Although Illinois' nickname is the Prairie State, there's a lot more than acres and acres of beautiful flat prairies. RV parks in Illinois will be located in rolling hills, next to rushing rivers, deep canyons, or near hidden waterfalls. While camping in Illinois, be wowed by the natural beauty of three spectacular waterfalls and canyons while visiting Lake Falls and French and St. Louis canyons during the Waterfall & Canyon Tour held in April and May.
Illinois is also home to plenty of water features. Step back in time and experience a horse pulled one-hour trip along the historic Illinois & Michigan canal in LaSalle. Enjoy a dinner cruise with live entertainment as you sail the Mississippi River aboard the Celebration Belle that docks in Moline. Kayak or canoe on the many rivers while camping in Illinois. Fans of whitewater rafting must schedule a trip on the Vermillion River. The Peshtigo River is a favorite for spring run-off trips. If you'd rather see the water from dry land, visit the Melvin Price Locks & Dam in Alton. Take a guided tour and see towboats and barges as they push their way through the locks on the Mississippi River.
Make sure you bring your bicycle along when visiting RV parks in Illinois. The Great River Trail provides 62 miles of riverfront biking trails that run from Rock Island to Savanna. This is a great way to see the Mississippi River and its riverbluffs—great for families who like to bike together. The Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail extends from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park and takes you past the famous Piasa Bird—a species you won't find on any bird list.
Some of the earliest history was recorded by Native Americans and camping in Illinois can bring your close to some of those. The Dickson Mounds State Museum interprets the 12,000-year history of American Indian cultures. Cahokia Mounds, Illinois' only United Nations World Heritage Site, preserves the central section of the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico.
While camping in Illinois, it's hard to miss the early influence of both Lewis and Clark and Abraham Lincoln. Visit the Lewis and Clark Memorial Tower with a view of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers—where the famous expedition began near Alton. In Lerna, visit the last home of Lincoln Log Cabin State Historical Site or Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site where Lincoln studied law and began politics. The Lincoln Home in Springfield was the only home the Lincolns ever owned.
RV parks in Illinois are found in the country, on the plains, and near big city fun. Visit Chicago and experience family and adult themed entertainment. Families will have fun at the Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Peer and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Millennium Park,Willis Tower SkyDeck & The Ledge, and the Hancock Observatory should also be on your must-see list. Of course, there's plenty of shopping, fine dining, and museums in Chicago and other major cities in Illinois.