---
title: "Illinois Is Raising State Park Camping Fees About 40% While Missouri Ends Free Camping at 320+ Conservation Areas"
url: "https://camperfaqs.com/illinois-raising-state-park-camping-fees-missouri-ends-free-camping-at-conservation-areas"
author: "Tory Jon"
published: "2026-10-27T09:38:22-05:00"
modified: "2026-10-27T09:38:27-05:00"
---

# Illinois Is Raising State Park Camping Fees About 40% While Missouri Ends Free Camping at 320+ Conservation Areas

Two affordable camping options in the Midwest will cost more in 2027. Illinois is raising state park camping fees and doubling its reservation charge, while Missouri will begin requiring a paid permit at conservation areas that currently offer free camping.

 

The changes also bring new camping rules. For frequent Missouri campers, the annual limit on permits could be a bigger adjustment than the $5 price.

 

## Illinois camping fees rise January 1

 

According to the [Illinois Department of Natural Resources](https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/2027-camping-changes.html), camping fees will increase by approximately 40% overall beginning January 1, 2027. The agency says it has not raised those fees since 2008.

 

Standard electric sites will cost $28 per night, and premium electric sites will run $35. Non-electric sites will cost $11.

 

Illinois is also simplifying its campsite categories, so individual increases will vary. A standard Class A electric site currently costs $20 per night, while a Class A premium electric site costs $25 under the [existing fee schedule](https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/parks/camp/documents/campingfeeschedule.pdf).

 

The reservation charge adds another increase. Under the [2027 fee schedule](https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/parks/2027-camping-changes/fee.pdf), the nonrefundable processing fee will double from $5 to $10.

 

For a two-night stay at a standard Class A electric site, the campsite and reservation charges will rise from **$45 to $66**, before any separate payment-processing charges. A comparable premium electric reservation goes from **$55 to $80**.

 

On designated holiday weekends, electric sites will carry an additional $10 nightly charge, bringing standard electric sites to $38 and premium electric sites to $45.

 

## Where the money will go, and other changes

 

Illinois says the higher fees will help cover rising utility costs and fund campground improvements, including electrical upgrades, water and sewer connections, shower houses, roads, and camping pads.

 

The state’s [camping changes FAQ](https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/parks/2027-camping-changes/faqcampingratechanges8-30-26.pdf) also lists a new 1 p.m. checkout time and year-round enforcement of a 14-day stay limit within any 30-day period. Designated long-term campsites will allow 30 days within a 45-day period.

 

For campers planning ahead, **reservations for the 2027 season are currently suspended** while Illinois updates its booking system. That transition is scheduled to run through December 31, 2026.

 

## Missouri replaces free camping with a $5 permit

 

Missouri’s change received final approval on October 23. In its [October 26 announcement](https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/campers-will-need-permits-camp-mdc-areas-starting-march), the Missouri Department of Conservation said paid camping permits will be required beginning in March 2027.

 

More than 320 conservation areas currently offer free camping. The new **$5 permit covers up to five days of camping for up to 10 people**, even if a group stays fewer days.

 

This change applies to MDC conservation areas, separate from Missouri’s state park system. Camping will remain first come, first served.

 

MDC cites illegal stays, vandalism, safety concerns, and difficulty identifying those responsible for problems as reasons for the permit requirement.

 

Each person will be limited to **three consecutive permits and six permits annually**. Tents and campers must display the permit holder’s full name and address or conservation number on a durable label visible from outside.

 

After public feedback, the agency dropped a proposed rule barring campers from leaving personal property unattended for more than 24 hours. It also approved allowing campers to collect dead and downed wood for personal fires, provided the wood stays on the conservation area.