Central Illinois offers a landscape of rolling prairie and wooded areas around Mount Zion, creating distinct camping environments across seasons. The terrain near Mount Zion sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and significant humidity from June through August. Camping options within a 30-mile radius of Mount Zion range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV campgrounds with varying levels of lake access.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Wolf Creek State Park Campground features multiple hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. One camper noted, "There are a couple short trails and they were lots of fun for us and the kids/dogs," while another mentioned the "hiking trails and a beach and fishing and the town has a small movie theater showing current movies for $4.00."
Explore historic sites: Near Friends Creek Campground, visitors can discover local history. A reviewer shared, "The old school house is a must see. If you want to venture off there are plenty of little towns to check out or larger areas just a short drive." Another camper mentioned, "There is a historic schoolhouse, and guided tours are available by calling."
Fishing opportunities: Lithia Springs offers excellent fishing access with convenient amenities. A visitor explained, "The marina here is great with boat gas, fishing equipment, bait, snacks and other items you might need in a pinch. They also rent fishing boats and pontoon boats." Another camper simply stated, "Definitely a fishing oriented campground!"
Water recreation: Multiple campsites provide water access for various activities. At Lake Shelbyville, one camper shared, "This campground is very busy in the prime camping season, but if you are camping with a group and have a boat this is the place to go." Another mentioned, "We put in our kayaks on the boat ramp and enjoyed a nice paddle on a portion of the Shelbyville Lake."
What campers like
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Coon Creek (IL) receives praise for its layout and maintenance. A reviewer explained, "We chose a buddy site even though we weren't camping with another family because we like the location. It was right at the end of the peninsula, and it is by far the biggest and beautiful site we have ever stayed in." Another camper mentioned, "The camp sites are divided into many loops and have side pullin sites and backin sites."
Privacy and natural surroundings: Many campers appreciate the natural buffer between sites. At Friends Creek Campground, a visitor noted, "I loved that between some of the camp sites, they left a patch of prairie to act as a privacy barrier. If you camp on the west side, towards the open prairie, you'll have a great breeze most of the day!" Another mentioned the "Level sites, clean restrooms and showers and friendly staff."
Clean facilities: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area maintains high standards for bathrooms and showers. A camper stated, "The shower house is clean and well maintained," while another mentioned, "The showers/bathrooms are kept up well given the massive amount of people served."
Helpful camp hosts: Several campgrounds feature attentive hosts who enhance the experience. One camper at Weldon Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "Host on site always ready to help. Good fishing near by with walking trail surrounding pond." Another noted, "They have great camp hosts Dave and Sharon on the reservable side that will help out in anyway and are so friendly!"
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds follow specific seasonal patterns. Coon Creek operates from "May 1 to October 13," while Bo Wood runs from "mid apr-late oct." Plan accordingly, especially for spring and fall camping when weather can be unpredictable.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, particularly for waterfront sites. One camper advised, "This campground is very busy in the prime camping season," while another mentioned, "If camping on weekends May to September will need to book it in advanced."
Site selection considerations: Choosing the right site matters for comfort and privacy. A Bo Wood camper noted, "Some of the full hook up sites are directly in the sun," while another explained, "Your site is full shade and wooded with a nice fire pit and lantern post."
Insects and wildlife: The central Illinois climate creates seasonal insect challenges. One camper at Weldon Springs cautioned, "With all the rain we hade the bugs were as to be expected," while another mentioned more dramatically, "Locusts! Ok CG... worst bugs (mosquitoes and locusts) I've ever dealt with."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and recreational facilities: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. A Weldon Springs State Park Campground visitor noted, "The park also has decent shower houses and more than one playground for the kids. Along the marina that have snacks/concessions as well." Another mentioned, "There is a WWII memorial found along the pond and there are also boat rentals."
Consider shower and bathroom proximity: When camping with children, convenient facilities matter. A Friends Creek camper shared, "Friends Creek is a small campground with nice spacious sites and super clean bathhouses and pit toilets. The fire pits are well kept and the camp host was very kind! He came around with suckers for the kids and just to check in."
Beach access for summer visits: Lake swimming provides relief during hot months. A Clinton Lake visitor mentioned, "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer wildlife sightings kids enjoy. One camper noted, "There is tons of deer and other animals to watch and watch out that they don't steal your food while you are sleeping. The wild life is great for photography and makes for some good fireside stories."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Eagle Creek State Park Campground offers various hookup options with specific limitations. A camper noted, "There are lots of nice shaded sites in these campgrounds and all have fire ring grates, lantern posts, picnic tables and some have pole mounted campstove tables as well." Another RVer shared, "Most sites are large with extra lawn area to set up games."
Site leveling and access: Many campgrounds feature well-prepared RV sites. A Lithia Springs visitor mentioned, "The sites have both cement pads and gravel depending on the site. Some of the sites are huge, most are nice size and more or less well maintained. Luck of the draw on being level and having shade."
Water connection planning: Access to water varies by campground. A Wolf Creek camper advised, "Nice park, spacious sites, bring plenty of water hose. The water faucets for fill up can be a bit far away." Another mentioned, "It is recommended to fill your tanks as you enter so you won't need to get water during your stay."
Dump station locations: RVers should note sanitary facilities. One camper explained, "I tent camp when I stay here now, but have camped here with a motorhome and filled up when I entered and dumped when I left for a long weekend." Another mentioned the availability of "a convenient dump station."
