Sand Ridge State Forest is a place to clear your mind and enjoy the beauty of our outdoors! The…read moreforest will forever be my drug of choice to escape from reality, even if it's just for a short walk making conversation with myself!

Wow what a golden find in Illinois. I usually don't camp in…read morethis state because it seems like one big cornfield, but now finding this place about an hour from my home might make this an annual thing. So after our last treacherous back country camping trip in Colorado, my friends and I decided it was time for some Glamping close to home for Labor Day weekend. We found this place... A man-made forest (largest one in IL) that has beautiful pines, oaks, fungi and cacti all growing next to each other. The camp sites were clean and well maintained. Plenty of sites and hiking trails. There are fire pits for BBQ or bonfires, picnic tables, trees to hang your hammock, & stores near by for beer runs. There are no showers, but there are plenty of water spigots and bathrooms. The camp rangers were informative and friendly. They came by daily to pick up cash for the sites... which is soooo convenient. They recommend making reservations online but you could probably just show up and find a spot. We had a group of 8 and split 3 connecting sites for the long weekend. The entire weekend we probably only saw 2 other campers.

Good side trip if you are exploring the area. Staff and volunteers are very knowledgeable. Nice…read moreplace for photos. I visited on a weekday afternoon and felt like I had the place to myself, which was a real bonus. There are a series of night events which I want able to attend. Will be back to check them out.

This recreation of the 1830s Village Lincoln lived in for 6 years is definitely worth a visit! it…read moreis here that Lincoln went from a self-described piece of driftwood to someone who had experience as a land surveyor, had been a captain in the army, and was starting to read law. The entry fee is donation based. For a family, the suggested donation is only $10, which is very reasonable. There is a café and small gift shop in a building separate from the visitor center, although you can bring your own food and drink and have a picnic on the covered tables outside the café. The Visitor's Center has some really interesting exhibits about the town and its short lifespan. While Lincoln was certainly the most famous inhabitant, the other people who lived in town are also of interest, as are the exhibits about daily life in 1830's frontier Illinois. The village was recreated in the 1930s based on interviews with people who grew up in new Salem or are descendants of people who live there, as well as visible foundations of the buildings. The weather was absolutely amazing when we went, but even on a hot day, New Salem would be nice to visit because there are lots of shade trees over the walking paths between the buildings. During our visit, six or seven Interpreters welcomed us into a selection of the shops and homes. These folks dress in historic costume and tell you about the house or shop they're in, as well as what they know about the village. The Interpreter at the Rutledge Tavern mentioned that she has read many accounts of folks who had been to new Salem, lived in new Salem, or were descendants of people who lived there. She also talked about her process of determine which accounts were the most accurate and therefore usable in day-to-day work as an Interpreter. The Interpreter in the doctor's house was fantastic and is a distant cousin of Abraham Lincoln, as well as a trained doctor who has a lot of information about 1830s medical practice. The interpreter at the blacksmiths shop was working on a pin for his wife's voluminous hair! We were at the site about four hours, although you could go through faster, depending on how many interpreters there are and whether you stop in the visitor center.

Every single time we have the tournament for camp big sky it goes well. Nate one of the owners is…read morevery helpful and happy to see us.

I've been a full time camper here for about 4 or 5 years now. We haven't been able to get out here…read moreuntil today do to work. One thing we love about the owners of this place is that they put a lot back into this place each and every year. Here are the newest exciting developments we came back to. A new restaurants, snack shack, covered picnic tables at the beach, fire pits at the beach and MORE camper site developments. Very nice!! Great place to take your family!

Work took me to this location for two months. Staff was friendly, camp was well kept if simple…read more Showers had hot water. Most of the other guests were working locally as well and went to bed and woke up early. Only noise that ever woke me up was birds at daybreak and morning traffic. Fair price and they went out of there way so that I didn't pay a day more than I had to. Recommended.

From the owner: In business for more than 30 years, Webbs Valley View Campground is a professional quality…read morecampground in the heart of spoon river country. We offer full service RV and tent camping. We offer dump stations, water and electric. We also have scheduled music events monthly. For more information, call us today.

Perfect for camping and stargazing in Illinois. The host was very friendly even though we arrived…read moreafter 5pm (my understanding is he's available until dusk). This is close to one of the darkest skies in Illinois. There are other options with darker skies (e.g. Weinberg-King) but the facilities here with plumbing and showers make this the best choice. Firewood, ice, and ice cream are available for purchase from the host.

Very nice state park. Great for biking and fishing. Fish were biting but pretty small.read more

Love banner marsh. Always looking for reasons to come down here. It's a peaceful little piece of…read moreMidwestern swampy paradise

Banner Marsh Fish and Wildlife area offers outdoor activities for all types of outdoorsmen. I…read moreenjoy fishing at Banner Marsh, either from the bank or from my boat. Nearly every major species of game fish in Illinois is available here, with it being a great place to catch Largemouth Bass and Panfish. There are many different lakes available to fish in, and after 15 years of coming here I still don't think I have fished them all. Not only is it a good place for fishing and duck hunting, it is a great place to see native wildlife. I constantly see turtles, foxes, and different kinds of water birds including several swans that hang out on one of the main lakes. The only thing that would make this place better would be if they allowed camping. The biggest downside to Banner Marsh is that during the summer bank fishing can be difficult due to the plant life growing in the water. I really enjoy Banner Marsh and feel that everyone interested in the outdoors should make the trip to check it out.

ITB used to be good, not anymore. Steve is full of half-truths and deception. His guide Jeff Batula…read moreis horrible. Stay away from Grizzly Creek camp if Jeff is your guide. One of the laziest guys I have ever seen. He cared more about leaving than any hunter in camp. In the past, I have hunted with them using Rick Davis. He was an amazing guide, worked hard. Spend your money with other outfitters and do your homework. Do not trust anything Steve Phelps says. Once he gets your money, he does not care about you at all. No matter how many times you hunt with him.

Let me start by saying they do have deer and my 1st time crew was successful but abused. I've been…read morehunting Illinois for 11 years so I know the deal. We hunted Grizzly Creek and let me say it was amature hour with the guides. Donnie (main guide) was a complete condescending jerk. He had no interest in you as a client, your needs and had non stop nasty comments for any one and everyone. 10 guys in camp were very uncomfortable with him and several left days early. He never asked about your day or gave you a game plan. Even when guys shot deer he had a nasty comment or three. He thinks he is very special and I am sure Mr. Phleps is unaware of guides treating people like idiots. When they do finally move you on the 3rd or 4th day (if you want) they just swap you with another guy in camp and hope you don't figure it out. You literally swap seats and the deer look up as they have for the last month of guys in stand. The other guides were shady as well. We busted one of them putting a guy in a stand as an observation sit so the guide could kill. As soon as the guy on stand reported seeing a good buck cross way out, he witnessed the guide he messaged sneaking in street clothes way out trying to cut the buck off. When he was called out, the guide admitted it and laughed (they are not supposed to even hunt). I would never let a friend or family member pay to hunt with these guys. Remember, the guides could care less and they are out hunting and using you to scout for them...no matter what they say.