Within a two-hour drive of Heyworth, Illinois, campgrounds offer a mix of lakeside and wooded settings across central Illinois's prairie landscape. The region sits around 750 feet above sea level with hot summers typically reaching 85-90°F and cold winters dropping to the 20s, making April through October the primary camping season. Campgrounds near Heyworth provide varying levels of shade and water access, with several lakes created by damming small rivers.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Millpoint Park provides direct access to Upper Peoria Lake with multiple fishing spots. "We were able to do some fishing and kayaking. We caught some bluegill, buffalo, and large mouth bass," explains one camper. The park includes both lake fishing and smaller ponds with accessible docks.
Water recreation: Weldon Springs State Park Campground offers a serene lake setting with paddle opportunities. "Great camping and great fishing. Scenic little park. Tent and trailer camping here, but the real reward is in the primitive backpacking sites," notes a visitor. The park includes boat rentals and fishing platforms.
Hiking trails: Explore the natural areas around Clinton Lake State Recreation Area where trails wind through wooded areas. "There is a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on," reports one family. The park features multiple loops with different terrain from wooded areas to more open prairie views.
What Campers Like
Spacious sites: Comlara County Park offers large, well-spaced sites that appeal to many campers. "The layout is fairly straightforward here... Many spots for RV/campers, and as you venture further in, you'll find large open fields with camping spots - some are electric or not, so check while you reserve." The park features both open field camping and more secluded wooded sites.
Lake views: Campers frequently praise waterfront sites at Millpoint Park. "Large sites on Illinois River. FHU. Expensive. No laundry, store, or gas. They do sell firewood, pickup your trash, and have two showers available," shares one visitor. Many sites offer direct views of the water, particularly appealing for sunset viewing.
Clean facilities: D & W Lake RV Park maintains high cleanliness standards. "I would highly recommend this campground. It is close to the main highway, but far enough to not be noticeable. Sites are level and in good condition. The bath house is clean and up to date with lots of hot water," reports a satisfied camper. The park also features a pleasant walking trail around its small lake.
What You Should Know
Water quality varies: Several campgrounds in the area have water with high mineral content. At Millpoint Park, "The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don't attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it's fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you."
Highway noise considerations: Many RV parks near Heyworth are conveniently located near highways but come with traffic noise. At Kamp Komfort RV Park, "Closely located to I74 so noise is a negative" although "Sites are spacious, incredibly level, well-shaded and this feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country." The tradeoff between convenience and noise is common throughout the area.
Seasonal insect activity: During summer months, proper insect preparation is essential. "If you haven't camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Moraine View State Recreational Area offers family-friendly facilities. "This campground surprised us. We got there in the dark and woke up to Fall colors, Canadian geese, trails, playgrounds." The park includes both water activities and land-based recreation options.
Beach activities: Several parks offer swimming beaches for hot summer days. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area features "a really nice big beach" according to campers, though some parks charge additional fees for beach access. "2 dollar beach entry 10-7 pm," notes one visitor to Clinton Lake.
Kid-friendly campsites: Choose sites based on your family's needs. At Comlara County Park, "We reserved site 111, which had a nice long concrete pad for parking cars on - fits easily 2-3 cars. Firepit, a tree, pretty standard stuff. Close to the bathrooms." The campground layout matters for families with small children needing frequent bathroom access.
Tips from RVers
Highway access: Love's RV Stop-Normal offers excellent access for overnight stays. "Super convenient, great facility. Sites are concrete and level. If you're getting off the highway for an overnight stay these Loves are perfect," shares one RVer. The park provides a secure, gated environment with full hookups.
Site leveling needs: RV parks throughout the Heyworth area vary in site quality. Some parks like D & W Lake RV Park feature "Sites level and in good condition," while others require more setup work. At Comlara County Park, "Site 28 unlevel. Requires several lifts. Site is very large however. Does have nice shade."
Dump station timing: Plan dump station usage carefully during busy periods. At several rv parks near Heyworth, Illinois, the dump stations can become congested during peak checkout times, particularly on Sunday mornings at busier campgrounds. Early morning or late afternoon usage typically results in shorter wait times.
