Camping near Greenville, Illinois centers on a mix of spacious state and federally managed sites within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in Illinois' Mississippi border lands where elevations average 500-600 feet above sea level. During summer months, campers can expect temperatures averaging 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring brings frequent rain that occasionally causes temporary closures at certain campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities at Dam West Spillway: Sites provide direct lake access with areas designed specifically for anglers. "There are a lot of mature trees in the campground that provides plenty of shade in the summer. Many of the sites are blacktopped and large RV's will fit on the sites," notes reviewer Jeanie H.
Swimming at Coles Creek Recreation Area: The campground features dedicated swimming areas for campers. "This wonderful camping area is beautiful with clean campsites. With picnic areas and a beach close you and the family will have a good time and make new friends," according to Jake L.
Biking at Dam West Campground: Paved bike paths connect the campground to the marina. "There is a bike path that goes right past the campground that was busy all weekend with bikers, runners, and walkers, and takes you from the shower house to the marina in just a short walk," reports Annie C.
What campers like
Level sites at Bonanza Campground: Sites are precisely graded for easy setup. "THE MOST level site we have ever had in allllll our years of travel. Literally 0's all around for level on the Levelmate Pro. I didn't even unhook the trailer, just put the 4 scissor jacks and tongue jack down for stability," says Bruce H.
Spacious waterfront camping at Coles Creek Rec Area: Sites provide room to spread out with water views. "Large waterfront campsites, full hookup loop, and 4 other large loops that have electric. Nice new bath house for those who need it," writes Rhonda B.
Winter camping options at Illini Campground: Some sites remain open year-round for off-season stays. "Site 26. We were basically by ourselves being mid week in November. Great view. Nice camp hosts. This place looks like it could get pretty full in the summer," notes Wendy F.
What you should know
Water quality issues at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area: Some campers report problems with water clarity. "Only complaint that I have was the potable water supply. I filled my trailer's tank at the drinking water supply when you enter the campground. It was extremely dirty with a lot of copper colored solids," reports Allen S.
Limited tent camping options at certain campgrounds: Cedarbrook RV Park has minimal tent facilities. "There are only about 6 tent sites at this campground, which makes it not entirely friendly for tent campers," writes Kaitlyn H.
High weekend occupancy rates: Campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. "We arrived at this campground at 11am on a Friday only to find that the first-come, first-serve sites were already full," notes Brooke C. about Dam West Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for active play at Boulder Recreation Area: The campground offers multiple recreational facilities. "This campground offers many sites that are right on the lake. Beautiful views. Also boasts the best shower house/bathrooms around. They are air conditioned and cleaned regularly," says Phil W.
Halloween camping events: Special seasonal activities are available in fall. "They have a huge Halloween event every year where people decorate their sites (pretty extensively) and there's a haunted house, then kids trick or treat from site to site. The campground also provides pumpkin painting contests and other fun activities," writes Aimee T.
Facilities for younger children: Many sites have dedicated play areas. "There are three playground areas, a basketball court, sand volleyball and a pool during summer months. Lots of families with kids, bike rides and plenty of other lake and outdoor activities in the area," notes Brooke C.
Tips from RVers
Off-season camping at Okaw Valley Kampground: Shoulder seasons offer more availability. "We stopped here on our way home for one night, but got in early enough to enjoy a walk and have a camp fire that evening. Small park but very long, narrow pull through sites on the full hook up side," reports Russ G.
Full-service sites for longer stays: Several campgrounds offer complete hookups. "We live an hour away in St Louis and park our RV near Boulder because we visit so often. It is very clean, and most of the sites are waterfront or at least have a good view of the lake," says Shane E.
Restroom considerations: Quality varies between facilities. "The bathrooms were lovely and clean," notes Kaitlyn H. about Cedarbrook RV, while another camper mentioned "FABULOUS, and super clean" facilities at Dam West Spillway that "smell like the laundry facilities."
