Camping options near Enfield, Illinois range from lakeside recreational areas to forested campgrounds across southern Illinois. Enfield sits in an area of gently rolling hills at approximately 420 feet elevation, surrounded by fishing lakes and farm country. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer brings humidity and temperatures averaging in the 80s, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area permits 15hp motors on the lake, making it accessible for anglers with boats. "Just peaceful and relaxing. Fishing, hiking, kayaking and more. Beautiful lake," notes reviewer Carla G.
Swimming at Rend Lake: South Marcum Campground offers access to Rend Lake for cooling off during hot summer days. "The campground gives campers plenty of room to spread out, lots of open space for the kids to play, and not crowded when we stopped by late July," shares Chris B.
Hiking trails: Pine Ridge at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area connects to several trails within Shawnee National Forest. "A great, centralized location for quite a few natural wonders and a hop, skip, and a jump away from quite a few more!" according to Brian E., who spent a week exploring the area.
Fall foliage viewing: The hardwood forests around Enfield provide colorful displays from late September through October. "Fall foliage was kick'n too. And it was only $10 a night!!!" reports Rick C. about camping at Pine Ridge during autumn months.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Harmonie State Park Campground offers roomier sites than many other options near Enfield. "Most campsites are big and spacious, with several loops that allow campers to face one another," shares reviewer Olivia S.
Clean facilities: Gun Creek Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and grounds. "Gun Creek Campground is very peaceful, beautiful, and clean. They keep up with the grounds and shower houses very well," mentions Paige F.
Lake views: Many campers appreciate waterfront camping options. "If I was in any other spot this would probably be a 4/5, but spot 56 has a crazy lake view and is on the tip of an outlook with pretty nice privacy!" reports Eli R. about South Marcum Campground.
Free firewood: Some local campgrounds provide uncommon amenities. "I loved that our site was full hookup, very spacious, and they provide free firewood," notes Sandy T. about Burrell Park & Campground.
What you should know
Pet policies: Most campgrounds near Enfield welcome dogs but have specific rules. "We camped with 3 other families and had adjacent sites that worked perfectly for us, plenty of space for the kids to play," shares Nichole M. about Harmonie State Park, a dog-friendly campground near Enfield that requires pets to remain leashed.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife at campsites. "We only stayed 1 night. Site 166 is big and on the end of a road. There's a restroom and water spigot within walking distance. Our only problem was 1 or more raccoons kept coming into our site," warns Barbie G.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. Grayville KOA remains open year-round while some forest service campgrounds close during winter months. "We stayed here on the way to and on the way home from The Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It is a fairly new KOA with so many enjoyable amenities," explains Jason L.
Campsite leveling: Check site grades when reserving. "Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline, which seems ok for smaller rigs," advises Never Sitting S. about Gun Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween events: Harmonie State Park hosts popular seasonal activities. "We stayed the weekend before Halloween. We missed reserving the weekend they have the campground trick or treating, which was the weekend before, but this was just as fun," explains Nichole M. "They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot... There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee."
Playground access: Multiple recreation areas feature play equipment. "The campground includes three playgrounds throughout the property and recently updated facilities," notes a visitor to Harmonie State Park.
Swimming options: Gun Creek provides lake swimming. "Rend Lake is a large COE recreation area with 4 campgrounds, some with full hook ups for $28 a night, two dams, 2 beaches, several boat launches, a marina, golf course and a restaurant," explains Debra M.
Town activities: Nearby communities offer additional diversions. "New Harmony is a great place to vacation with family. The state park is gorgeous. The small town had several antique shops and local owned restaurants," shares Jamie B.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric-only sites are common at public campgrounds near Enfield. "Campsite located deep within Harmonie State Park. The park has a swimming pool that is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day along with a small camp store. They sell ice and wood for campfires, just in case you run out," advises Renee T.
Level sites: Many RVers note the importance of leveling at area campgrounds. "Nice little campground on Rend Lake. Sites are spread out with long concrete pads. There is a bit of a slope to the pads so you will need to level," warns Maggie C. about Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground.
Fill water before arrival: Some campgrounds have limited water access. "Campsites are electric only, so you need to fill your water tank before parking," notes Maggie C. about Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground.
Larger rigs welcome: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Enfield can accommodate larger RVs. "Great campground with many waterfront sites! It is nicely wooded, with a great boat ramp and boat parking area and close to a nice bike trail!" explains reviewer b K. about Gun Creek.
