Pine Glen Youth Group Campground, Marseilles, IL

For organized youth groups across Illinois seeking an enriching outdoor experience, Pine Glen Youth Group Campground at Illini State Park in Marseilles offers a dedicated and unique opportunity. This campground is specifically designed to cater to bona fide youth organizations, providing a safe and engaging environment for minors to connect with nature, build teamwork, and create lasting memories. Unlike general family campgrounds, Pine Glen focuses on the needs and regulations associated with supervised youth activities, making it an ideal choice for scout troops, school outdoor education programs, and youth-only church groups.

Illini State Park, where Pine Glen Youth Group Campground is located, is a 510-acre natural haven nestled along the Illinois River. It offers a blend of historical significance and diverse ecosystems, providing a rich backdrop for educational and recreational activities. The park's commitment to youth development through outdoor experiences makes Pine Glen a valuable resource for communities throughout Illinois looking to foster growth and adventure in their young members. It’s a place where leadership skills are honed, environmental awareness is cultivated, and the simple joys of camping under the Illinois sky can be fully appreciated.

Pine Glen Youth Group Campground is situated within Illini State Park in Marseilles, IL 61341, USA. This location offers excellent accessibility for youth groups traveling from various parts of Illinois. Marseilles is positioned near major transportation routes, including Interstate 80, making the journey to the park straightforward and efficient.

From Chicago, groups can easily take I-55 South to I-80 West, then exit at Marseilles. Following LaSalle County Highway 15 south through the town and across the Illinois River Bridge will lead directly to the park entrance on the first left. For those coming from the Bloomington/Normal area, Route 39 North to I-80 East to the Marseilles Exit provides a clear path. The park's well-marked entrance ensures that groups can navigate directly to their destination without unnecessary delays, allowing more time to enjoy the natural surroundings. This strategic location in LaSalle County makes Pine Glen an accessible outdoor escape for many communities across Northern and Central Illinois.

Pine Glen Youth Group Campground, being a specialized facility, provides services tailored to the needs of organized youth groups. It's important to note that access to some amenities may be shared with the broader Illini State Park.

Restricted Access: The campground is exclusively for bona fide organized youth groups where the majority of members are minors (17 years of age and under) with a legal group affiliation (e.g., Scouting Troops, Schools, Youth ONLY Church Programs). Proof of group affiliation may be requested.
Adult Supervision Requirements: Groups must include at least one adult to accompany each group of 15 minors. This ensures proper supervision and safety.
Maximum Capacity per Site: Each youth group site has a maximum capacity of 25 occupants.
Complimentary Shelter: A shelter within the Youth Group Campground is complimentary for group occupants and is shared by both group sites, offering a communal space for activities and meals.
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Basic camping amenities are provided at each site for meal preparation and gathering.
Accessible Flush Toilets: Accessible flush toilets are available in the Great Falls campground shower building within Illini State Park, accessible to youth groups. ADA vault toilets are also available in the Pine Glen Youth Group Campground area.
Water Hydrants: Water access is available within the park.
Designated Parking: Parking areas are provided for group vehicles.
Reservation System: Reservations are required and can be made through the ExploreMoreIL™ online reservation system. Bookings can be made 180 days in advance of the arrival date.
Group Activity Permit: Groups of 25 or more occupants are required to complete a Group Activity Permit by contacting the park office.

Illini State Park, home to Pine Glen Youth Group Campground, boasts numerous features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, and particularly for youth groups:

Scenic Illinois River Views: The park offers outstanding views of the Illinois River, with opportunities to watch large barges pass through the Marseilles Locks, providing an interesting educational element for youth.
Historical Significance: Located near the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal, completed in 1848, the park provides a sense of history and connection to the region's past. The park itself was dedicated in 1935, with rustic Civilian Conservation Corps buildings still present.
Diverse Ecosystem: The 510-acre park features a variety of native trees like hickory, ash, walnut, elm, cottonwood, oak, and maple, providing shade in summer and beautiful colors in the fall. This offers opportunities for nature observation and environmental education.
Wildlife Abundance: The park is home to a wide array of wildlife year-round, allowing youth to observe local flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
Picnic Areas and Playgrounds: Numerous picnic areas and playgrounds are found throughout the broader park, offering spaces for recreation and relaxation during day visits.
Hiking Trails: While specific trail mileage for Illini State Park is not as extensively detailed as some larger parks, it offers natural areas suitable for exploration and hiking, allowing groups to experience the park's varied terrain.
Fishing Opportunities: Given its location along the Illinois River, fishing is a popular activity, providing a recreational option for youth groups.
Accessibility Features: The park is committed to accessibility, with accessible flush toilets and picnic areas, making it inclusive for all visitors.

As Pine Glen Youth Group Campground is part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) state park system, specific "promotions or special offers" in the traditional commercial sense are not typically advertised. However, the affordability of state park camping itself often serves as a significant benefit.

Affordable Group Rates: Youth group camping fees are generally structured to be very economical, making outdoor experiences accessible to a wide range of organizations.
Non-Refundable Reservations: While reservations are non-refundable unless the area is closed by the IDNR, this policy ensures that confirmed bookings are held, providing certainty for group planners.
No Additional Fees for Shelter Use: The complimentary use of the shelter within the youth group campground provides a valuable cost-saving for groups, as they do not need to rent a separate facility for gatherings or meals.

Organizations should always consult the official ExploreMoreIL™ reservation website or contact the park directly for the most current fee schedules and any specific information regarding youth group camping costs.

For reservations, inquiries, or to obtain required permits for Pine Glen Youth Group Campground and Illini State Park, please use the following contact information:

Address: 2660 East 2350th Road, Marseilles, IL 61341, USA (This is the main address for Illini State Park).
Park Phone: (815) 795-2448
Primary Contact Email: DNR.Illini@illinois.gov
Website for Reservations: camp.exploremoreil.com (Search for Illini State Park)
For Group Activity Permits (for groups of 25+): Contact the park office at (815) 795-2448.

It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially for popular seasons, as youth group campgrounds can fill up quickly. Remember to adhere to all youth group specific rules regarding adult supervision and group affiliation.

Pine Glen Youth Group Campground at Illini State Park is an exceptional choice for locals in Illinois seeking a structured and enriching outdoor experience for their youth organizations. Its suitability stems from several key factors. First, its dedicated nature for bona fide youth groups ensures a safe and appropriate environment specifically tailored to their needs, with clear rules on supervision and group affiliation. This provides peace of mind for group leaders and parents alike.

Secondly, the park's convenient location in Marseilles, with easy access from major interstates, makes it a practical destination for organizations across a broad geographical area within Illinois. Minimizing travel time is often crucial for youth trips, allowing more time for actual activities and less time on the road. The natural beauty and historical significance of Illini State Park provide a rich educational backdrop, offering opportunities for lessons in ecology, history, and environmental stewardship that go beyond typical classroom learning.

Finally, the affordability of state park camping, coupled with the complimentary use of on-site shelters, makes Pine Glen an economically feasible option for many non-profit youth organizations operating with limited budgets. It offers a chance for young Illinoisans to unplug, explore the outdoors, and develop essential life skills in a supportive community setting. For any youth leader in Illinois planning an impactful outdoor adventure, Pine Glen Youth Group Campground stands out as a prime destination that balances fun, education, and safety.