Johnsonville, Illinois, sits in the heart of southern Illinois at an elevation of approximately 500 feet. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters where freezing temperatures are common. The region's rolling hills and numerous lakes create numerous waterfront camping opportunities within a 30-mile radius of Johnsonville, with seasonal closures typically running from late November through mid-March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area offers a variety of fishing spots on Forbes Lake. "This state park is a basic but nice state park facility. The tent sites were basic but fairly level and clean. Most of the sites had fire pits and picnic table," notes Chad K., who visited during rainy weather.
Swimming areas: Gun Creek provides access to Carlyle Lake with designated swimming areas. "It was a good view, also pretty RV heavy, but tent friendly. Grassy area, fire pit, stone table," reports Brennan M., who warns that "because of the lake there are tons of mosquitos, plan accordingly!"
Hiking trails: South Sandusky Campground connects to paved bike trails throughout the Rend Lake area. A camper named Gina explains, "If you camp for the hiking though this isn't my favorite site. There are lots of bike trails but for just hiking there are much better places."
Boating access: South Marcum Campground provides boat ramps for lake access. According to Kelly B., "Great camping, usual campground with clean facility's. My family & i enjoy the lake for fishing, boating, swimming & beach time! Close to town for the forgotten marshmallows!"
What campers like
Cell service limitations: The disconnected nature of camping near Johnsonville can be a welcome break. At Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area, one camper shares, "This is where we have camped the most. There is very little cell service so it is a great place to be unplugged and enjoy time with friends and family!"
Spacious sites: Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area gets high marks for site size. One reviewer notes, "Absolutely huge site with old growth trees throughout the campground without lots of space between."
Beach access: Coles Creek Recreation Area provides dedicated beach facilities. "This wonderful camping area is beautiful with clean campsites. With picnic areas and a beach close you and the family will have a good time and make new friends," writes Jake L.
Glamping in Southern Illinois: While traditional camping dominates, glamping in Johnsonville, Illinois area has expanded beyond just canvas structures. Several campgrounds now offer glamping options including Harmonie State Park Campground where premium overnight accommodations provide more comfort than standard tent sites.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Southern Illinois experiences variable weather patterns. At Gun Creek, a camper recommends, "Nice, large, well thought out campground. Lots of trees, paved sites, bathrooms, showers, and well maintained. Offers full hookups, partial or none."
Wildlife encounters: Local campsites frequently host wildlife visitors. At South Marcum, one camper mentions, "Great place, clean. Lots of deer and turkey!"
Seasonal maintenance: Early season camping may encounter water quality issues. At Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, a camper noted, "Only complaint that I have was the potable water supply. I filled by trailer's tank at the drinking water supply when you enter the campground. It was extremely dirty with a lot of copper colored solids."
Reservation planning: Harmonie State Park Campground in nearby Indiana requires advance booking for popular weekends. "We stayed the weekend before Halloween. We missed reserving the weekend they have the campground trick or treating, which was the weekend before, but this was just as fun. Apparently that weekend has to be reserved the day reservations open for it," advises Nichole M.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween events: The area around Johnsonville hosts numerous campground Halloween celebrations. At Harmonie State Park, "They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot and although there weren't a ton of vehicles, it was definitely enough for the kids to have fun trick or treating."
Playgrounds: Multiple recreation areas offer child-friendly facilities. At South Sandusky, Jennifer G. shares, "Most of the sites are large and a good distance from the next one. Shower house is alright. The store/restaurant has been closed for a year or two now because of the Illinois budget."
Pool access: During hot summer months, several campgrounds provide swimming pools. A visitor to Illini Campground notes, "There are three playground areas, a basketball court, sand volleyball and a pool during summer months. Lots of families with kids, bike rides and plenty of other lake and outdoor activities in the area."
Luxury glamping alternatives: For families seeking upscale glamping near Johnsonville, Illinois, Okaw Valley Kampground offers more comfortable options. "This place is well maintained and the owners are extremely helpful and very nice," shares Kimberly Y., adding that "their fishing lake is beautiful and stocked with bass, bluegill and catfish. The swimming pool feels great on the hot summer days."
Tips from RVers
Dump station planning: At some campgrounds, limited facilities can create bottlenecks. At Coles Creek Recreation Area, one RVer observed, "The only thing I would change is the ONE dump station for this massive campground."
Leveling blocks: Many sites require equipment for leveling. At Gun Creek, Jeff F. notes, "What a beautiful campground, it's our second time here. Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them."
Site selection: RVers recommend reviewing site details before booking. At South Marcum, an experienced camper advises, "Great camp ground.. 50 amp service, some with water and some with Full hookup... Dump stations are EZ access on the way out."
