Located between Interstate 57 and Interstate 64 in southern Illinois, the Bonnie area offers RV camping options amid a landscape of wooded hills and lakes. Summer temperatures range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions better suited for outdoor activities. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from March through November, with a few offering year-round access.
What to do
Fishing access points: Washington County State Recreation Area surrounds a large lake with multiple fishing spots. "The fishing is really good here," notes one camper, while another mentions "I caught a few bass and [there was] a good amount of hiking."
Lakeside hiking: A trail network circles Rend Lake with paved paths connecting multiple campgrounds. "There is a biking trail that we also used as a walking trail. Beautiful scenery along the way," shares a visitor at North Sandusky Campground.
Disk golf course: North Sandusky Recreation Area maintains a complete disk golf course near the camping area. Visitors appreciate that the "sites are close to the water so you can fish or boat right from your campsite."
Wildlife observation: The wooded areas around campsites attract various wildlife. One reviewer at South Sandusky Campground recommends "bring binoculars for egrets and herons on the lake," while another mentions "we have had deer playing on an adjacent site to us."
What campers like
Quieter camping options: Some areas offer more secluded sites away from highway noise. A camper at Washington County notes it's "very quiet, not a lot of people. Plenty of spaces and lake was nice." Another mentioned "the sky was real dark, great for picking out constellations."
Convenience for travelers: Several campgrounds serve well as overnight stops. "We travel between Charleston, SC and Omaha, NE several times a year and always stay here on return trip," shares one visitor at Archway RV Park, adding it's "just far enough from Interstate so noise isn't an issue."
Pet-friendly amenities: Dedicated dog areas enhance stays for pet owners. "There is a nice playground and dog park as well as a pond at the location," mentions a camper at Archway RV Park, while another noted "there are some cute vintage campers and tiny cottages for rent as well. Nice doggie park area fenced off too!"
Reasonable rates: Campgrounds in the area maintain affordable pricing. An overnight visitor to Washington County State Recreation Area appreciated the "affordable overnight stay with electric" and "friendly campers and hosts."
What you should know
Sloped campsites: Many sites throughout the area require leveling equipment. A reviewer at Gun Creek observed "some spots do have a fairly good slope to them," while another mentioned "most sites are fairly level, but some have an incline to get into."
Varying bathroom conditions: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Washington County found "the bath house was very well kept and clean," while another noted "showers ran cold at first but after a few mins it gets warmer!"
Cash payment requirements: Some campgrounds only accept cash. A visitor to Washington County warned "no cards accepted. We had to run back to the town of Nashville to get some cash from the ATM."
Highway noise: Proximity to interstates affects some camping areas. A visitor at Benton KOA mentioned "there is highway noise. It's a KOA. Convenience of being easy off an interstate has its tradeoffs." Another noted "I-57 provides plenty of traffic noise."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Archway RV Park, "there is a nice playground," and Gun Creek provides similar amenities with easy lake access.
Swimming areas: Dedicated beaches provide safe water access. A visitor to South Sandusky appreciated "the large beach. The campsites have a nice set up and are a decent size. The kids loved the playground."
Family-oriented spaces: Some parks create community environments. As one camper observed, "it's fun place to camp with family and friends," while another mentioned "most sites are wooded with space between them" at North Sandusky.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in privacy levels. An Archway RV Park visitor noted "all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front."
Electrical connections: Check amperage requirements before arrival. "Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter," advises one RVer.
Dump station locations: Access points for waste disposal exist at multiple facilities. A camper mentioned "dump station was just fine" at Washington County State Recreation Area, while others noted similar facilities at Gun Creek and North Sandusky.
Pad materials: Surface types affect leveling and setup. A visitor to Dogwood loop noted "precise backing is needed to land on the asphalt pad," while others mentioned both gravel and paved options throughout rv campgrounds near Bonnie, Illinois.
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