Glamping sites near Gorham, Illinois offer diverse terrain from pine forests to lakeside settings. The region sits between 400-800 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate and four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F, while winter temperatures can drop to 15-30°F, affecting camping conditions and preparation needs.
What to do
Hiking varied terrain: At Giant City State Park Campground, visitors can access numerous trails with distinct geological features. One camper noted, "Lots of amazing, beautiful hikes in this park, especially if you're into bluffs and large boulders. Easy drive to many other picturesque and unique parks."
Fishing opportunities: Crab Orchard Lake provides excellent fishing access directly from campsites. A visitor mentioned, "The back in site we had overlooked the lake. For the price, you can't beat the view." Another camper at Gun Creek Campground shared that "most people seemed to be fishing" during their stay.
Rock climbing: For adventure seekers, Hawn State Park Campground offers rock climbing opportunities. According to one visitor, "For climbers, there is a ton of nearby trad and sport climbing. The main wall stays wet for a while so if it has recently rained you may need to find somewhere else."
Wildlife observation: South Marcum Campground provides excellent wildlife viewing. One camper reported, "Lots of deer and turkey!" The natural surroundings at many area glamping sites create ideal conditions for spotting local fauna in their natural habitats.
What campers like
Pine forest settings: Hawn State Park Campground offers a distinctive pine forest atmosphere. A camper described it as "a park like no other. Nowhere else in the state of Missouri have I been able to camp and feel like I'm in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. The car camping area is nestled in the middle of a pine filled valley."
Lake views and access: Visitors to South Marcum Campground appreciate the waterfront locations. One reviewer was enthusiastic about "spot 56 [which] has a crazy lake view and is on the tip of an outlook with pretty nice privacy!"
Spacious sites: Many glamping locations near Gorham feature well-spaced accommodations. At Perryville RV Resort, campers find "lots of big trees and it is really shady. We love our time here." Another visitor described the resort as having "nice large shaded sites. Friendly and helpful staff."
Clean facilities: Gun Creek Campground maintains high standards for amenities. According to one camper, it's a "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!"
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: While some glamping sites require advance booking, others operate on first-come, first-served basis. At Crab Orchard Lake, "The biggest thing about this campground is first come first serve...and one loop is closed for renovations. Most you can spend here is 14 days, which lots of locals do."
Site levelness concerns: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. At Gun Creek Campground, "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."
Highway noise: Some glamping locations experience road noise. A Perryville RV Resort visitor mentioned: "The drawbacks for us were how close it was to the interstate, and the fact that it's just not what we're used to when camping." Another camper noted: "The highway is also extremely close and can be heard at all times."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences seasonal weather variations. A camper at Giant City State Park Campground shared: "We stayed during the winter while visiting my brother who was in college nearby. Even in the winter the sites were quite clear and clean."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: South Sandusky Campground offers excellent facilities for children. A visitor shared, "We love the large beach. The campsites have a nice set up and are a decent size. The kids loved the playground. There were kids everywhere and everyone was very friendly!"
Seasonal events: Many glamping sites offer holiday-themed activities. At Perryville RV Resort, one camper noted it was "Decorated for Halloween and very kid friendly. Spots are tight (wouldn't want to be here when the park is full). Nice park for kids, hiking trail and jump pad (trampoline)."
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature dedicated swimming access. At Shawnee Forest Campground, one visitor appreciated that "everything is clean and a fresh shower was refreshing." South Marcum Campground provides access to "swimming, fishing and boating" on Rend Lake.
Food options: When supplies run low, nearby towns offer dining solutions. A camper at South Marcum mentioned it's "Close to town for the forgotten marshmallows!" Another visitor to the area recommended: "Mary J's close by in town (a great little restaurant). All the things we like."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Shawnee Forest Campground offers complete services for larger rigs. A visitor mentioned, "Very nice campground. Well maintained, big sites for our 40ft fifth wheel, great sunrise/sunset views, and the bathrooms are very clean and well lite."
Dump station access: South Marcum Campground provides convenient waste disposal. According to one RVer, "50 amp service, some with water and some with full hookup... Dump stations are EZ access on the way out."
Road conditions: Access roads at some sites require careful navigation. At Gun Creek, a visitor described: "The class A rig in the video belonged to my neighbor, so you can see how close the sites were. Don't expect much in the way of privacy."
Site selection strategy: Due to varied terrain, choosing the right spot matters. One camper at South Sandusky advised, "Some sites are gravel and some are asphalt. Not sure if they are upgrading a little at a time?? There are plenty of trees for shade. Some sites are close together and some have more room in between them."
