Fox Ridge State Park offers year-round camping options near Oakland, Illinois with sites positioned on varied terrain. The park features surprisingly hilly landscapes within otherwise flat farmland regions. Campgrounds in the area maintain average occupancy rates of 75-80% during summer weekends and 30-40% midweek, with availability increasing significantly in spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Hiking on varied terrain: Fox Ridge State Park Campground features numerous hiking trails through unexpected topography. "The hiking trails are some of the best in the state because the glaciers dropped of 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," notes Michael M.
Canoeing on Sugar Creek: Turkey Run State Park Campground offers water recreation options on its creek that flows through the property. "Sugar Creek runs through the park for fishing and canoeing. The suspension footbridge across Sugar Creek is cool. Sugar Creek is also great for floating with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks," shares Joel R.
Fishing on Lake Shelbyville: Multiple stocked fishing areas provide opportunities within 30 minutes of Oakland. "We put in our kayaks on the boat ramp and enjoyed a nice paddle on a portion of the Shelbyville Lake," reports Austin-Tarra G. from Forrest W. Bo Wood Recreation Area.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the seclusion available at certain campgrounds despite the developed nature of the facilities. "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," says Allen S. about Fox Ridge State Park.
Clean facilities: Lithia Springs maintains well-kept amenities despite high usage. "The campground is run by the Corps of engineers, it is well cared for with clean shower houses and restrooms. There is a boat ramp, picnic areas, a small swimming beach and very nice lakeside campsites," Michael M. reports.
Yurt camping options: For travelers seeking structured shelter beyond tents, yurt camping near Oakland, Illinois provides comfortable accommodations with solid walls. "We stayed at Turkey Run this weekend and had a terrific time. The weather was very hot but there is a river to tube and canoe in to keep you cool," notes Michelle M. who camped at Turkey Run State Park, which offers yurt accommodations.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds experience dramatic seasonal shifts in both crowd levels and bug activity. "Our biggest issue with this campsite was the extensive bugs, once the sun goes down the bugs get horribly bad. We let our dogs out past 8 p.m. and our camper was covered with swarms of psychodidae(sewer) flies," warns Austin-Tarra G. about Forrest W. Bo Wood Recreation Area.
Reservation requirements: Most sites fill completely during summer weekends and holidays. "Lithia Springs recreation area near Shelbyville, IL. On Lake Shelbyville has so many things to offer. There are 105 campsites and they fill up with reservations in the spring and summer months, I would recommend reserving a site online," advises Michael M.
Site selection importance: Not all sites offer equal privacy or amenities. "Watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything. Also, 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," suggests Samantha S.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play structures for children. "D & W Lake RV Park has plenty of grass, Fire Pits, Playgrounds and a Dog Park. Wonderful campground and only about 10 min from downtown," notes Luna L. about D & W Lake RV Park.
Swimming options: Multiple locations offer swimming areas that provide child-friendly water access. "Really nice campground on the shore of Lake Shelbyville. Electric, showers, laundry, playground, nice beach, volleyball and some phenomenal sites right on shore," says Kathie M. about Lithia Springs.
Site spacing considerations: Family groups should consider campsite proximity when booking. "The site was huge but given the unevenness it would be difficult for tents," Michelle M. shares about her experience at Turkey Run State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Casey KOA provides full-service sites but amenities vary by season. "This is a KOA Journey, it is right off the interstate in a nice little town in East Central Illinois. It has full hookup, and electric and water sites. The ground seems pretty level throughout the entire place so getting your rig setup should be fairly easy," explains Montt B.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require careful positioning for larger vehicles. "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," warns Michelle M. about her stay at Turkey Run State Park.
Site access considerations: Some parks have limitations on vehicle size or site configurations. "Good paved road, big sites, but unfortunately all back in sites. No pull throughs. After unhooking our car, here was plenty of room for our 31 ft motorhome, slide, awning and all," reports Doug W. about his experience at Fox Ridge State Park.
