recommendations for route from Arkansas to Chicago

If you are taking 51 north, get on I-55 in Bloomington/Normal rather than I-39. Will take you directly to Chicago.

Corp of Engineer park in Carlisle IL/Carlisle Lake, then can take 51/39 up to I-8o or however you wish to go into Chicago. 51/39 is a much easier drive that I-57. We usually go to the Dam West campground where they do have some full-hookups. You can reserve with no fee at recreation.gov. We take the road in Carlisle(127) north to 70 and east to 51/39.

Goreville, IL - Ferne Clyffe SP. 36 sites w/electric. Water fill up & dump station. Close to Interstate. You might need a reservation on the weekend but I doubt it during the week.

For an overnight, we stay at the Hinton RV park in Sikeston. You can get a free ride over to the famous Lambert's Cafe, home of the throwed rolls. It's good food, but not lite eating, lol.

If you want a SP like setting, then I'll second Rend Lake in IL.

Thanks so much for the suggestions I'm sure we're going to check them out!

If you go up I-57 north at Benton IL there is Rend Lake. There are Corps of Engineers campgrounds on the lake. Also in Shelbyville IL is one of our favorites Forrest W. "Bo" Wood campground on Lake Shelbyville. www.recreation.gov

Mark Twain cave and campground near Hannibal, Bluff View CG, Sam A Baker S.P. is very nice.


Mark Twain is a little over half way but the other 2 are close to half.