The Homer, Illinois area offers several RV campgrounds within 20-30 miles of the village. Most sites sit on flat terrain between 600-700 feet elevation with numerous small lakes created from reclaimed strip mines. Summer temperatures typically average 85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer more moderate conditions.
What to do
Lake activities at Clinton Lake: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area features unusually warm lake water due to discharge from the nearby nuclear plant, making it ideal for swimming. "The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach. The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake," notes Melissa B. The park includes a beach area with a $2 entry fee open from 10am-7pm.
Hiking at Turkey Run State Park: About 90 minutes east near Marshall, Indiana, this park offers unique canyon and stream-bed hiking trails. "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders, and be prepared to get wet," advises Samantha S. The suspension bridge across Sugar Creek provides another point of interest.
Water activities near Kickapoo State Recreation Area: Located about 30 miles east of Homer, this park offers multiple lakes and streams. "Depending on what you would like this campground has a little bit of everything. 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 Jennifer S.
What campers like
Affordable options at Gibson City South Park Municipal Campground: Located about 20 miles northwest of Homer, this small city-run campground offers basic amenities at budget prices. "This is a great city run campground attached to a block sized city park. 30 amp and water at each site. The park has restrooms, with showers. You only need to grab a key from the police department. There is a dump station on site and large dumpster. Supermarket, restaurants and gas station with in a few blocks... All for $10 a night," reports Cowboy W.
Privacy levels at different campgrounds: Moraine View State Recreation Area offers varied camping experiences. "Upon finding the rustic tent sites, we'd wished we'd known about that area before going. Those were still a little close together but were at least wooded and you could walk from your car. The dispersed camping sites were the closest to what I'd been used to coming from New Hampshire, but it was more of a hike than I would be looking for," explains Ryan M.
Clean facilities at Prairie Pines Campground: Located in Rantoul, about 15 miles northeast of Homer, this campground receives high marks for cleanliness. "Large very clean bathhouse. Several small playgrounds and swingsets scattered about. The grounds are meticulously maintained, and the small number of permanent residents also have maintained their 5th wheels and Motorhomes well," shares Jennifer B.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Several campgrounds remain open year-round but with limited services. "Had practically the whole campground to ourselves. Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too. Water option we're the lake or a 30 min drive into town for bottled. Not a big deal but something to be prepared for," notes Matthew I. about Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
Reservation requirements: Holiday weekends fill quickly at many parks. "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. Owner greets you on entering and then guides you to your site," advises Dave P. about D & W Lake RV Park.
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds report active wildlife, particularly at night. "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns Samantha S. about Turkey Run State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many RV campgrounds in the Homer area include children's play areas. "There's 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.
Beach options: For families seeking water activities, Clinton Lake offers an accessible swimming beach. "The good: swim beach is not right in campground but nearby. $3 entry for beach. The RV campground is on the water, book far enough in advance for a waterfront site. You can kayak or fish from campground. Sites all seemed flat and most were shady. There's a playground by bathrooms which have showers," shares Sarah M.
Entertainment options: Some areas offer unique attractions beyond the campgrounds. "Gibson City has a great drive in movie theater and German Restaurant. Gibson is about 20 minutes from the camp ground," notes Debbie B., highlighting family-friendly activities near Moraine View State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection and leveling: RV sites in the area vary considerably in levelness. "Our site was very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It's was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end. The site was huge but given the unevenness it would be difficult for tents," shares Michelle M. about Turkey Run State Park.
Access considerations at Tin Cup RV Park: Located near Mahomet, about 25 miles west of Homer, this park offers easy highway access. "Super nice owners of this driving range with campsites. It's extremely close to the popular Lake of the Woods Forest preserve. We've camped here in tents with no problems, but it is mainly for RV stop overs from I74," explains Marisa A.
Electrical options: Electric hookup capabilities vary across campgrounds. "All sites are electric at Turkey Run. $23 per night. The campground is located in a mature tree woods, so some sites are not as level as others," notes Joel R. Most RV campgrounds near Homer offer 30-amp service as standard, with some parks like Prairie Pines and D & W Lake providing 50-amp options.
