Campsites near Altamont, Illinois are nestled in a predominantly agricultural region with elevations averaging 600 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal variations with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-90°F and winter lows often dropping below freezing. Most camping options are concentrated within a 30-mile radius of Altamont, offering both primitive sites and developed facilities with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Shelbyville provides excellent fishing conditions for multiple species. "The fishing pond is great and beautiful," notes a camper at Spring Creek Campground. Another visitor mentioned that Hidden Springs State Forest has "nice ponds for fishing that are unmarked" at their primitive camping areas.
Swimming spots: During summer months, several campgrounds maintain swimming areas. "The swimming pool feels great on the hot summer days," shared a camper about Okaw Valley Kampground. Lithia Springs also features "a nice swimming area to enjoy" according to reviews.
Relaxing activities: Many campsites are designed for unwinding in natural settings. One camper described their experience: "We had a great time spending one night here with my dog. There is a small playground, covered patio, bathrooms with showers and plenty of lawn space!" Campgrounds like Spring Creek offer quiet environments away from urban distractions.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the upkeep of bathroom and shower facilities. At Camp Lakewood, visitors praised the maintenance: "Everything is super clean here, staff is friendly. There is laundry on site and the showers are some of the cleanest I've seen."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the peaceful environment. One visitor described Spring Creek Campground as "one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've been in in a long time. The bird sounds, the frogs, ducks, the whole natural environment is just wonderful."
Helpful staff: Campground hosts make a significant difference in visitor experiences. At Okaw Valley Kampground, a camper noted, "The owner, Barb, was very friendly and helpful. We had a pull through just for overnight, and it was perfect." Another reviewer shared an extraordinary experience: "The owners stored our bikes, watched our tent, and even picked us up from the hospital!"
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly across the region. Visitors to Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area reported "very little cell service so it is a great place to be unplugged and enjoy time with friends and family!" This can be either a benefit or challenge depending on your needs.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Lithia Springs, "If camping on weekends May to September will need to book in advanced" according to regular visitors. Most popular sites can be reserved through recreation.gov or by contacting campgrounds directly.
Proximity to supplies: While most campsites are in rural settings, access to stores varies. As one camper noted about Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area, "The only downside is that it's somewhat far from supply stores." Plan accordingly and bring essentials, especially for more remote locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Okaw Valley Kampground, one visitor highlighted "the gigantic playground" among its appealing features. Another noted it's "a lovely little vacation for us...there is a little pond where people fished, and a little walking path for little kid 'hikes'."
Swimming options: For families with children, swimming facilities provide important recreation. Camp Lakewood offers "a cute lake, very family friendly, lots of amenities" according to reviews. Sites with swimming areas tend to be more popular during summer months.
Site selection: Some campgrounds offer specific advantages for family camping. At Lithia Springs, "All sites have picnic tables, fire rings with grates and most also have a lantern stand. Most sites have a decent amount of room between them and there are some buddy sites where you share a large table cooking area."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RV campers should note varying site configurations. At Camp Lakewood, one RVer observed "lots are tight with winding roads to sites" despite the nice overall setup. Another mentioned "The sites appeared to have all gravel sites with minimal grass. There are fire rings by request. The sites are fairly tight."
Hookup availability: Water and electric service varies between campgrounds and specific sites. At Spring Creek Campground, "All spots have electricity but only a few have water" according to reviews. This information is crucial for planning longer stays.
Leveling considerations: Site terrain can affect RV setup. One camper at Lithia Springs mentioned "The sites have both cement pads and gravel depending on the site. Some of the sites are huge, most are nice size and more or less well maintained. Luck of the draw on being level and having shade."
