RV camping near Makanda, Illinois offers both water-based and forest recreation options with several sites open year-round. The region includes portions of Shawnee National Forest at elevations ranging from 400-600 feet, experiencing humid continental climate with distinct seasons. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring camping provides comfortable conditions with wildflower viewing opportunities.
What to do
Fishing at designated ponds: Crab Orchard Lake Campground features multiple fishing spots directly accessible from lakeside sites. "We camp at Blue Heron Campground in Carterville, right on Crab Orchard Lake. Places to eat and shop close by. Pizza can be delivered to campground. We camp there 6-8 times a year, several days at a time. It is my husbands favorite place to Bass Fish," notes one regular visitor.
Hiking varied terrain: Giant City State Park Campground offers multiple trail difficulty levels within walking distance of campsites. "There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here. The geology is much like the Missouri area near the other bank of the Mississippi river," writes one camper. The Red Cedar Trail forms a 6-mile loop with primitive structures along the route.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Crab Orchard Lake Campground provide opportunities to spot herons, turtles and deer. According to a camper, "It was a quiet, lovely place with great sunsets over the water, as well as herons, geese, turtles, and deer." Wildlife viewing is particularly good during spring and fall migrations.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the direct lake access at Crab Orchard Lake Campground. "Very big roomy and grassy sites. Some right on the lake shore. This is a national conservation area so our national park passes are accepted meaning only $10 a night for electric and water," explains one reviewer who found exceptional value.
Natural shade coverage: The mature trees at Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney provide cooling shade throughout the campground. "Great place to go. Lots of shade and always clean. Has a nice pool," mentions one visitor. Another camper notes, "Very well kept and clean campground. Great big trees, very shaded, great store."
Star-gazing opportunities: Clear night skies at Goatey Goat Ranch RV Park & Campground offer excellent astronomy viewing. "Perfect star gazing, only 5 to 10 minutes from grocery store & downtown area for drinks & dining, Sunrise & Sunset were beautiful with hilly country views," reports one camper who appreciated both the natural setting and nearby conveniences.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: Many campgrounds in the area have moved to online reservation systems with varying lead times. At Crab Orchard Lake, "Campground is now under the egis of recreation.gov& reservations through them are a must. This is new& when planning the trip the website said 'first come first serve,'" explains one visitor who encountered reservation changes.
Highway proximity affects noise levels: Several campgrounds near highways experience traffic noise. At Perryville RV Resort, one reviewer states, "It is right off the interstate, so there is some noise," while another mentions, "The drawbacks for us were how close it was to the interstate."
Seasonal facility limitations: Not all amenities remain open year-round. "There is a swimming beach (though it was closed till Memorial Day - and too cold anyway!), some older but functional and clean shower houses," reports a spring visitor to Crab Orchard Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation options: Archway RV Park offers family-friendly facilities close to Makanda. "There is a nice playground and dog park as well as a pond at the location. Great place to stop traveling through or for a weekend," writes one visitor. Another notes, "The outside area is made for families to play and relax and enjoy time together."
Swimming alternatives: When temperatures rise, seek water recreation at developed facilities. At Perryville RV Resort, "They put in a new swimming pool in this past summer. I did not try it but it looked nice," mentions one camper. The campground also features a walking trail and fishing pond.
Kid-friendly hiking: Giant City State Park Campground provides accessible nature trails for children. "The Giant City Nature Trail and Devils Standtable were really pretty, easy strolls. The Trillium Trail is a little more rugged for those who prefer less crowded, slightly tougher trails," advises one visitor who explored multiple options.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Cape Camping & RV Park provides convenient highway access for larger rigs. "Real nice RV park orientated toward rigs of all sizes. Easy to navigate the roads, with every site level concrete. ATT & Verizon both worked fine. Wifi & cable included in the price," reports an experienced RVer.
Site selection for size: When traveling with larger RVs, consider specific location requests. "This review is written from short stay versus destination point of view. Cape Camping is an easy campground to get to from Interstate 55. Check in was quick and easy. We had chose site A-1 when we made our reservations. However, after we got there we found site A-1 was very muddy from the recent rain," explains one RVer who appreciated flexibility in site assignments.
Utility hookup options: Understand the electrical service available at each campground. At Archway RV Park, "Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained," advises one RVer noting important equipment requirements.
