looked like they had some pull thru's

Camped at Paul Wolff many times, very nice and close to town.

[Wolverine 1945]

Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park ???