Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers diverse camping experiences beyond its glamping options. The recreation area features several distinct camping loops, each with its own character. Sites near the lake provide direct water access, while more wooded areas offer greater shade and privacy. Tent campers will find the J loop particularly appealing, with its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient beach access.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Clinton Lake has numerous trails around the shoreline with varying difficulty levels. At Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, one camper noted, "Hiking path all around the shore of the lake. Some hidden fishing areas but we didn't have any luck."
Enjoy water activities: The unusually warm lake water creates excellent swimming conditions. "You wIll defInItely want to bring a suit. The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach," explains a visitor. The warmth comes from the nearby nuclear plant discharge, making this a popular destination for boaters and swimmers.
Visit historic sites: When staying at Springfield KOA, take advantage of proximity to Abraham Lincoln historical sites. "Springfield KOA is actually in Rochester, but it is only about 25 mins into Springfield and all the wonderful Lincoln historic sites," reports one camper. These include Lincoln's home, his tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Fish in stocked ponds: Kentuckiana Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities. "They have a nice pond. They also have a kids play area in the Hollar, Complete with a giant slide," mentions a camper. Some locations offer license-free fishing, allowing campers to catch and keep their fish.
What campers like
Spacious, private tent sites: For authentic tent camping near Lincoln, consider Friends Creek Campground. "Level sites, clean restrooms and showers and friendly staff," notes one camper. Another adds, "Friends Creek is a small campground with nice spacious sites and super clean bathhouses and pit toilets."
Lakefront views: Many campers appreciate sites directly on the water. At Sangchris Lake State Park Campground, "All sites at Hickory Point very close to lake. Several fishing docks in campground," as one reviewer explains. The sunset views over water create memorable camping experiences.
Clean facilities: Consistently clean bathrooms and showers rank high on campers' priority lists. A camper at Sangchris Lake noted, "Clean bathhouse. Campground hosts very helpful. Electric only but water available and nice dump station." This attention to maintenance creates a more comfortable glamping experience close to Lincoln, Illinois.
Seasonal beauty: Spring and fall camping offers colorful surroundings and milder weather. "We were looking for a quick place to spend the night, like a Walmart or gas station when we found this gem. It is only a few miles off the highway, making it super convenient for a quick overnight stop," shared a late-season camper at Comlara County Park.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have water with high iron content. At Millpoint Park, a camper advises, "Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird." Bringing bottled water for drinking is recommended at several locations.
Reservation systems differ: Each campground handles reservations differently. At Friends Creek, "if you reserve a camping spot it's just to have a site. Specific campsites aren't reserved. Get here early and you have your choice," explains one camper. Other campgrounds assign specific sites.
Off-season challenges: Winter camping requires preparation. A Clinton Lake visitor warns, "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."
Alcohol policies: Rules vary by location. Some campgrounds prohibit alcohol entirely, while others have designated alcohol-free loops. At Clinton Lake, "The loops that allow alcohol can get a bit rowdy with weekend partiers, but the alcohol restricted loops can get loud from all the families."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Kentuckiana Campground offers excellent family amenities. "Great place for kids. Decent little parks. Huge slide in the holler. Spots are kind of cramped and close together, one of our favorite places though!" shares one family. Another adds, "There are a LOT of long-term campers there."
Beach access for kids: Clinton Lake's J loop provides convenient water access. "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on," notes a parent.
Quieter camping zones: For families seeking peace, request specific areas. "Holidays are crazy. I've heard people say you can sometimes get a nice, fairly secluded spot but I haven't had the patience to try," says a Clinton Lake visitor. Midweek stays typically offer quieter environments.
Natural exploration: Friends Creek offers educational opportunities. "The old school house is a must see," recommends a camper. "We hiked a bit on the trails and played in the creek. Highly recommend," adds another, making this an excellent upscale glamping experience near Lincoln for families wanting both comfort and nature.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited at many locations. "We have only stayed in the electric only sites as the full hookup sites are hard to come by," notes a Clinton Lake camper. Making reservations well in advance is essential for prime hookup sites.
Site selection advice: At Carl Spindler Campground, "Site sizes are, for the most part, very generous and can accommodate a large RV and extra vehicle/s. Some are very close to each other (beach and overflow) and there is no physical separation between them." This waterfront campground offers good value for RVers at $27-28 per night for full hookups.
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds operate with reduced services in winter. "They close most of the park in the winter time which only leaves 22 paved sites available," explains a Carl Spindler visitor. Year-round RV campers should confirm which facilities remain open during off-season stays.
Road access notes: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. A Springfield KOA visitor warns, "The roads leading to the campground are narrow, luckily we didn't encounter someone coming the other way!" Always research road conditions before arriving with large rigs.
