Log Cabin Illinois: Fall Camping Trip!
What: 2nd Annual Fall camping trip
When: September 9-11, 2011
Where: Starved Rock State Park area: Utica, Illinois


Actual campground: Hickory Hollow Campground
757 N. 3029th Rd
Utica, IL 61373 (Located at the I-80 & IL-178 Exit)
(815) 667 – 4996 www.hickoryhollowcg.com

Ok folks! It’s time again for our second annual Fall Camping Trip! This year we will be visiting the beautiful Starved Rock State Park area in Utica, Illinois.

Travel: It’s an easy 1:45 by car from the loop. Or, if you prefer to take the train, you can depart from Union Station via Amtrak with a $10 ticket to the Mendota, IL station. Coordinator Luke Allen and other LCR officers would be glad to offer “shuttle” rides.

Activities: There are many things to do when visiting the historic I&C Corridor. Visit http://www.utica-il.com/ for more information. As we all gather we can make decisions about what activities we will do. Depending on the weather, Saturday will most likely be our “Canoeing down the Vermillion River” day. http://www.canoethevermilion.com/ Right now, the river is too low to canoe. If we get more rain this will be an option. It is likely that we will be hiking the trails of Starved Rock State Park. There are many wonderful historic sites to visit in the area as well.

Costs: Travel: on your own.

Canoeing: $45/person ($10 if you’re the third in a canoe) (If weather allows)

Camping:
• TENT: $25/night per tent. 4 people per tent max. These are primitive sites, which means no electricity at your campsite.
• CABIN: 5 different sized cabins are available. They all sleep at least 4 people, so you might want to book this with your friends. They do book quickly though. Price ranges from $50 to $125 per night depending on size and number of people. See their website or call for more details. You need to bring your own bedding for cabins.
• I hope to have my RV parked here, so you could plug your cell phone in my RV. Wireless internet is available throughout the campground. I looked at the shower facilities, they are VERY CLEAN and NICE. The campground also has a very nice swimming pool.

•Other costs (ice, firewood, food, museum trips, etc) to be determined. Firewood cannot be brought into the campground from outside.
What to pack: We will be tent camping. Electricity is not easily available unless you stay in a cabin/condo.
• Tent.
• Warm and cool clothes (nights can be chilly).
• Shower items, including shower shoes (suggested)
• Sleeping bag/sheets/blanket (nights in Sept can be chilly!)
• Old tennis shoes/water shoes and old clothes for both canoeing & hiking trips
• Flashlight/lantern
• Air mattress (battery powered)
• Folding chair
• Sunscreen & bug spray
• Your own beverages. Be sure to bring plenty of water, and your own alcohol and mixers.
• Snack foods in waterproof containers.
• Ziplock & garbage bags (to keep your items dry, if needed)

Food: Once reservations for the trip are made, the trip organizer will plan all food and cooking for the trip. Each camper will need to contribute either cash or consult with the organizer for what they may bring in place of cash. Actual food cost will depend on the number of people who participate. We might also choose to eat one meal at a local restaurant, as there are several great options.

What you need to do now: RSVP your intent to participate by August 31. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the trip coordinator, Luke Allen, at [masked] or [masked].

Reserve directly with the campground.

Be sure you tell them it’s with the Luke Allen Group, booked in the Sandy Swamp Area of the campground).

Camp sites (and especially cabins) book very quickly for Starved Rock area in the fall. Make your reservations VERY SOON to make sure you get a spot.


Once we have a better idea of the number of people who are interested in attending, we will communicate more specific details of the trip to you.

RSVP Early!