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Established Camping

Comlara County Park

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Campers are Saying

Comlara County Park, near Bloomington, Illinois, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a beautiful lake as the centerpiece. The park offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV spots, and even glamping, making it accessible for all types of campers.

The highlight here is Evergreen Lake, which spans 925 acres and provides ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming during the summer months. Visitors rave about the well-maintained facilities, including clean bathrooms and showers, and the friendly staff who keep everything running smoothly. One camper noted, “The park is kept clean and very friendly staff,” which speaks to the welcoming atmosphere you can expect.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, there are numerous trails for hiking and biking, plus several playgrounds for the kids. While some sites are a bit close together, many campers appreciate the spaciousness of the park and the variety of activities available. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with plenty of outdoor fun, Comlara County Park is definitely worth considering.

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Location

Comlara County Park is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Address

13001 Recreation Area Drive
Hudson, IL 61748

Coordinates

40.64319414 N
89.02912882 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

10%
41%
47%
10%
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3.5

out of 5

32 Reviews

Reviewed May. 6, 2024

Lakefront Camping Bliss Albeit Sans Privacy

Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site. One moment you’ll be driving down the well-paved country road with golden tassles of corn popping up on either side of you and the very next, you’ll turn into a wooded sanctuary that is punctuated by the marvelous Evergreen Lake, which was built in 1970 and is some 925 acres in size with an average depth of nearly 20 feet and 50 feet at its deepest.

It is this fresh body of water that really makes Comlara County Park stand-out from just about anything else in the surrounding area. It has not one but two outstanding boat launches as well as a separate launch for canoes and kayaks. There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in – which you will predominantly find largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, saugeye, muskellunge and crappie – as well as a small individual isle called Deer Island, although when we explored the small land mass, no deer were to be found. There’s boat rentals and a bait shop that is available on the weekends only as well as a proper beach head with swimming available 7 days a week during the summertime (Memorial Day – Labor Day).

As far as the campground(s) are concerned – if you look closely, there's actually not 1, not 2, not even 3, but actually 4 to choose from – but if you add up all of the 144 campsites (apart from the primitive camping options) collectively, they are spaced a little too close to comfort for my taste, which when you add on top of that there isn’t much brush or anything separating you from your neighbors camping alongside of you. This is likely my biggest complaint: privacy. If that doesn’t matter to you and you enjoying being in a large wide open space chock full with other tents, RVs and 5th wheelers, then Comlara County Park is a great choice for you.

I would first begin by pointing out that the entire Comlara Park is very well organized, kept impeccably clean and very easy to navigate with relatively good roads and decent signage. It feels as though whether you are looking for a trail to hike, a spot to launch your kayak, biking trails to navigate or finding a fishing hole to cast a line, everything seems as though it is in very close reach and just a short walk away. All of the 144 campsites are made available on a first-come, first served basis, with 94 including 30 / 50 amp electric while 23 are non-electric sites, with the 11 remaining devoid of any hook-ups.

For my tent-pitching primitive bredren, there’s 16 walk-in sites in the main recreation area (I guess that is situated amongst or in-between the other 3 campgrounds that exist here), but there is a completely separate whole other area (oh, and located completely in a different county altogether), which is technically a completely different campground in a completely separate physical location with these 16 primitive campsites.

With amenities in mind, aside from the greatest asset being Evergreen Lake itself and beyond the associated amenities that have already been highlighted (e.g. boat launch, beach, canoe / boat rental, bait shop) there’s 3 kid’s playground, at least 5 large shelters by my count, at least 3 his / her bathroom and shower facilities as well as scattered in-ground fire rings, water spigots (basically planted every 3rd or 4th site) stand-up BBQ grills as well as the prerequisite picnic tables, all of which were in very condition during our stay. There’s only one dump station, which seemed odd considering that there’s at least 3 campgrounds if not 4 here and 144 sites collecting garbage at a single time. There is firewood, ice and fishing worms available at the visitors center and campground station in the main area.

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If like me you are a primitive tent camper and on the look out for some pretty amazing, not-so-EZ places on earth to really feel like you are out enjoying pristine, undisturbed nature, then you’ll want to have a very close look at the primitive camping areas west of Evergreen Lake over near White Oak. There’s 16 or so simply excellent lakefront sites over here along with your own boat dock; (2) Should you be ‘herd camping’ with a much larger group, there’s actually a simply fantastic hidden group camping oasis over here in White Oaks as well that you can get away from it all; (3) In the event that you grow weary of cooking up franks & beans again for dinner, you’ll have a decent drive to either El Paso, where there’s a Monical’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, Casey’s, El Paso Mexican or, upgrade yourself to The Local Tap, which is a craft kitchen and alehouse serving up some excellent fare. Of course, you could head into Bloomington, of which you will find everything, but that’s a bit of a hike unless, like me, you would make that drive to either have some of the best deep dish pizza Chicago has to offer, Giordano’s, or one of the greatest sausage and Italian beef joints in the world, Portillo’s.

Happy Camping!

SiteWhite Oak Primitive Site #6
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Stuart K., May 6, 2024
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Stuart K., May 6, 2024
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Stuart K., May 6, 2024
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2023

Site 18

Beautiful lake view site. Steep drop to water so not good for those w/little kids. Great trees for hammock-overlooking lake! Pad level. Water very close. Outhouse close walk. Kayak launch close walk. Boat dock close. Shower house short walk

Site18
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., October 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., October 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., October 16, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2023

Site 107 non-electric

Very large non electric site near water. Quieter area of campground. Site level. Water close by. Pit toilets close.

Site107
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., October 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., October 12, 2023
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2023

Site 31

Site 31 is for those who want more privacy. It has woods on 2 sides with a trail thru woods to outhouse. Nice shade, site is level and on cul-de-sac so way less traffic. Water spigot very close. Very short walk to lake/dock and shower house. Park kept clean and very friendly staff.

Site31
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., September 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., September 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., September 30, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2023

Site 28

Site 28 unlevel. Requires several lifts. Site is very large however. Does have nice shade.

Site28
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2023

County Campground w/nice lake

Campground with nice no wake lake. Sites are fairly large although many of them with wide open area and thus little privacy. Site 31 nice site backed by woods. Could use a second dump station-only has one. Camp staff very friendly.

Site31
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., August 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., August 27, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2023

Nice County Park near Bloomington

Needed a couple nights stay near Bloomington and chose site #29 sight unseen. Ended up having to grab a different site since #29 was too unlevel. The campground office was very accommodating. Park is very well maintained with small lake access and lots of open space. Enjoyed peace and quiet with only one other camper in our loop. Filled the fresh water tank on the way end and used the easy access dump on the way out. Verizon signal was minimal, but worked. Recommend the McLean County History Museum in downtown Bloomington. Located in the old courthouse building and extremely well done.

Site27
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Rick G., July 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Rick G., July 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Rick G., July 25, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2023

Water is not communal

Water spigots are supposed to be communal. No one site has water, but trailers hook their hoses up to the spigots for the duration of their stays and nothing is said to them. Meaning that primitive-tents, and bikepackers have to seak further away from your particular campsite for refill. This campground is full most weekends all summer, so tenters and cyclists plan ahead. Other than that, the campground looks well cared for. Trees are trimmed, grass mowed. Sites are roomy. Pit toilets were clean and had paper, shower house is 15 seconds per push button. The water is warm. The lake is beautiful for paddling.

Site105
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Ben S., July 15, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2023

Nice county campground

County campground with good rates. Nice no wake lake for fishing, kayaking. 4 RV sites with lake view, 2-3 tent sites with view. A lot of sites in wide open areas with few trees and privacy. Fire pits need work-many sinking. Shower house adequate but nothing to rave about. In general area nice picnic pavilions and play area. Firewood and ice for sale. Could use more than a single dump station-I waited in line for 1.5 hours during the week. Site 16 during heavy rain becomes a river of mud. They give discounts for longer stays, veterans and county residents. Site 30 level and with shade tree. On cul-de-sac so less traffic. Backs up to pond.

Site16 and 30
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., July 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., July 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Kathie M., July 7, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2023

Nice County owned campground

Camped here during week while listing house. Campground not busy and very quiet. Evergreen lake beautiful. Site 28 nicely shaded but not level.

Site28
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2023

Easy weekend getaway

We spent the weekend here. Nice park with lots of playgrounds and good bike riding! The only bad thing was our site was kind of on a bit of a hill. Otherwise had a nice weekend here!

Site29
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2022

Great hidden gem

What a great little hidden gem.  I don't get the four star reviews.   I have stayed a lots of campgrounds in my years, if you are tent camping or even Pop-Up or RV it is a five star for sure.  If you are a big RV'r looking for cement pads, this is not the place for you, but for what it is, it is a five in my book.    Facilities are very clean and the park is kept very clean.   Fishing, boating, hiking, biking, camping.   Enjoyed it completely.  Maybe on the high side price wise, but loved it anyway.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2022

Do better

Shelbyville is way larger and is half the cost. Aesthetically it's beautiful, but nothing special. Prices are definitely unfair. There's already a reservation fee, then another 7-10 dollars if you pay in person or over the phone. That's ridiculous.

Reviewed Apr. 24, 2022

Maiden Voyage Dream

We may have set the bar too high with our first camping trip. Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground. Although we don’t fish, we saw many people fishing from the shore line and enjoying the water in boats and canoes. There is a designated swimming area (beach), but it wasn’t open at this time. There are many hiking and walking trails within the park that are within driving distance of the campground. There is one main shower house and several single outhouse style men/women bathrooms scattered throughout. The showers were very adequate, nothing fancy, but serve their purpose. There are fire pits and picnic tables at each site along with 30 or 50 amp hookups. Some have shared water hookups nearby also. There is also a typical dump station and potable water by it.
The camp sites are spread apart nicely with some moderate elevation change giving many great views of the lake. All campsite pads were gravel and the access roads were paved. Site 40 where we stayed was right by the lake and absolutely beautiful!

Site40
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Stephanie S., April 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Stephanie S., April 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Stephanie S., April 24, 2022
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2021

Spacious

Nice campground very spacious many site options full hookup, partial hookup, primitive. Lots of grass and wooded area tons of great trails multiple places to fish, swim beach, I think I saw two different parks. Each site had a fire pit and a picnic bench huge sites tons of possibility $ 34 a night is what it looks like we only stayed one night. Siren blows at 10am every morning.

Site60
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Crystal R., September 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Crystal R., September 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Crystal R., September 7, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2021

Great family weekend camping location

The sites only have electric and are mostly gravel and grass. I would give the bath house a 3. It needs updating and needs a good cleaning.

Site61A
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Duwana P., August 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Duwana P., August 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Duwana P., August 29, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2021

Good weekend family camping location

The sites are good, mostly gravel and grass sites. Electric only. The bath houses I would give a 3. Need updating and cleaning. This is a great park for weekend family camping. We were just passing thru for one night so it was adequate for the 26.00 Per night.

Site61A
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Apr. 18, 2021

Nice clean park

Stay here a while ago on a last minute weekend away whim. Got to the park after dark and paid the next morning. Not being a holiday weekend we were able to find a site easily. Some sites are more conducive to tents than RVs which is great for both types of campers. Very open campground. Not a ton of trees although some sites offer nice shade. Have been meaning to get back there but getting away can be hard.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2020

All depends on timing

The sites always fill up fast and campers are mix of RV’s with lights, generators and noise as well as tents. Neither camper types who venture here are looking for peace and quiet. Some newer primitive hike-in or boat-in sites are on the muddy lake shores, but are mostly secluded. Also heavily used by local Boy and Girl Scouts.

Reviewed Jul. 14, 2020

Beautiful lake side camping

I really enjoyed my stay at Evergreen Lake.  The rustic tent sites are located on the opposite side of the lake from the RV's in an area called White Oak. These sites are the way to go for privacy.  It was roughly a quarter-mile hike to site 14, where I stayed. It initially took me longer to find the site since there are no signs along the way. I eventually found site 12 then 11. I turned around and made my way to 14.  

Site 14 is very spacious like it could be used as a group site. I was surprised to see three picnic tables. It also had a fire ring with grill and a separate grill. There was always shade and two pairs of trees that are perfect for a hammock. The best part was the view of the lake. There was a spot that a person could get a kayak or canoe into the water but I opted to use the dock. The dock was just a short walk away. It’s very cool that the folks at Comlara put that dock there for the tent campers to use.

One thing to be aware of is the trash point is at the parking lot. Also, keep in mind that sound travels across a lake very easily. I could hear other campers that were a few sites over very clear as well as people fishing on the lake.

My Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D\_ZlAXbMLGY&t=3s

My Website:  https://www.lost13.com/camping/2020/6/18/comlara-park

Site14
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Scott N., July 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Scott N., July 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Scott N., July 14, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2020

Nice county campground

Camped here twice-once tent and once in new camper. Well kept campground. Nice lake-good fishing. RV sites fairly close together with not many/any trees for privacy. Tent sites a bit more spread apart however all traffic from campground routes by tent sites due to one way traffic. There are more hike in tent sites that would provide more rustic experience.

Reviewed May. 27, 2020

Variety of camping options, field, secluded, RV etc.

The layout is fairly straightforward here, entrance has a spot for firewood purchase (honor system) and then the dumpsters.  So getting to firewood and garbage will take a little time if you're toward the back of the park.  

Many spots for RV/campers, and as you venture further in, you'll find large open fields with camping spots - some are electric or not, so check while you reserve.  The open field camping really lends itself to a community feel, some people have wonderful setups and especially at night, the more luxurious configurations attract the kiddos to checkout.  People overall very considerate and nice, welcoming, friendly.  VERY family oriented atmosphere - there was no nonsense loud drunkards in the evenings, relatively quiet and relaxing.  This was a huge bonus to us, as we had younger kids and loud idiots would have freaked them out.

We reserved site 111, which had a nice long concrete pad for parking cars on - fits easily 2-3 cars.  Firepit, a tree, pretty standard stuff.  Close to the bathrooms.

Bathrooms are a basic affair, typical dirtyish campground pit toilets.  Don't expect much, bring cleaning wipes etc if you want to help neaten the place up a bit.

If you're more into wooded areas/seclusion while camping, this place has them too - see site 123 or 124, along the lake - on reservations those are the square sites, not long rectangles.  You'll be near the lake, probably could walk in and out of the lake if you wanted.  

Site 123 in particular is directly across from the bathroom, but has thick wooded areas to keep things private and well shaded...but with an open area for some suntanning or whatever.  We wandered over to 123 from 111 to see what it was like, and were so impressed we reserved it for this year.

Site111
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Mar. 24, 2020

Fishing is the key

Simple campground...simple is the key. Not a whole lot of fluff with this campground. The reason to camp here is to make sure you get to fish or be on the water. The location is nice as it is in central Illinois and one of the few in the area. Costs can be a little expensive to some but reality is it is right in par with the state. You need to make sure there is good weather coming here as there isn’t too much to do minus the lake. Sites are electric and some are right in the water which would be ideal for kayak/canoe. It is a pretty big park and it is normally booked up so better to reserve early.

I’ve stayed here a few times and we have always stayed with friends sharing sites as it is always better with friends along. It is located close tot he bike paths for mountain bikes so that is an added bonus. Nice little get away at the end of it.

  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Scott M., March 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Scott M., March 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Scott M., March 24, 2020
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019

Needs a little sprucing up

This is a pretty area on the Evergreen Lake with mature trees and open spaces. The area I camped in had large spaces between the sites which was nice, but there was no foliage to provide privacy or sound buffering. I could hear one campers entire angry phone conversation. On the plus side, the stars were amazing.

The pad at site 38 was gravel and uneven with electric only. Good electric though. There was a picnic bench and a fire pit, but the bench had been pulled over the pit which was odd. The dump station was also strangely located. It was down the road from the park. The bathrooms have seen better days and so have the sites I viewed. It’s sad because this park looks like it was a real beauty in it’s prime.

Site38
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Susan L., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Susan L., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Comlara County Park by Susan L., October 1, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2019

Nice sites, amenities ???

Nice size sites, with plenty of shade. Fishing, hiking, etc. They have a beach with fee access. The shower house could use a fresh coat of paint, bathrooms could use a thorough cleaning. They use to have camp hosts, no longer do.

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2018

Pluses and minuses

Large lots are nice, out houses need cleaned. Good rates but the kicker is the $20.00 fee per boat/ kayak to get on the lake plus the fee for the swimming area was a bit much for us. Was planning an active weekend but quickly realized we were going to be sitting at our site

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2018

Comlara park, open with nice calm waters

This park is mainly flat grounds. Camping plots are very open with options very close to the water. You can rent boats and kayaks to take out on the lake during the day and grills throughout the park to have a bbq at night with friends. There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow. Not too populated. I rate this a 4 star because it is not close to food and the nearest gas station is about 10 minutes away. I also prefer longer trails and a rougher terrain with options for camping in the trees. Over all nice place

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Comlara County Park have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Comlara County Park has 50 amp electric hookups and water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Comlara County Park?

    Comlara County Park allows vehicles up to 90 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Comlara County Park?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Comlara County Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Comlara County Park have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Comlara County Park does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Comlara County Park?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is poor, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.