Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area forms the natural anchor of camping options near Lena, Illinois, situated among rolling hills and small creeks at an elevation of 830 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winters dropping below freezing. Modern yurt accommodations have expanded camping options beyond traditional tent and RV setups, providing visitors with climate-controlled alternatives during temperature extremes.
What to do
Hiking trails: Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area features hiking paths with varied terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Riding into this state park on my bicycle was a challenge. There are many steep hills but at least they aren't too long. There are some trails that will take you around some of the hills through open fields if you are interested in walking around the campground," notes one visitor at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area.
Water activities: Swimming and fishing opportunities exist at several parks despite occasional water quality issues. "We had a lot of fun there playing in the water on the beach however my son who was five at the time got a really bad bacterial rash from the water," warns a camper about Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area.
Tubing and kayaking: Access the Sugar River for water adventures at Crazy Horse Campground. "We have camped here twice once in the fall once in the summer during the summer they provide at no charge kayaks and a shuttle to a drop-off point which you can kayak back down to the campground which takes about an hour and a half," explains David H.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-designed layouts for privacy. "We were in site 148 which was quite nice. Great shade and dense woods separated us from the RV area," reports a visitor about Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse animal populations. "We enjoyed our site, nice campground. Lots of birds," mentions one camper at Lake Le-Aqua-Na, while another notes, "We saw turkeys wandering around, lots of different birds, heard coyotes hooting and hollering in the distance, and an opossum wandered into my site while I was sitting by the fire."
Live entertainment: Sweet Minnihaha Campground offers regular performances. "There are bands playing on the weekends. Easy access to on and off the river for tubing," explains Steve S., while another camper adds, "I originally went to this campground a couple years ago for a music festival, but I discovered how much fun it was. The people were incredible."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many facilities close during colder months. At White Pines Forest State Park Campground, a visitor notes: "There are showers here. I'm not sure if they're open year-round, but the campground is."
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain affects comfort at several campgrounds. "We slept with our heads lower than our feet in our camper van. Except for the handicap accessible sites, all are non electric," reports one camper about a nearby state park.
Budget planning: Costs vary significantly between properties. "Crazy Horse Campground is very expensive. They have a Daily Activity bracelet that allows you to partake in all activities but you need to purchase per person for each day regardless if you will utilize," explains Marc W.
Yurt availability: Yurt camping near Lena, Illinois requires advance booking due to limited inventory. These structures feature solid floors, locking doors, and many have electricity, providing a luxury camping experience without requiring personal equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Crazy Horse Campground offers numerous attractions for children. "With the kids we do use all of the included activities which include pool, kayaking services, batting cages, miniature golf, peddle cars, and some others I'm sure I'm forgetting," notes Marc W.
Wildlife interactions: Several properties maintain animal areas for children. "Such a lovely camp...on our visit we saw lots of wildlife from chickens to cats that are so nice and walk right up to you," mentions Brittany H. about Sweet Minnihaha Campground.
Water safety: Monitor children closely during water activities due to quality concerns. "The lake was brown looking. A lot of rain in area caused flooding. No swimming or boating currently on lake," warns one camper about conditions at Lake Le-Aqua-Na.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Palace Campground, experienced RVers recommend specific areas. "If you get along the outsides you have a lot more privacy and better chance they will be level. If you aren't worried about sharing a conversation with your neighbor then you can pick anything," advises Scott M.
Road conditions: Be prepared for rough park roads when towing. "The roads need repair, many potholes. Otherwise very nice campground," notes one visitor about Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area.
Dump station logistics: Plan timing around busy periods. "The line to clean out the tanks was long and blocks the way in and out," observes Bill L. at Lake Le-Aqua-Na.
