Spring 2020
We’d been waiting all winter for this. It was spring and finally time to hit the road on our first travel adventure of 2019. Illiniwek Campground was our first destination. We chose it because we wanted to start closer to home on our maiden voyage with the camper. It’s not too far from home and it’s a place that we’ve all been to many times over the years.
Once we arrived, we found our spot and set up. The spot we selected was well shaded and backed up to the railroad tracks along highway 84. We noticed that most of the spots had plenty of room between campers and if you needed even more room, there was a section of spots surrounding a very large greenspace that overlooked the river.
What’s to see there?
Big boulders to play on by the boat trailer parking lot
A playground for young children
A humongous greenspace for whatever sort of ballgame you want to play
People fishing along the river
Train tracks alongside Highway 84
The Great River Trail that leads from Savanna, IL to Rock Island, IL (58.7 miles)
Lock and Dam No. 14. is a popular fishing spot and an educational view of the lock and dam system
Illiniwek Forest Preserve. This place has a really great view at the top of the stairs overlooking the river. It’s beautiful. There’s also a perfect sledding hill on the north side.
What’s to eat?
Saturday night we made our go-to camping favorite. Campfire Hobo Packets. Take foil and shape it into a pocket bag. Inside of it goes ground beef, onion, carrots, potatoes, and a bit of butter. Seal them up and cook them over the fire for what seems like forever. Maybe it’s an hour.
Would we return to Illiniwek Campground?
Absolutely! Our family loved this spot as an easy and relaxing getaway that’s close to home with plenty to see. We loved spending the weekend re-discovering our old stomping grounds and very much enjoyed our stay.
Illiniwek Campground Address
836 State Ave P O Box 384, Hampton, IL 61256-9673