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Illinois Campground Recommendations
Find the best campsites in the midwest using our state and county guides! We’ve scoured the earth and sifted through the rubble to find the most unique state parks, county campgrounds, family-run RV park, and leisurely glamping experiences for you and your family to enjoy the summer sun, fall breeze, or crisp winter air.
Focused around counties in the midwest, our campground recommendations, and state park guides can save you the trouble of hours of research to even tell if the RV park allows tent camping! You’re already one step closer to the best camping near Chicago!
Latest Campsite Recommendations
Camping Near Chicago | 18 Best Campgrounds Within Two Hours of the City
Take it straight from an Illinois native – While we may be known for cornfields, there are still some found the best options for camping near Chicago – within a two-hour drive of the city! Skip the research and snag a reservation at one of these campgrounds within two hours of Chicago! State Park Campgrounds … Read more
Camping in Central Illinois | 14 Incredible Campgrounds to Escape to Nature
Central Illinois has campgrounds for every type of camper! While camping in central Illinois usually surfaces visions of flat forests and fields, we’ve found hidden gems throughout the state to explore state parks, local forest preserves, and private campgrounds in central Illinois with unique waterfalls, lakes, and more! State Park Camping in Central Illinois Illinois … Read more
Camping in Northern Illinois | 14 Best Campgrounds North of I-80
Northern Illinois has dozens of campgrounds perfect for adventure seekers and families – if you know where to look. We’ve pulled our favorite state parks, local forest preserves, and private campgrounds in northern Illinois so you don’t need to spend hours going from Google Maps to websites and back again. Find your perfect spot for … Read more
Best Camping Near Carbondale, IL | 4 Incredible Jackson County Campgrounds
Southern Illinois offers unique midwestern camping experiences you can’t find in other parts of the state! Camping near Carbondale at one of these four campgrounds will be an unforgettable experience for any outdoor adventurer. Check out our recommendations for Jackson county camping and plan your trip today! 4. Crab Orchard Campground Best Carbondale Campground for … Read more
Best Camping Near Freeport, IL | Top 3 Stephenson County Campgrounds
Seeking a state park or private campground for camping near Freeport? We’ve found the top three options in Stephenson county so you can focus on getting your family prepared for that big weekend away! Whether you’re looking for a beachy weekend in the midwest or more of a pool experience, these campgrounds have something for … Read more
Winter Camping in Illinois | Your Guide to Cold Weather Fun
Finding the perfect place for winter camping in Illinois can be tough as most campgrounds close for the off-season. We’ve pulled together the best state parks, local campgrounds, and private spots to spend a weekend warming over the campfire. Where to Go Winter Camping in Northern Illinois These campgrounds are open throughout the year for … Read more
Gear Guides
There’s nothing more important than high-quality gear when it’s all that stands between you and the elements. We focus on finding gear with great value – something that won’t break the bank or while you’re out on the trail!
Dive into our gear guides to find the best tents, tent stoves, and ultralight specific gear recommendations!
Latest Gear Guides
Best Blackstone for Camping | 5 Griddles for Explorers
Bring the diner out to the woods by finding the best Blackstone for camping, however you like to camp and cook! Camping grills haven’t seen much change until the Blackstone griddle popped up a few years ago – Most gas grills needed pans or extra accessories to cook a burger when the wood is wet, … Read more
4 Tent Brands to Avoid
When buying a tent, be sure to avoid these tent brands to keep you safe from the elements on your explorations outdoors (and avoid waking up in a puddle)! These tent brands to avoid may not hold up to the stresses of the rain and wind so opt for one of our recommended brands instead! … Read more
10 Best Tent Brands for Camping
When buying a tent, choosing from one of the best tent brands is important to keep you safe from the elements on your explorations outdoors (and avoid waking up in a puddle)! Overview How to Select the Best Tent Brand for You Type of Tent There are a few types of tents to select from, … Read more
Best Camping Tent for Beginners | 2 Best Choices For New Campers
Tents are expensive enough that the first time purchasing a camping tent for beginners can be stressful and overwhelming. We’ve done the research to find the top tents on the market and help you skip from planning and go straight into your weekend exploring the outdoors! Sneak Peek: Best Camping Tent for Beginners What to … Read more
14 Tips to Finding the Best Black Friday / Cyber Monday Camping Deals
Black Friday & Cyber Monday are great times to pick up some new camping gear as retailers look to offload end-of-season inventory and take advantage of the busiest shopping day of the year! We’ve pulled together some tips and tricks for finding the best outdoor camping deals for this holiday season so you can find … Read more
Best Large Camping Kettles | 6 BIG Kettles to Serve a Crowd
Need to boil water for a crowd? Our selection of the best large camping kettles will help you find the perfect aluminum, enameled, or steel coffee pot for your next outdoor adventure! Large camping kettles ensure you won’t be spending the morning over the stove making brew after brew, leaving you to enjoy your time … Read more
Midwest Camping Blog
We want to spread everything we know so that you don’t learn the hard way (like we did)! In our blog, you’ll find packing lists, year-end roundups, and more curated lists outside our county-focused campground recommendations!
Latest Blog Posts
12 Fun Things to Bring to a Cabin
If the weather gets bad or you want to spend a day out of the snow, these fun things to bring to a cabin will keep you entertained for days during your frozen getaway! After you finish with the rest of your cabin camping packing list, use any extra room to pack in some fun … Read more
Cabin Camping Packing List | Forget Nothing with These 43 Key Items
This handy cabin camping packing list will prevent you from forgetting any important things on your big weekend! We know cabins are already expensive and there’s no reason for last-minute replacements if you follow our cabin packing list below! What makes cabin camping different? The four walls you’re guaranteed set cabin camping apart from normal … Read more
Best Outdoor Games for Camping | 7 Rousing Games to Excite
Games are a pivotal part of staving off family boredom during camping trips so we’ve reminisced on the best outdoor games for camping so you can make the next generation of great memories in the wild. Introduction Best Outdoor Games for Camping Growing up in the Midwest, there was nothing I enjoyed more than a … Read more
