74 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Effingham, Illinois ranges from full-hookup RV parks to tent sites and cabin accommodations, with most campgrounds situated within 30 miles of the Interstate 57 and Interstate 70 junction. Camp Lakewood, located just west of Effingham, and Spring Creek Campground in nearby Montrose offer full-hookup sites for RVs along with tent camping areas and cabin accommodations. The camping landscape includes both privately-owned campgrounds and public lands like Hidden Springs State Forest.
Road conditions throughout the region remain accessible for most vehicles, with gravel surfaces common at many campgrounds. Most established sites offer drinking water, electricity, and toilets, though amenities vary by location. "We stayed just one night and will do so again if near Effingham. The location is great off the interstate and is close to Walmart, restaurants, etc if you need anything," noted one Camp Lakewood visitor. Seasonal availability affects some campgrounds in the region, with facilities like Lithia Springs and Robin Hood Woods Campground operating primarily from April through October. Winter camping options are more limited, with Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area among the few year-round facilities.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for the region, with several campgrounds situated on small lakes or ponds. Effingham camping options include numerous lakeside campsites that are particularly popular during summer months for fishing and relaxation. Camp Lakewood receives consistent praise for its lakeside sites, with visitors noting the fishing opportunities and peaceful atmosphere. A recent review highlighted that "Beautiful view from site 19! My son came to fish so make sure your site isn't on a hill where you can't fish from the site." Site spacing varies considerably between facilities, with some campgrounds featuring closely positioned sites while others provide more privacy. Most campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities and flat, level sites, making them suitable for overnight stays while traveling through central Illinois. Proximity to major highways makes these campgrounds convenient stopover points for travelers moving between larger Midwestern destinations.
"The sun sets behind the camper. Very nice clean restrooms, laundry room and a area you can grill in using their grills."
"Biggest complaints are that it had a sewery smell and you could hear the highway. They have a bar and store. Firewood bundles were 10$!"
from $35 - $999 / night
Check Availability"Easy close access from I-70, only 7 miles out of Effingham at the Montrose exit. 30 amp, spacious sites. Water available to fill tank. Shower house/bathrooms. Everything very clean."
"Far enough away from the interstate you don't hear the traffic. No nearby trains either. The grounds were neat and clean. The fishing pond is great and beautiful. Big rig friendly."
from $15 - $25 / night
"There’s a very nice updated playground and a pond with a walking path around it. The place is very well taken care of. If we ever came back this way we would stay again."
"Beautiful walking paths, convenient, great pricing. They filled us up on LP too. Thanks again, Barb and Gary!"
"We've been camping at Coon Creek, on a beautiful Lake Shelbyville, for a few years now, the place is perfect for family vacations. And that's exactly what we do."
"There are many sites on this campground that are wooded and have views of Lake Shelbyville. Boat ramp to put in your boat or kayaks and sand beach for the kids to go swimming."
from $18 - $48 / night
Check Availability"Right next to the lake. Plenty of room for everyone, from tents to the massive RVs. The pool very clean and never gets over crowded. Staff are knowledgeable and polite. Friendly/quiet dogs allowed."
"It’s close to home for us but also, very clean with nice staff and a fun environment. The pool is a huge plus, it’s so incredibly nice."
"At the end of the circles there are some sites right on the lake and the boat ramp is nearby. Nice latrines and showerhouses."
"Lithia Springs is a great campground with a wonderful marina located on beautiful Lake Shelbyville! We stayed at Site #12 overlooking the lake."
from $18 - $36 / night
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TravelerCasey is a very welcoming place. Almost reminds you a little of the town in the Music Man, River City I believe? Fairview Park is extremely nice and the camp spots are level and green with many shaded under beautiful trees. $15.00/night for residents and $25.00/night for non-residents.
TravelerWe've stayed here a few times now. The town is is charming and definitely wants some tourist business. Great coffee shop and barber shop next door. The park is quiet and quite pretty. The sites are a little difficult to figure out, but water and electric and a dump station nearby. Big trees for shade and a lake with a fountain for a peaceful setting
GuidePulled in after the office had closed. They knew we would show up late. Around 1930. Still light outside. Opened the after hours check in and there was nothing for us. Or a map. Luckily there was a number to call. We called. Lady said she was on break and would call us back. Never did. After digging through emails, we finally found what site they had assigned to us. Very small print. Due to this app we were able to use the map posted. However there was no p10 site. Just up to p09. Called the lady back. Said there’s a p10 but that she would move us to p9 in the system. Just decide to stay because we’ve been driving all day. Beautiful grounds/location. Enjoyed a nice sunset. It’s sad it’s “kept up” by these people who can’t help someone because they are on break. Appears a lot of the campers live here. Which to me doesn’t matter. But it does when you can’t help someone for 5 min. Campers are nice. Bath house is a bit dirty. But usable. Skipping a shower tonight but the toilets and sink work.
TravelerVery clean park and beautiful lake clean bathrooms awesome people who work here.
ScoutI had a wonderful time at Robin Hood Woods Campground& Cottage Resort! The clean environment, friendly staff, and great amenities like the pool and playground made it perfect for our family getaway. We can't wait to return for more outdoor fun! https://wheelielife.io/
ScoutAmazing campground with multiple camping and RV options. Has a private lake you can set your RV up on and it’s very peaceful.
GuideWe secured a spot on the look near the lake. The view was awesome! The spots not on that little circle were eh, ok. If you can get a good one it’s worth it for sure.
GuideNext door to the little public airport with fairy lights strung about. An open field greats you at your site and you can watch the helicopter or people fly with parachutes. Full hook ups. No WiFi or cable or anything fancy. There is a little playground on site as well. Pet friendly. There could be a height problem for people coming off expressway as there is a train track with a 13’10” clearance. No gas within 5 miles. Wasn’t an issue for us. Campsite accepts cash, check, and Venmo.
ScoutThis was my first time here, I reserved online and Allison was very nice and called to confirm my reservation and asked when I’d be arriving and confirmed she would be here when I arrived. She told me about the events going on here in the pavilion. They sell alcohol and even had pizzas cooking and a bartender.
There are three public bathrooms/showers. Individual use only and very clean!
Highly recommend
Effingham, Illinois camping options provide year-round access with most campgrounds situated within 30 miles of the I-57/I-70 junction. The area features a mix of private and state-managed sites with varying levels of development. Winter temperatures average 25-35°F while summer averages 75-85°F, making spring through fall the primary camping season for tent campers.
Fishing at local lakes: Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area offers reliable bass fishing with concrete pads at each site. "We caught some nice sized Bass on the lake which made for a yummy dinner. We stayed here in September and during the fall season the colors on the trees are magical," notes a visitor to Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Swimming and water recreation: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for summer visitors. At Robin Hood Woods Campground, "Beautiful new pool was perfectly maintained with plenty of tables and chairs to make a day of the time at the pool. Pavilion and picnic area near pool and playground perfect for family gatherings or kids birthdays," according to one camper.
Hiking local trails: The area has moderate hiking options with some trails connecting directly to campgrounds. "We found a couple of nice trails to hike that leave directly from the campground," mentions a Sam Parr visitor. Some campgrounds offer short walking paths while others connect to more extensive trail networks.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the peaceful environment at the best places to camp near Effingham. "Nice, quiet campground. Very friendly hosts, great hours, and an on-site small bar!!" shares a visitor at Camp Lakewood.
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathrooms and showers rank high with campers. "Everything is super clean here, staff is friendly. There is laundry on site and the showers are some of the cleanest I've seen," notes another Camp Lakewood reviewer.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes provide fishing options throughout the camping season. At Spring Creek Campground, "This is a small family owned campground. It has a pond for fishing, no boating or swimming. Shower house is nice. Nice mix of shaded and sunny sites," according to one visitor.
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We stayed just one night. The location is great off the interstate and is close to Walmart, restaurants, etc if you need anything," explains a reviewer about ease of access near major highways.
Site surfaces vary: Most campsites feature gravel or concrete pads with varying amounts of shade. At Okaw Valley Kampground, "Small park but very long, narrow pull through sites on the full hook up side, there were some smaller water/electric sites that looked to be more of a parking lot that sites, but well spaced out and adequate."
Budget considerations: Prices range from $8-30 per night depending on amenities. At Possum Creek Campground, "The price to tent/rv camp was 8 bucks. Cheapest we ever been to and we camp a lot," states a visitor, making it one of the most affordable camping options near Effingham.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Very nice and well maintained playground in the middle of the campground. Great views of the lake," notes a visitor to Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with swimming facilities during summer months. At Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort, "The pool is a huge plus, it's so incredibly nice. There's a small game room and little camp store with firewood and ice."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers bird watching and small animal sightings. "Geese, herons, and owls! Quiet. Vault toilets are a bit dated. We stayed at a non-electric site," mentions a Sam Parr visitor, highlighting the natural environment that children often enjoy.
Site accessibility: Most campgrounds can accommodate medium-sized RVs with some limitations for larger rigs. "The campground is fairly small. They appeared to have all gravel sites with minimal grass. The sites are fairly tight. Couldn't erect our screen house even if we wanted to," explains a camper at Camp Lakewood.
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites are available at several campgrounds but may require advance booking. At Percival Springs RV Campground, "We stopped here for a night. There is a restaurant near but it was closed. Mostly long term occupants with about 5 sites for travelers. For the price we would stay again."
Leveling requirements: Site levelness varies considerably between campgrounds. "Gravel sites and level. Big shade trees. The road to our site had a tight turn and required a little maneuvering but not terrible," notes a Camp Lakewood visitor about the conditions RVers should prepare for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Effingham, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Effingham, IL is Camp Lakewood with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.
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