Best Campgrounds in Illinois

Camping in Illinois offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, family-friendly activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone in the Land of Lincoln.

What to do

• Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Comlara County Park, have great fishing spots. One camper mentioned, “There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in.”
• Hiking: Trails are abundant, especially in places like Moraine View State Recreational Area. A visitor noted, “The nature trails are nicely groomed and mowed.”
• Swimming: Campgrounds like Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offer swimming areas. One family shared, “We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole.”

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Double J Campground and RV Park stated, “The bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean.”
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. A camper at Coon Creek said, “I was impressed with the space between the sites, the mature trees, and the overall peaceful setting.”
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Sangchris Lake State Park remarked, “Tony and Danielle and the rest of the entire campground host staff do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!”

What you should know

• Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds can feel crowded. A review of Comlara County Park pointed out, “They are spaced a little too close to comfort for my taste.”
• Water Quality: Be cautious about drinking water at certain sites. A camper at Millpoint Park mentioned, “Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird.”
• Wildlife: Raccoons can be a nuisance at some campgrounds. One camper at Weldon Springs State Park reported, “She had to leave in the middle of the night because the raccoons were so bad.”

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A review of Moraine View State Recreational Area noted, “Good fishing and kayaking, facilities could be a little cleaner but not bad.”
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have games and activities ready. One camper at Jubilee College State Park suggested, “Bring your own corn hole bags and badminton.”
• Check for Nearby Attractions: Some campgrounds are close to fun spots. A visitor at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, “We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests.”

Tips from RVers

• Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A review of Coon Creek highlighted, “Every campsite has electric 30amp or 50amp.”
• Be Prepared for Slopes: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Millpoint Park advised, “Make sure to bring plenty of cribbing if you’ve never stayed here before.”
• Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with good facilities. A visitor at Sangchris Lake State Park noted, “There are restrooms and a shower house that are clean.”

Camping in Illinois can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!