Illiniwek Forest Preserve
Illiniwek Campground - 1201 State Ave, Hampton, IL 61256
Campground Office (309) 496- 2620 (April-October weather permitting)
836 State Avenue, PO Box 384, Hampton, Illinois 61256
Maintenance (309) 203-1404 (Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM)
General Park Hours of Operation: Sunrise to 10:00PM
Camp Office Hours (April -October):
Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Camp host is available after 5:00PM on Sunday and on weekdays until 4:00PM
The camping season is generally the first weekend in April through the last weekend in October each year as weather permits. Advanced notices of opening dates and closures will be posted on Illiniwek's Facebook page as soon as practicable.
Illiniwek Forest Preserve offers family friendly campsites, trails, fishing and scenic views of the Mississippi River. This 174 acre park allows for an assortment of activities and adventures. Some of our featured amenities are:
- 60 camping pads with water and electric hookups
- 25 primitive camping pads
- Hiking and biking trails
- Picnic shelter and playground
- A part of the Great River Trail
- Boat ramp access to the Mississippi River
Illiniwek Forest Preserve History
In 1944 the Rock Island County Forest Preserve Commissioners purchased a 174-acre tract of land along the Mississippi River shoreline east of Hampton, IL for $40,000. This land was owned by Albert Oltman and was known as the Oltman tract farm. The Oltman tract was believed to be a popular place for Indian gatherings, so the Forest Preserve was given the name of Illiniwek, which means “favorite Indian spot.“ A bond issue was floated for $225,000 in 1944. Illiniwek received $100,000 of this bond for construction and improvements.
In the late 1940's a well and water system, roads, and parking areas were installed in this forest preserve. Throughout the 1950's other improvements were added and a caretaker's dwelling was constructed. Both modern and primitive camping facilities were made available to park patrons in the 1960's. A hillside scenic overlook was constructed in the 1980's providing picturesque views of the Illiniwek Preserve and Mississippi River.
