Best Campgrounds near Chester, IL

Camping near Chester, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Hawn State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are several hiking trails and an overlook," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
• Fishing: The Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. A reviewer noted, "This place is really good for fishing. Good catfish and crappie bass sauger etc."
• Swimming and Boating: At the Washington County State Recreation Area, you can enjoy the beautiful lake. One camper said, "Beautiful lake. Friendly campers and hosts."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney. A visitor shared, "The park is clean and well maintained."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness at Turkey Bayou Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Stayed a night and loved the quiet. Heavily wooded."
• Family-Friendly: Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground is noted for being great for families. A camper said, "The group camping area was very nice. It is a large, separate area."

What you should know:

• Crowded on Holidays: If you're planning to camp during holiday weekends, be aware that places like Hawn State Park Campground can get crowded. One camper warned, "The sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during Holiday weekends."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Johnson Creek Recreation Area, have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "There are very basic pit toilets that were fairly new and clean."
• No Reservations at Some Sites: At Turkey Bayou Campground, sites are first-come, first-served. A camper mentioned, "We pulled in to see many of the large sites available."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney, which has a playground and activities for kids. One parent said, "The playground was fun and safe."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, like hiking or fishing, to keep the kids entertained. A reviewer at Washington County State Recreation Area mentioned, "Friendly campers and hosts."
• Pack Snacks and Games: Bring along snacks and games to enjoy around the campfire. A camper at Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground noted, "We had the whole area to ourselves each time we took the scouts."

Tips from RVers:

• Check for Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney offers electric hookups, which is a plus for RVers.
• Be Mindful of Space: Some campgrounds, like Randolph County State Recreation Area, have tight spots. A reviewer mentioned, "Tight spots and harsh back up angles."
• Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, especially during busy times, arrive early. A camper at Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam advised, "First come, first serve."

Camping around Chester, IL, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful getaway.