Our reservations were supposed to be from May 29th to June 8th at Rend Lake COE South Marcum campground in Benton, Illinois. Given Governor Pritzker’s decrees, we weren’t sure we were going to be able to go at all. However, he declared the campgrounds open on June 1. So, on June 1, the sun came out, and we headed that way.
We’ve been to Rend Lake before, and in fact, we are in the very same spot. We love it here, but we weren’t sure what to expect. Here’s the reveal:
- While I am so happy to finally be camping again, it is tempered by current events. Camping is getting away, but I can’t fully get away from the upset. Like most Americans, I support justice, and I support peace. Please know that I say my prayers everyday for a better world.
- While we are camping again, we are well aware, we still need to be aware of Covid-19 restrictions. And we are.
- With June 1 being the first day camping opened, we weren’t sure how long the line would be to get in – or how full the campground would be. When we arrived around 2 pm, there was 1 person in front of us. Most, but not all, of the full hook up sites are taken. There are plenty of sites with just electric. It may be a different story when the weekend comes.
- There are signs reminding people of social distancing. There are also signs by the restrooms reminding campers to use soap and a hand sanitizer; however, the restrooms, while very clean, have neither. Of course, we do back at the camper.
- Nothing soothes as nature. The tall trees, the ground covered in pine needles and pine cones, the quiet ripples on the lake nearby, the deer on the edge of the woods, the cheerful yellow wildflowers all provide a calm and a comfort much needed. I am glad to be here.
Chambers on the Road 
We are right behind you. We head out on Sunday! It looks like you are in a lovely spot!
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Safe travels! I am looking forward to reading about your trip. Yes, we are in a very nice spot. It feels so good to be on the go again. Enjoy the day and your coming trip.
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Looks wonderful. Hope your enjoy your trip and everything goes well.
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Thank you, Peggy. So far, so good. Enjoy the day!
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Enjoy the camping trip! Most campgrounds in Ontario remain closed. Provincial parks are open for day use only — but, no washrooms are open! It discourages visitors!
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Fabulous! Enjoy your trip!
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Oh, Betty, I’m so glad I’m following your blog. I am glad that you all are able to go now. You must know that one day I hope I can do what you are doing. My spouse isn’t all that thrilled with the idea so not sure how it will go. So what I do is live through others. And I will enjoy your blog so much. Love your (not sure what the proper term is) travel trailer, RV – I have no idea. But I’m soooo gonna love keeping up with you guys. Enjoy! ;-). I’m curious what it looks like inside? What do you pull it with. We have a Chevy Equinox right now. I’m not sure it will pull anything but a teardrop and that is a little more rugged than I want. ha. Have fun you guys!
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Thank you so much! I enjoy your blog very much,too. We pull our travel trailer with a Ford Expedition. Here is a short YouTube video about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tawYCjHjXVU&t=62s I could not do a teardrop. Plus, Dan is 6’8″. That wouldn’t work too well! Pretty soon, I hope to publish a post about someone who had a popup, rented a class C, and now….?. I am more than happy to answer any questions or give any info you are interested in. Thank you again for such a nice comment. I am glad to have you along!! Enjoy the day!
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Hope you enjoy your time there. We really liked Rend Lake last summer. Also the jailhouse in Benton was interesting.
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Thank you. We are going into Benton tomorrow. We’ll have to look for the jailhouse. Enjoy the day.
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It must feel good to be back in nature. Stay safe.
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Thank you. It just felt sooo good to finally go camping!!!
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