Illinois State Park Fees
All Illinois state parks offer free admission and free parking. Fees apply only for camping and shelter reservations.
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Park Entry | FREE |
| Parking | FREE |
| Tent Camping | $10–$30/night |
| Electric Sites | $20–$35/night |
| Cabins/Lodges | $65–$200/night |
Parks by Region
Starved Rock Country & Illinois River Valley
The crown jewels of Illinois parks — sandstone canyons and waterfalls.
- Starved Rock State Park — 18 canyons with seasonal waterfalls, Illinois’ most popular park
- Matthiessen State Park — Less crowded sister park with stunning canyon trails
- Buffalo Rock State Park — Effigy sculptures and Illinois River views
- Illini State Park — Quiet riverside camping on the Illinois River
Shawnee Hills & Southern Illinois
Ancient rock formations, cypress swamps, and Ozark-influenced terrain.
- Garden of the Gods — Iconic sandstone formations with panoramic views
- Giant City State Park — Massive sandstone “streets” and lodge dining
- Ferne Clyffe State Park — Waterfalls and rock shelters in deep ravines
- Trail of Tears State Forest — Dense hardwood forest with backcountry trails
- Cave-in-Rock State Park — Ohio River cave with river views
Mississippi River Bluffs
Dramatic limestone bluffs along the Great River Road.
- Mississippi Palisades State Park — 250-foot bluffs with eagle watching
- Pere Marquette State Park — Historic lodge, November eagle season, confluence overlook
- Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site — Overlook of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Island
Chicagoland & Northeast Illinois
Urban-accessible parks near the state’s largest metro.
- Illinois Beach State Park — Only remaining beach ridge shoreline on Lake Michigan
- Starved Rock — 90 minutes from Chicago, most popular day trip
- Kankakee River State Park — Limestone canyon and river paddling
- Rock Cut State Park — Two lakes with swimming near Rockford
Central Illinois Prairies
Restored prairies, lakes, and Lincoln heritage.
- Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site — Reconstructed 1830s village
- New Salem State Park — Sangamon River and pioneer history
- Clinton Lake State Recreation Area — Large reservoir with beaches
- Weldon Springs State Park — Salt Creek fishing and prairie walks
Best Parks by Activity
Best for Hiking
- Starved Rock — 13 miles through 18 canyons
- Garden of the Gods — Observation Trail with panoramic Shawnee views
- Giant City — Giant City Trail through massive sandstone blocks
Best for Camping
- Pere Marquette — Historic lodge plus riverside camping
- Giant City — Cabins and camping in ancient rock formations
- Kankakee River — River canyon camping with paddling access
Best for Families
- Starved Rock — Easy canyon trails, visitor center, lodge
- Illinois Beach — Lake Michigan beach swimming
- Pere Marquette — Lodge restaurant, easy trails, eagle watching
When to Visit
| Season | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Waterfalls peak at Starved Rock, wildflowers | High |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Swimming, camping, all parks fully open | Moderate |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Fall colors in Shawnee, comfortable hiking | Moderate |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Ice waterfalls at Starved Rock, eagle watching | Moderate (weekends) |
FAQs
Are Illinois state parks free?
Yes! All state parks have free entry and free parking. Only camping and facility rentals have fees.
What is the most popular Illinois state park?
Starved Rock, with over 2 million annual visitors, is Illinois’ most popular state park.
Can I see eagles in Illinois?
Yes, bald eagles congregate along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers from December through February. Pere Marquette and Starved Rock are top viewing spots.
Canyons, prairies, and ancient rock — explore Illinois’ 41 free state parks.
