Perfect Camping for You in Illinois The Prairie State provides a spectacular backdrop for some of the most scenic campgrounds in the country. But do you know which campgrounds offer the most privacy? Which are the best for first-time campers? John Schirle has traversed the entire region―from Apple River Canyon State Park in the northwest, with its bubbling creeks and steep ravines, to the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in the south, one of the most photographed locations in the state―and compiled the most up-to-date research to steer you to the perfect spot! Best Tent Camping: Illinois presents 50 private, state park, state recreation area, forest preserve, and wildlife area campgrounds, organized into three distinct regions. Selections are based on location, topography, size, and overall appeal, and every site is rated for beauty, privacy, spaciousness, safety and security, and cleanliness―so you’ll always know what to expect. The new full-color edition of this proven guidebook provides everything you need to know, with detailed maps of each campground and key information such as fees, restrictions, dates of operation, and facilities, as well as driving directions and GPS coordinates. Whether you seek a quiet campground near a fish-filled stream or a family campground with all the amenities, grab Best Tent Camping: Illinois . It’s an escape for all who wish to find those special locales that recharge the mind, body, and spirit. This guide is a keeper. John Schirle was raised in central Illinois and has been back in his home state since 1993. During his college days, he developed a love for getting away in the outdoors―camping, hiking, canoeing, and, more recently, caving. As a result, he has spent countless hours scouring the region for the ever-elusive ideal tent-camping getaway. His personal goal for some years has been to visit every single state park in Illinois (he hasn’t yet achieved this goal, but he’s a lot closer now!). Over the years he has been a Bible translator in central Africa, a college professor, and a camp program director, and he is currently a children’s librarian in his hometown of Decatur, Illinois. Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area Beauty 4 / Privacy 3 / Spaciousness 4 / Quiet 4 / Security 4 / Cleanliness 5 The walk-in tent sites on the lakeshore are well worth the short hike. KEY INFORMATION LOCATION: 13225 East IL 33, Newton, IL 62448 - CONTACT: 618-783-2661, bit.ly/SamParr-IL - OPERATED BY: IDNR - OPEN: Year-round - SITES: Class B/E: 33 electric sites; Class D: 21 walk-in tent sites - EACH SITE HAS: Picnic table, fire ring or ground grill; electricity in Class B/E only - WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Restrooms and at least one accessible tent site - ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served - REGISTRATION: Select site, then register at the office - AMENITIES: Water spigots, vault toilets - PARKING: At site (Class B/E); in lot (Class D) - FEE: Class B/E: $18/night; Class D: $6/night - ELEVATION: 523' - RESTRICTIONS: PETS: On leash only - QUIET HOURS: 10 p.m.–7 a.m. - FIRES: In fire rings only - ALCOHOL: Permitted - VEHICLES: 2 per site - OTHER: 14-day limit; 1 RV and 1 tent, or 2 tents per site; 4 adults or 1 family per site When I was a kid, I never understood how my great-grandfather could sit fishing for hours, even with nothing biting. I realize now that fishing was just an excuse to enjoy the outdoors, and whether the fish cooperated or not was immaterial. I’m reminded of that because Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area is just a few miles from where my great-grandfather lived most of his life and is just the sort of peaceful place he loved. The terrain is typical of central Illinois―a mix of low timbered hills and prairie, with a narrow V-shaped 183-acre lake at the center. The park doesn’t have a lot of amenities, but the separate tent-camping area offers quiet lakeside camping and a good place to enjoy fishing, boating, and simply relaxing. As you enter Sam Parr off IL 33, go 0.3 mile, to the second road on the right, and follow the signs for tent camping. The walk-in tent area is at the southwest corner of the lake and has 21 sites spread out over a large grassy lawn sloping gently toward the lake. Though all the sites are visible to one another, most are spacious and widely separated. Some are close to parking, so you don’t have to carry your gear very far at all, while those on the lakeshore require a short hike of 300–450 feet. Most of the time you should have plenty of choices. The walk-in area is busy on holidays, but other weekends may only see two or three parties camping, and it’s rarely even half full. Site 1 is attractive but too close to the parking lot for my comfort―you’ll see and hear everyone who drives in. If you want to be close to your vehicle, try sites 2, 3, 11, or 14, which are a bit farther away and shaded by pine or maple trees. I prefer the sites on the fringes (out of the line of foot traffic) and closest to the lake. Sites 6, 8, 9, 10, 1