I'm taking my two boys camping tonight. We are going to Shabbona , Which is where we went last month before I had back surgery. I think it is a great place; plenty of nature, kept clean , good wildlife, the lake and of course annoying raccoons. It is also 25-30 minutes from my house. However I was wondering if anyone has any other camping areas in mind. We use a tent. I would like to try somewhere different next time. Any where in the general area or in Northern Illinois to the Iowa border. I'm not a real big fan of camping on top of other people either.....unless its my wife. More of the primitive style. I saw Jellystone off of rtr 71and that is an example of what I run away from. Yorkville campground creeped me out and I'm convinced the next religious cult is forming there or the next uni-bomber is working hard there. We drove in there a couple of years ago and there were some hard stares at my truck. I know there has to be some good camping going down towards Ottawa in lasalle area and Marsallies. Also Going west towards the Oregon area has some spots. Can anyone tell me if they have been to any of these spots or areas or if anyone can clue me in onto some good areas. Thanks guys

You could check out Apple River Canyon State Park. It is primitive with no electricity or water and most likely there will be hardly anyone there.

I'll second Apple River Canyon. No RVs with generators cranking and its a tremendous place for star gazing. The park has no streetlights at all!

Thanks I'll check it out.