Atkinson Motorsports Park

For those in Illinois seeking an adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure combined with convenient camping, Atkinson Motorsports Park offers a unique and thrilling experience. Located in Atkinson, IL, this destination is much more than just a campground; it’s a dedicated motorsports park spanning over 200 acres, providing diverse trails for side-by-sides (SXS), ATVs, and dirt bikes. It's a place where the roar of engines meets the peace of the Illinois countryside, offering a distinct blend of excitement and relaxation for enthusiasts and their families.

Atkinson Motorsports Park, also known as Gob Hill, is built for the thrill-seeker and the outdoor adventurer. Its expansive terrain includes a variety of landscapes, from wooded trails that are scenic and tight, to open valleys, hill climbs, and even mud bogs. This diversity ensures that riders of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans, will find challenges and enjoyment. The park is committed to providing a fun and accessible environment, operating on a self-service basis for day passes when the main office isn't open, making it easy for visitors to get right to the action.

Beyond the trails, the park understands the importance of comfort and convenience for its visitors, offering a dedicated campground. This allows guests to extend their adventure, turning a day of riding into an overnight or multi-day escape. The presence of essential amenities ensures that campers can recharge and be ready for more action the next day. While the park maintains a rustic charm, it strives to meet the basic needs of its campers, providing a practical base for off-road enthusiasts.

It's worth noting that, like many natural environments, the park's wooded areas may not always be "super maintained" and can feature natural elements such as dense foliage. One review mentioned the significant presence of poison ivy along trails and at some campsites. Visitors should always exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, and it’s advisable to take preventative measures such as wearing appropriate clothing and carrying itch relief. Additionally, some campers have noted issues with the water quality in the bathrooms, describing a strong sulfuric odor. While full hookups are available, it might be wise to bring your own water for drinking and personal hygiene. Despite these points, the overall sentiment points to Atkinson Motorsports Park as a cool, fun, and affordable "little place" close to home for Illinois residents seeking a unique outdoor motorsports and camping experience.

Atkinson Motorsports Park is conveniently located at 23354 US-6, Atkinson, IL 61235, USA. This address places it strategically within Atkinson, a community in Henry County, Illinois. For locals across the state, particularly those in Central and Northwestern Illinois, the park offers relatively straightforward access, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway focused on motorsports and outdoor activities.

The park's location along US-6 provides excellent road accessibility, reducing the complexities of navigating rural routes. This direct access means less travel time and more time to enjoy the trails and campground facilities. Whether you're trailering an SXS, ATV, or dirt bike, or simply coming for a camping stay, the ease of reaching the park is a significant advantage for Illinois residents. Its position within Illinois ensures that it's a manageable drive from cities like Peoria, the Quad Cities (Davenport/Moline/Rock Island), and other surrounding communities.

While the park offers a secluded feel once you're on the trails, its proximity to major routes means that basic services and supplies in Atkinson or nearby towns are not far off. This balance of remote adventure and local convenience makes Atkinson Motorsports Park a practical choice for Illinois enthusiasts. It allows visitors to immerse themselves in the thrill of off-roading while still being within a reasonable distance of essential amenities, ensuring a more comfortable and less logistically challenging outdoor experience in the heart of Illinois.

Atkinson Motorsports Park offers a range of services tailored to both the motorsports enthusiast and the overnight camper, ensuring a functional and enjoyable visit. These amenities are designed to support the unique blend of high-octane fun and relaxed camping that the park provides.

• Off-Road Trails: Over 200 acres of diverse terrain are available for SXS, ATVs, and dirt bikes. The trails feature wood trails, articulating sections, hill climbs, mud bogs, and scenic areas, catering to various skill levels and riding preferences.
• Campground Facilities: A dedicated campground is available for overnight stays, making it convenient for multi-day adventures. The campground has 28 sites, capable of accommodating large RVs (up to 40-foot motorhomes and more).
• Full Hookups (30-amp): Many campsites offer full hookups, including 30-amp electric and water connections. Sites 1-14 specifically offer electric, water, and sewer hookups for $34/night.
• Electric and Water Hookups: For sites 15-28, electric and water hookups are available for $26/night.
• Primitive Camping: Primitive camping in the day parking area is offered for $20/night for those seeking a more rustic experience.
• Shower House: A shower house is on-site, featuring six private rooms, each equipped with a shower, toilet, sink, and hooks, providing a good level of privacy for campers.
• Dump Station: A dump station is conveniently located at the east end of the campground for RV waste disposal.
• Self-Service Entry: When the office is not open, visitors can sign a waiver and deposit a $20 per person fee into a slot for day access to the trails, allowing for flexible entry. Payment methods include Venmo, check, or cash for camping.
• Public Use Area with Fire: A public use area is available for evenings, complete with a fire pit, encouraging social interaction among campers.

While the water quality in bathrooms has been noted to have a strong sulfuric smell by some visitors, the availability of full hookups (including water) at individual sites means campers can manage their water needs. Despite this, the comprehensive range of services, especially for off-road activities and various camping preferences, makes Atkinson Motorsports Park a well-equipped destination for enthusiasts in Illinois.

Atkinson Motorsports Park offers several unique features and highlights that set it apart as an adventure destination in Illinois, particularly for those with off-road vehicles. These elements combine to create a distinct experience that appeals to a specific segment of outdoor enthusiasts.

• Dedicated Off-Road Riding Park: This is a core highlight. With over 200 acres dedicated to motorized off-road fun, the park provides a rare and valuable space for SXS, ATVs, and dirt bike riders in Illinois. It offers a legal and managed environment for engaging in these activities, which is a significant advantage for enthusiasts.
• Diverse and Challenging Trail System: The park boasts a varied terrain, including "fun little" articulating sections, "nice and scenic and tight" wooded trails, hill climbs, and mud bogs. This diversity ensures that riders of all skill levels can find trails that suit their experience, offering both thrilling challenges and enjoyable scenic routes. The emphasis on "tight" wood trails suggests a more technical and engaging ride for those who enjoy precision.
• Convenient On-Site Campground: The presence of a campground directly connected to the motorsports park is a huge convenience. It allows riders to spend a full day on the trails, then easily transition to an overnight stay without having to re-locate. This integration enhances the overall adventure experience, making multi-day visits seamless and enjoyable.
• Full Hookup and Privacy-Focused Shower Facilities: The campground offers various site types, including full hookup (30-amp electric, water, and sewer) and electric/water only sites, accommodating different RV and camping needs. The shower house is particularly noteworthy for its design, offering six private rooms, each with its own shower, toilet, and sink, providing a level of privacy often not found in communal campground bathrooms.
• Affordable Pricing for Day Use and Camping: Both the day-use fees for riding ($20 per person) and the nightly camping rates ($26-$34) are noted as being "nice" or "cheap," providing an accessible and affordable option for individuals and families looking for a motorsports and camping experience. This value proposition is appealing to many locals.
• Flexible Self-Service Access: The ability to sign a waiver and self-pay for day use when the office is closed offers great flexibility, allowing visitors to arrive and start their adventure without strict time constraints, which is highly convenient for spontaneous trips.

While the presence of natural elements like poison ivy on trails and the sulfuric smell of the water in some facilities are points for visitors to be aware of and plan for, these do not diminish the core appeal of Atkinson Motorsports Park as a dedicated, fun, and affordable off-road and camping destination in Illinois.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Atkinson Motorsports Park, please use the following contact details:

Phone: (309) 502-1053

Mobile Phone: +1 309-502-1053

Address: 23354 US-6, Atkinson, IL 61235, USA

It is always recommended to call ahead, especially if you have specific questions about trail conditions, campsite availability, or to confirm operating hours and policies, as details can sometimes change. Given the self-service option for day passes when the office is not open, having the phone number is particularly useful for any questions that might arise before or during your visit. For the most up-to-date information, it's also advisable to check the park's official website or social media channels if available, as these often provide the latest updates on trail conditions, events, and any important notices for visitors to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at Atkinson Motorsports Park.

Atkinson Motorsports Park offers a compelling and highly suitable option for locals in Illinois, particularly those with a passion for off-road vehicles and a desire for convenient, action-packed outdoor experiences. Its unique combination of a dedicated motorsports facility and a well-equipped campground makes it an ideal local adventure hub.

Firstly, for the strong community of off-road enthusiasts in Illinois, having over 200 acres of diverse trails for SXS, ATVs, and dirt bikes right in their home state is invaluable. This park provides a legal, managed, and varied environment to enjoy their machines, from challenging technical wood trails to exciting hill climbs and mud bogs. It’s a dedicated space where they can pursue their hobby safely and regularly, without the need for extensive travel to other states or unregulated areas. The "fun little park close to home" sentiment perfectly captures its local appeal for riders.

Secondly, the on-site campground directly connected to the trails is a significant convenience. This allows locals to maximize their time on the trails without the added hassle of packing up and moving to a separate lodging location. For weekend warriors or those planning multi-day riding trips, the availability of full hookup sites (30-amp electric, water, and even sewer at some sites) is a major draw, providing essential comforts after a day of dusty or muddy adventures. The price point, noted as "nice" or "cheap," further enhances its suitability, making it an affordable regular getaway.

While some minor drawbacks, such as unmaintained sections of trails or the sulfuric smell of water, have been noted, these are often considered part of the rustic, authentic off-road and camping experience by many enthusiasts. Prepared campers can easily mitigate these issues by bringing their own water or being mindful on trails. The overall value provided – an expansive riding area, convenient camping, and affordable rates – typically outweighs these considerations for the target audience.

Finally, the flexible access through self-service sign-in and payment when the office is closed caters to the spontaneous nature of many outdoor adventures. Locals can decide on a whim to head out for a day of riding, knowing they can easily get onto the trails. This ease of access, combined with a focus on active recreation, makes Atkinson Motorsports Park a perfect fit for Illinois residents seeking thrilling and convenient outdoor pursuits right in their own backyard. It’s a dynamic destination for those who want to combine the excitement of motorsports with the joys of camping in their home state.

Atkinson Motorsports Park

23354 US-6, Atkinson, IL 61235, USA