White Pines Forest State Park
White Pines Forest State Park ranks 4th on the list of best places to go camping near Chicago. Unwind in the wilderness at one of the oldest state parks in Illinois. This 385-acre getaway features one of the region’s southernmost white pine forests complete with concrete fords that span two creeks, allowing visitors to cruise straight through the flowing streams or stop to observe nearby wildlife. Picnic, hike, fish, and camp year-round surrounded by wildflowers, shady groves, and moss-covered cliffs. Reserve a campsite—each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table—for a serene stay under the stars.
Just driving around this park offers a taste of adventure: a series of concrete fords allow you to drive directly through two creeks, Oregon Trail-style. You’ll definitely want to get out of the car, though, for the shady groves of white pines and beds of wildflowers. Have a picturesque picnic or take a rejuvenating nature walk before settling in for a night in one of 100 campsites, or a cabin at the White Pine Inn. You're a stone's throw away from Castle Rock State Park. Located along the west bank of the Rock River, it's one-stop shopping for hiking the trails and taking in sweeping views of the area’s rolling woodlands, sunset-colored sandstone bluffs, and winding river. Alternatively, you could head out to watch bison roaming the Nachusa Grasslands, one of the largest and most biologically diverse of its kind in Illinois.
Location: W Pines Rd, Mt Morris, IL 61054, United States
Google Rating: 4.7/5
