I'm really looking forward to where this thread goes. I'm new to touring, but this year I've finally got the income to buy some necessary items for camping (like a tent!) and there are a few state campgrounds within a day's ride of Chicago, so I'm going to try to do a couple weekend trips to get a feel for everything. Due to work a longer tour looks like it might be impossible, at least until September.

The state parks I'm looking at are Channahon State Park and Chain O' Lakes State Park. Channahon is on the I&M Canal Trail, which I've heard is quite beautiful, so I worry I might get there and just keep riding west.