State Parks near Champaign, IL

Beall Woods State Park, near Mount Carmel, is a government-owned nature preserve that was established in 1966. The area had been owned by the Beall family since the mid-1800s, but only half of it had been farmed while the remaining area was left undisturbed. Following the death of the last family member, the land was purchased by a man who intended to harvest the forest. However, the property was purchased by the state of Illinois after numerous local citizens and groups protested, resulting in a civil lawsuit.

The land is a prairie woodland, a type of ecosystem that was once common across the state; its vegetation includes a variety of grasses, cottonweed, prickly pear cactus, and much more. The …

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 …

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? …

Eldon Hazlet State Park is a popular tourist destination for campers looking to make a splash. When you park your RV rental here, you'll have access to 3,000 acres of shoreline along the massive Carlyle Reservoir, which is ideal for a variety of watersports, including boating, fishing, and much more. This park is also great for hiking, and during your hike, you'll see some of Eldon Hazlet's unique and abundant flora and fauna.

When you book an RV in Clinton County, you'll have access to a popular campground and some of the most beautiful countrysides in Illinois. Carlyle is the closest city to the park, and from there, campers can branch out and visit other gorgeous parks, including Pere …

Situated in the central region of the Midwest, Indianapolis is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. Founded in 1816, the city replaced Corydon as the state capital in 1821. Did you know that Indianapolis is the largest American city not located on a navigable river? Enough with the facts, when you decide to camp in an RV near Indianapolis, you will pass by Fort Harrison State Park. Located to the northeastern part of town just next to Lawrence, IN, this state park sits on part of what used to be Fort Benjamin Harrison, a US Army Post dating back to the 1900s. The 18-hole golf course and hiking trails make Fort Harrison State Park the premier …

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 …

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is in Vincennes, Indiana, near the banks of the Wabash River. It's a monument to a hero of the American Revolution. A colonel in the American Army, George Rogers Clark led his soldiers and a contingent of Illinois civilians into Fort Sackville in 1877. Today, you can visit the monument and retrace Clark's steps as he moved against the British.

Before going to the monument, you should stop by the park's visitor center, which features exhibits and a short movie explaining the history of the site. There is a bookstore in the center selling souvenirs and gifts as well. The center is open during normal business hours. Once you've seen the park, there …

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 …

Indiana Dunes State Park, nestled along the southern tip of Lake Michigan, is home to 2,182 acres of beautiful sand dunes, beaches, and natural hardwood forest. This state park is part of the vast, federally-managed Indiana Dunes National Park, covering more than 15,000 acres of stunning wilderness and exhilarating activities. Established in 1925 and later designated a National Natural Landmark, Indiana Dunes State Park draws millions of outdoor adventurers with its natural beauty, remarkably beautiful lake, and tall sand dunes that stretch for miles.

Swimming, hiking, and fishing are among the most popular attractions at the park. Rent an RV in Porter County to explore the dunes and marshes which characterize this breathtaking area.

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. …

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 …