Head to Southern Illinois to see wildlife and plant life, mountains, forests and lakes. During the day, go for a hike or canoeing, and at night, if you're so inclined, sleep under the stars in your tent. Southern Illinois parks are great if you are interested in history, are an explorer at heart, or both. All camping prices here are valid as of 2010.
Pyramid State Recreation Area
While you are hiking on one of the over 16.5 miles of trails in the Pyramid State Recreation Area, located in Pinckneyville, Illinois, keep an eye out for wildlife including bobcats, raccoons, coyotes and woodchucks. You can also take your canoe into Lost Lake, which is located in the park. Set up your tent at a site with car access or hike-in and select a campsite. Drive-in sites cost $8 and hike-in sites cost $6 per night. Water and dump stations are available nearby.
Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Horseshoe Lake offers over 20 miles of shoreline, dotted with cottonwood and gum trees. There are also populations of waterfowl and bald eagles to keep your eye out for. Once you are done walking around the lake, set up a picnic at one of the four designated picnic areas. At night, set up your tent at one of the campgrounds in the park. Sites with electricity and showers are $20 per night. Sites with just electricity are $18 per night and drive-in sites with no hook-ups are $8 per night.
Beall Woods State Park
Near the Wabash River, Beall Woods offers trees that are over 120 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Five trails exist in the park, none of which are over two miles long. They are all relatively easy trails to hike and have views of the different trees and wildflowers in the forests. Once you are done exploring, set up your tent at one of the drive-in campsites. The sites offer no hook-ups and cost $8 per night. Once you are set up, a park ranger will come by to give you a permit.
Cave-in-Rock State Park
See a 55-foot-wide cave in Cave-in-Rock State Park. The park overlooks the Ohio River in Southern Illinois and offers great views of forests and barges and boats in the river. The cave has served as shelter for several robbers and criminals throughout history and was even the backdrop in one scene of the movie "How the West Was Won." Hike or boat through this park. Drive-in campsites offering water and electric hook-ups are available for $20 per night, more on holiday weekends. Other drive-in sites near showers cost $10 per night.
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Hike through Ferne Clyffe State Park and see a forest full of ferns next to interesting rock formations. You will also find waterfalls while exploring. More than 700 species of plants exist in the park. Hike a mile-long trail that goes along Ferne Clyffe Lake and then set up a picnic in one of the seven designated areas. If you are looking for a primitive site or a site with electric and water hook-ups, Ferne Clyffe State Park has a site for you. Sites cost between $8 and $20 per night.
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