Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – State Fair-goers have a chance at some free camping.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is announcing “Stay and Play,” a promotion by which the purchase of an admission booklet qualifies you for two nights of free camping at one of three DNR facilities near Springfield.

• You must first purchase a booklet online between June 26 and July 3.
• Register for your campsite. (Link goes live June 26) You will be asked for your receipt number for the admission booklet.
• The free camping is limited to the first 25 customers at each of the three venues.
• The free camping is limited to Aug. 11-15.
• The free camping is available only at Sangchris Lake State Park southeast of Springfield; Lincoln’s New Salem in Menard County; and Jim Edgar Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass County.

director Natalie Phelps Finnie says the program targets newer campers: “We are hopeful that we are going to get some interest from people who maybe haven’t experienced a lot of the outdoors but know that they need that in their lives; it’s so beneficial.”