Best Illinois Locations for Off-the-Grid Survival

Where would you go if the you-know-what hit the fan? If you live in or near Illinois, there are several regions that would be ideal if staying in cities and towns became too dangerous.

Most survivalists agree that the first thing you'd want to do in a scenario where something catastrophic has happened and social order has disintegrated is to get away from population centers. That means in Illinois, you'd want to seek out an existence in one of the following areas:

Shawnee National Forest

Why it's the best:

Thousands of acres of undeveloped forest
Limited cell service in many valleys and hollows
Dispersed camping is allowed in many areas
Plenty of creeks and natural water sources (which still require filtration)
Far from major cities

Best remote spots include:

Lusk Creek Wilderness
Panther Den Wilderness
Garden of the Gods backcountry
Bay Creek Wilderness

Cache River State Natural Area

Pros:

Very quiet
Rich wildlife
Few nearby towns

Cons:

Mosquitoes can be intense in warmer months.
Flooding is possible.

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Rugged bluffs
Forested ravines
Sanctuary for northern Illinois survivalists
Relatively low-population centers nearby

Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area

A quieter prairie-and-woodland area with dark skies and fewer visitors than many state parks.

The key to surviving a national crisis depends on what you think is best for your family. For most, sheltering in place is the best and safest option. However, if you live in a big city and society starts to break down with lawlessness running rampant, bugging out to an off-the-grid location might be the solution. The best strategy is to have an emergency plan and a small survival backpack or bag for each family member at the ready. When a crisis hits is not the time for planning. Knowing what you'd do and where you'd go ahead of time might be the difference between survival or not.