Percy sits in the hills of southwestern Illinois at around 480 feet elevation, surrounded by forest preserves and lake areas. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Camping sites near Percy, Illinois remain accessible year-round but winter camping requires additional preparation due to temperatures that regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Pyramid State Recreation Area offers multiple hiking paths with varied difficulty levels. "Great hiking trails and easy to follow," notes one visitor. The park spans over 19,000 acres with trails leading to scenic overlooks and fishing spots.
Fishing opportunities: Kaskaskia River Lock and Dam provides excellent fishing access. "This place is really good for fishing. Good catfish and crappie bass sauger etc," reports a camper. The site features concrete fishing platforms and shore access points.
Bird watching: Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground offers prime bird watching locations from its bluff position. The area supports diverse bird species with "calandar-worthy views over the Mississippi River" according to one reviewer. Morning hours typically yield the most active bird sightings.
Historic site exploration: Fort Kaskaskia includes remnants of an 18th-century French fort. "Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site is located on the remains of historic Fort Kaskaskia, constructed by the French in the 1700s to defend the town of Kaskaskia," explains a visitor. The site features interpretive signs explaining its significance.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Randolph County State Recreation Area receives consistent praise for its peaceful environment. "Clean and very quiet," mentions one camper, while another notes it's "Quiet Chill and Peaceful." Sites are spread across three camping loops with varying levels of seclusion.
Lake views: Washington County State Recreation Area features campsites with lake vistas. "The park surrounds a very pretty lake," writes one visitor. The 248-acre lake provides scenic backdrops for most campsites.
Stargazing conditions: The relative distance from major cities creates exceptional night sky visibility. "The sky was real dark, great for picking out constellations," notes a camper at Washington County. Light pollution is minimal, allowing for clear constellation viewing on cloudless nights.
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds report regular wildlife sightings. "We listened to Whip-por-will calls around the campfire," writes one visitor about their Washington County experience, while another mentions "cute little forest bunnies running around" at Randolph County.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Johnson Creek Campground sometimes experiences water shutoffs. "All of the water is shut off and it appears that the dump station hasn't worked in years," reports one camper. Always bring extra water when camping here.
Reservation systems differ: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. "Best sites are first come first serve other half are reservable," notes a Randolph County visitor. Lake Campalot accepts reservations for all sites.
Facility maintenance inconsistencies: Trail and amenity conditions vary between parks. "The trails were VERY unkept and there was poison ivy at nearly every step," warns a Johnson Creek visitor. Check recent reviews before planning activities.
Shower availability limited: Many campgrounds offer only basic facilities. "Mid week stay. Great pads for our little tear drop, easy access. Pit toilets could have been cleaner, but fine. Quiet. Clean. Nice view of the Mississippi. Didn't find showers mentioned in another review," notes a Fort Kaskaskia visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Randolph County provides family-friendly recreation areas. "Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground," reports a parent who visited with toddlers.
Swimming limitations: Despite promotional materials, swimming areas may be unavailable. "The entry map shows a beach - there might have been 5 years ago but now absolutely nothing that even resembled a place to swim," warns a Johnson Creek visitor. Call ahead to confirm swimming access.
Cabin options for easier camping: Sharp Rock Falls Recreation offers cabin rentals as alternatives to tent camping. The cabins provide shelter from unpredictable weather without requiring camping equipment.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds feature educational programming during summer months. "We spent about 4 hours just taking every little trail we could," writes a visitor to Pyramid State Recreation Area. Morning and evening walks often yield the most wildlife sightings.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: Campground layouts vary in RV accommodation. "Getting around is a little tight for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you're careful," advises a visitor to Randolph County. Measure your rig length before booking.
Dump station locations: Some facilities have oddly positioned dump stations. "Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there's no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It's approximately a mile before the campground on your left," notes a Randolph County reviewer.
Power availability: Electrical service varies between parks and sites. "About 15 sites all have 50 amp hook up. Water fill available during season and dump station," reports a Kaskaskia visitor. Many campgrounds offer only 30-amp service or no hookups.
Space between sites: Privacy levels differ between campgrounds. "The RV sites are very close together, so don't expect privacy or quiet days/evenings at least in the Pine Ridge campground," warns a Randolph County visitor.
