Best Campgrounds near Mattoon, IL
Campgrounds near Mattoon, Illinois cluster around Lake Shelbyville, offering a mix of developed and primitive camping experiences. Fox Ridge State Park Campground, located about 10 miles east of Mattoon near Charleston, provides wooded sites with electric hookups suitable for tents and RVs. Lake Shelbyville itself hosts multiple campgrounds including Bo Wood, Coon Creek, and Opossum Creek, all managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Several campgrounds in the area feature cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options, with Spring Creek Campground and Wolf Creek State Park both offering cabins. Most locations maintain a mix of tent sites, RV pads with hookups, and some specialized accommodations like yurts or glamping options.
Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region, with many locations operating on limited schedules from April through October. Full-service amenities including showers and camp stores typically close during winter months, though some parks remain open year-round with reduced services. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds offer a combination of reservable and first-come, first-served sites, with electric hookups widely available but full hookups more limited. Cell service varies by location but remains generally reliable near developed areas. A recent review noted, "Wolf Creek State Park is huge and is one of the only state parks in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails. There are full hookup RV sites everywhere with tons of flush toilet bathrooms and shower houses in each large section."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Mattoon area, with Lake Shelbyville providing numerous coves and shoreline camping opportunities. Campers consistently mention the privacy of wooded sites combined with lake views as highlights of their experience. Several visitors praised the spaciousness of sites at Coon Creek, with one noting, "We had the spot right on the end by the lake. What a beautiful site! Due to proximity to water and amount of shade, this is my favorite campground." Fox Ridge State Park receives high marks for its hiking trails and secluded atmosphere, while still being accessible to nearby Charleston. Fishing opportunities abound throughout the region, with multiple boat ramps and fishing piers available at most campgrounds. Many locations feature playgrounds, swimming beaches, and trail systems that connect camping areas to broader recreational opportunities.
