Giant City State Park
RV Guide

Perfect for small families, this campground boasts 60 class A campsites with 30- to 50-amp electricity. Four of these sites are ADA-accessible. The maximum amount of people at these sites is only four, so if you have a larger family you may need to book two sites. Your furbaby is welcome but must be on a leash of 10 feet long or more at all times during your visit. You will be able to cook indoors since the park provides electricity; however, you can also cook outside on the campfire grill provided by the park.

The RV length limits range from 20 to 40, but there are a couple of sites that are a little bit smaller. The family can all eat at the provided picnic table, so you do not have to balance your food on your lap in a camp chair. You can also find two modern restrooms and a shower house as well as several drinking water spigots throughout the campground. Most of the sites have a water view, and they are all within a short walk of Little Grassy Lake as well as the Red Cedar Hiking Trail. The kids will love the playground in the middle of the camp by the picnic shelter where you can enjoy a meal with friends. Reservations can be made from three days to 12 months in advance.

For horse lovers, the equestrian campground has 25 class A campsites with 30-amp electricity and one that is ADA accessible. Located in the southwestern corner of the park, the trailhead for the equestrian trail starts here so you can jump on your horse and head out anytime you like, right from your campsite. Although each site has electricity so you can cook indoors, you can also cook out on the provided campfire grill. The picnic table is big enough for everyone, so you can all sit and eat together.

The park also provides several drinking water spigots and a modern restroom with running water. Pets are welcome so go ahead and bring your pooch too. All sites can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet in length and provide a hitching post for your pony as tying off to trees is prohibited. You can reserve your site from three days to one year ahead of time. The sooner the better since there are only 25 equestrian sites.

If you are thinking that a few nights of pampering are in order and you did not bring your furbaby along, there are 34 cabins to choose from in the southeastern corner of the park. You’ll find 12 cozy historic cabins nestled in the woods to the east of the lodge and 18 mid-sized prairie cabins alongside the pool and vending area on the eastern side of the lodge. If you want something a little more spacious, try one of the four luxurious bluff cabins, which each boast a wet bar and a deck that overlooks the bluffs. However, it is best to make your reservations way in advance.

Each of the cabins comes with a full bathroom, electricity, water, heat, air conditioning, and beds. You’ll also have a coffee maker and hairdryer as well as a phone and clock radio. The television has satellite with over 50 channels. and there is a pool available nearby for everyone to enjoy. The prairie and bluff cabins have small refrigerators but none of them have kitchens. There is a dining room and bar in the lodge in the center of the cabin area. In addition, you can relax and unwind in the great room, shop for souvenirs at the gift shop, or climb the 50-foot observation tower for an amazing view you cannot get anywhere else in Illinois.

If you did not have time to make a reservation, you may still be able to get a campsite at one of the 24 first-come, first-served campsites. Just like the reservable sites, each one of these has a 30- to 50-amp electric hookup, so you can cook indoors and keep the lights and AC on and may even be able to catch the game on the television if you can get a signal. If you would rather cook outside, the park provides a large fire ring with a grill to cook on and a picnic table so the whole family can eat together.

Make sure to get a site that is big enough for your camper when you check in because with these you do not have the luxury of choosing a certain length ahead of time. Most sites are between 20 and 40 feet long. You’ll have access to the same amenities as the others since these sites are a part of the family campground as well. Pets are allowed here too with the same rules as the rest of the sites. If you are coming on a weekend or holiday, you should get here early if you don’t have a reservation because these sites will fill up fast.

At the far southwestern end of Giant City State Park, past the Family Campground, you can find 14 Class C walk-in campsites. You will have to leave your RV in the parking lot and hike the Red Cedar Trail, which is about 12 miles long. There are no utilities or restrooms here, but you will have access to the restrooms and showers at the Family Campground. These are first-come, first-served sites so talk to the campground staff or park ranger before heading down the trail. You don’t want to get all the way out there and find there is no place to camp.

Just like the other sites, your furbaby is allowed to accompany you but you will need to keep them leashed or otherwise restrained at all times. There is a potable water spigot nearby for drinking and cooking with. These sites are shaded, and most are very wooded so be sure to pack your insect repellent. Each site has its own campfire ring and picnic table as well.