Lake Shelbyville forms the natural center point of camping opportunities near Homer, Illinois, creating varied landscapes across the region at 600-700 feet above sea level. Spring temperatures typically range from 50-75°F while summer averages 80-90°F with moderate humidity. Most campgrounds in the area remain open April through October with varying levels of accessibility during wetter months.
What to do
Hiking difficulty levels: Fox Ridge State Park Campground offers trails with challenging elevation changes unusual for Illinois. "The hiking trails are some of the best in the state because the glaciers dropped off 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 a visitor.
Kayaking on Sugar Creek: Turkey Run State Park provides river access for various paddling experiences within 60 minutes of Homer. A camper reports, "Sugar Creek is also great for floating with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks. The suspension footbridge across Sugar Creek is cool."
Dark sky stargazing: Harry L Swartz Campground features certified dark sky viewing areas allowing for excellent meteor shower observation. "Since the campground is right next to a Dark Sky Park, stargazing is amazing if you have good weather," mentions one reviewer who specifically visited during the Perseid meteor shower when "a local expert came to give a talk and there was a meteor viewing party."
What campers like
Variety in site privacy: At Friends Creek Campground, campers appreciate the thoughtful site arrangement. "All sites are gravel and level. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are spaced a decent amount of distance apart and with the many trees, it did not feel crowded, despite being almost full when we were there," writes a recent visitor.
Accessible fishing opportunities: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers unique fishing conditions. "Clinton Lake is a boating destination as the waters are unusually warm due to the discharge from the nearby nuclear plant," notes one reviewer explaining why the lake attracts anglers even in cooler months.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Rockville Lake County Park consistently receives praise for maintenance standards. "This is a great campground. The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure," mentions a camper who also noted, "Disc golf course is awesome, in the woods, up and down ravine. 18 holes plus practice basket."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: When glamping near Homer at D & W Lake RV Park, site choice affects experience significantly. "Pulled in about 7pm and immediately was greeted by the manager who showed us to our site, helped us pull in get settled and brought us firewood. The lake behind our trailer is beautiful and can be fished Catch and Release with Blue Gill and Bass," reports one camper.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience highway noise that tent campers should consider. One camper at D & W Lake noted, "Our only 'problem' with the park can't be changed. The interstate noise could be heard all night, and at times overpowered the sounds of nature. This is probably only an issue for tenters, though."
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping accommodations near Homer require advance planning. "Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too. Water options were the lake or a 30 min drive into town for bottled," warns a Clinton Lake visitor from the off-season.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: Turkey Run State Park Campground offers diverse play spaces. "The campground is family friendly and was quiet at night. There is a lot to do at this state park. We hiked the #3 and #5 trails and it took us about 2 hours," explains a family who stayed at site #35.
Fishing-focused activities: For families centered on fishing, Forrest W. Bo Wood recreation area provides specialized amenities. "Located on Lake Shelbyville, Bo Wood is an Army Co of Engineers park. Plenty of full hook ups and tent camping spots. Most by the lake. Well kept with bathroom and shower facilities, a playground and laundry," notes a visitor.
Plan for insect management: Bugs can impact evening activities at certain sites. One family at Forrest W. Bo Wood warned, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Turkey Run Canoe & Camping offers varied terrain that requires preparation. "The sites are difficult to get into and although they allow one car on the site there is barely room for that one car," explains one RVer who noted shared electrical services can create issues.
Power connection planning: Shared electrical hookups require coordination at some glamping sites. "The electric is shared with another site which could be a problem if you have the same type of service since there is only one 50 amp, one 30 amp, and one 20 amp service per hook up," warns an RVer at Turkey Run Canoe & Camping.
Water fill logistics: Many campgrounds have limited water fill locations. "There is portable water at the entrance but the road coming and going to the campsite is only wide enough for one rig and you will block traffic while you are filling up," notes an experienced RVer about planning for efficient arrival and departure.
