Camping spots near Paris, Illinois range from rustic tent sites to electric-equipped RV spaces, with prices typically between $12 and $23 per night. The region features rolling hills with elevation changes of 500-700 feet above sea level, creating opportunities for varied landscapes and hiking experiences. Most campgrounds maintain operating hours from May through October, though several larger parks offer year-round camping with modified winter amenities.
What to do
Hiking trails with varying difficulty: At Turkey Run State Park, trails range from easy walks to challenging routes. "On one trail part of it went through box canyons up an active, though trickling, stream bed," notes one camper. The park offers multiple numbered trails with distinct features.
Water recreation options: Canoeing and tubing are popular activities in warmer months. "There is a river to tube and canoe in to keep you cool," reports a camper who stayed at Turkey Run State Park. Sugar Creek provides additional paddling opportunities.
Mountain biking access: Fowler County Park offers proximity to dedicated biking trails. "This park is a short four minute bike ride from Griffin Bike Park, which is an amazing mountain bike park," notes one reviewer. The tarmac around the lake is smooth enough for longboarding.
Archery range: Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area maintains facilities for target practice. One camper specifically mentioned, "We love camping here! Lots to do. Love the archery range." The range complements other outdoor activities available at the recreation area.
What campers like
Spacious sites with natural barriers: Many campers appreciate the room between sites. At Walnut Point State Park, "This is a lovely campground with large dispersed camp sites," according to a reviewer. Natural features often provide privacy between camping areas.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives consistent positive mentions. "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure," reports a Turkey Run State Park visitor. Maintenance standards vary seasonally.
Lakeside camping: Direct water access from campsites ranks highly among visitor preferences. At Fowler County Park, "Pretty awesome site. Parked right by the lake front. Private and quiet. We paid $12 for primitive," notes one camper, highlighting the affordability of waterfront sites.
Diverse wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds support abundant wildlife. "Watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns a Turkey Run visitor. Early morning hours provide the best wildlife observation opportunities.
What you should know
Site terrain varies significantly: Expect uneven ground at some locations. At Turkey Run, a camper noted, "Our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167." Research specific site conditions when making reservations.
Seasonal facility limitations: Winter camping offers fewer amenities. Most shower facilities close from November through April. Water access points may be limited or shut down entirely during winter months.
Road noise at certain locations: Some otherwise excellent sites suffer from proximity to traffic. At Hawthorn County Park, "A road was next to our spot though so it was kinda loud," reported one tent camper. Check site maps when booking to identify potential noise issues.
Variable cell service: Coverage depends entirely on carrier and specific location. "I have AT&T service and had no problem with cell service, my husband has Verizon and his was spotty," notes a Turkey Run visitor. Plan accordingly if connectivity is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity considerations: When camping with children, site location matters. One family at Terre Haute Campground shared, "We stayed at site 1 thinking it would be nice for the kids to be next to a park but the park was pretty dull." Research playground quality before selecting sites.
Weekend activity scheduling: Plan for higher weekend visitor numbers. "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning / early afternoon," recommends a Turkey Run visitor. Weekday visits offer more space and shorter lines.
Water safety preparedness: Several campgrounds feature water access without lifeguards. At Cecil M Harden Lake, "There was a beach which was nice and a building to get food," notes a camper, but supervision remains the responsibility of parents.
Trail difficulty assessment: Evaluate hiking options for age-appropriate challenges. "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders," shares a Turkey Run visitor, demonstrating how to adapt routes for family capabilities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Come prepared with leveling equipment. At Plainview Campground, "sites are nice and flat," according to one reviewer, but this varies considerably between campgrounds.
Electric hookup options: Most established campgrounds offer electric connections. "All sites except the 'youth sites' had 110, 30, and 50 amp power. I was able to charge my EV without issue," reports a Turkey Run visitor. Amperage availability differs between camping areas.
Water access planning: Few sites offer full hookups. "No water hookups at site," notes a camper at Cecil M Harden Lake, reflecting a common limitation. Plan to fill tanks before parking or use central water points.
Space constraints for larger rigs: Campground layouts may restrict larger vehicles. "There are definitely sites big enough for big-rigs with tow vehicles so you don't have to unhook if you are just stopping for a night," notes a Terre Haute Campground reviewer. Research length restrictions before booking.
