Camping sites near Augusta, Illinois range from well-developed state parks to simpler city-operated facilities across McDonough, Schuyler, and Hancock counties. The region sits within the rolling prairie landscape of western Illinois with elevations between 650-750 feet. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February, while summer brings high humidity with temperatures commonly exceeding 85°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area offers multiple fishing spots with different species available. "This park is very clean and well maintained. There is a lot to do from hunting, fishing, hiking, and more," notes a visitor to Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Trail exploration: The region features varied hiking difficulty levels across multiple parks. A visitor to Siloam Springs State Park Campground reports, "The trails are pretty well marked and are best in mid/late fall or early spring. We've redone them numerous times and still enjoy them. My favorite trails are the Red Oak and Hoot Owl!"
Boating options: Several parks offer non-motorized and limited motorized boating access with rental equipment available. "The lake is great for boating and fishing and there are boats for rent during the warmer seasons," explains a camper about Spring Lake Park near Macomb.
Wildlife viewing: The diverse habitats support various wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year. A visitor to Weinberg-King mentioned, "There are usually a lot of horse back riders on the hiking trails," indicating the mixed recreational use that affects wildlife spotting timing.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer room to spread out, especially for tent campers. According to one camper at Big Oaks Campground, "This campground has the best tent camping sites we have stayed at. It also has great hiking! We have been 2 times and plan to go again!"
Water access: Proximity to lakes for both recreation and scenic views ranks high with visitors. A camper at Spring Lake Park reports, "We stayed here one night. We had a concrete pad for our RV which was nice and a decent amount of room to roam."
Budget-friendly options: Several parks offer affordable camping, particularly for basic tent sites. "CHEAP primitive camping. Miles of trails. Staff and caretakers keep the trails extremely clean," notes a visitor about Spring Lake Park - Macomb.
Equestrian facilities: Specialized loops for horse campers exist at select parks. A visitor to Weinberg-King observed, "The equestrian loop was popular and we saw many there. It has plenty of shade and even what looked to be a horse water trough."
What you should know
Limited shade: Several campgrounds lack adequate tree cover during summer months. A visitor to Weinberg-King noted, "The non-equestrian loop was not as nice. There are a few spots with morning shade but the whole place will get that hot afternoon sun."
Seasonal bathroom limitations: Facility maintenance varies significantly by season and location. "The problems were a broken water line a few years ago so no water in the upper Campground. The only bathrooms were pit toilets and the roofs need replaced on all of them," reported one camper about Big Oaks Campground.
Hike-in camping options: For those seeking more solitude, several parks offer primitive sites requiring a hike. At Wakonda Lake Campground, a visitor mentioned, "We had numerous interconnected hiking trails that follow the lakes in the area. They often have kayaks available and occasionally have paddle board classes there through the local YMCA."
Road conditions: Interior park roads may present challenges after weather events. One visitor noted, "Recent storms brought trees down and even damaged the road around the lake. Cars are only able to go halfway around."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Argyle Lake State Park shared, "Our kids love argyle for the paved roads they can easily ride bikes on, the 2 playgrounds and the room to run!"
Swimming options: Designated swimming areas exist at select parks during summer months. "There is a pool and a very large playground. A frisbee golf course is tucked in next to the lake," notes a visitor to Carthage City Park.
Multi-generational activities: Parks with diverse offerings allow family members of different ages to enjoy various activities. "This would be lots of fun for boaters. Rates were $20/night w/electric," mentioned one camper about Spring Lake Park.
Safety considerations: Some trails may be challenging for younger children. One camper observed, "The hiking trails are challenging for 2 middle aged folks- lots of climbing up, then down, at some pretty steep inclines."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric service is common but water and sewer connections vary significantly. At Schuy-Rush Park, "We were fortunate to find this quiet campground just south of Rushville. Friendly staff, clean restroom & showers," reports a visitor.
Site leveling: Ground conditions affect setup ease at different campgrounds. "Sites are all on grass. Most are level. Lots of shady spots," notes a camper about Spring Lake Park Campground.
Seasonal campers: Several parks host long-term seasonal campers which can affect availability. "Seems like most of the sites are seasonal campers. Very quiet for how many campers are here," observed one RVer.
Dump station access: Not all parks offer on-site dump facilities, requiring planning. A visitor mentioned that some campgrounds have "Easy access to dump station," while others require using facilities in neighboring towns.
