Grill Getaways: Ferne Clyffe State Park (Goreville) Voted IL’s Top BBQ Spot for Memorial Day.

• Survey 3,012 families to find the best hidden gem BBQ spots in the state.
• Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area (Lena) + Matthiessen State Park (Oglesby) emerged as IL’s 2nd & 3rd favorites.
• Infographic included.

On Memorial Day, there is something timeless about packing up the car and heading out in search of the perfect BBQ spot. Whether it’s a quiet lake, a breezy beach, or a shaded forest clearing, the drive is part of the charm – and the destination delivers fresh air, sizzling food, and those long, slow afternoons that turn into treasured family memories. For many, these scenic retreats become annual traditions, returned to year after year for their relaxed atmosphere and back-to-basics feel.
 
Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Gunther Volvo Cars Delray Beach surveyed 3,012 families to uncover the best hidden gem BBQ spots across the state – places locals know and love from personal experience, where the food tastes better outdoors and the crowds are blissfully absent. Based on the responses, they’ve compiled a list of the most beloved, scenic BBQ destinations in each state to create the ultimate road trip-ready way to celebrate Memorial Day.

Illinois families named these as their top BBQ spots:

#1. Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville
Tucked in the Shawnee Hills, Ferne Clyffe is full of hidden grottos, tall cliffs, and shady trails – but it also has some fantastic, rarely crowded BBQ spots. Grills and tables sit near the lake and under towering oaks. It’s the kind of place you stumble into once and instantly add to your family’s annual list. Come for the food, stay for the waterfall hike.

#2. Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area, Lena
In northwestern Illinois, this under-the-radar park is beloved by campers and locals. It’s got all the good stuff: shaded picnic tables, grills, calm lake views, and lots of space. You can fish, paddle, or nap in a hammock while the burgers sizzle. It’s relaxed, well-maintained, and far from the weekend bustle of the big parks.

#3. Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby
Often overshadowed by nearby Starved Rock, Matthiessen is just as beautiful – with far fewer crowds. The picnic area near the Dells has grills and grassy patches perfect for tossing a football or stretching out with a plate of ribs. After your BBQ, hike down to the waterfalls or wander through sandstone canyons. It’s rustic, dramatic, and full of quiet charm.

Across other parts of the country, these locations also stood out:

Little Buffalo State Park – Newport, Pennsylvania
A quiet standout in central PA, this park features picnic spots with grills along Holman Lake. Locals come for fishing, paddle boats, and peaceful cookouts surrounded by rolling hills. It’s well-kept, under the radar, and ideal for unplugged family time.

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park – Port St. Joe, Florida
Florida’s Forgotten Coast lives up to its name here. Think soft white sands, calm bay waters, and shaded grills by the beach. Families grill fresh seafood, swim in the shallows, and stay for the jaw-dropping sunsets. It’s a world away from the big tourist beaches.

Taconic State Park (Copake Falls Area) – Copake Falls, New York
Tucked near the Massachusetts border, this leafy escape has BBQ grills near the Bash Bish Falls trailhead. Families love the quiet, cool air, and post-lunch waterfall hikes. It’s a great alternative to the busier Catskills.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park – Mineral Wells, Texas
West of Fort Worth, this park blends lake views, quiet trails, and shady BBQ spots under mesquite trees. Families linger long after lunch, watching stars appear above the wide Texas sky.

Alamo Lake State Park – Wenden, Arizona
Remote and rugged, Alamo Lake offers solitude and scenery. BBQ sites dot the lakefront, and you’ll likely spot wild burros before other campers. It’s a go-to for off-grid families and some of the best stargazing around.

Infographic showing the favorite hidden gem in each state to enjoy a BBQ get together this Memorial Day
 
“Memorial Day has always been about more than just a long weekend – it’s a time to honor, reflect, and reconnect with loved ones,” says Joseph Gunther IV of Gunther Volvo Cars Delray Beach. “We hope this survey helps uncover a few hidden gem BBQ spots that families may not have known about  –  so they can celebrate the holiday somewhere new, unique, and unforgettable.”