Illinois Camping Offers Beauty, Activity and Education

By RA Manseau

Garfield Park Conservatory, RV Illinois

Illinois camping is a great way to get a feel for the mid-western United States. Illinois is friendly and peaceful. As you RV Illinois the beautiful scenery and treasured architecture will mesmerize you. This beautiful state is rich with history and charm.

Illinois camping in Galena offers a glimpse into the past. With a visual feast of 19th century architecture this city has a link to the past that will enlighten and educate the visitor. Tour Galena’s historic sites and museums. Tour Galena on foot or trolley this cities old building are a true treasure. See the magnificence of the Mississippi River as you cruise the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. The rolling hills around Galena are a playground for the outdoor enthusiast, with skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. Horseback riding, stage coach and sleigh rides will help build memories that last a life time.

Continue reading below

Five Tips & Hints to RV Illinois

Plan ahead and book your Illinois campsite online
Due to its elongated north-south dimensions, Illinois experiences a significant climactic diversity.
On your Illinois camping trip, if you would like to do some fishing, you can apply online for your license at Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Perhaps Illinois most popular city is Chicago, famous for its blues club, one of the world's leading art museums, and the Magnificent Mile, one of the ritziest retail stretches in the World. Plus, bookworms listen up! Chicago Public Library is the world's largest public library!
Get up to date road conditions for Illinois at Illinois Road Conditions.

Rockford is a nice large city with all the amenities that large cities have to offer, museums, galleries, shops and restaurants. Beauty abounds here, as this city long known as “The Forest City” is in recent years gaining the new title of “City of Gardens”. While strolling through one of the cities many lush parks the visitor can easily forget they are in the big city. Rockford is home to one of Illinois most popular indoor water parks, there is no need to wait for a warm summer day to enjoy water play. There are many Illinois campgrounds in the surrounding area for vacationers to enjoy.

Zion is along the western shore of Lake Michigan, less than 50 miles north of Chicago. This city has a unique history which can be explored at the Zion Museum inside the Shiloh House. This house is in itself a museum and brilliantly beautiful. The lake shore is a popular area for swimmers and hikers during the summer. Fishing is allowed from the shore but not in the swimming areas. Illinois camping in and around Zion has a lot to offer in the line of family entertainment. In addition to the historic town and lake, while in Zion spend a day at Six Flags Amusement Park. After all these energy driven activities of the day, enjoy an evening at the majestic Genesee Theatre. This grand old theater is spectacular.

Chicago

Chicago is famous as the “Windy City” and for its high rise buildings. Chicago is also home to one of the most popular Midwest tourist destinations, Navy Pier. With its boardwalk and 150-foot Ferris wheel this is a great way to spend a day. Chicago has many nice Illinois campgrounds within 50 miles and there is so much to see in this sea of skyscrapers that camping a few days in the area will allow you to take multiple trips into the city to visit museums, galleries and events.

Southwest of Chicago is the city of Joliet. Joliet has the famous Rialto Theatre. This elegant theater was built in 1926 and was once on the vaudeville circuit. In later years it became a movie palace. In 1980 the Rialto Theatre was restored to its original grandeur. The architecture and Grande Promenade patterned after the Palace of Versailles in France, is breathtaking. This 1,900 seat theater features a variety of live entertainment. Headliners at this spectacular theater include Bill Cosby, Vince Gill, Kenny Rogers, Taylor Swift and the list goes on. Joliet has a wide selection of places worth seeing but don’t miss the opportunity to take a tour of the Rialto Theatre.

Abraham Lincoln Tomb, Illinois Campgrounds

Abraham Lincoln Tomb, Illinois Campgrounds

While Illinois camping, don’t miss the resting place of the 16th President of the United States of America, President Abraham Lincoln. Springfield is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This Presidential Library and Museum contains the world’s largest collection of documentary material related to President Lincoln’s life. Some other Springfield historical sites relating to President Lincoln include:

New Salem where Lincoln lived from 1831-1837
Lincoln’s home from 1844-1861
Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, where Lincoln practiced law from 1843-1852
Old State Capitol, where Lincoln spent much of his time
The Lincoln Tomb

RV Illinois and camp at or near the city of Carbondale, which is perfectly located in southern Illinois to make a great jumping off spot to visit the Giant City State Park and the Shawnee National Forest. This beautiful little city has a rich heritage of culture and education. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale was founded in 1869 and has a beautiful, scenic campus.

Illinois campgrounds are plentiful and easy to reach. The state has cultural and historical treasures that will enrich the mind. As you RV Illinois the outdoor and indoor recreational choices are spectacular throughout the year.