Agencies
Services
Camping
Looking to spend a night under the stars? White Pines has 103 class B/S campsites with vehicular access and a shower/flush toilet building. There are 3 electric hook-up sites (17, 18 & 33), which sometimes serve as our campground host sites and therefore may or may not be available for rent. There are also sites available for the physically challenged. Soft ground conditions may sometimes close campgrounds during the months of March and April. Call ahead during those times to check the status. Campsites may be reserved by visiting the website at ExploreMoreIL™. Availability is generally not a problem aside from holiday weekends. There is an alcohol ban in the campground all year around. Camping rates are $10 a night for a non-electric and $20 for an electric site.
Limitations on a site are 4 adults or 1 family per site, 2 tents per site and 2 vehicles per site. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table.
There are also youth group campgrounds available. Reservations will no longer be accepted through the park office, but are available using the ExploreMoreIL™ website. While pets are allowed in the park you're required to have proof of current rabies vaccination with you, keep the pet leashed at all times and not to be left unattended. Excessive barking will not be allowed. All laws and regulations are strictly enforced.
Hiking
Whether you choose an easy walking trail or a more difficult path, three of the seven marked trails are less than a mile long and provide ample opportunity to see the beautiful vine-covered limestone bluffs, blossoming spring flowers and whispering pines. The trails have color-coded markers to aid the hiker in orienteering. A nature trail with a limestone-screened path is accessible for the physically challenged. Trail Map
Hunting
Archery deer and firearm deer hunting are allowed in season as part of the site's deer reduction program. Hunting is allowed on 300 acres. Visit HuntIllinois.org. No standby firearm deer permits will be sold for the 2020/2021 seasons.
Picnicking
A perfect place for a family outing, there are several shaded picnic areas along Pine Creek with water, fireplaces, tables and children’s playgrounds. Of the four shelters in these areas, two can be reserved on-line starting July 7th, 2010 using the website at ExploreMoreIL™.
Lodging
The lodge, restaurant and cabins are temporarily closed until a new concessionaire is found. We are hopeful they will be open Spring 2021.
White Pines Inn, originally constructed by the Civilian Conversation Corps in the 1930s, has undergone an extensive renovation. To preserve the historic ambiance of this wonderful log cabin inn, the original stone and timbers were retained and the new features were carefully blended to enhance the original structure.
There are 13 one-room cabins, 2 cabins with 4 rooms, and 1 cabin with 2 rooms, for a total of 23 guest rooms. Each cabin sleeps four people and is complete with shower, gas log fireplace, on queen bed and one trundle bed. All cabins are air-conditioned and heated, and have telephones, televisions with DVD/VCRs, refrigerator and coffee makers. The historic lounge area, which is part of the main lodge, is filled with crafts and artwork, including a gift shop that offers everything from souvenirs to truffles and jellies.
This is a perfect location for weekend getaways near Chicago. Numerous homemade delicacies are offered at the White Pines Inn Restaurant. The restaurant can accommodate up to 223 people with several meeting/banquet rooms, one that can seat up to 125. Wedding receptions, retreats, seminars and family reunions are all handled professionally and skillfully. The lodge also offers a matinee dinner theatre.
Winter Sports
When snow covers the ground, be sure to bring your skis, as the White Pines trails are ideal for cross-country skiing. Two trails are specially marked for cross-country skiing totaling 4.5 miles of trails when weather permits.
