Central Illinois camping near Weldon offers flat terrain with elevations ranging from 650-750 feet above sea level. The region receives approximately 39 inches of precipitation annually, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F. Campsites in the Weldon area feature predominantly oak and maple tree cover with occasional prairie openings, creating distinctive camping environments across different recreation areas.
What to do
Creek exploration: Friends Creek Campground provides hiking trails leading to a shallow creek perfect for wading on hot summer days. "We hiked a bit on the trails and played in the creek," notes a recent visitor who found the area family-friendly with "nice spacious sites and super clean bathhouses and pit toilets."
Fishing opportunities: Weldon Springs State Park Campground features newly constructed fishing decks around its pond. "The park has beautiful natural meadows, an old schoolhouse to explore, and a large pond with trails all the way around it," explains a camper who discovered "plenty of good fishing spots" during their stay.
Disc golf and outdoor games: Several campgrounds offer dedicated areas for outdoor games. Friends Creek provides basketball courts while others have open fields suitable for frisbee or catch. "There is a playground and basketball hoop" at Friends Creek, notes a visitor, with "two well-marked and well-maintained trails plus a playground."
Historical exploration: The region includes preserved historic structures. "The park also has a WWII memorial found along the pond" at Weldon Springs, while at Friends Creek, "Start at the one room schoolhouse and make your way down wide trails. They aren't that long but take a few and they add up."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Friends Creek Campground receives praise for its secluded setting. "This hidden gem of a campground is very quiet and serene - surrounded by tall trees and next to a tall grass prairie conservation area," notes a visitor who appreciated the conservation area's "historic schoolhouse, mowed trails to a nearby creek, gentle rolling hills, trees, birds & wildlife."
Campsite spacing: Most campers note the generous site sizes at various campgrounds. "The sites are spaced a decent amount of distance apart and with the many trees, it did not feel crowded," reports one Friends Creek visitor. Another mentions that at Friends Creek, "The sites were spacious, they just put in electric this year which is nice."
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance stands out to visitors. At Weldon Springs, a camper noted, "Showers are clean & the water is hot. Trails are well kept & new fishing decks are wonderful." Similarly, at Moraine View State Recreation Area, "The shower hpsue was nice and well maintained" according to a recent review.
Waterfront opportunities: Several campgrounds provide waterfront access. "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family," reported a visitor to Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
What you should know
Tent-only areas: Moraine View State Recreational Area provides dedicated tent camping zones. "Upon finding the rustic tent sites, we'd wished we'd known about that area before going. Those were still a little close together but were at least wooded and you could walk from your car," explains a visitor who preferred these to the more crowded main campground.
Seasonal challenges: Bug activity increases after rainfall in central Illinois. At Weldon Springs, one camper noted, "With all the rain we hade the bugs were as to be expected." Another mentioned encountering "worst bugs (mosquitoes and locusts) I've ever dealt with" during their June visit.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds allow walk-up camping without reservations. At Clinton Lake, a visitor reported, "Walk-in at night pay in morning, 2 dollar beach entry 10-7 pm, 8 dollar for camping and 20 with electricity after check in."
Site selection strategy: Getting specific sites requires early arrival at some campgrounds. "One note: if you reserve a camping spot it's just to have a site. Specific campsites aren't reserved. Get here early and you have your choice," advises a Friends Creek visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer designated play areas. "Clinton Lake State Recreation Area has a beach and concession stand, group camping areas and lots of roads to bike around," notes a visitor who enjoyed the "boating/camping combo" with their family.
Beach conditions: Clinton Lake's swimming areas are notably warmer than other central Illinois lakes. One family that spent a week there noted they "loved it" and that it "Has a really nice beach for swimming and picnics."
Loop selection: Different campground sections cater to varying family preferences. "The different loops have very different feels...some are very shaded in the trees, some more wide open with a prairie type view," explains a Clinton Lake camper who found that "depending on the crowds, it can feel a little like a party spot or can be quiet and calm."
Youth activities: Campground hosts at some locations provide special attention to children. At Friends Creek, one camper mentioned "the camp host was very kind! He came around with suckers for the kids and just to check in."
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: D & W Lake RV Park offers convenient access with full hookups. "Sites are level and in good condition. Owner greets you on entering and then guides you to your site," reports an RV camper who appreciated that "signage to get to the campground is excellent."
Off-season considerations: Some campgrounds remain accessible during winter months with limited services. "Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too," reports a Clinton Lake visitor who stayed during the off-season when they "had practically the whole campground to ourselves."
Site surface quality: Site surfaces vary between campgrounds. At Comlara County Park, "Many spots for RV/campers, and as you venture further in, you'll find large open fields with camping spots - some are electric or not, so check while you reserve."
RV site selection: RV campers note varying degrees of privacy between campgrounds. "RV sites fairly close together with not many/any trees for privacy. Tent sites a bit more spread apart," observed one Comlara County Park visitor who found the "well kept campground" suitable despite this limitation.
