Where to camp

[laylah]

in Illinois? I don't like huge established campgrounds, paved sites where folks can park their $500000000000 gazillion homes on wheels and set up their satellite dishes for better t.v. reception. I want more remote, rustic (outdoor johns are ok but not mandatory :P ) places where I can park my VW Westy, pop the top, do some fishin' in a CLEAN lake or stream, away from the fray. I live in the QC area of Illinois and would like to find some camping/fishing (for EDIBLE fish) spots within a couple of hours drive. Ideas? Anyone? Thanks in advance.

Jenn

edited to get the right smiley

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. If you're willing to drive a little further

there are some great places in Southern Illinois-several rustic campgrounds. And you'll love the scenery, which is very very different from where you are located. I'd recommend LaRue - it is a world heritage site just off Hwy 3-Great River Road-in Jackson County. Unique species of plants/animals, very quiet area-bluffs and rugged. Old bank of the Mississippi.

[shraby]

2. There's a good one in Wisconsin

at the Point Beach National Forest. It's right on Lake Michigan just north of Manitowoc/Two Rivers in Manitowoc county.

[Sporadicus]

3. Shawnee National Forest

I've been here numerous times over the years (I live just 1-2 hours away), and I still haven't seen every aspect of this great system. More than a couple hours from QC, but well worth the trip to encounter true wilderness right in the midwest.

[laylah]

4. Thank you all

for your replies. My reasoning behind the 2 hour drive caveat is that I have only 2 days to do my "playing" in. I have read up on the Shawnee area, have even looked into jobs in that area (to no avail).

I appreciate the feedback.

Jenn

[XNASA]

5. There's always Starved Rock.

SW Wisconsin is very nice as well.

[laylah]

6. Thanks!

I have been there...in my "previous life". The park connected with it (Matheson?) is quite beautiful also. I do think, however, it is terribly (from my point of view) organized i.e. paved spots, electrical/water hookups, etc. I really want as rustic/remote as possible. Having spent 28 years in Colorado, I am spoiled. I DO appreciate your feedback. Thanks so much!

Jenn

[XNASA]

7. I'm actually joking a bit.

Starved Rock is way too crowded. The hiking is good. I've been there in the Winter and it was very peaceful. And while Mathieson is beautiful, there's no camping there.

I think there's a place in NW Illinois called "Apple River Canyon". I've never been, but I've gotten good reports. I'd say go up by the Wisconsin River. It's not Colorado, but it's not bad.

[fit4life]

8. Come on down!

I have two lots of land, a popup camper and a pontoon boat on Schuy-Rush lake between Beardstown & Rushville. I have electricity run to the camper, it's quiet, clean and private. I spend as much time as I can in the summers hanging out down there. No tv, no radio, just peace and quiet.

It's about 110 miles from Davenport.