Canton Lake and surrounding RV parks near Macomb, Illinois provide diverse camping options across western Illinois. The terrain features rolling hills around Argyle Lake and more open, level sites at Spring Lake Park. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to mid-80s in summer, with fall camping season typically extending into late October when most facilities remain open with reduced crowding.
What to do
Fishing and boating: Canton Lake permits fishing but swimming is restricted to those with boats. As one visitor notes, "Great atmosphere all except we could not swim in the lake unless we were with people who had a boat."
Trail exploration: Argyle Lake State Park offers challenging hiking trails with elevation changes. "The hiking trails are challenging for 2 middle aged folks- lots of climbing up, then down, at some pretty steep inclines. And the trails don't loop around on themselves so you come out a mile or more from where you started and just have to hoof it along the road to get back," according to one visitor.
Primitive camping: Sand Ridge State Forest provides backcountry sites for those seeking solitude. A camper shared, "This review is for the backpacking campsites within the Sand Ridge forest. The trail is a mix of sand and soil. It's quite an unexpected discovery in Illinois. We didn't see anyone else on the trail but we saw cars parked so hikers were out there."
What campers like
Pine forest environment: Campers appreciate the unique ecosystem at Sand Ridge State Forest. "This is a great campground mostly for tents though a few RVs were there too. Large sites in a pine forest with a thick bed of pine needles," a reviewer mentioned.
Affordable camping options: Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area offers economical primitive sites. "Just $6 a night. Hiking trails, kayaking and fishing are available but we didn't get a chance to take advantage of those things," one camper reported.
Helpful staff: Haven Hills Campground received praise for service quality. "We loved the helpful service from the owner as he helped us get settled in. It was our first time there and it was a great visit. The showers at the main lodge were AMAZING," noted a recent visitor.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Water access can be inconsistent at certain campgrounds, requiring planning. At Sand Ridge State Forest, "There are water pumps to fill up your water tanks, but you will need a funnel to get the water in your hose since there is no threaded tip on the pump. The water here is very good and drinkable right out of the pump with no mineral flavor or discoloration."
Site spacing and privacy: Twisted Oak Campground at Argyle Lake has mixed reviews about site spacing. One camper cautioned, "The campground had very little tree cover and the campsites were right on top of one another. In the summer heat you get cooked."
Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping offers quieter experiences at many locations. A Sand Ridge State Forest visitor shared, "I stayed here Dec. 9, 2021. Registration is just down the road and up the hill. Facilities were clean, there was only one other camper there the night I stayed so it was super quiet."
