Central Illinois camping near Beason offers diverse experiences across seasonal transitions, with summer temperatures regularly reaching 85-95°F and frequent humidity. The terrain features a mix of prairie landscape and lake environments, with most campgrounds situated at elevations between 550-650 feet. Primitive tent camping and full-hookup RV options remain available through October at most locations, though water systems typically shut down by mid-November.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: At Millpoint Park, campers can access prime fishing spots along the Illinois River. "Largest Bass I caught was 18" and the smallest was 14". I was having great luck using a bright green spinner for bass and a simple jig for crappie," shared one visitor.
Walking trails: The 0.5-mile path around the pond at D & W Lake RV Park provides an accessible nature experience. "The pond is 1/2 mile walk around. Bathrooms were clean," noted one camper, while another mentioned the "nice walking trail around the lake."
Water recreation: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers unique swimming conditions. "The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach," reports one camper, while another explained, "Clinton Lake is a boating destination as the waters are unusually warm due to the discharge from the nearby nuclear plant."
What Campers Like
Spacious sites: Millpoint Park receives consistent praise for its ample site spacing. "Campsites are spacious and well-distanced," noted one camper, with another adding "The sites are decently spaced, unlike a lot of other RV parks."
Clean facilities: Kamp Komfort maintains high cleanliness standards that impress visitors. "Bathrooms are new and clean!" reported one camper, while another described "a VERY nice shower house and restroom. They also have laundry machines which is especially nice for a large family like ours."
Mature shade trees: RV camping near Beason benefits from established tree coverage. "Mature trees on almost all spots," mentioned a Kamp Komfort visitor, while a Double J Campground visitor noted the "nice walking trail, swimming pool, playground, and more. Very convenient to get to and the check in is very fast."
What You Should Know
Water quality varies: Several campgrounds have mineral-heavy water systems. At Millpoint Park, "The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don't attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it's fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you."
Highway noise considerations: Double J Campground sits near interstate traffic. "Only downside is the noise of the interstate but honestly it was fine. We only stayed a couple nights and were really close to the road but there are certainly spots deeper in the grounds that probably aren't as loud," explained one camper.
Online reservation systems: Reservation processes differ between campgrounds. For Love's RV Stop in Normal, "The convenient app-managed reservation system is seamless and provides for an incredibly simple, remote check-in and payment process," though another camper cautioned, "Turns out there's a tablet at the front gate that will let you get through the first 10 minutes of standing in the weather to make one, then when you get to the payment screen they have security turned on so it blocks the page."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature child-friendly areas. "Sort of small, which made it easy for kids to ride around on bikes, and for us to walk to the playground," noted one Kamp Komfort visitor.
Swimming options: Weldon Springs State Park offers family-friendly water activities. "There is a WWII memorial which is beautiful. The park also has decent shower houses and more than one playground for the kids. Along the marina that have snacks/concessions as well," described one visitor.
Campsite selection: For tent camping families, site selection matters. At Weldon Springs, "Some of the tent sites are close together with some having a little more seclusion. There are a lot of trees and plants with it being in the woods so this does help."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Most RV parks near Beason feature well-prepared sites requiring minimal leveling. At Millpoint Park, visitors enjoyed "full hookup with electric, water, and sewage. Each site also has a picnic table and fire pit."
Big rig accommodation: Larger motorhomes find appropriate options at several parks. "Super easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad," reported one D & W Lake visitor, while another noted their "spacious pull-through sites with full hookups."
Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping requires preparation. At Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, one camper noted, "Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too. Water options were the lake or a 30 min drive into town for bottled. Not a big deal but something to be prepared for."
