southern Illinois ride and camp

[blackbuell]

I have ridden/driven through southern Illinois a hundred times, but have never spent any time there. I might ride to the Garden of the Gods there next week, and camp and ride a few days. Any body have suggestions of where to camp and ride while there?

Thanks,

Jon

[Joliet Jim]

Ferne Clyffe State Park

Army Corps on Rend Lake

Giant City State Park

Columbus Belmont SP in Kentucky

Just to name a few if you're looking to camp

[dustybarn]

Fort de Chartres State Historic Site near Prairie du Rocher is well worth visiting.

[oldbike54]

 Chakokia Mounds .

 Dusty

[Chuck in Indiana]

Chakokia Mounds .

 Dusty

  That's on my list of places I've never been. Yet.

[oldbike54]

That's on my list of places I've never been. Yet.

 It is a strangely moving place .

 Dusty

[busdog]

I love Cave in Rock but I do have one comment.  The state park campgrounds have "pit toilets" and are not so nice to camp around.  I suggest checking out Mantel Rock nearby in Kentucky.   Both Cave in Rock and the Carbondale area make good stopovers on the way to the Wisconsin Rally.

[EldoMike]

If you make up to the Pinckneyville area give me a shout...always have time for talking bikes...

[dustybarn]

It is a strangely moving place .

 Dusty

It is for me, too, now anyway. I grew up only a few miles from Cahokia Mounds, my grandmother lived in Caseyville, and for us they were just something that was always there. My cousin Andy and I used to go sledding on Monks' Mound during the winter. Now, when I only come back to the area once or twice a year, I can see them with fresh eyes and see what an amazing historical site the Mounds are.