A long entrance road winds into Big Oaks Campground before opening onto an RV section first, with the lake road curving beyond it. Set within Argyle Lake State Park in Colchester, Illinois, this drive-in campground is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and runs $8 to $18 per night. Sites are gravel, and reviewers note they level out without much trouble.
Tent campers should know that sites are not separated by type. RVs and tents share the same gravel pads, so a large rig may end up directly next door. Electric hookups are available, along with a dump station, drinking water, and a boat ramp for anglers. The hiking trails are worth noting: they do not loop, which means campers often walk a mile or more along the road to return to the trailhead after a descent. Paved internal roads make the campground accessible for cyclists and families with younger kids. Two playgrounds are on-site.
Crowding depends heavily on timing. October visits tend to find the campground lightly used, while summer weekends draw more traffic. Water availability has been inconsistent in the upper campground area due to a past line break, though the lower section has had reliable access. Pit toilets serve the sites, and the shower house has been out of service due to roof damage. Cell service is listed as available. "Our kids love Argyle for the paved roads they can easily ride bikes on," one camper noted.
Campers wanting a different layout within the same park can look at Twin Oaks Campground — Argyle Lake State Park or Twisted Oak Campground — Argyle Lake State Park, both located to the west.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Oaks Campground is located in Illinois near Colchester
Coordinates
40.452325 N
90.784166 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/25/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/25/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 32 min from Peoria, IL
- 1 hr 36 min from Davenport, IA
- 1 hr 44 min from Springfield, IL
- 1 hr 49 min from Iowa City, IA








