Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

Reserve Your Campsite

Campground Map

The campground in the southern unit at Illinois Beach provides 220 Class A Premium sites with electricity and access to showers and sanitary facilities. Campers must make a reservation ahead of time or register at the permit booth upon arrival, and they must have a camping unit with them at check-in.

The campground is open from April 1 through Nov. 15. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance at ExploreMoreIL™. Sites are reservable for the entire camping season. Due to the high use of this area on summer weekends, reservations are recommended. Unreserved campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Five handicap accessible campsites are present in the campground near the shower buildings. Campsites do not have individual water or sewer hookups, but there are water hydrants throughout the campground and a dump station at the front of the campground.

Please help us improve your park visit by answering a few questions "About Your Camping Experience".

Comments, questions, inquiries may also be submitted to dnr.parksadmin@illinois.gov.

Bike Trail

Bikers can travel between the North and South units of Illinois Beach State Park by utilizing the Zion Bike Trail, a section of trail connecting 29th Street at the south end to 17th Street at the north end.

Hiking

Illinois Beach provides excellent hiking opportunities. The southern part of the park features 5 miles of trails, including a 2.2-mile loop trail with a graveled surface. In the north, Camp Logan Trail is a 1.8-mile multi-use loop that cross-country skiers also can use. Cross-country skiing is not allowed in the nature preserve.

Swimming Beach

Swimming is a major summertime attraction along the sandy shorelines, and both units provide ample parking. Caution is urged as there are no on-duty lifeguards, so please be careful.

Beach Safety

Tips to enjoy your day at the beach:

These commonsense precautions can help you maximize your fun. The following tips will help you stay safe on the water, avoid getting sun burned and avoid getting sick if there are elevated bacteria levels in the water.

• Never swim alone.
• Stay in designated swimming areas.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Wear sunglasses that absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
• Wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Spend part of your day in shaded areas.
• Wash your hands before eating.
• Shower after swimming.
• Don't swallow the water.
• Avoid swimming after heavy rain.
• Don't swim near storm drains, sea walls, or breakwaters.

Play it safe! Always check local water conditions before you leave for the beach. Don’t assume! Great weather for the beach does not always mean it’s safe to swim.

Play It Safe at Great Lakes Beaches

Fishing

Fishing is allowed along the beach area in both units (except in the swimming areas) and there are several small inland fishing ponds, including Sand Pond, where a disabled fishing pier is available. No fishing is allowed in the nature preserve.

​Accessibility at Illinois Beach:

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Parking - All parking lots are asphalt and have accessible parking spaces, attach to the concrete sidewalks.

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Camping - Campsites 244, 245, 246, 247 are designated accessible campsites, and reservations can be made through ExploreMoreIL™. The campsites have wheelchair accessible picnic tables and grills. The campground offers accessible flush toilets and showers.

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Restrooms - Accessible flush toilets can be found in the campground and the nature center. There are vault toilets in the nature center, main picnic area and the North Unit parking lots.

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Fishing - There is an accessible fishing pier located at Sand Pond.

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Picnicking - There is a sidewalk leading from the parking lot to the South Unit shelter which has two wheelchair accessible picnic tables, a water jug filler and water fountain.

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Service animals are welcome in the park. Water can be found in at the main picnic area.