Best Campgrounds near Heyworth, IL

Camping near Heyworth, Illinois offers a mix of wooded retreats and lakeside sites across central Illinois's gently rolling prairie landscape. The region sits at approximately 750 feet elevation with seasonal temperature fluctuations that range from summer highs averaging 86°F to winter lows around 15°F. Most campsites in the area remain accessible year-round, though amenities and water access points often close between November and April.

What to do

Kayaking and fishing at Clinton Lake: Clinton Lake provides unusually warm waters due to discharge from the nearby nuclear plant. "The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach. The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake," notes a visitor to Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.

Hiking nature trails: Multiple campgrounds offer trail systems ranging from short loops to more extensive networks. At Moraine View State Park, campers appreciate the natural surroundings, with one noting, "This campground surprised us. We got there in the dark and woke up to Fall colors, Canadian geese, trails, playgrounds."

Visit historic schoolhouse: Friends Creek Conservation Area maintains a restored one-room schoolhouse with guided tours available by appointment. "The old school house is a must see. We love mushroom hunting while here," shares a camper who frequents the conservation area during spring months.

What campers like

Secluded walk-in tent sites: For those seeking more privacy, several parks offer walk-in tent camping options away from RV areas. At Weldon Springs State Park Campground, "the tent sites (especially as you go further back like to sites 6-10 probably) just had a secluded woodsy feeling to them," according to one camper.

Clean bathhouse facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a standout feature. A visitor to Friends Creek Campground commented, "The bathrooms were very clean. The camp host is a jewel. Be aware that there are 50 amp sites and 30 amp sites."

Spacious, level campsites: Many campgrounds offer generous site dimensions with good spacing between neighbors. "Large lots are nice" at Comlara County Park, while Kamp Komfort provides "spacious, incredibly level, well-shaded" sites that feel "like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country."

What you should know

Alcohol policies vary by location: Several state-operated campgrounds prohibit alcohol, while private campgrounds typically allow it. "There is a STRICT no alcohol rule in the tent sites. A sign said coolers are subject to inspection," reports a Weldon Springs visitor.

Seasonal maintenance concerns: Some public facilities show inconsistent maintenance quality, particularly during peak season. At Comlara County Park, one visitor noted "the park used to be so well maintained by volunteers and it seems have gone downhill over the years."

Highway noise at certain locations: Campgrounds near interstate highways experience traffic noise. Regarding Kamp Komfort, a camper observed, "quiet enough for being somewhat close to the highway. The trees seemed to block the noise well."

Tips for camping with families

Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children, often centrally located. "They have a playground and a big open space for playing and running," reports a family who stayed at Kamp Komfort.

Swimming options: Clinton Lake's beach provides a popular family activity during summer months. "They have a beach and a concession stand, group camping areas and lots of roads to bike around. We enjoy the boating/camping combo," shares a visitor.

Kid-friendly fishing spots: Several parks offer fishing piers and easily accessible shore fishing. At Hickory Lane Campground, "Small. Quiet. Pretty. Two small lakes with fountains. You can hear the fountains at night, it's nice."

Tips from RVers

Availability of full hookups: Full hookup sites (water, electric, sewer) are limited at state parks but more common at private campgrounds. A Clinton Lake camper noted, "We have only stayed in the electric only sites as the full hookup sites are hard to come by."

Off-season advantages: Less crowded conditions during spring and fall offer more site selection flexibility. "Had practically the whole campground to ourselves. Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear," cautions a Clinton Lake visitor who camped during the off-season.

Paved access roads: Many campgrounds have recently improved access roads, making navigation easier for larger rigs. "They have recently paved the roads which was nice," mentioned a visitor to Moraine View State Park.