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Established Camping

Big Oaks Campground — Argyle Lake State Park

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Big Oaks Campground, near Colchester, Illinois, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the distractions of modern life. With its spacious sites and a laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for families and friends wanting to kick back and enjoy the great outdoors.

This campground is known for its beautiful natural scenery, especially in the fall when the foliage is stunning. Visitors have mentioned the great hiking trails, which can be a bit challenging but rewarding, offering a good workout with some steep climbs. As one camper noted, “The park itself is gorgeous, especially in the fall.”

If fishing or boating is your thing, you’re in luck! There’s a boat ramp available, and the lake provides a lovely backdrop for a day on the water. Families appreciate the paved roads for biking and the playgrounds for kids, making it a hit for those with little ones. One reviewer shared, “Our kids love Argyle for the paved roads they can easily ride bikes on.”

While the campground has its quirks, like a mix of tent and RV sites, the overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Clean facilities, including drinking water and trash disposal, help keep things comfortable. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Big Oaks Campground offers a solid escape into nature.

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Location

Big Oaks Campground — Argyle Lake State Park is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

40.452325 N
90.784166 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park 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

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed May. 30, 2022

Beautiful natural scenery- good campground

We visited in October so the campground was not very crowded. The park itself is gorgeous, especially in the fall. Lovely fall foliage. The hiking trails are challenging for 2 middle aged folks- lots of climbing up, then down, at some pretty steep inclines. And the trails don't loop around on themselves so you come out a mile or more from where you started and just have to hoof it along the road to get back.

There is a boat ramp and fishing available, if that's your thing. There's no differentiation between RV camp spots and tent spots so if you are tent campers, like we are, you might end up next to a HUGE RV in the spot next door.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Big Oaks Campground — Argyle Lake State Park by Stacie H., May 30, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Oaks Campground — Argyle Lake State Park by Stacie H., May 30, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Oaks Campground — Argyle Lake State Park by Stacie H., May 30, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2020

We love camping at Argyle!

Our kids love argyle for the paved roads they can easily ride bikes on, the 2 playgrounds and the room to run! We love it because of the spacious sites and options to hike and bike.

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2019

Best tent camping

This campground has the best tent camping sites we have stayed at. It also has great hiking! We have been 2 times and plan to go again!

Reviewed Sep. 10, 2017

Labor day weekend at Lake Argyle State Park

We had never been to this Campground. We stayed in the Big Oak area. All sites are gravel and we didn't have any problems getting level. Our site was B-7 and friends were on B-5. Nice space and not crowded. The Campground seemed to be well taken care of. It was very quiet and we enjoyed our weekend. The problems were a broken water line a few years ago so no water in the upper Campground. The only bathrooms were pit toilets and the roofs need replaced on all of them. The shower house is out of commission because of the bad roof. We did find that the lower Campground area did have water.

SiteB-7
Month of VisitSeptember

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a campground map for Argyle Lake State Park?

While a specific campground map isn't mentioned in available information, the park has a clearly defined layout with the Big Oaks camping area featuring alphabetically organized sites (like B-5 and B-7). The campground road surrounds the lake and provides easy navigation through the park. For the most accurate and current campground map, contact Argyle Lake State Park directly or check their official website before your visit.

What scenic spots or photo opportunities exist at Argyle Lake State Park?

Argyle Lake State Park offers numerous scenic spots perfect for photography enthusiasts. The park is especially gorgeous in fall when vibrant foliage creates a colorful backdrop throughout the area. The lake itself provides beautiful vistas and reflections, particularly along the road that encircles it. Hiking trails, though challenging with steep inclines in places, lead to scenic overlooks and natural features worth capturing. The combination of water views, wooded areas, and seasonal colors makes this park a photographer's paradise year-round.

What camping facilities are available at Argyle Lake State Park?

Argyle Lake State Park offers well-maintained camping facilities at the Big Oaks Campground. The campground features gravel sites that accommodate both RVs and tent camping, with spacious areas that provide privacy between sites. Amenities include two playgrounds for children, paved roads ideal for biking, and hiking trails throughout the park. The campground has a separate tent camping area that receives high marks from tent campers. While specific utility hookups aren't detailed, sites are designed to be level and accessible for recreational vehicles.

What do visitors say about their experience at Argyle Lake State Park?

Visitors consistently praise Argyle Lake State Park for its natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere. Families particularly appreciate the spacious campsites, paved roads for bike riding, and the two playgrounds that keep children entertained. Tent campers highlight the quality of the tent sites, calling them among the best they've experienced. Hikers enjoy the challenging trails, though some note the steep inclines can be demanding for those with limited mobility. The park receives compliments for its tranquility and maintenance, with many campers planning return visits. Cell service is limited, which helps create a true outdoor experience away from digital distractions.