Where to Camp for Scout Troops: East Central Illinois

Name : Kickapoo State Recreation Area, IL Location : North of Oakwood, IL, about 40 min east of Champaign on I74 Website :  https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/parks/pages/kickapoo.aspx Kickapoo offers mountain biking, lake canoeing, canoeing on the middle fork. The group camp site gets soggy when it rains, rangers will often put us in the Redear tent camping area. Noticable road noise from the nearby I74 at night.

Name : Jubilee College State Park Location : Northwest of Peoria on I74, about 1h 40m northwest of Champaign Website :  https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/JubileeCollege.aspx Tent camping area is a park-like area with picnic tables and fire pits. Rangers suggested we set up and use several tent sites together. No dedicated group camp area. Old Jubilee college buildings are interesting to explore.

Name : Rockville Lake Park, Indiana Location : Just outside Rockville, IN, about 1h 20m southeast of Champaign Website :  http://www.rockvillelake.com Group camp sites can be reserved in advance.

Name : Moraine View State Recreation Area Location : North of LeRoy, IL, about 45 min northwest of Champaign Website :  https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/MoraineView.aspx The Timber Ridge sites are 3 group sites with access to a water spigot. Backpack trail with campsites also available.

Name : Turkey Run State Park, Indiana Location : North of Marshall, IN, about 1h 20m southeast of Champaign, IL Website :  https://www.turkeyrunstatepark.com Beautiful park. Canoeing outfitter located nearby. Youth site is located near the road and can be loud at night, a small troop might want to elect for the general public tent camping sites. Indiana state parks charge an entrance fee for vehicles and charge a little extra if you are out of state.

Name : Weldon Springs State Park Location : Southeast of Clinton, IL, 50m west of Champaign Website :  https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/WeldonSprings.aspx A youth group site is available, reserve well in advance. Lake canoeing and hiking available.

Name : Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area Location : North of Kickapoo State Park, CR2250 North. Near put-in point for canoeing on the Middle Fork. About 45 min east of Champaign. Website :  https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/MiddleFork.aspx Sites A,C,D are reserved for equestrian camping, site B is open to tent camping. Space would be a bit cramped for larger troops, space for 8-10 tents. No interstate noise, easy driving distance to Kickapoo to enjoy mountain biking or canoeing there.

Name : Ferne Clyffe State Park Location : South of Marion and Goreville, IL, about 3 hrs south of Champaign Website :  https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/parks/pages/ferneclyffe.aspx Beautiful park in southern Illinois. Waterfalls, hiking trails, caves, and backpacking sites available.  3-4 youth group sites are available, no reservations.

Name : Eagle Creek State Park Location : West side of Lake Shelbyville, about 1h 20m southwest from Champaign Website :  https://dnr.illinois.gov/Lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R3/EAGLECRK.HTM Large group camp site available.

Name : Forest Glen Preserve Location : 7 miles east of Westville, IL on county highway 5. Website :  http://www.vccd.org/giforestglen.html Several sites for youth groups can be reserved in advance, located north of the main camping areas. 11 mile backpacking trail with dedicated backpacking camp sites. Register in advance to reserve.

Name : Walnut Point State Park Location : North of Oakland, IL, south of US 36, about 1 hr southeast of Champaign. Website :  https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/WalnutPoint.aspx Youth group site is located on the east side of the lake.