Oakland, Illinois camping offers distinctive outdoor experiences with elevation changes uncommon in the region. The area ranges from flat farmland to more varied terrain with small hills and wooded areas surrounding the lakes. Average summer temperatures range from 60-85°F, making late spring through early fall ideal for campsites near Oakland, Illinois.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Walnut Point State Park's lake draws many campers for its well-stocked fishing. As one visitor noted, "My family had a great time fishing. The lake was well stocked and maintained. We will definitely go back" (Walnut Point State Park Campground).
Paddling and boating: Many campgrounds provide water recreation options with seasonal boat and equipment rentals. "A beautiful weekend for our first time here. Cafe also sells firewood when in stock and rents out boats and kayaks. Fishing is good," shares a recent visitor about their experience at Walnut Point.
Hiking varied terrain: The region offers surprising topographical diversity. "The hiking trails are some of the best in the state because the glaciers dropped mountains of soil in the area where this park is located. The surrounding farm land is flat as can be, but the forested hills and creek beds in the park are almost mountainous," explains a visitor to Fox Ridge State Park Campground.
What campers like
Spacious, shaded sites: Many campsites offer room and privacy. "All sites were spacious and shaded. We did not use any of the facilities but were impressed with how secluded our campsite felt. Each site is isolated by trees and growth and the entire campground is shaded," reports a camper at Fox Ridge State Park.
Concession amenities: On-site amenities enhance the camping experience at certain parks. "The thing that sets this place apart from other State Park Campgrounds is the concession stand and operators. Both times I stayed there they held a dinner special, RibEye sandwiches and walleye to choose from at a very reasonable price and had a band playing from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM," writes a visitor about Walnut Point.
Primitive site options: For those seeking a more rustic experience, the area offers walk-in sites. "Love, love, love this primitive campground! It has well-maintained walk-in primitive sites. The sites are close to the water for fishing, bathrooms are kept fairly clean, sites are spaced out enough to not feel crowded," shares a camper about their stay at Walnut Point State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. Hebron Hills Camping runs from May 15 to October 15, while other private options like Casey KOA operates from March 1 to October 31.
Campground reservations: Most state park campgrounds offer reservations, but availability varies by season. "We couldn't reserve a site because it was March and because of the time of year, and Covid I suppose, so it was first come, first served. You have to put your fee in the envelope provided when you enter the front loop," explains a visitor to Fox Ridge.
Facility limitations: Understand what's available at each location before arriving. "This is a basic, no frills, camping experience," notes one camper about primitive sites at Walnut Point, while another mentions, "The open, grassy area sites don't offer any privacy. If that's what you're looking for, try to get a wooded site on the outsides that back up to woods."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "There are playgrounds throughout the park and a concession building near the campground entrance," notes a visitor to Walnut Point, while Kickapoo State Recreation Area offers "Large sites for camping. Deer and wildlife seen in the mornings. Really nice way to get off the grid for a second without having to go too far."
Site selection for groups: Choose sites carefully when camping with children. "In Grey Squirrel, odd numbered sites 15-25 back up to the lake. All the Grey Squirrel sites have trail access to several docks and a couple of boat launches," advises a Walnut Point visitor.
Local attractions: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreation options. "There are camp sites that are walk to for some more distance from others, a lot of close drive to spots, RV, and a lot of close boat camping sites. The park itself has a lot of trails to explore and a few lakes to fish at. It is also a local spot to tube," explains a reviewer at Kickapoo.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The site was very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end," reports a visitor to Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are common, but water and sewer connections vary. "All spots in Fox Squirrel are landlocked. In Grey Squirrel, odd numbered sites 15-25 back up to the lake. There is one dump station near the campground entrance, and water fill there or in a few locations in the campground. There is not water and sewer hookup at each pad," explains a Walnut Point camper.
Electrical options: Most campgrounds offer electrical service, but amperage varies. "Sites tried from all concrete to a dusty dirt and rock tent area, and all had old wood picnic tables. While the hiking was incredible, the maps of the trails were poor and not up to date," notes a Turkey Run visitor who also mentioned, "All except the 'youth sites' had 110, 30, and 50 amp power. I was able to charge my ev without issue."
