Illinois Travel Forum

I'd love to find a park that isn't too far from St. Louis where I could pitch my tent. It has to have privacy, shade over my tent in the day, be quiet (at least after dark) and Beautiful, too. also, it would be perfect is there weren't many mosquitoes or flies. I Know, I am asking a lot, really a lot! Any body have suggestions,please?

Wow! A lot of caveats. I can't help with the bug problem. Welcome to the Midwest. That can be minimized by a good repellent.

I would suggest Babler State Park. It is about 30 minutes outside St. Louis. You'll find lots of trees around the campsites. It is pretty quiet (or has been while I have camped there). Privacy is relative, I guess. You will have people around you, but should not be right on top of you.

They have a bunch of hiking/biking/equestrian trails.

$9 for a basic site
Reservations: 877.422.6766 or http://www.mostateparks.com/babler/camp.htm

You might wait a bit until school is back in session to minimize the crowds + waiting until September allows the weather to cool down a bit.

Hope this helps.
jim

http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/Parks/R4/beaver.htm Beaver Dam State Park near Plainview, IL

Thanks. That Beaver Dam Park wouldn't be too far from my house. Have you camped there before?