Our local school district started this week and our girls don’t start their fall semester until Labor Day. Usually, we get together with our HS group and do a 'Not back to School' picnic. But this year I just finished up my first ‘back to college’ class and my enrollment process, so I have the next four weeks off and my husband put in for two weeks of his much needed vacation time. This called for much more than a picnic.

Yeehaw – Road Trip! www.shabbonalake.com

We went to Lake Shabbona for two days and one night. This was my first pitch a tent, sleep under the stars experience. We had so much fun! It was only an hour drive for us. (Far enough to feel like a trip and easy on the gas.) We pitched camp, went hiking, and fishing.

My favorite part was the tall prairie grasses. They were literally twelve feet tall in some areas! Did you know that in 1900 two thirds of Illinois was covered in prairie? (We learned that this weekend J) I felt like we were the Wilder family trying to navigate our way across the prairie back to the lake.

This State park has almost everything. There’s even a restaurant on the other side of the lake that does early breakfasts! The only thing I wished there would have been was a swimming area. But then again, the lack of one kept out the crowds.

Things we enjoyed:

There is no alcohol allowed in the camp area.

We were able to bring the family dog for no fee.

No noise after 10 PM

Campers can fish the lake all night if they like.

Affordable boat rentals: paddle boats, canoes, pontoons, etcetera.

         Awesome camp store!

         There were Electrical hook-ups at each site.

            (Standard and 220)

         Bathrooms and water access within walking distance

Trip Tip

Bungee Cords and a large sheet between trees will provide you with sun, wind, and privacy shelter.

Two words - Field Guide. Do not assume that a state park will have one. This one did not. We spent an entire afternoon in some type of prairie grass I have yet to identify.

Also, don’t forget to bring a deck of cards or some family game. Someone will be glad you did.

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Posted by hsmomof2

Sounds like fun! We usually take a not-back-to-school vacation though this year we may not get to. I much prefer that attitude to my homeschool group's "back to school" party - we don't go back to school! :-)

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Posted by giftsfromAdonai

I just want to say thank you for telling others about your camping trip.Most often you hear about the bugs,and lack of essential plumbing.Which usually sends fear or diswant into other moms and dads to go tent pitching,That to me is real camping.I have always love camping .I went camping with large groups of our family when I was younger and loved it.I yern to go again,especially with my children,and husband.He of course has no want to go,but will for my kids curiosity sake.So again thank you for sharing with us your wonderful info as well..Where exactly is this camp site located?It would be great for a fall trip.Blessings and Shalom.

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