Summer 2004

Camping in
Chicago Wilderness
You didn't think it was possible to camp in Chicago Wilderness? It is. While it won't rival some remote backcountry for seclusion, a night at one of the sites listed here can ease first-timers into camping, extend a day hike into a weekend getaway, and provide some perspective on life. Compiled by Alison Carney Brown

Illinois & Michigan Canal
Will, Grundy, and LaSalle Counties
The 60-mile gravel I&M Canal Trail has both primitive and car camping sites spaced at regular intervals. Stage a multi-day biking, hiking, or canoe trip from these lightly used sites, or take a short drive to Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, or Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area. Consider the four hike-in tent sites at McKinley Woods in Channahon, a short path from the I&M Trail. The 473-acre preserve includes bluffs and deep ravines formed by glaciers, with 400 native plant species. Reservations must be made two weeks in advance, at (815) 727-8700. Call the National Heritage Corridor Commission at (815) 588-6040 for the full list of I&M Trail sites. See also the I&MC National Park Service site.

Illinois Beach State Park
Zion, Illinois
Linger at dusk along the sandy ridges of Lake Michigan. Wake up to birdsong from the marsh. Surrounded by the park's ecologically rich 4,160 acres, the 244-site campground is a very popular car-camping destination. Call (847) 662-4811 for reservations. See our profile.

Glacial Park
Ringwood, Illinois
North Shelter campground, at the 3,000-acre Glacial Park, is accessible only by canoe. Paddle the remeandered portion of the Nippersink Creek to the site. From there, paddle to three other Glacial Park landings or hike through broad grasslands. Call (815) 338- 6223 for reservations. See our profile.    

Blackwell Forest Preserve
Warrenville, Illinois
Situated in a chain of forest preserves along the DuPage River, the 1,312-acre Blackwell Forest Preserve has 60 campsites. While enjoying the preserve's seven miles of trails (connecting to the Illinois Prairie Path), try some birding at McKee Marsh. You can also rent a canoe at the 65-acre Silver Lake. For reservations, call (630) 933-7248. See our profile.

Bliss Woods Forest Preserve
Sugar Grove, Illinois
Bliss Woods features 40 carcamping sites. Hike or bike the shady 12-mile Virgil L. Gilman Nature Trail that runs through the 330-acre preserve. Or check out the Kaneville Esker, with its rich oak-hickory woodland remnants--a good place to spend some time alone with your journal or sketchpad. Camping on weekends only; fi rst come, first served. Call (630) 466-4182. See our profile.

Indiana Dunes
Lake and Porter Counties, Indiana
Camp near dramatic Lake Michigan landscapes, fun dune hikes, and incredible plant diversity (see p. 22). A quick walk to the park's general store and you're enjoying the morning paper and a cup of coffee on the beach. The National Lakeshore's Dunewood Campground has 54 drive-in and 25 hikein campsites, available April 1 through October 31. The Indiana Dunes State Park Campground in Chesterton, however, is closed this summer for renovations. Reservations not accepted. Call (219) 926-7561, ext. 225 for more information. See also Weekend Explorer: The Indiana Dunes.