A Crowd-Free Illinois State Park Boasts A Big, Beautiful Lake With Budget-Friendly Camping

If you're looking for a truly peaceful getaway spot, surrounded by nature and with few crowds to disrupt your peace, look no further than the gorgeous Sam Parr State Park in Illinois. Also known as Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area (SFWA), this stunning state park is located in Jasper County, in the southeastern part of the state. It stretches across 1,180 acres of land and boasts a great range of activities, including boating on the 183-acre Sam Parr Lake, and affordable camping at the on-site campgrounds.

Sam Parr SFWA is located just over a two-hour drive from St. Louis, Missouri, less than four hours from Chicago, and less than 10 minutes from Newton, a charming small town in Illinois that's perfect for a weekend getaway. Most visitors typically arrive by car, with the park accessible via State Highway IL-33. For those flying in, the closest airport is St. Louis Lambert International Airport, and from there, most visitors opt to rent a car, as the park is not easily accessible by public transportation. If you plan on driving to the park, consider making it a stop on a short Midwest bucket list road trip. It's also worth noting that there's no entrance fee, making it a great option for a budget-friendly camping weekend.

There's a great range of activities for visitors to enjoy during their stay at this lovely park. Sam Parr Lake is a great spot for both boating and canoeing, with boat dock rentals available so you have somewhere to climb aboard or take a rest. If you're hoping to enjoy a bit of fishing, perhaps for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, or channel catfish, access is also available on the east side of the lake. A valid Illinois fishing license is required.

If you're looking to explore the outdoors a little more, there are more than 2 miles of foot trails and 13 miles of equestrian trails, making it a great location for riding and hiking. Heading out on foot? The main hiking route is Sam Parr Trail, a 2.3-mile loop that is considered to be an easy route, taking less than an hour to complete. It boasts stunning views of the lake and some gorgeous flora and fauna during the right season. The park even has a large sunflower field.

One of the best things to do in Illinois while steering clear of Chicago is to be out in nature, and Sam Parr State Park is one of the best places to do that. Wildlife is plentiful, and there are various hunting options available for guests.

The campgrounds at Sam Parr State Park not only boast stunning views of the surrounding lake, they're also affordable. Prices start at $4 per person, per night, for adult group camps, and at $2 per person, per night, for youth group camps, making it a great budget-friendly stay. Shelter reservations can be made for use during the day, and RV hookups start at $18 per night.

There are a range of on-site facilities guests can make use of, including restrooms, picnic tables, and grills. While there are shops nearby in the small town of Newton, it's recommended to bring all your essentials with you. Be sure to pack bug spray, hiking shoes, fishing or hunting gear (if you plan on doing these activities), and sun protection if you're visiting during warm weather.

If you plan on staying for a while, there are some good restaurants in Newton that are worth checking out if you're in the mood for something not prepared on a campsite. The Nest is a great option for American favorites at very reasonable prices. It serves a selection of breakfast dishes, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and snacks, making it a cool place to visit after a day out hiking.