Central Illinois farmland surrounding Elwin features flat to gently rolling terrain with elevations averaging 650-700 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasons with hot summers often reaching 90°F and cold winters that typically limit camping to mid-spring through mid-fall. Most campgrounds in this area sit on or near lakes created through dam projects, providing water recreation opportunities not naturally common in the prairie landscape.
What to do
Fishing at local lakes: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers unusually warm waters due to discharge from the nearby nuclear plant. "Clinton Lake is a boating destination as the waters are unusually warm due to the discharge from the nearby nuclear plant," notes one visitor. The lake provides consistent fishing conditions even when other area lakes cool down.
Prairie hiking trails: Multiple campgrounds feature restored prairie habitats with dedicated walking paths. At Weldon Springs State Park, trails provide educational opportunities about native prairie restoration. "The park has beautiful natural meadows, an old schoolhouse to explore, and a large pond with trails all the way around it. A WWII memorial is found along the pond," one camper observed.
Kayaking and canoeing: Several area lakes permit non-motorized watercraft with relatively calm conditions suitable for beginners. "We have just been able to do overnight stays, but would love to stay a few days to recharge," reported a visitor to Friends Creek Campground, highlighting the relaxed paddling environment.
What campers like
Spacious, shaded sites: Friends Creek Campground receives consistent praise for site layout and shade coverage. "All sites are gravel and level. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are spaced a decent amount of distance apart and with the many trees, it did not feel crowded, despite being almost full when we were there," one review highlighted.
Clean facilities: Bathhouse maintenance stands out as a consistent positive across multiple campgrounds. At Bo Wood, campers appreciate "bath rooms and shower houses are very clean and there is good bank fishing near the pavilion at the turn around at the west end of the area."
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer sites with natural barriers for added seclusion. A Weldon Springs visitor noted, "While I wish the tent area and comfort station were closer to one another, the walk really wasn't all that bad from our campsite. I loved that the tent sites (especially as you go further back (like to sites 6-10 probably) just had a secluded woodsy feeling to them."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular lakeside sites book months in advance, especially for summer weekends. For Lithia Springs, advance planning is essential as "Campground well maintained and bathrooms/showers are kept clean. Easy access to lake, my family has been coming here every year for 20 plus years. If camping on weekends May to September will need to book in advanced."
Bug activity: Insects can be significant during summer months, particularly near water. One visitor to Weldon Springs noted candidly: "Worst bugs (mosquitoes and locusts) I've ever dealt with."
Alcohol policies: Rules vary by campground section. At Weldon Springs, "There is a STRICT no alcohol rule in the tent sites. A sign said coolers are subject to inspection, but from our experience and the vibe of the place, I don't see this really being an issue unless your group gets kind of rowdy."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Sangchris Lake State Park offers multiple recreation options beyond water activities. "I have been coming here for years with my family when I was younger. I took a trip alone with my tent for 4 days in May. The place is as pristine as it was when I was a kid- perfect bathhouse, beautiful lakeshore, and cozy tent camping. Plenty of wildlife to observe and wonderful fishing to be had. Great to ride a bike around, too!"
Educational opportunities: Several parks feature historical structures or nature programming. At Weldon Springs, families can explore "an old schoolhouse to explore, and a large pond with trails all the way around it. A WWII memorial is found along the pond."
Site selection for kid safety: Choose sites away from water edges for younger children. When camping at Lake Shelbyville, one parent recommended, "We chose a buddy site even though we weren't camping with another family because we like the location. It was right at the end of the peninsula, and it is by far the biggest and beautiful site we have ever stayed in."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Coon Creek and several other area campgrounds offer both partial and full-hookup sites. "There are only a few pull-through sites and there are several spots with size limitations for campers," notes a reviewer about Weldon Springs, highlighting the importance of checking site specifications before booking.
Leveling considerations: Many sites require minimal leveling due to well-maintained pads. At Bo Wood, campers find "all of the sites we saw in our 'loop' were super wide, all gravel and quite level. So well kept.....fire pit with grate, large picnic table....really, the site couldn't have been better."
Water access points: Even with water hookups, some campgrounds have distance variations. One Bo Wood camper advised: "The camp sites all have parking space for a big rig and one vehicle. There are some tent only sites but most have been converted to at least 30 amp electric sites with water hookups near the site."
