Best Campgrounds near Beason, IL

Camping near Beason, Illinois encompasses a range of state parks and private campgrounds set amid the agricultural landscape of central Illinois. The area features several established camping options within a 30-mile radius, including Weldon Springs State Park Campground in Clinton and Clinton Lake State Recreation Area in De Witt. These public lands provide access to water recreation and hiking trails while offering both tent and RV accommodations. Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area and Friends Creek Campground provide additional natural settings for outdoor recreation. Private options like Deer Creek Campground, Camp A While, and Hickory Lane Campground supplement the public facilities with varying levels of amenities.

Most campgrounds in the Beason area are accessible via well-maintained paved roads, making them suitable for all vehicle types including large RVs. The camping season generally runs year-round at several locations, though Friends Creek Campground operates seasonally from May 1 to November 1, and Arrowhead Acres is open April through October. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, particularly at campgrounds near Interstate corridors. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities can reach capacity.

The camping experience varies significantly between state parks and private campgrounds. State parks like Weldon Springs offer more natural settings with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and boat access to lakes. According to one visitor, Weldon Springs provides "a nice lake to paddle canoe/kayak" though they noted seasonal bug activity can be expected. Private campgrounds typically feature more extensive hookups for RVs, including 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections. Many campgrounds in the region are pet-friendly and accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some also offering glamping options or cabins. Campers seeking waterfront sites will find options at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, which provides boat-in access and lakeside camping with views of the water.

Best Camping Sites Near Beason, Illinois (62)

    1. Weldon Springs State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Clinton, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 935-2644

    "It’s a nice Illinois state park. Very quiet. Clean bathrooms, the consecution stand is closed. So can’t rent boat etc. but a nice lake to paddle canoe/kayak ."

    "Good fishing near by with walking trail surrounding pond. Plenty of wildlife friendly locals."

    2. Deer Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Lincoln, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 786-4873

    "Near the back you can camp right alongside the river.

    Amenities are minimal, there are just port-a-potties for restrooms but they are very clean."

    3. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Weldon, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 935-8722

    $10 - $30 / night

    "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach."

    "Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole."

    4. Hickory Lane Campground

    1 Review
    Beason, IL
    6 miles
    +1 (217) 648-2778

    "Two small lakes with fountains. You can hear the fountains at night, it's nice. Excellent price for tent camping."

    5. Camp A While

    2 Reviews
    Lincoln, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 732-8840

    "Surround by corn fields in the warmer months."

    6. Friends Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cisco, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 795-8361

    $10 - $25 / night

    "In mid-Illinois a campground waits for you. Well tended grassy sites with an impeccable grassy picnicking area. There was plenty of room in our site but most of the campground is empty."

    "This hidden gem of a campground is very quiet and serene - surrounded by tall trees and next to a tall grass prairie conservation area - complete with historic schoolhouse, mowed trails to a nearby creek"

    8. Arrowhead Acres

    1 Review
    Clinton, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 935-8442

    9. Moraine View State Recreational Area

    27 Reviews
    Le Roy, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 724-8032

    $40 - $20 / night

    "I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."

    "It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine."

    10. Kentuckiana Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mackinaw, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 449-3274

    "We stayed here last year and will likely stay there again this year when we are back in Illinois. The park has two sides, one side closer to the stage."

    "When Unhitching if there is anyone waiting to drive by, you feel kind of rushed. Don’t let it make you forget wheel chocks or something important. They have a nice pond."

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Recent Reviews near Beason, IL

339 Reviews of 62 Beason Campgrounds


  • Jill C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Secluded and Cozy

    We stayed here during our travels from Kansas to Indiana. While we only stayed one night, it was long enough to know that should we travel nearby again-this will be our stopping point. Easy to access from the highway yet while in the park, we experienced pure bliss and quiet. Spacious sites and an abundant amount of shade made this stay even better! The camp hosts do an excellent job as the grounds and bathhouse were all immaculate! These are electric only sites however there are several water spigots to fill the tank prior to parking. For ease, there are even potable water spigots at the dump station and the bathhouse as well. Our site was fairly level and easy to maneuver into. For reference, we have a 34’ fifth wheel. When reserving, note that there are a handful of 50 amp sites, several 30 amp sites and tent sites available.

  • T
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867

    A trickster with premium luxury pricing.

    We decided to not stay here. We stopped, did the online reservation (Loves now uses Camplife website). Made the reservation for a single night and it's $70+ tax and fees.  We paid less per night at luxury campgrounds with waterparks and entertainment. This is a truck stop. Needless to say, we won't be using Love's anymore for our single night stays when traveling.

  • L
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Great campground

    Very nice small campground with well spaced sites. The bathrooms were very clean. The Macon County website is a bit wonky to navigate. The camp host is a jewel. Be aware that there are 50 amp sites and 30 amp sites. The 50 amp sites are more expensive. Would definitely return.

  • Cowboy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Gibson City South Park Municipal Campground

    Wonderful spot

    This is a great city run campground attached to a block sized city park. 30 amp and water at each site. The park has restrooms, with showers. You only need to grab a key from the police department. There is a dump station on site and large dumpster. Supermarket, restaurants and gas station with in a few blocks. An active American Legion post/bar just down main street. All for $10 a night.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    D & W Lake RV Park

    Lovely hideway

    Very nice looking campground. When we drove in, 1st impression, it gave off a "Welcome" feel. Check-in was easy, we were pre-paid, we were taken directly to our pull-thru site. Stayed only 1 night, had planned 2 but had issues had to call and cancel 1 night. Sites level, plenty of space between campers, shade trees, loved the dog run too. Overall it was a very nice well kept campground. I'm glad we made a reservation. We enjoyed our stay.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Walmart - Peoria Supercenter

    Bumper Car Parking Lot

    This is one of the larger Walmart stores that I have across in my travels and is conveniently located right off of I74 just due south of Peoria and across the Illinois River. You will immediately discover that this Walmart is easily accessible from just about any entrance point that completely surrounds this blue big box retailer. And even though this retail outlet is massive, as is its accompanying oversized parking pad, the place was very frenetic, and jam-packed with lots of traffic zipping around in multiple directions.

    But hey, if lots of ping-pong match-style traffic doesn’t dissuade you from parking here, then you’ll be treated to a decent ton of amenities as you are situated within a massive retail complex that is surrounded by other big box retailers like Lowe’s and Bass Pro Shop, a number of gas stations as well as a decent assortment of smart restaurants, like Texas Roadhouse, Childer’s Eatery and Godfather’s Pizza. Of course, there’s no shortage of drive-by fast food joints nearby like McDonald’s, IHOP, Bob Evans, Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell, but take it from me, you’d be better off crossing the Illinois River into Peoria to check out some better haunts like Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery or Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer.

    Should you decide to park at this oversized discount retailer parking haven, I would suggest parking either on the southern or northern perimeters as while they are next to their own respective inner 2-lane roads, the traffic is slow-moving and isn’t stopped for any lights around those areas, making for less noise pollution. You’ll find that the lot is very flat and level, well-paved albeit dated as well as offering really great lighting at night along with very good rotating security that remain constantly vigilant in this overgrown shopping mecca.

    While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:

    Convenience: 3 

    Safety & Security: 2 

    Quality: 3 

    Peace & Quiet: 2 

    Amenities: 3 

    Overall, I scored this location a 3 

    Happy Overnighting!

  • Becky K.
    May. 31, 2025

    D & W Lake RV Park

    Great place to stay

    This campground is close to home and is our go to when we have a last minute opportunity to camp. Beautiful lake view from our site. Owners are very friendly and super helpful.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Springfield KOA

    Spacious Green Grounds

    Springfield KOA is actually in Rochester, but it is only about 25 mins into Springfield and all the wonderful Lincoln historic sites. The campground is very nice, a lot of amenities for families like pool, little bikes, miniature golf and horseshoes. Shop has laundry, ice and oropane, there's free wifi. Sites have power and water, you have to go to dump station on the way out as there aren't individual sewers. But there is grass, picnic table and fire ring at every site, trees all around.


Guide to Beason

Camping sites near Beason, Illinois offer diverse recreation opportunities within the agricultural landscape of central Illinois. The area sits at elevations around 600-650 feet above sea level with predominantly flat terrain punctuated by gentle rolling hills. Late spring through early fall typically brings high humidity with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F during summer months, while overnight temperatures can drop into the 50s even during peak season.

What to do

Fishing access options: Friends Creek Campground provides creek access for casual fishing, though more serious anglers typically head to nearby lakes. One visitor noted, "You can walk down along the river bank for shade or on the mowed path within the open prairie."

Historic site exploration: Tour the Bethel Schoolhouse at Friends Creek Conservation Area. A camper mentioned, "The old school house is a must see" and another added it offers "guided tours are available by calling."

Water recreation: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area features unusually warm lake water due to the nearby nuclear plant discharge. A visitor explained, "Clinton Lake is a boating destination as the waters are unusually warm due to the discharge from the nearby nuclear plant."

Hiking options: Multiple trail systems cater to different abilities. At Moraine View State Recreational Area, a camper reported, "Nice lake for fishing and kayaking" and mentioned it has "sections of niceness hiking."

What campers like

Quiet atmosphere: Most campgrounds in the region maintain peaceful environments even during busy periods. At Deer Creek Campground, a visitor appreciated the "large, quiet campsites that are not too crowded" and noted, "Near the back you can camp right alongside the river."

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept shower houses and restrooms. One camper at Friends Creek stated, "The bathrooms were very clean" and another mentioned, "The bathhouse and flushing toilets were always clean, and with it being a smaller campground it was always quiet."

Variety of camping styles: Options range from primitive to full-hookup sites. At Weldon Springs State Park Campground, a reviewer highlighted, "Tent and trailer camping here, but the real reward is in the primitive backpacking sites. Highly recommend."

Natural buffers between sites: Some campgrounds maintain vegetation between campsites. A visitor to Friends Creek appreciated that "between some of the camp sites, they left a patch of prairie to act as a privacy barrier."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds operate only during warmer months. Arrowhead Acres operates from April through October, while other locations like Weldon Springs and Clinton Lake remain open year-round.

Bug activity: Insect populations can be significant, especially after rain. One camper at Weldon Springs mentioned, "Worst bugs (mosquitoes and locusts) I've ever dealt with."

Limited amenities at some locations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. A visitor to Deer Creek noted, "Amenities are minimal, there are just port-a-potties for restrooms but they are very clean."

Alcohol restrictions: Some campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption. At Weldon Springs, a camper pointed out, "There is a STRICT no alcohol rule in the tent sites. A sign said coolers are subject to inspection."

Tips for camping with families

Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Kentuckiana Campground mentioned, "Great place for kids. Decent little parks. Huge slide in the holler."

Beach access considerations: Swimming options exist but may have limited hours or entry fees. At Clinton Lake, a visitor noted, "They have a beach and a boat launch" and another mentioned, "No dogs allowed on the beach."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening offer the best wildlife spotting times. A camper at Friends Creek described seeing "trees, birds & wildlife" in the conservation area.

Reserve early for summer weekends: Family-friendly sites fill quickly during peak season. One camper at Clinton Lake warned, "It's a nice campground but it's usually insanely busy. Holidays are crazy."

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategies: Research specific loops for optimal experiences. At Clinton Lake, a camper advised, "The different loops have very different feels...some are very shaded in the trees, some more wide open with a prairie type view."

Hookup variations: Electric service varies between campgrounds and even within the same facility. At Camp A While, a visitor noted it was "small but nice" and mentioned it had "easy to get to if you call first."

Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. A camper at Kentuckiana reported, "There is no cell/LTE reception out here (Sprint or Verizon). We drove to Casey's for a pizza and got a small cell signal there."

Level site availability: Most RV sites in the region are reasonably level. At Friends Creek, a visitor mentioned, "All sites are gravel and level" and each has "a picnic table and fire ring."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Beason, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Beason, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 62 campgrounds and RV parks near Beason, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Beason, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Beason, IL is Weldon Springs State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Beason, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Beason, IL.