Emergency preparedness

Illinois offers beautiful camping experiences across forests, lakes, rivers, and state parks. But outdoor conditions can change quickly. Severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, lightning, tornadoes, extreme heat, and strong winds can cause dangerous conditions within minutes.

Many camping emergencies happen because people are unprepared or don’t know what to do when the weather suddenly changes. Outdoor adventures should be memorable for the right reasons.

By planning ahead, staying informed, and understanding emergency risks, Illinois campers can protect themselves, their families, and others around them. Preparedness saves lives.

Before your next trip: 

• Check the forecast. 

• Pack emergency supplies. 

• Know your shelter. 

• Stay weather aware. 

• Be prepared to act quickly. 

When you arrive at the campsite, visit the campground host. Most Illinois state parks have volunteer campground hosts, and they’ve been equipped with weather radios and QR codes to connect you to the nearest National Weather Service. This QR code can also be found at the campground and at day-use kiosks, host booths and group camps. 

In addition, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has developed a dashboard to interact with weather data in real time in relation to state sites and campgrounds. Be sure to bookmark this site on your device’s browser. 

Before heading out for a camping adventure, it’s important to plan ahead and research the risks. Remember: Be prepared. Remain alert. Stay safe.  

Flash floods are among the most dangerous weather threats for campers in Illinois. Heavy rainfall can quickly flood campsites, roads, hiking trails and riverbanks with little warning.

Why flooding is dangerous

• Water can rise within minutes. 

• Roads may become impassable. 

• Campers can become trapped.

• Fast-moving water can knock people down.

• Vehicles can be swept away.

• Even shallow floodwater can be deadly.

Flood safety tips

• Never camp directly beside rivers or streams during flood events. 

• Choose higher ground whenever possible.

• Watch weather forecasts before and during your trip.

• Leave immediately if flood warnings are issued.

• Never walk or drive through floodwater.

Warning signs

• Sudden heavy rainfall 

• Rapidly rising water levels 

• Muddy or fast-moving streams 

• Emergency alerts on your phone 

• Thunderstorms upstream from your location 

Thunderstorms are extremely common in Illinois, especially during spring and summer camping seasons. If severe weather is expected, consider postponing outdoor activities. Storms may bring:

• Damaging winds  

• Hail 

• Heavy rain 

• Lightning

• Tornadoes  

• Falling branches and trees 

What campers should do:

• Monitor weather alerts regularly. 

• Identify shelter locations immediately after arriving.

• Secure tents and loose equipment. 

• Avoid open areas during storms.

• Stay away from tall, isolated trees. 

Lightning can strike miles away from a storm. Tents, picnic shelters and trees do NOT protect you from lightning. If you hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck.

Safe places during lightning

• Sturdy building 

• Hard-topped vehicle with windows closed 

Unsafe places

• Tents

• Under trees 

• Near water 

• Open fields 

• Elevated areas  

• Picnic shelters 

Lightning safety rules

• Leave water immediately.

• Avoid metal objects.

• Stay inside shelter for 30 minutes after the last thunder. 

• Keep electronics unplugged if possible.

Illinois experiences tornadoes every year, especially during spring and early summer. Campgrounds are especially dangerous during tornado warnings because tents and RVs provide little protection.

Before camping

• Ask campground staff where tornado shelters are located.

• Learn evacuation routes. 

• Enable emergency weather alerts on your phone.

During a tornado warning

• Go immediately to a designated shelter.

• Avoid staying in tents or vehicles.

• Protect your head and neck.

• Stay away from windows.

Tornado warning signs

• Dark or greenish skies 

• Loud roaring sounds 

• Rotating clouds 

• Large hail 

• Sudden calm after storms 

Summer heat and humidity in the Midwest can become dangerous quickly during outdoor activities. Children, older adults and pets are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Signs of heat-related illness

• Dizziness 

• Nausea 

• Headaches  

• Muscle cramps 

• Heavy sweating 

• Confusion 

Heat safety tips

• Drink water frequently. 

• Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks.

• Wear light-colored clothing.

• Rest in shaded areas.

• Avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours  

You can start to create a camping emergency plan before you even leave home. Be sure to tell someone you know where you’re camping, when you plan to return and who is traveling with you. 

Once you’re at the campground, it’s important to know the escape routes: 

• Locate exits from campgrounds. 

• Learn where to find the nearest emergency shelter locations. 

• Identify emergency meeting points. 

And stay informed about conditions throughout your camping stay. Monitor weather forecasts, flood warnings, park closures, and alerts from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 

When camping with children, additional planning is required. Teach young campers to: 

• Recognize emergency alarms  

• Stay close during storms  

• Know the emergency meeting points  

• Never enter floodwater  

• Remember the family emergency rules if they become separated: Stay calm, stay in one safe location, and use whistles or flashlights to signal for help.