Nothing says summer like going camping. While we love the many places to go “glamping” in Illinois, from time to time, we might want to…you know, “rough it” a little more. If you agree with me, there are plenty of scenic (but still safe) places for backcountry camping in Illinois. So, here are the top 10 spots where you can go primitive camping in Illinois.

1. Cave in Rock State Park, Cave in Rock

Illinois 1, IL-1, Cave-In-Rock, IL, USA
David Wilson/Flickr
Famous for its large cave with a 55-foot mouth, this scenic state park is an incredible place to go camping. You have an awesome view of the Ohio River. The north side has camping. There are 34 Class A sites and 25 Class B/S sites.

Find out about the history of this cave:

2. Mississippi Palisades State Park, Savanna

16327a IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074, USA
GoddessOfRocks/Flickr
This gorgeous state park has an incredible view of the Mississippi River. The word Palisades refers to the steep cliffs along the river. These bluffs are part of a 2500-acre state park. Camping is great here. There are 241 Class A and B sites.

3. Shabbona Lake State Park, Shabbona

Shabbona Township Garage, N Pontiac St, Shabbona, IL 60550, USA
EarlRShumaker/Flickr
This beautiful state park is a 1,550-acre park located off of a nice lake. It has been called Illinois' best fishing lake as well as the Muskie Capital of Illinois. Camping is in a semi-wooded area of the park, and there are 150 Class A sites.

4. Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby

2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Bob Pommer/Google
Starved Rock is gorgeous with its canyons, caves, and waterfalls. There are so many places to hike here, you might just want to stay a night. There are 133 Class A premium campsites. They come with electricity, showers, and flush toilets.

Take a look at some of the gorgeous views here:

5. Hennepin Canal, Sheffield

Backcountry Camping In Illinois
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, 16006 E. Street, Sheffield, IL 61361, USA
Eric Johnson/Google
Hennepin Canal is an abandoned waterway in northwest Illinois. The entire canal is on the National Register of Historic Places. The canal is about 75 miles long. There are numerous campgrounds located along the canal. They are Class C campgrounds.

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6. Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville

Goreville Road, Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL 62939, USA
Curtis Abert/Flickr
This scenic spot has been visited for the past 100 years. Strange rock formations and incredible ferns make this place almost like something out of a fairytale. This is an awesome place for campers. There is a well-shaded Class A campground at Deer Ridge. There is a Class C campground at Turkey Ridge. And then there is a Class C campground for horseback riders.

Take a look at the lush beauty of this place:

7. Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton

Pere Marquette State Park, 13112 Visitors Center Ln, Grafton, IL 62037, USA
Tabitha Logue/Google
Pere Marquette State Park is about 8,000 acres and is located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. It is a scenic drive up to the park and hiking is even more scenic. There is a Class A campground that has 80 sites. There is also a Class B campground.

8. Rock Island Trail State Park, Wyoming

Princeville, IL 61559, USA
Ben Seidelman/Flickr
Rock Island Trail goes 26 miles. It offers a tree-canopied corridor. Much of the prairie in this area has returned. There is a Class D (primitive) camping area in the Kickapoo Creek Recreation Area.

9. Giant City State Park, Makanda

235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
David Wilson/Flickr
This park is known for its Giant City Nature Trail. It has huge bluffs of sandstone that were formed some 12,000 years ago. Besides the amazing sandstone, there are some incredible plants like ferns and mint. This park has myriad camping opportunities, including a Class A campground that has 85 campsites. There is a separate Class A campground for equestrian campers.

10. Castle Rock State Park, Oregon

Backcountry Camping In Illinois
1365 W Castle Rd, Oregon, IL 61061, USA
Heather Dowd/Flickr
This 2,000-acre park is made out of St. Peter sandstone that was formed during the Middle Ordovician period. It offers gorgeous views of the Rock River. There is a super primitive camping area. What's cool about it is that it is only accessible by canoe or boat.

Have you been to any of these spots for backcountry camping in Illinois? Where are your favorite secluded camping spots? Let us know about them in the comments. If you liked these, here are some more places for the best camping in Illinois.

The 18 Best Campgrounds In Illinois – Top-Rated & Hidden Gems

 

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More to Explore

The Natural Beauty Of Illinois

William Suphan | April 11, 2023

What are the most beautiful places to camp in Illinois?

We know that backcountry camping isn’t for everyone, so if you prefer a more comfortable camping experience, check out these beautiful places to camp in Illinois.

  • Illinois Beach State Park Campground, Zion
  • Sun Retreats Rock River, Hillsdale
  • Sycamore RV Resort, Sycamore
  • Harry L. Swartz Campground, Penfield
  • Kankakee River State Park, Bourbonnais
  • Giant Goose Ranch, Canton
  • Black Sheep Flower Farm, Lewiston
  • Camp Aramoni, Tonica
  • Woodhaven Lakes Campground, Sublette

We recommend that you read our article to learn more about these beautiful places to camp in Illinois.

What are the most beautiful natural wonders in Illinois?

The most beautiful natural wonders in Illinois include:

  • Cave-in-Rock. This water-carved limestone cave with a 55-foot entrance was formed over millions of years and was once a hideout for bandits.
  • Matthiessen State Park. The canyons here have interesting striations and there are beautiful waterfalls hidden throughout.
  • Garden of the Gods. This is one of the most gorgeous places in the state with 300-million-year-old rock formations.
  • Starved Rock State Park. In these canyons, some trees grow out of the sides almost horizontally and there are all sorts of lovely hiking trails.

Learn more about the most beautiful natural wonders in Illinois. 

What are some bucket list natural attractions in Illinois?

Bucket list natural attractions in Illinois include:

  • Bork Falls. The waterfall here drops into turquoise waters and it’s a wonderful swimming hole during the summer months.
  • Pomona Natural Bridge. Located in the Shawnee National Forest, this natural rock bridge is 90 feet across and 30 feet high.
  • Burden Falls. As one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, this one is 35 feet tall and is made up of several smaller falls.
  • Giant City State Park. There are swirling, otherworldly rock formations here that look like they’d be at home on an alien planet. 

Find out more about bucket list natural attractions in Illinois. 

What are the most scenic hiking trails in Illinois?

The most scenic hiking trails in Illinois include:

  • Illinois Beach State Park. There are few places more beautiful than a beachside hiking trail. There are 6.5 miles of shoreline to hike here.
  • Castle Rock State Park. There are boardwalk hikes here with amazing views of the rolling hills and lush forests in this park
  • Ferne Clyffe State Park. There are 18 trails in this park that will take you to forests, waterfalls, and lovely fields.
  • Buffalo Rock State Park. While the verdant foliage is a sight in itself, there are also bison that roam the area that are a wonder to behold.

Discover more about the most scenic hiking trails in Illinois. 

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