Camping spots near Mackinaw, Illinois primarily occupy flat central Illinois terrain with elevations typically under 800 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly reach into the 90s with high humidity from June through August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for outdoor recreation. The region's campgrounds largely operate from April through October, with limited winter options available at select locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Comlara County Park offers multiple fishing spots around Evergreen Lake. "Nice lake-good fishing. RV sites fairly close together with not many/any trees for privacy," notes Kathie M. The park includes both shoreline fishing and boat access points for anglers of all experience levels.
Hiking trails: Comlara County Park features marked walking paths through wooded areas. "There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow," explains Sage C. These trails remain relatively flat, making them accessible for most ability levels.
Water recreation: Access Evergreen Lake for kayaking and boating from multiple launch points. "The dock was just a short walk away. It's very cool that the folks at Comlara put that dock there for the tent campers to use," shares Scott N., describing the convenience of water access from the primitive camping area.
Swimming: Moraine View State Recreational Area maintains a dedicated swimming beach separate from the campground. "Swim beach is not right in campground but nearby. $3 entry for beach," mentions Sarah M. The beach typically operates weekends only during peak season.
Playground activities: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "Much bigger lake than I first thought," notes Nathan E. about Comlara County Park, which includes several playground structures throughout the camping areas.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Millpoint Park offers particularly large camping spots compared to other area facilities. "Our site was huge. Right by jones pond, but the fishing was not the best right by our site," mentions Melissa B. The campground provides ample space between sites, reducing crowding issues common at other locations.
Water views: Several campgrounds feature waterfront camping options. "Sites that are close to the river have a great view of the skyline at night and if you don't mind having just electric and being on sand these are great sites," explains Nancy W. about Carl Spindler Campground's riverside options.
Weekend entertainment: Kentuckiana Kampground and Country Opry provides organized activities during summer weekends. "Nice campground! Music most Saturday nights. Bocce ball playgrounds and pavilions, activities most weekends," shares Jennifer M. The campground's country music performances attract visitors specifically for evening entertainment.
Quiet weekday camping: Most area campgrounds experience significantly lower occupancy Sunday through Thursday. "Quiet but tight spots. Along the Illinois River. Includes showers and laundry house," notes Cindy H. about Carl Spindler Campground, highlighting the peaceful atmosphere during non-peak times.
Shaded campsites: Hickory Hill Campground offers extensive tree cover, providing relief from summer heat. "Very nice place. Great for a weekend getaway. Clean, quiet, and plenty of shade," shares Kevin T. The wooded setting creates natural privacy barriers between camping spots.
What you should know
Campsite proximity: Most established campgrounds in this region feature relatively close site spacing. "Spaces are tight. Most are pull-though but there isn't a lot of room between campers so don't expect much privacy," reports Jamie G. about Kentuckiana Campground, reflecting a common characteristic of area facilities.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October, closing during winter months. "We stayed here the second week of October in 2020," notes Ryan L. about his visit to Kentuckiana Kampground, indicating that late-season camping remains available but with reduced services.
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. "We did not have any cell phone service here at all and from talking to some of the other campers they did not either so that eliminates at least Sprint and Verizon cell phone signal," Ryan L. mentions regarding Kentuckiana Kampground, contrasting with strong coverage at other nearby facilities.
Weekend crowding: Timberline Campground experiences heavy usage during summer weekends. "Memorial Weekend they had lots of activities for adults and children. The staff that helped us were very kind. However, at our site the breaker was broken, so we waited for hours for someone to come fix it," reports Brooke, describing the common combination of enhanced activities but reduced service quality during peak periods.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have mineral-heavy water systems. "The water here has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird," Melissa C. notes about Millpoint Park. Bringing drinking water is recommended for most camping locations in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Timberline Campground offers specialized attractions for children. "Jumping pillow and a several playgrounds. Nice campstore. Would highly recommend," suggests Emily R. The campground's recreational areas provide structured play options beyond standard playground equipment.
Weekend schedules: Plan around organized family events at several campgrounds. "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 Nick W. about Kentuckiana Campground's family-oriented programming.
Beach access considerations: Beaches in the area often operate on limited schedules. "The swimming beach is apparently only open on the weekends but there are plenty of places to get in the water so it wasn't a big deal," mentions Brandi M. regarding Moraine View State Recreational Area's water access policy.
Playground proximity: Consider campsite location relative to play areas. "They have a nice pond. They also have a kids play area in the Hollar, Complete with a giant slide," notes Ryan L., highlighting the importance of selecting sites based on proximity to recreational facilities for families with children.
Educational opportunities: Several area campgrounds offer nature programs during summer months. "We were able to do some fishing and kayaking. We caught some bluegill, buffalo, and large mouth bass," reports Marie B. about Millpoint Park, where water-based learning activities provide family engagement options.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer full hookups, though specific services vary. "FHU, shower house, no laundry but there are small towns close by that have stores, gas, and laundry facilities," explains Cindy H. about Kentuckiana Campground's amenities.
Site leveling requirements: Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground features particularly level sites. "Sites are spacious, incredibly level, well-shaded and this feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country," notes Stuart K., contrasting with other area campgrounds requiring more extensive leveling procedures.
Pull-through access: Several campgrounds offer pull-through sites for larger RVs. "The campground staff is polite and they have a runner guide you to your campsite, which is good because the sites are a bit cramped," shares Ryan L. about Kentuckiana Kampground's arrival process.
Highway proximity: Some campgrounds provide convenient highway access for overnight stops. "This campground is very well kept with very clean showers and restrooms. Golf carts are allowed here which is a plus," Adam F. says about Carl Spindler Campground, which offers easy access from major roadways.
Electrical capacity: Varying electrical service levels exist between campgrounds. "We payed $28 a night for a full hook up," mentions Adam F. about Carl Spindler Campground, representing the mid-range pricing for full-service sites in the region.
