Camping near Collison, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.
What to do:
- Kayaking and tubing: Enjoy the water activities at Kickapoo State Recreation Area. One camper mentioned, "They have tubes, kayaks, and canoes," making it a great spot for water fun.
- Fishing: Head to D & W Lake RV Park for some fishing. A visitor shared, "The lake is pleasant and has a trail around it for walking," perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
- Hiking: Explore the trails at Harry L Swartz Campground. One reviewer noted, "The hiking trails are great (although be prepared for mud)," so be ready for some adventure.
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at D & W Lake RV Park. A happy camper said, "Friendly & helpful staff and very clean restrooms/showers."
- Spacious sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Kickapoo State Recreation Area. One visitor mentioned, "Camp sites in the middle are on the smaller end but side sites have plenty of room."
- Quiet atmosphere: Campers often find peace at Harry L Swartz Campground. A reviewer stated, "This quiet oasis was wonderful for our weekend away."
What you should know:
- Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds, like Kickapoo State Recreation Area, require reservations. One camper learned the hard way, saying, "It was listed on the dyrt’s free camping sites, but this is a paid/reservation based site."
- Busy weekends: Expect crowds during peak times. A visitor at Harry L Swartz Campground noted, "It was extremely busy when I visited and some of my neighbors were quite loud."
- Limited amenities: Some sites may lack certain facilities. A camper at Shades State Park Campground mentioned, "The facilities, however, were poorly maintained."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like D & W Lake RV Park. A camper said, "Good value, large level site, friendly."
- Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Kickapoo State Recreation Area enjoyed the variety, stating, "They have tubes, kayaks, and canoes."
- Bring outdoor games: Keep kids entertained with games. A visitor at Harry L Swartz Campground enjoyed the space, saying, "Completed a few trails too."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Tin Cup RV Park mentioned, "Spacious sites long pull through etc."
- Look for full hookups: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at D & W Lake RV Park appreciated, "Full hook ups 50/30 and pull through."
- Be aware of noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Crawfordsville KOA warned, "The noise from the highway and busy main drag is very minimal."
Camping near Collison, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.