Camping options near Mattoon, Illinois showcase the unique glacial topography that created varied terrain throughout the region. Tucked between flat agricultural lands, these campgrounds feature surprising elevation changes and wooded areas uncommon in central Illinois. Water-based camping at Lake Shelbyville offers alternative experiences with specific restrictions regarding alcohol and generator use varying between state and federal properties.
What to do
Fishing at smaller lakes: Walnut Point State Park Campground provides a peaceful fishing experience on smaller, less crowded waters. "The park campground and all of its facilities were very clean. The park employees were friendly and super helpful. My family had a great time fishing. The lake was well stocked and maintained," notes Todd T.
Visit historical sites: Casey KOA serves as a convenient base for exploring local attractions including the World's Fastest Soda Machine. "We've stayed here for a few nights in the past. We have peaceful, quiet nights, nice facilities, good Wi-Fi, shade. We always enjoy our stay," reports Michael G. The campground is located near several world record attractions in Casey.
Off-season camping: The fall and winter months offer unique experiences at many campgrounds with fewer crowds. "I find that October camping at Bo Woods most agreeable with less people tent camping and less boat traffic on the lake. The fishing this time of year is also very good," explains Michael M.
What campers like
Tent camping spots: Walnut Point State Park Campground features walk-in tent sites with lake views. "The walk in tent sites are in a shady woody area and with lake views. Clean pit toilets, serene setting, and a really cool hike to an abandoned observatory," shares Merry L.
Campground entertainment: Several campgrounds offer organized activities for guests. "Both times I stayed there they held a dinner special, RibEye sandwiches and walleye to choose from at a very reasonable price and had a band playing from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The bands were good and the food was great," reports Michael M. about Walnut Point.
Affordable pricing: Spring Creek Campground offers budget-friendly rates for camping near Mattoon. "At $25 per night, this place is beautiful," mentions James C. For primitive camping, costs can be even lower with tent sites available at $15 according to Abby H.
What you should know
Insects at Lake Shelbyville: Forrest W. Bo Wood Recreation Area experiences significant insect activity after dark. "Our biggest issue with this campsite was the extensive bugs, once the sun goes down the bugs get horribly bad. We let our dogs out past 8 p.m. and our camper was covered with swarms of psychodidae(sewer) flies," warns Austin-Tarra G.
Campground lighting: Some campgrounds have limited lighting after sunset. "One other thing, absolutely no lighting at night along the campground roadways. After dark, we watched a truck go into the ditch looking for the turn out, but the pitch darkness at night made it feel a little unsafe, especially walking the dog after dark," notes Chris S. about Bo Wood.
Alcohol regulations: Unlike Fox Ridge State Park which prohibits alcohol, many of the dog friendly campgrounds near Mattoon do allow alcohol. Bo Wood Recreation Area, Coon Creek, Spring Creek, and Casey KOA all permit alcohol consumption on their properties according to their listed features.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Camp Lakewood offers family-friendly amenities near Mattoon. "Cute lake, very family friendly, lots of amenities, amazingly clean," S.celeste reports. Multiple campgrounds in the area maintain playgrounds for children.
Seasonal programs: Check for ranger-led activities for children during peak seasons. "I believe I was told the Rangers do events for the kids," mentions patricia D. about Bo Wood Recreation Area, which features an amphitheater for outdoor programs.
Swimming areas: Not all campgrounds permit swimming. "There is a swimming beach here and lots of boat traffic," notes Michael M. about Coon Creek. However, at Camp Lakewood, "The swimming area is basically just a dock you can jump off of but it's not crowded at all so plenty of room for my family," reports Riley J.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Coon Creek offers buddy sites ideal for group camping with RVs. "There are several buddy sites here that are set up very well for groups of RV's and tents camping together," explains Michael M. These sites allow for facing rigs with a shared common area.
Hookup availability: Lithia Springs has expanded its utilities in recent years. "Half the campsites have electric hookups and water near the sites, the other half now have full hookups and 50 amp service," notes Michael M., making it suitable for larger rigs with higher power requirements.
Site leveling: Most campgrounds in the region feature relatively level sites. "Our FHU site was very easy to access and a very level well graveled site. The site is full shade and wooded with a nice fire pit and lantern post," reports Ryne T. about Bo Wood, while Spring Creek reportedly has "all gravel sites" that are "fairly tight" according to John T.
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