Altamont's camping landscape spans across eastern Illinois with access to Lake Shelbyville's 11,000-acre reservoir. The area maintains moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, with seasonal rainfall patterns creating lush woodland settings around camping destinations. Water levels fluctuate throughout the year, affecting shoreline camping availability at several locations.
What to do
Fishing from shore: Access the stocked fishing lake at Okaw Valley Kampground where visitors can try catch-and-release fishing for bass, bluegill and catfish. "The fishing lake is beautiful and stocked with bass, bluegill and catfish," notes a visitor who found the experience rewarding despite limited catches.
Lake access trails: Follow the path connecting the campground to the marina at Wolf Creek State Park Campground. "They have a bridge and trail that connect campsite to marina. Looove it," shares a camper who appreciated the convenience of water access without moving vehicles.
Wildlife observation: Explore wooded areas around Illini Campground during early mornings or evenings to spot deer herds. "Lots of deer bed down in the grassy areas at night, which was a fun thing to see," mentions a family who enjoyed the natural encounters during their stay.
What campers like
Well-maintained bathrooms: The cleanliness standards at Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort receive consistent praise from guests. "Bathrooms are clean. Pool is very clean and never gets over crowded," reports a seasonal camper who visits regularly.
Quiet weekday camping: Mid-week stays at the state parks offer significantly less crowded experiences. "We stopped in to Wolf Creek State Park later in the day on a Wednesday. The area was absolutely empty," explains a tent camper who found unexpected solitude during their visit.
Affordable state park options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the value at Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area. "The park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again," shares a visitor who found the state park rates competitive compared to private campgrounds.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Not all campgrounds maintain year-round operations, with many closing after Labor Day. "The main campground closes on Labor Day however there is a small section near the boat ramp open year round," explains a camper about site availability at Lone Point.
Distance to supplies: Some locations require advance planning for provisions. "The only downside is that it's somewhat far from supply stores," cautions a Ramsey Lake visitor, suggesting campers stock up before arrival.
Site selection timing: Weekend reservations fill quickly during summer months. "We stayed here for the first time the weekend of October 9th. The campground filled up by 11am on Friday, which was a surprise to us," reports a camper at Coles Creek Recreation Area, demonstrating that even fall weekends can reach capacity.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Multiple play areas at Robin Hood Woods accommodate different age groups. "The pool, the lake, the gigantic playground, the pavilion, the laundromat, the location," lists one satisfied parent identifying the range of family-friendly amenities.
Swimming options: Plan for aquatic recreation at Coles Creek where designated swimming areas provide safe water access. "There is a beach for campers to use, and a really nice playground. Their bathrooms and showerhouse were impeccably clean," notes a family who found the combination ideal for children.
Special events: Time visits with scheduled activities, particularly at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area. "They have a huge Halloween event every year where people decorate their sites and there's a haunted house, then kids trick or treat from site to site," explains a repeat visitor who recommends arriving at least a week in advance for holiday-themed weekends.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites at Lithia Springs require advance planning. "If you are needing a full hookup site, make sure you book early!" advises a regular camper familiar with the reservation patterns.
Water access considerations: Check water spigot locations before selecting sites. "Bring plenty of water hose. The water faucets for fill up can be a bit far away," warns a Wolf Creek camper who found the distance challenging without adequate hose length.
Dump station capacity: Prepare for potential waiting times at busier campgrounds. "The only thing I would change is the ONE dump station for this massive campground," notes a Coles Creek visitor, suggesting early morning or late evening dump station visits to avoid lines.
