Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers cabin camping with varying levels of amenities and settings near Gifford, Illinois. The recreation area spans several camping loops with distinct environments, from heavily wooded sections to more open areas with prairie views. Winter campers should note that water services may be limited during colder months, requiring additional planning for drinking and washing needs.
What to do
Swimming at the beach: Clinton Lake features a dedicated swimming beach with concession facilities that operates from 10am-7pm daily during summer months. The lake water is unusually warm due to discharge from a nearby nuclear plant, making swimming comfortable even on cooler days. "Clinton Lake is a boating destination as the waters are unusually warm due to the discharge from the nearby nuclear plant," notes Stacia R. at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can find numerous fishing spots along the shoreline, with some cabin locations offering direct lake access via walking paths. Though success varies by season, the warm waters support various fish species. "We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole," reports Linda N., who stayed in the J loop with her family.
Biking around the property: The extensive road network throughout Clinton Lake's camping areas provides excellent biking opportunities for all skill levels. "There is a beach and concession stand, group camping areas and lots of roads to bike around," according to Stacia R., who enjoys combining boating and camping at the recreation area.
What campers like
Secluded lake access: Some cabin sites feature private trails leading directly to the shoreline, though these spots book quickly, especially in summer. "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 to go back and forth on," writes Linda N. at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
Loop variety and atmosphere: Different camping loops at Clinton Lake offer distinct experiences, from party atmospheres to quiet family settings. "The different loops have very different feels... some are very shaded in the trees, some more wide open with a prairie type view," explains Stacia R., who has camped at Clinton Lake multiple times.
Stargazing opportunities: The less wooded cabin areas provide excellent night sky viewing, particularly during summer. "Very quiet at night and depending on your site, there are nice views of the summer sky," reports Tim F., who prefers the electric-only sites and plans multiple summer visits.
What you should know
Beach admission fees: The swimming beach charges a separate $2 entry fee per person, which is additional to camping costs. "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," explains Abdul Basith Asim M., who rated Clinton Lake's camping facilities higher than its hiking options.
Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities range from basic vault toilets to shower houses with maintenance levels that fluctuate throughout the season. "The showers/bathrooms are kept up well given the massive amount of people served," notes Marisa A. at Off The Trail Campground, who finds Clinton Lake convenient when visiting the University of Illinois.
Crowd levels: The campground experiences heavy usage, particularly on weekends and holidays, which affects the overall atmosphere. "It's a nice campground but it's usually insanely busy. Holidays are crazy," warns Bree C., who avoids large crowds and has heard that secluded spots exist but hasn't found them personally.
Tips for camping with families
Loop J recommended: Families with children should prioritize booking sites in Loop J, which offers a more family-friendly atmosphere and convenient beach 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," shares Linda N. at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
No dogs at beach: Families bringing pets should note that dogs are not permitted on the swimming beach, requiring alternative arrangements when family members want to swim. "No dogs allowed on the beach. The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake," mentions Melissa B., who recommends bringing swimming attire to enjoy the surprisingly warm lake.
Portable toilet option: Some families bring portable toilets to avoid trips to potentially crowded or poorly maintained bathrooms, particularly with small children. "We heard the toilets/shower house were in need of TLC so we brought a portable toilet since we have small kids who would not make it to the outhouse," explains Linda N., who never used the campground facilities during her stay.
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup availability: RVers seeking full hookup sites should book well in advance as these premium spots are limited and fill quickly. "We have only stayed in the electric only sites as the full hookup sites are hard to come by," advises Tim F., who appreciates the quiet nights at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
Summer heat considerations: The heavily wooded nature of many cabin and RV sites limits airflow during hot summer months, making electric sites essential even for tent campers. "Almost every site has plenty of shade with lots of tree cover. This also means in the dog days of summer the breeze is blocked by the trees so get an electric site even with a tent and bring a fan," recommends Marisa A., who finds Clinton Lake ideal for boat owners.
