Coffeen, Illinois offers camping and glamping options in a central Illinois landscape characterized by rolling terrain, deciduous forests, and proximity to man-made lakes. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 550-650 feet above sea level, with summer highs typically reaching the upper 80s and winter lows often dropping below freezing. The area receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush camping conditions from spring through fall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area provides excellent fishing access with multiple docks situated directly in the campground. "There are times of RV sites also, although the host said most all are reservable and only a handful are firstcome, first served. There are restrooms and a shower house that are clean," notes visitor Mike G., who enjoyed the lakeside camping experience.
Hiking options: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers well-maintained walking paths around its lake. According to camper Jessica N., "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!"
Swimming areas: Several area campgrounds maintain swimming facilities, including Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area which offers a large zero-entry pool. Camper Aimee T. shares, "There is a nice large zero entry pool for a $5 fee on weekends. The campground hosts are sprinkled througout the grounds and are always friendly and accommodating."
Boating access: The region's lakes accommodate various watercraft, from motorboats to kayaks. "We spent a quick night on our cross country trip and we'd stay again," notes Christie L. about Okaw Valley Kampground. "The pond is beautiful and visible from most spots. Freeway noise was unobtrusive. Old school mom and pop place with a friendly vibe!"
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms across multiple properties. At Coles Creek Recreation Area, a visitor noted, "Coles Creek is a nice, large campground located on Carlyle Lake in Illinois. It has full hook up, 50 amp sites with many located right on the water!" Another camper, Chelsea D., remarked, "Their bathrooms and showerhouse were impeccably clean, and many sites are right next to the lake."
Spacious sites: McNair Campground receives praise for its generous camping spaces. One camper states, "I really enjoyed my stay here! There's miles and miles of walking and biking trails! The sites are pretty generously sized." Another reviewer noted the cleanliness: "Cleanest bathrooms ever and heated and air conditioner. Quiet and plenty of trees and a walking path."
Helpful staff: Camp hosts across several properties are noted for their hospitality. At Okaw Valley Kampground, a bicycle touring couple shared this experience: "My husband and I are riding our bicycles cross country. The day we checked into the campground, he had a Crohn's flare/bowel block and went to the hospital for 4 days. The owners stored our bikes, watched our tent, and even picked us up from the hospital! Such nice people!"
Affordable rates: Several campgrounds offer competitive pricing with further discounts for seniors. A visitor to McNair Campground noted, "The host was nice and the price was fantastic! I paid $42 for 4 nights. If you're a senior, the rate is $7/night with electric."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: While some campgrounds operate year-round, others have limited seasons. Country Bend Campground operates April through November, with one visitor noting, "Great place to stay and feel part of the community. Pretty scenery to walk around. Plenty of lakes/ponds to fish. We couldn't boat while there due to COVID but look forward to going back and taking our kayaks."
Site selection considerations: Pay attention to site types and locations when booking. Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area offers varied options according to Jennifer G.: "Most of the sites are large and a good distance from the next one. Shower house is alright. The store/restaurant has been closed for a year or two now because of the Illinois budget."
Weather impacts: Central Illinois experiences all four seasons distinctly, with potential for spring and summer storms. As one camper at Illini Campground noted, "We had a narrow and tighter than we prefer, but the location and view made up for that! Most of the sites in the camper are larger and more open."
Cell service variability: Coverage varies by carrier and location. At Stephen A. Forbes State Park, one reviewer reports, "Cell service was only 1-2 bars LTE with AT&T but able to stream with hotspot to the SmartTV with only 1 bar so not bad."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Eldon Hazlet State Park, one family shares, "There are several 'loops' of sites that extend out and have water views. The shower houses are clean and air conditioned, there's a nice camp store that serves breakfast and basic lunches, and there is a nice large zero entry pool."
Special events: Country Bend Campground offers numerous family activities, especially on weekends. A camper observed, "Holiday weekends have so many planned activities, some for all ages. We really loved the bridges with trails to ponds, and the jumping pillow. All of the seasonal site people are super friendly and so welcoming."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with recreational options beyond the campsite. One visitor to Country Bend Campground stated, "This is a really great campground! Huge campground with a lot of different areas. Be prepared for a lot of walking unless you rent or bring your own golf cart."
Nature engagement: Several parks offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature exploration. At Sangchris Lake State Park, camper Jessica N. shares, "Plenty of wildlife to observe and wonderful fishing to be had."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have issues with uneven sites. At Okaw Valley Kampground, an overnight visitor reported, "We had a pull through just for overnight, and it was perfect. The park appeared well taken care of, and the pool looked clean."
Hookup availability: Full hookup access varies between campgrounds. Rhonda B. reports that at Coles Creek, "We visit this campground on a regular basis. Large waterfront campsites, full hookup loop, and 4 other large loops that have electric. If you are needing a full hookup site, make sure you book early!"
Big rig accommodation: Larger RVs may find limitations at some parks. At McNair Campground, a visitor mentioned, "I imagine it's packed in the summer. Beautiful setting with the lake and river. I started in the East Spillway Loop as that's all that's open in the winter. Easy bike ride into the town of Carlyle."
Dump station access: Some campgrounds have limited dump facilities relative to their size. One visitor to Coles Creek noted, "The only thing I would change is the ONE dump station for this massive campground. Corps of Engineers do well on this place!"
