This is camping the way we like it -- rustic, beautiful and inexpensive. And, there was no one there in January, despite the state parks being packed! We had the place completely to ourselves, with the exception of a few fisherman.
For $5 a night you can camp at any one of the dozens of sites scattered around the lakeshore. Lots of space in between sites and most with beautiful sunrise/sunset views. Each campsite has a picnic shelter above the table for shade, and rain, a grill and fire ring, plus your very own trashcan – never saw all that before in such an inexpensive park but there you have it! No hook-ups in the park, so bring your solar panel for some electricity if you need it.
The lake is used mostly by local anglers, but I can imagine it gets pretty busy during the summer months when the lake level is at its highest. The only bathrooms were centrally located near the diner/ campstore/ RV Park/ gas station near the boat launch. So, if you are out in the campground, you'll want to bring your own method. The folks were great there and let us use the wifi for a few hours.
There’s not much in the way of trails in the immediate area of the lake, except the dirt roads. A word about the dirt, it is mostly clay which when saturated with rain water will form the most exceptionally sticky mud to coat the underside of your vehicle. It comes off, but wow, only with some strong encouragement and a high pressure hose.
The closest towns with grocery stores and other services are Balanger and Menard, but you can get a few things including drinking water, ice, and drinks at the camp store.
