This past weekend I went on a 26 mile trip from Yorkville to Wedron. We passed through Millington, slept in Sheridan, and ended at Ayer's landing. I went with two friends, one experience outdoorsman, the other... more of a rookie. It was a solid trip, but not without facing the challenges of heat, bugs, and high water.

We did 16 miles on day one, camped in Sheridan area, and then did 10 on day 2. Our put in point was the hydraulic road river access in Yorkville, just west of 47 and the dam. Our take out point was Ayer's landing. My friend had a friend with a trailer there, so we were able to park/leave a car there for free overnight.

We camped just outside of Sheridan, around the 16 mile marker. We found a little park by the southbound bend of the river, named Glen Woods. We had to walk up and ask the nice owner for permission to stay, but she said yes! She also bestowed us with a bag of water and beer (on ice). The site was well mowed, and bugs were at a minimum. 

Shortly after we setup camp, a group of 10 canoeists came and asked with they could stay. We told them to go ask the owner for permission, and were denied. I'm assuming that is because they were such a large group, but we didn't find out for sure.

In terms of campgrounds, there is also a farm with some woods/trails right after the entrance road to Sheridan on the north side of the river. It's worth checking out. Otherwise, there are some clearings that are reasonably accessible south of Sheridan.

Some tips to note:
-My rookie friend didn't pack an air mattress because he thought he didn't need one. He didn't sleep a wink, and was miserable the next day. always have an air mattress!
-There is a decent amount of poison ivy along the riverfront. Avoid leaves of 3, that are in an equilateral triangle shape.
-We saw two wrecked canoes at one point. Don't leave your boats too close to the water, because a flash flood can take them.
-The hottest point in the day is between 2-5. Some might think it's the midday overhead sun, but once that heat lingers for a few hours, it gets much hotter in the mid afternoon.
-I packed bug spray, fogger, citronella incense, off sticks, and a bug light. It took care of the mosquito problem pretty well. That and some smoke from the campfire.

My Wife and I went out on a 10 mile trip for the 4th of July Holiday. We started at Eaton Forest preserve, off 59 and 135th in Plainfield; then finished at Hammel Woods, off 59 and Black roads. We took out my new canoe, which flew down the river. 10 miles on the water was done in about 4 hours, with us taking no breaks to get out of the water, but taking a couple of paddling breaks to relax.

This section of the river is surprisingly remote, and calm. We were either passing trees/forested area or farm lots the majority of the time. We did pass a few neighborhoods, but it was less than one would expect. We only saw one power boat the whole trip, which was surprising given the consistent low level of the water. It was deep enough for canoeing (although we have a couple of minor scrapes).