Best Campgrounds near Collison, IL
Several campgrounds dot the landscape surrounding Collison, Illinois, providing a variety of camping experiences. Kickapoo State Recreation Area serves as a central camping hub in the region, offering both electric and primitive sites for tent and RV campers. Forest Glen County Preserve and Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area expand the camping options with additional developed sites. The terrain features wooded areas interspersed with lakes and rivers, creating natural settings for outdoor recreation while remaining within a short drive of Danville and Champaign.
Road access to campgrounds in the Collison area remains straightforward, with most sites accessible via paved or well-maintained gravel roads. Primitive camping areas may require short walks from parking areas. The camping season generally extends from April through October, with some campgrounds like Kickapoo State Recreation Area remaining open year-round. "This park has very nice hiking trails and a swimming beach. The kids had a great time, and I got to kick back and relax," noted one visitor to Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with hot, humid summers and cold winters typical of the Illinois climate.
Campers consistently praise the water recreation opportunities available throughout the region. Multiple lakes at Kickapoo State Recreation Area support fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, with equipment rentals available on-site. According to reviews, many campsites offer spacious, level grounds with adequate shade, particularly along the perimeter of camping loops. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors regularly spotting deer and wild turkeys. While many sites include electrical hookups suitable for RVs, the primitive camping areas provide a more secluded experience. Several reviews mention the quality of hiking trails throughout the region, particularly noting the well-marked mountain biking trails at Kickapoo. Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways or the local speedway on weekend evenings, which visitors should consider when selecting specific campsites.
