Illinois State Park Named Among Best Places to Camp in the Midwest – NBC Chicago

A recent ranking of the best places to camp in the Midwest United States praised an Illinois state park, but it may not be the one you’re thinking of.

Rankings from “The Dyrt,” an app specializing in camp availability, photos and reviews, named Sangchris Lake State Park, not Starved Rock, in their top 10, ranking 6th.

Located in Christian and Sangamon counties near the village of Rochester, the park has been highlighted for its 120 miles of shoreline along Sangchris Lake, including two lakeside campgrounds.

In addition to easy access to water and nature trails, The Dyrt praised the park for being bird watcher friendly and having clean grounds with picnic tables and playgrounds.

The park has 195 campsites, where pets and fires are allowed. RV sites are also available at Sangchris Lake State Park.

Although not in Illinois, those in the Chicago area can also visit another park that ranked in the top 10, with Indiana Dunes State Park coming in at No. 8.

Located near Chesterton, the park features 67 campsites spread across its vast, pristine landscape. The park was also noted by The Dyrt as being particularly bike-friendly.

Topping the list is Sandy Springs Campground, located on the banks of the Ohio River near the Appalachian Mountains. The forested area was known for its serene views and spacious campsites offering plenty of activities for bird watchers and fishermen.

Below are The Dyrt’s Top 10 Midwest Campsites:

1. Sandy Springs Campground – Ohio
2. Hitchcock County Nature Center – Iowa
3. State Forest Campground at the mouth of Two Hearted River – Michigan
4. Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping – Minnesota
5. B Berry Farms & Co. – Missouri
6. Sangchris Lake State Park – Illinois
7. Wyalusing State Park – Wisconsin
8. Indiana Dunes State Park – Indiana
9. Lamb’s Resort – Minnesota
10. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park – Missouri

More information on the list can be found here.