Recommend: World Shooting & Recreational Complex

[Ladybug8881]

This park is in Sparta, IL and is owned by the State of Illinois. There are 1001 camping sites, at least 400 are FHU, all on concrete pads, park is all asphalt paved. The trees are not full-grown, so shade is not complete -- so time of year will be important as IL can be sultry in summer. The third week of July is the National Trap Shooting complex and about 10 days in August for the World Trap Shooting Contest with thousands from all over the globe defending upon this sleepy little Midwest town. There are a few diners and typical fast food chains and the prerequisite Walmart, but best of all - the lowest diesel prices in Illinois -- $2.53/gal.
There are shower/bath houses and a wonderful restaurant called J&T's that quite possibly serves the best steaks we have ever tasted. There is a full brunch on Sunday, complete with mimosas. They also serve sandwich and appetizer fare with a full bar.
There is lots of meeting space in this same building. The camping rate is $25/night and under - $18.50 for seniors. For birders, it is a paradise. Over 4 days there, we even saw coyotes and deer. The land surrounding this large complex is primarily farmland.
There are several other fantastic parks, but generally in the size of 50 sites or so.

[pineranch]

I heard the state recently closed this facility due to austere funding. Illinois is close to broke.
Mike

[Taquilatab]

The World Shooting Complex is scheduled to be temporarily closed 9/1/15 if a budget isn't passed by then. In addition to J & T's the Southside has ribs to die for and Tequila's in Sparta serves a good margarita.