There’s no time like summer to get out and see the country, and camping Illinois is one of the best ways to enjoy both rural wilderness and the vast expanse of the prairies, all in one trip. Campers tend to travel an average of 186.7 miles for their trips, and Illinois has more than 57,900 square miles of land to choose from the next time you feel like exploring.

For family vacations or romantic getaways, there are plenty of places to see and stay in Illinois. Here are a few of our best bets and recommendations for a great trip or vacation.

• Abraham Lincoln’s Home in Springfield: This national historic site is where our country’s 16th president lived from 1844 to 1861 before moving to the Oval Office. Learn about his legacy and lifestyle as well as some history of the area in this well-preserved 19th century neighborhood.
• Millennium Park in Chicago: The windy city may be the third most populous area in the country, but it’s only an hour’s drive from our Milbrook Camp-Resort.  While 82% of campers like to spend one or two nights outside, many enjoy taking in the hustle and bustle of the city — if only to remind them of the peace and quiet that comes from camping.
• Route 66 Scenic Byway: Get your kicks on this famous stretch of road that runs diagonally across the state en route from Chicago to St. Louis. Along the way, you can find some of our campgrounds for cabin camping in Illinois.
• Shawnee National Forest: No camping Illinois trip would be complete without a visit to this national gem, located in the southern part of the state in the Ozark and Shawnee hills. This park boasts everything from lake beaches to rolling hills and rugged bluffs. Truly a must-see for all nature lovers.

It might be impossible to see all there is to see while camping Illinois in just one visit. But that’s the beauty of this state: Once you’ve visited, you’ll want to come back for more, year after year. The diversity of lands and experiences that Illinois has to offer makes it one of the best spots for camping and adventure, anytime of year.