There’s nothing like spending some time outdoors, and where better to do that than Illinois state park? Illinois state parks are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and save some money at the same time.
Did you know that unlike many other states Illinois state parks are completely free? However, there are fees for camping in Illinois state parks… but you may qualify for a discounted rate or even have the camping fee waived altogether! There are discounts and fee waivers for Illinois seniors, for persons with disabilities, disabled veterans, and retired service members.
Senior Citizens save money on Illinois State Parks.
If you’re over 62 years of age and a current Illinois citizen you already qualify for discounted camping rates at Illinois state parks! Camping fees for senior citizens Mondays through Thursdays are completely free. That amounts to savings of up to $35 per night. Keep in mind that premium campsites will still require a $10 utility fee that covers showers, electricity and vehicle access.
Persons with Disabilities qualify for discounts!
Certain Illinois citizens with disabilities also qualify for reduced or waived camping fees inside Illinois state parks. Any Illinois citizen with a Class 2 or Class 2A disability as defined by the Illinois Identification Card Act qualifies for a discount. To receive this discount, you’ll need to present your Illinois Disabled Person’s Identification Card to the park staff. Persons with disabilities get a 50% discount on camping fees at campsites with utilities on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. What’s more, persons with disabilities are not charged any fees for campgrounds without utilities any day of the week.
Veterans and active military can save, too!
Illinois makes it a point to thank those that have served, and one small way they do that is by waiving any camping fees for any disabled veteran or former prisoner of war and their immediate families. To qualify you only need to be recognized by the Veteran’s Administration and a citizen of Illinois. Disabled veterans and former prisoners of war are only responsible for the $10 utility fee if they choose to camp at a site with utilities.
Illinois also offers free camping to anyone holding an Armed Forces Special Pass. The Armed Services Special Pass is offered to any active duty military member who has returned from serving abroad within the last two years. The pass is good for one year for every year served. The Armed Forces Special Pass not only provides free camping at all Illinois State Parks but also provides free fishing and hunting licenses. If you hold an Armed Services Special Pass you’ll still need to pay the $10 utility fee at any campsite that has utilities.