Tent camping near Havana, Illinois centers around the Illinois River Valley, an area characterized by wooded bluffs and backwater lakes. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching 90°F and winter temperatures often below freezing. Most camping areas sit between 450-500 feet elevation in terrain ranging from wetlands to upland forests.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area offers extensive fishing in its shallow waters. The lake features designated pullouts along the road designed specifically for shoreline anglers. One visitor reported, "We saw people fishing from boats as well as from nicely designed pullouts along the road."
Hiking trails: Access the Deer Run hiking trail directly from the Spring Lake campground for convenient nature walks through surrounding forests. As one camper notes, "Deer run hiking trail is right in camp and gets you a bit of a hike."
Wildlife viewing: Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area provides habitat for various wildlife species in its natural setting. A repeat visitor expressed enthusiasm about the overall experience, stating simply it was an "Awesome place" that they "Would take my family back!"
What campers like
Natural surroundings: Waverly Lake City Park offers a peaceful atmosphere with well-spaced sites. A camper described it as "quiet and pleasant" with sites that are "spread out and fairly well." The lakeside setting creates a tranquil environment despite limited amenities.
Privacy between sites: Rock Island Trail State Park Campground features walk-in tent sites with good separation between camping areas. The park maintains picnic tables at most sites and provides trash receptacles throughout the camping areas. Access to drinking water and toilets enhances the primitive camping experience.
Low crowds: Many campgrounds in the Havana region remain relatively undiscovered. At Waverly Lake, one camper observed, "Each time there has only been one other person. It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interactions at several campgrounds. At Waverly Lake, campers should take precautions with food storage. As one visitor warned, "Be mindful of field roaches and raccoons at night, as we had to learn the hard way the morning after our first night."
Insect protection: Mosquitoes can be particularly problematic throughout the region, especially during summer months. A Waverly Lake camper emphasized this point: "Oh, and the mosquitoes are BRUTAL. Come prepared."
Water access: Many campgrounds have limited or no potable water. Plan accordingly by bringing sufficient supplies. At Waverly Lake, a camper noted, "As far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: At Spring Lake, choose sites under trees for natural shade during hot summer months. The camping area consists of "an open field surrounded by forest" where families can select sites with varying amounts of sun exposure.
Campsite access: Prepare for walk-in camping at several locations. Spring Lake requires walking from the parking area, though as one visitor clarified, "This campground has walk-in only camping but it's right next to where you park."
Stay limits: Check duration restrictions before planning longer trips. Waverly Lake enforces specific limits as mentioned by a camper: "There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: The approach to some campgrounds involves narrow or rough roads. For Spring Lake, one camper advised, "Be ready for a long slow drive in to the campground. Follow signs that direct you to the camp office."
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near Havana offer primitive camping without standard RV amenities. RVers should plan to boondock with self-contained systems rather than expecting hookups or dump stations.
Site surfaces: Be prepared for natural, uneven terrain at most campgrounds. While Waverly Lake is described as "big-rig friendly," the sites remain rustic with minimal improvements beyond picnic tables and basic facilities.
