One Tank Trip for Illinois Camping

Bounded by five states, Illinois is often called the “Crossroads State”, where east meets west. Rich in beauty, history and architectural wonders, Illinois is a state where progress, diversity, and small town sensibility work hand-in-hand to create a true cross section of American living. The first stop on our one tank trip is the charming town of Geneseo. Located near the historic Hennepin Canal State Park, travelers can enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking and hiking. For the culture seeker, Geneseo has a wonderful historical museum worth exploring. The Geneseo Historical Museum features 27 rooms, and 9,000 square feet in which to display their entire collection, ranging from local artifacts to general store and dentist office replicas. The next stop on our one tank trip is a short 50-mile drive away. Leave Geneseo via IL-82 N, turn left at IL-92 W, making a right turn to merge onto I-88 E. Take a left off of I-88 E onto IL-40 N. Rock Falls sits on the banks of the Rock River, and offers more great opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, biking and hiking. For those travelers looking to try their hand at homesteading, stop by the Muller Lane Farm where you'll get your chance to learn exactly what it takes to be a farmer through tours and demonstrations, including soap making, buttermilk churning, and much more. Not far from Rock Falls, in the town of Dixon, you'll find Ronald Reagan's boyhood home, which is worth a visit, and the John Deere Historic Site, which is filled with fascinating tidbits of information on some of the innovative tools John Deere built. Let's move on to our next Illinois RV camping stop, Rockford. Backtrack a little on US-40 heading south, and turn left onto US-30 E to return to I-88 E. Exit onto I-39 N, and then onto US-20 W toward Freeport/Rockford, then exit again onto IL-2 N for the 70-mile trip into Rockford. This incredible town is literally overflowing with great stuff! Here you'll find fascinating museums, like the Burpee Museum of Natural History and the Discovery Center Museum. The town also has beautiful gardens, like the Anderson Japanese Garden, the ravishing Klehm Arboretum, or the Sinnissippi; all which have earned Rockford a reputation as a garden city. To get an up close and personal glimpse of the stately homes gracing the waterfront, climb aboard a riverboat and take a tour where you'll learn about Rockford's humble beginnings. For the outdoor enthusiast, there is no shortage of great opportunities for you. There are several outfitters in the area just waiting to aid you in your exploration of the Kishwaukee River. Or head over to the Winnebago County Forest Preserve where you have miles and miles of hiking trails to explore. Our last Illinois RV camping stop is Galena, about an hour and a half drive away on US-20 W. Galena is a spectacular destination filled with rich history and exceptional architecture surrounded by the beautiful Illinois countryside. This is wine country, so feel free to take tours, do some sampling, and enjoy the hills and valleys of this area. At the Galena Historical Society and Museum visitors can take special ghost tours, which offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about this historic city. Well known as the home to a variety of artists, Galena has numerous galleries and craft stores worth exploring, and the main street offers many fun and unique shopping experiences. No matter where you look in Galena, you'll find a wealth of beauty and history worth immersing yourself into. This town is a perfect exclamation point to a great trip through Illinois. Back to One Tank Trips for 2011 Woodall's Recommended Illinois RV Campgrounds