Camping options near Ashland, Illinois include several forest preserves and state parks within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in central Illinois along the Sangamon River valley with elevations ranging from 500-650 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures often reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Hiking trails: Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area offers extensive hiking with both wooded and prairie terrain. "There is a lot of public ground to hike or for seasonal hunting. The sunset views and stars were awesome!" notes one visitor to the Primitive Campground.
Water activities: Sangchris Lake State Park provides fishing, boating and shoreline access. A camper reports, "We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from. Spotty reception but it's great to unplug." The park's 3,000-acre lake supports bass, crappie and catfish fishing year-round when not frozen.
Historical exploration: Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site lets visitors experience 1830s Illinois through reconstructed buildings. "I love to walk through all the old buildings and learn about Lincoln's way of life. They even had horses and a bull out in the pastures! All the kids were feeding one of the horses handfuls of grass over the fence," says a visitor to Lincolns New Salem Historic Site Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The Double J Campground maintains high standards for their amenities. "Honestly amazed by how clean and well maintained this campground is. River rock driveways (not gravel) and sites- well packed down and regularly grated," notes one camper at The Double J Campground and RV Park.
Budget-friendly options: Illinois State Fair Campground offers economical camping close to attractions. "A large campground with water and electric. Few sites have sewer. You have the option of paved parking lot or on the grass. We chose the grass for the shade trees," explains a visitor.
Privacy options: Buena Vista Farms offers secluded sites for those seeking quiet. "We rented two cabins for the weekend and loved the place. Cabins were modern and clean overlooking the pond. They offer kayaks, canoes, and peddle boats free to campers," reports a guest at Buena Vista Farms Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal access: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October. Springfield KOA operates seasonally with one camper noting, "Springfield KOA is actually in Rochester, but it is only about 25 mins into Springfield and all the wonderful Lincoln historic sites."
Weather challenges: Spring camping can bring muddy conditions. At Sangchris Lake State Park, one camper reported, "Sites are spacious and campground is quiet and leisurely during the week. Beautiful shoreline lots. 30 amp service. Decent AT&T cellular coverage (it varies but able to stream, etc)."
Reservation requirements: Most RV sites with hookups require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. "Called last minute on a Saturday, I had to leave a message and was hoping someone would call me back! Within five minutes, I had a call back and a lovely pull through site reserved," notes a camper about the responsiveness at Kamper Kompanion RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Springfield KOA offers multiple family activities beyond camping. "The campground is very nice, a lot of amenities for families like pool, little bikes, miniature golf and horseshoes. Shop has laundry, ice and propane, there's free wifi," shares a visitor.
Educational opportunities: Sand Ridge State Forest provides unique ecological learning experiences. "This is a great campground mostly for tents though a few RVs were there too. Large sites in a pine forest with a thick bed of pine needles. The orange trail (5 mile loop) starts at the campground making it easy to access the trail to check out the sandy forest and prickly pear cactus," reports a visitor to Pine Campground.
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer swimming options during summer months. One camper at Buena Vista Farms mentions, "Nice walking trail, swimming pool, playground, outdoor checkers, basketball court, put put golf."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When RV camping near Ashland, Illinois, choose sites based on your needs for shade or accessibility. "We have stayed here twice, and will stay again for sure when in the area. Fantastic camp hosts, large pull through spots, pool, mini golf, and more. Very convenient to get too and the check in is very fast," notes a Double J Campground visitor.
Hookup availability: For full hookups with sewer connections, verify availability when booking. "Just off the highway, but minimal noise. Clean. Well maintained. Pleasant staff. We had a long pull through, but there are a limited number of those," advises a Kamper Kompanion visitor.
Water access: Some campgrounds require filling tanks at central locations. At Sangchris Lake State Park Campground, "Electric only but water available and nice dump station. All sites at Hickory Point very close to lake. Several fishing docks in campground."
