Camping around Lincoln, Illinois typically experiences a four-season climate with hot summers reaching 90°F and cold winters dipping below 20°F. The terrain surrounding Lincoln features gently rolling hills and prairie landscapes, with most campgrounds situated between 500-650 feet above sea level. Overnight RV camping near Lincoln offers access to central Illinois' historical attractions while providing a variety of seasonal outdoor activities at nearby lakes and forests.
What to do
Hiking through pine forests: Sand Ridge State Forest offers unique hiking experiences through sandy terrain with unexpected features for central Illinois. "The orange trail (5 mile loop) starts at the campground making it easy to access the trail to check out the sandy forest and prickly pear cactus... Hiking in sand is challenging and you'll get a work out!" reports Amanda C. about Pine Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides multiple fishing spots with uncommon water conditions. "Clinton Lake is a boating destination as the waters are unusually warm due to the discharge from the nearby nuclear plant," notes Stacia R. Anglers can access the shoreline or use the boat launch facilities for deeper water fishing.
Seasonal swimming: When summer temperatures rise, several campgrounds offer swimming options. At Millpoint Park, "there's a fantastic boat launch that will have you fishing, kayaking and experiencing this body of fresh water shortly after you anchor into your spot for the night. In fact, you don't even need to get into a boat, by accessing one of 2 small little lakes where you can simply cast a line in from the dock," according to Stuart K.
Exploring historical sites: The Illinois State Fair Campground serves as a convenient base for visiting nearby Lincoln-related attractions. "Short drive 2.5 miles to Lincoln home. 1 mile from Lincoln's Tomb," notes Jeffrey F., making it practical for history-focused travelers wanting to explore Springfield's presidential landmarks.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Many campers appreciate the consistent upkeep at campgrounds near Lincoln. At The Double J Campground and RV Park, visitors note the attention to detail: "Honestly amazed by how clean and well maintained this campground is. River rock driveways (not gravel) and sites- well packed down and regularly grated," reports Jessica T.
Spacious sites: Millpoint Park receives praise for its generous camping spaces. "Campsites are spacious and well-distanced," mentions Brett F., while another camper adds, "We were on 2 huge pull-thru sites with just our 2 tents and we were the only tent campers I saw—maybe 1/3 of other sites had RVs."
Family-friendly amenities: Weldon Springs State Park Campground offers features appealing to families with children. "The park has beautiful natural meadows, an old schoolhouse to explore, and a large pond with trails all the way around it. A WWII memorial is found along the pond and there are also boat rentals and plenty of good fishing spots. The park also has decent shower houses and more than one playground for the kids," describes Jamie G.
Quiet atmosphere: For those seeking peaceful camping, several options exist away from interstate noise. "Quiet, well-spaced campground with nice concrete fire rings & picnic tables. There are only a few pull-through sites and there are several spots with size limitations for campers," notes Jamie G. about Weldon Springs State Park Campground.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have mineral-heavy water systems. At Millpoint Park, Stuart K. warns, "The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don't attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it's fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you."
Seasonal insects: Summer camping requires preparation for bugs. "If you haven't camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay," advises Stuart K.
Highway noise considerations: When selecting a campground location, traffic noise can be significant. At Love's RV Stop, MickandKarla W. notes, "As this RV Park is right off the interstate, you get highway noise," though many accept this tradeoff for convenience.
Reservation timing: Some campgrounds fill quickly, particularly during peak seasons. For Clinton Lake, one reviewer cautions, "It's a nice campground but it's usually insanely busy. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas for children. At Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, Linda N. shares, "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."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with diverse recreational options. Jamie G. notes that Weldon Springs offers "more than one playground for the kids. Along the marina that have snacks/concessions as well," providing entertainment beyond typical camping activities.
Swimming options: During summer visits, beach access can be valuable for families. "Clinton Lake has a really nice beach for swimming and picnics. Have about 20 nice full hook up spots and a bunch of electric sites. Our family spent a week there and loved it," reports Brandon E. about Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
Short hiking trails: For younger campers, select campgrounds with accessible trails. Priscilla J. shares, "We walked a couple trails and they were lots of fun for us and the kids/dogs," noting the family-friendly nature of Weldon Springs' path system.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: For extended stays, note which campgrounds offer full services. "Full hookups each site. On Illinois river. Has cabins for rent, showers," reports Mike S. about Millpoint RV Park, making it suitable for longer trips.
Campsite surfaces: RV leveling can vary between locations. Melissa C. shares about Millpoint Park: "We enjoyed a nice pull-through full hookup site that required minimal leveling," while at Kamp Komfort RV Park, Ryan L. notes "Some of the sites have concrete pads, some don't."
Overnight convenience: For travelers passing through, strategically located RV parks offer practical advantages. At Kamp Komfort RV Park, a reviewer appreciates the "Convenient I74 Highway Camping Pitstop" quality, noting "Sites are spacious, incredibly level, well-shaded and this feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country."
Winter camping considerations: Year-round RV campers should note seasonal adaptations at campgrounds. One visitor at The Double J Campground and RV Park explains they're open all year, though in winter months water connections are winterized during freezing temperatures, requiring campers to plan accordingly for water needs.
