Central Illinois offers some excellent glamping and camping options near Mahomet, with terrain consisting primarily of gently rolling plains and wooded areas surrounding lakes and rivers. Campers can enjoy a mix of forested and open sites, with the area's climate featuring warm summers and moderate spring and fall seasons. Several campgrounds provide both primitive and full-service sites within a 30-mile radius of Mahomet.
What to do
Paddle on warm waters: Lake Shelbyville provides unique paddling experiences with unusually warm water temperatures. "Nice place for a weekend visit or a week of fun on Lake Shelbyville. Sites are spread out fairly well and there's plenty of shade from the summer sun," notes a visitor to Forrest W. Bo Wood. The lake's warm temperature is due to discharge from a nearby nuclear plant, making it comfortable for swimming even in early or late season.
Explore hiking trails: Middle Fork Forest Preserve offers a mix of woodland and prairie hiking. "The Oak Burl trail is mostly wooded. We came upon a 8" deep creek to cross (thanks small tree branch to walk across!). We found little offshoots to spots along the Middle Fork River. One couple found a rock bar to lay out on for their own private river-beach," reports a camper at Harry L. Swartz Campground.
Night sky viewing: The area offers excellent stargazing opportunities at certain locations. "Since the campground is right next to a Dark Sky Park, stargazing is amazing if you have good weather... Our second visit was in August for the Perseid meteor shower and a local expert came to give a talk and there was a meteor viewing party of sorts," mentions a visitor to Harry L. Swartz Campground.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites at certain campgrounds. At Friends Creek Campground, a reviewer noted, "Friends Creek is a small campground with well spaced 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."
Waterfront access: Direct lake and river access ranks high on campers' lists. "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," shares a visitor to Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers matter to campers. "The bathrooms were very clean. The camp host is a jewel," notes a camper from Friends Creek Campground. Another camper at D & W Lake RV Park mentions, "Very nice looking campground. When we drove in, 1st impression, it gave off a 'Welcome' feel. Sites level, plenty of space between campers, shade trees, loved the dog run too."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Winter camping options exist but with limitations. "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. Not a big deal but something to be prepared for," shares a winter camper at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
Booking timing: Reservations fill quickly during peak times. "Large campground that gets booked up most weekends. Clinton Lake is a boating destination as the waters are unusually warm due to the discharge from the nearby nuclear plant," notes a reviewer.
Traffic noise: Highway proximity affects some camping experiences. A tent camper at D & W Lake RV Park reported, "Our only 'problem' with the park can't be changed. The interstate noise could be heard all night, and at times overpowered the sounds of nature. This is probably only an issue for tenters, though."
Tips for camping with families
Check loop-specific features: Different campground loops offer distinct experiences. "There are several different loops within the campground, some are alcohol free and others have direct access to the lake... The different loops have very different feels...some are very shaded in the trees, some more open with a prairie type view," explains a Clinton Lake visitor.
Look for recreation variety: Comlara County Park offers diverse activities for children. "There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow. Not too populated," shares one camper. Another notes the "community feel" where "some people have wonderful setups and especially at night, the more luxurious configurations attract the kiddos to checkout."
Consider tent vs. RV areas: Some campgrounds separate these areas for better experiences. "RV Park with 5 tent sites, a lake, small playground, and a dog run. The bathrooms and showers were very clean and well maintained," explains a D & W Lake visitor.
Tips from RVers
Check specific amperage availability: Some campgrounds offer both 30-amp and 50-amp service, while others are limited. "Nice big spacious sites! Reserve early to get full hookup!" advises an RVer at Forrest W. Bo Wood.
Pay attention to site positioning: Some RV sites have better shade or lake views. "Many spots for RV/campers, and as you venture further in, you'll find large open fields with camping spots - some are electric or not, so check while you reserve," advises a Comlara County Park visitor.
Use pull-through convenience: Several campgrounds offer easy access sites. "Check-in was easy, we were pre-paid, we were taken directly to our pull-thru site," shares a D & W Lake RV Park visitor, noting the convenience for larger rigs.
