Camping Weekend at Giant City State Park, IL - sold out
Details
With its breathtaking natural beauty, a trip to Giant City State Park near Carbondale, IL, it's an outdoor lover's paradise. We will marvel at the many hiking trails, kayak Cache River and visit the local Winery.
Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park was named for the unique impressions made by its massive sandstone structures and a landscape like none other, with lush garments of fern, moss, flowering mints, hundreds of species of wild flowers and more than 75 varieties of towering trees. One of their special attractions is the Giant City Nature Trail, home of the "Giant City Streets" - huge bluffs of sandstone formed 12,000 years ago.
Park Information:
- Park Name: Giant City State Park (no entrance fee required if you live in Illinois)
- Address: 235 Giant City Road, Makanda, IL 62958
- Park Phone Number: (618) 457-4836
- Park Website: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.giantcity.html
- Temperature Averages: https://www.weatherworld.com/climate-averages/il/giant+city+state+park.html
- Shower and Bathrooms: Open on April 1st for the season - yay!
I have booked a handful of individual campsites and will be placing folks as they secure their spots. The cap is 16 campers and only 2 tents are allowed per site. When booking, please annotate how many people will be staying in 1 tent, to help with planning and logistics.
Price: $40
The price is per person and includes a camping spot for 3 nights as well as firewood, to keep the fire going for 3 nights, and charcoal for grilling food . Payment guarantees your spot. Electronic payment can be made via PayPal/Zelle/Venmo and sent to mcdzica AT gmail.com
A detailed trip letter with additional information will be sent closer to the trip.
Tentative Trip Agenda:
Thursday (April 17):
- Arrivals, set up tent, and meet & greet at the fire pit
Friday (April 18):
- AM: Visiting Wetland Center & Kayaking Cache River (bring or book your own kayak): https://www.cachebayououtfitters.com/canoe-kayak-rentals
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr1-i0iOSpM
- https://www.friendsofthecache.org/wetlands-center
- PM: Optional Potluck: if you have camped with us before you know it's our favorite evening of the entire trip :)
Saturday (April 19):
- AM: Visit Giant City Visitor Center & Hiking
- Visitor Center: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/visitorcenter/park.giantcity.html A highlight of Giant City State Park is the Visitor Center, which provides interpretive displays on the geology, plants, animals and history of the park. Enjoy 10-minute films about the park in the audio-visual room
- Hiking: https://giantcitylodge.com/hiking-trails/ We will run two types of hikes 1 - longer hike for advanced hikers and 2 - shorter hike for anyone who'd like to join for an under 2-3 hour hike
- PM: Trip to Winery & Live music: https://www.starviewvineyards.com/
Sunday (April 20):
- More hiking & head home
For any questions please post your comments below or message directly with questions.
Magda
Camping Weekend at Giant City State Park, IL - sold out