State Parks near Decatur, 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 …

Castlewood State Park in the state of Missouri is an ideal motorhome camping trip location. Spanning Meramec River, the park is in the town of Ballwin. Scenically located in the lush green Meramec Valley, the state park is popular with outdoor enthusiasts from different parts of the state. Not too far from Castlewood State Park is the city of Chesterfield, and renting an RV will make it easy to travel here. Book an RV rental in St. Louis County to discover everything in the areas around Castlewood State Park. Even before Castlewood State Park was established in 1974, the park was a popular location with visitors. Resorts and hotels abounded in the area, and St. Louis residents would …

Whether you are coming for a few days or a few hours, a visit to Cuivre River State Park will certainly not disappoint. As one of the most rugged state parks in Missouri, is it packed with potential for outdoor adventure and is easily accessible near the towns of Troy and Winfield, and the city of St. Louis just a short drive away. Lake Lincoln offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, while the hiking trails take you through fields of wildflowers in fall, and towering prairie grasses in the fall.The park contains three natural areas that are noted for their high-quality ecosystems, and Big Sugar Creek, which winds its way through the woodland, is one of the …

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 …

Emmenegger Nature Park is a nature preserve and public recreation area near Valley Park, Missouri. It is bordered along its western perimeter by the Meramec River and to the south by Possum Woods Conservation Area. In the past, the property was owned by a family who also owned and operated a brewery. Its varied uses included a tennis club, a public swimming pool, and a riverside resort; it was also used for breeding exotic animals for the St. Louis Zoo. The land was purchased in the 1970s by a private citizen who donated part of the estate to the city of Kirkwood; the property is managed by the city and the Missouri Department of Conservation.The geography of the …

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 …

Just eight miles southeast of McLeansboro, Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area spreads across 1,683 acres of breathtaking nature. One of the biggest attractions is the 75-acre Dolan Lake, perfect for water sports enthusiasts camping with an RV. You can search for an RV in Hamilton County and enjoy any of the park's outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking.Three miles of shoreline surrounded by gently rolling hills make Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area an ideal getaway for any Norris City or Carmi camper. If you're planning an RV camping trip in Illinois, Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area should be one of your go-to destinations, since it's loaded …

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. …

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 …