Camping near Edwards, Illinois offers varied experiences with direct access to water activities along the Illinois River and nearby lake systems. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 450-650 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-90°F. Sites often feature level concrete pads for easy setup with variable spacing between neighboring campsites.
What to do
Fishing access year-round: Millpoint Park provides multiple fishing options without needing a boat. As one visitor notes, "We caught some bluegill, buffalo, and large mouth bass" while enjoying the waterfront setting where "you don't even need to get into a boat, by accessing one of 2 small little lakes where you can simply cast a line in from the dock or around the perimeter."
Biking on canal paths: Hickory Grove Campground connects directly to the 80-mile Hennepin Canal bike trail system. A visitor mentioned it's a "pretty little campground amongst horse farms and along the Hennepin Canal. Great bike path right out of campsite along the canal. Nice to get some exercise on a long road trip."
Explore nature preserves: Take advantage of walking paths near Carl Spindler Campground where "the trail starts off as a boardwalk over an interesting marsh area and then transitions to a primitive trail eventually leading you to the lake shoreline." Perfect for wildlife observation and light hiking without crowds, as "of the four times we walked the trail we only encountered people once."
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Millpoint Park earns high marks for its generous site spacing and water access. A camper mentioned, "Our family enjoyed a little time in the breeze and shade by the river away from the scorching summer heat! We really loved our site!" while another appreciated that "all sites are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks."
Budget-friendly glamping options: Most campgrounds offer electric sites at reasonable rates. At Carl Spindler Campground, campers appreciate that "the price of $27/night for full hook-up was a great rate" while still enjoying "the pretty view of the skyline and the access to water if you want to kayak, fish, or swim."
Local entertainment: Kentuckiana Campground provides entertainment options beyond standard camping. A reviewer noted, "On Saturday night they offer classic country music free. Special events throughout the summer. Two fishing ponds. No license required. Catch and keep."
What you should know
Water quality varies: Several campgrounds have mineral-heavy water systems. At Millpoint Park, campers advise, "The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don't attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it's fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you."
Limited cell service: Some sites have spotty connectivity. A camper at Deer Creek Campground reported, "There is no cell/LTE reception out here (Sprint or Verizon). We drove to Casey's for a pizza and got a small cell signal there. If you like to watch movies, I recommend bringing a DVD player since you likely won't be able to stream Netflix."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings insects, particularly near water. One camper warns, "If you haven't camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Kentuckiana offers multiple play areas including an unusual feature as noted by a visitor: "They have a nice pond. They also have a kids play area in the Hollar, Complete with a giant slide."
Beach access for swimming: Families enjoy the water features at Comlara County Park where you'll find "a beach and playground for the kids." One camper mentioned, "The campground is very big with lots of sites and since we were there at the end of October, there were not many other people around. We got a beautiful spot right on the lake."
Plan for grocery trips: Most luxury glamping near Edwards, Illinois requires some planning. A camper advised, "There are not a lot of stores in the area (closest is about ~15 minutes) so pack all of your stuff." Another noted that at many sites "you'll need to head south towards town where there's no shortage of shops and restaurants."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Comlara County Park, RVers recommend analyzing the layout before booking: "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."
Electrical cord length: For those seeking glamping near Edwards in tent sites with electrical access, pack accordingly: "While I always pack a long 100 foot electrical cord for all of my electricity needs, I've never had to use it, except here, where the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites and ours was the furthest away."
Check gate access procedures: Some campgrounds have security measures that affect arrival. One RVer mentioned that at Sankoty Lakes, "the RV area is only accessible by driving around the side of the complex and through a neighborhood, and then you have to wait for someone to come open the gate."
