State Parks near Bloomington, IL

The state of Illinois is home to Beaver Dam State Park, which covers 750-acres of hickory and oak woodlands, perfect for a state park RV camping trip. Located very close to Carlinville, Bunker Hill and Gillespie, check out these cities on your motorhome camping trip. Search for an RV rental in Macoupin County, to gain convenient access to the park and its surrounding towns and cities. Known for a range of recreational opportunities like fishing, hiking, camping and picnicking, Beaver Dam State Park serves as an ideal getaway to unwind in the midst of nature for a couple of days.The 59-acre lake that is a part of Beaver Dam State Park was a popular fishing …

Big River State Forest is a multi-use outdoor recreational area near Oquawka that is used for timber resource education and supply. The forest was first established in 1925, although land acquisitions since then have increased its size substantially. In the past, there were stands of hardwood trees, but these have been cultivated and replaced with the much quicker growing pine species; part of the reason for this was to demonstrate how pine trees are much more commercially successful. As a result, many nearby landowners have followed suit and created pine tree farms that have achieved similar results.The forest's headquarters area is home to a fire tower, a prominent landmark in the area, and an operational structure during peak fire …

Set on Lake Shelbyville, Eagle Creek State Park is a fantastic place to soak up the Illinois sunshine. The park is a gateway to the 11,000-acre reservoir, where you can cool off at the sandy swimming areas, launch a kayak, and reel in freshwater fish. Eagle Creek holds special appeal for golfers, with a scenic lakeside course located within the park.Planning a road trip through the Prairie State? Book an RV in Shelby County and you can enjoy a lakeside getaway to Eagle Creek State Park. When you've had your fill of fishing, paddling, stargazing, and golfing, why not extend your road trip to discover other Illinois recreation areas like the Shawnee National Forest and Starved Rock State Park? …

Illinois doesn’t have a lot in the way of rolling hills, making Fox Ridge State Park stand out among the other, flatter state parks. Like much of the rest of Illinois, the terrain at Fox Ridge was also formed by glaciers in the last ice age. It’s incredible to hike among the park’s many trails and imagine it covered in thousands of feet of ice. Native American tribes settled into the area in approximately the 17th century, and Europeans arrived soon after, using the river for trade and commerce.The Civilian Conservation Corps began construction of trails, picnic shelters, bathrooms, and a small lake in 1935 after nearby residents helped preserve the surrounding land. A few of these historic buildings …

Green River State Park near Harmon has 2,565 acres of untouched natural beauty for campers and outdoor adventurers to explore. Don't worry if you don't own a camper — search for an RV rental in Lee County, then plan a getaway to the state park RV campground.Chicago sits only about two and a half hours to the east of Green River State Park. Drive over to Amboy and stock up on supplies before setting up camp at Green River State Park. Amboy is about 20 minutes northeast of the park and a great place to pick up a few last-minute essentials for your rental RV.

There’s no shortage of RV rentals in LaSalle County, Illinois, and no shortage of scenic state parks to enjoy a motorhome camping trip. Illini State Park is in northern Illinois, just 80 miles southwest of Chicago. The 510-acre state park borders the Illinois River, across the water from the small town of Marseilles. You’ll find grassy picnic areas, dense oak forest, and beautiful cottonwoods along the river here. The park was named after the Illini natives that once inhabited the area, and there’s plenty of history to see here.The Marseilles Moraine, features from the last ice age that flattened most of Illinois, left a little bit of a divot where Illini State Park is located. This changing …

One of the oldest state parks in the state of Illinois has very humble beginnings. Kankakee River State Park was created in 1938 when Ethel Sturges Dummer donated 35 acres to the state of Illinois to be turned into a park. Now, Kankakee River State Park near Bourbonnais is 4,000 acres of treasured, breathtaking land. RV camping at Kankakee River State Park has become a popular activity, and people from across the United States travel in to spend a few days enjoying the unspoiled setting of the park.You don't have to own a motorhome to enjoy camping in an RV at Kankakee River State Park. Book an RV in Kankakee County for the weekend and head over to the …

Kickapoo State Park is located in eastern Illinois near the Indiana state line, just over an hour east of Decatur, an hour and a half west of Indianapolis, and a quick shout from Westville. Surrounded by 22 ponds, this park is popular for its water activities.In 1939, the land was purchased from a mining company, and all 1,290 acres of it was turned into a state park. A lot of the land has since been reclaimed by the lush and strong arm of nature, which resulted in most of the lakes being crystal clear. The rest of the 1,550-odd acres of the park was donated by local residents.This park has it all. There's no shortage …

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, IL, preserves the home of Abraham Lincoln and his wife; the property was built in 1839. It followed the Greek Revival form of architecture and was opened to the public for viewing in 1887. The Lincolns lived here for 17 years before finally moving out in 1861.Book an RV rental in Springfield, and you can tour this historically significant site; the tour groups are led by rangers who offer insight into Lincoln's personal life, his public life as a renowned lawyer and politician, and specifically about his 1860 presidential campaign. The tours explore both the interior and exterior of the house, including the kitchen, backyard, and outbuildings. RV camping near …

Lincoln Trail State Park features a combination of important U.S. history and beautiful Illinois countryside that anybody considering an RV rental near Terre Haute will love. This state park has historical significance as it features part of the trail Abraham Lincoln and his family used to travel from Kentucky to Illinois. Prior to Lincoln visiting the area, this region was settled by many native tribes, including Kickapoo and Miami Native Americans, until the late 1700s.As well as having an abundance of history, Lincoln Trail State Park is perfect for those looking for a peaceful vacation. When you book an RV in Clark County, you'll have access to the serene Lincoln Trail Lake, steep gorges, and lush pine forests. …

An RV rental in Ogle County is a fantastic way to explore the northern central section of Illinois, and while your there be sure to explore Lowden State Park. This state park, which lies along the shores of Rock River, serves as a memorial to former Illinois Governor Frank O. Lowden who was in office during World War I. The park is home to a large, 50-foot statue that celebrates both Native Americans and, specifically, Chief Black Hawk.RV camping at Lowden State Park is a delightful way to enjoy its 273 acres of land, which were originally designated as park space in 1945. The park is near decent-sized cities like Rockford, Oregon, and Byron, so when …

Rent a camper near Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area, and you can enjoy some of Illinois' best outdoor scenery. This picturesque refuge is centered around the Illinois River and includes the bottomlands and bluffs that line the riverbanks. The park is close to the city of Lacon and is part of the Mallard Flyway used by migrating bird species. The bluffs are lined with hardwood trees such as oak, hickory and walnut, shrubs, and wildflowers lightly decorating the ground. The riverbanks are populated with vegetation that thrives in moist areas such as cottonwood trees as well as silver maple and willow.The area is dotted with sloughs and lakes that were created by a substantial buildup of silt from …

Set in the forested terrain of northwestern Illinois, Matthiessen State Park is a fascinating display of unique rock formations, canyons, streams, and untamed beauty. Formerly the property of its namesake, Frederick William Matthiessen, the land once served as a private park under his diligent care. At that time, the park was 176 acres and was mostly made up of a single canyon. This is quite a contrast to the 1,983 acres of land that Utica campers can hike, mountain bike, stroll along, and picnic in today.Although there's no lack of things to do at Matthiessen State Park, LaSalle County is also filled with exciting new places to explore. Just a few miles away from Utica is the striking town …

Prophetstown State Park is nestled into the suburbs of Lafayette, IN. Located midway between Chicago, IL, and Indianapolis, the park is the perfect city break for anyone who enjoys motorhome camping.Established in 2004, Prophetstown State Park is one of Indiana’s newest state parks. However, the history of the land dates back over two hundred years ago, when Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa, otherwise known as The Prophet, founded a Native American community here. This grew into a multi-tribal community, after whom the park is named.As a relatively modern park, Prophetstown State Park has been established with the 21st-century traveler in mind, including aquatic parks, history farms and of course plenty of hiking trails. Book an …

Right next to the town of Ramsey is a lovely 1,980-acre recreation area known for its natural beauty, forested shores, and pristine lake. Scenic picnic spots and hunting and fishing opportunities lure outdoor adventurers of all kinds to camp at Ramsey Lake State Park.In addition to the lake, the park is known for its history, as it used to be the "Old Fox Chase Grounds," where hunters targeted foxes and raccoons. RVers, hikers, and families from nearby towns like Vandalia and Nokomis are some of the park’s regulars. Visitors come to enjoy the peace and quiet, trek the park’s trails, or have fun skiing and ice skating during winter.One of the best ways to ensure a pleasant stay …

When you park your RV rental at Sam Parr State Park, you'll be treated to scenic lakeside views and peaceful wooded areas. The park is located just three miles from the city of Newton, which provides campers with supplies, local restaurants, and cozy shops. There are over 1,000 acres to explore surrounding a 183-acre lake, making this an excellent spot for hikers and watersport enthusiasts. People have inhabited this area for over 1,000 years, with Native Americans using the park as hunting grounds, adding some history to the area.When you book an RV in Jasper County, you'll have easy access to some of Illinois' best natural sights and cities. Campers will find themselves a short drive from …

Of all the recreation areas in Illinois, one that truly stands out is the vast natural area of Sand Ridge State Forest. This rural getaway is the perfect place for an RV camping experience if you want to reconnect with nature. From hiking and picknicking to hunting and horseback riding, this 7,200-acre wonder is waiting to be explored. What visitors find fascinating about Sand Ridge State Forest is the variety of plants and animals rarely found in other parts of the Prairie State.Just seven miles from Manito, the park's mesmerizing pine plantations, sand prairies, and oak-hickory forests provide a serene atmosphere for an escape in your motorhome rental. Book an RV in Mason County and let the adventure …