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Illinois State Park Reservations: Open Sites & Cancellation Alerts

Illinois's state parks book through UseDirect at camp.exploremoreil.com, where Starved Rock and Giant City are sold. Recreation.gov covers only the Shawnee National Forest in the state, so the state parks carry most of Illinois's camping. When the one you want is full, set a free PermitSnag alert and we'll text or email you the moment a site opens up.

Illinois campgrounds book through these systems

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →Illinois State Parks (Explore More Illinois) campground cancellations →

Campgrounds in Illinois

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Hard to Book

31 sites

Argyle Lake State Park, Illinois

Argyle Lake State Park Twin Oaks

Blanchard Island Recreation Area campground

Hard to Book

16 sites

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22, Illinois

Blanchard Island Recreation Area

Overview The Mississippi River Project’s Muscatine Ranger Station has gone to a new way to pay for First-Come First-Serve campsites at the Blanchard Island Recreation Area. This new way is called "Scan & Pay". Blanchard Island’s open fee dates are May 15th through October 15th. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site using the QR Code and Recreation.gov mobile APP. (Cash will no longer be accepted for payment. Credit Card Only.) Recreation Fisherman have good luck fishing for catfish from Blanchard Island. If you have a boat, you can launch it from here and find the best catfish holes. In the Fall, hunters enjoy camping and hunting deer from here, as well as the Island; if they bring their boat. Others just enjoy the serenity of the park and the natural views of the river and bottom lands. Wildife viewing is a popular activity here. Bald Eagles, ducks, Pileated Woodpeckers, deer, and the occasional muskrat or otter may be seen. Facilities This "off the beaten" path Class B campground is a fisherman' and hunter's and camper's paradise. The park has a boat ramp, concrete vault toilets, 15 campsites-each with a picnic table and fire ring, as well as a beautiful and quiet view of Blanchard Chute on the Mississippi River. There are a number of water hydrants throughout the park that provide potable water. A dump station is also available for camper's use. Natural Features Blanchard Island Recreation Area is a great place to view wildlife due to it's serene backcountry feel. It sits along the backwaters of the Mississippi River. You'll have to travel about 2 miles on a gravel road to get here, but it's well worth it. You'll want to bring the bug spray though to be safe! Charges & Cancellations As in the past, no refunds will be given if you must leave the campground early.