Be the first to I found out about this campground on the DNR Web site, and I tent camped there in September 2008.
Describe your camping trip:
There are three campgrounds. The main one is right off the Illinois River. This is where the larger RVs go, along with tent campers. Most of these sites have electric and the shower house is there. There are some non-electric sites in a more secluded area also. The middle one is where I go. Each site has electric and they are more secluded. Most campers are in tents or small RVs. It's more wooded and you have more privacy. The third one is non-electric and even more secluded. Each campground has bathrooms. Non-flush toilets and no running water except in the main campground along with the showers.
Pros: This is a beautiful quiet place. I like it because you have privacy, and it's woodsy. I've seen turkeys, deer and lots of different birds. It's a little over an hour drive from Chicago. People also bring their own boats.
Cons: It's all good. I just found out that our Governor wants to shut it down - budget cuts.
Cons: It's all good. I just found out that our Governor wants to shut it down - budget cuts.
Nearby attractions: It's about 20 minutes away from Starved Rock, Mattheison and Buffalo Rock State Parks. Great area for nature lovers. The only other wooded campground around is at Starved Rock and most of those sites are by reservation, which are already booked for 1 1/2years. Surrounded by interesting small towns, Utica, Ottawa. Some historic sites also.
Further comments: I would have kept this place my little secret, but we need campers and nature lovers to contact our wonderful Governor and let him know that we want this place kept open.
