RV camping near Mode, Illinois provides access to several wooded lake settings with both seasonal and overnight options. Nestled in central Illinois approximately 30 miles northeast of Effingham, Mode sits in relatively flat terrain with elevations ranging between 600-650 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s while spring and fall camping seasons often see mild days in the 60s and cool nights in the 40s.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Several campgrounds near Mode offer fishing opportunities, particularly at Lake Shelbyville. At Coon Creek, one camper noted, "Lake Shelbyville has everything: biking, hiking, a beach, fishing and the town has a small movie theater showing current movies for $4.00." The 26-mile-long lake provides both boat and bank fishing options.
Swimming beaches: Lake access points provide swimming options during summer months. "There is a swimming beach here and lots of boat traffic, but quiet hours are observed, so you can get a good night's sleep before an action packed day on the lake," reports a Coon Creek visitor. Water temperatures are typically warmest from late June through August.
Family activities: Robin Hood Woods Campground offers organized weekend events for children. "Weekend activities for the kids. Electric golf carts allowed. Very inexpensive compared to campgrounds closer to me," mentioned one reviewer. Their pool and playground provide additional recreation options when not exploring the nearby lake.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Spring Creek Campground, a camper shared, "Campground is well maintained. All spots are back in. All have electricity but only a few have water. There are clean restrooms with free showers." Many campgrounds offer shower facilities, though water pressure varies by location.
Lake views: Sites with water views are popular among campers. "We chose a buddy site even though we weren't camping with another family because we like the location. It was right at the end of the peninsula, and it is by far the biggest and beautiful site we have ever stayed in," reported a visitor to Coon Creek. Waterfront sites typically fill first, especially on summer weekends.
On-site dining: Some campgrounds feature food service options. At Camp Lakewood, "We went in for drinks and pizza it was nice to not cook or worry about food. We took a walk along the lake and sat on a bench watching people fish." Another reviewer added, "A pizza place is operating on site. Had pizza and wings that were good."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from spring through fall. "Part of the campground is open after Labor Day, but the main season is Memorial day to Labor day," notes a Coon Creek reviewer. Robin Hood Woods operates from April 1 through October 31, which is typical for the region.
Variable site conditions: Site levelness and positioning can vary significantly. A Coon Creek visitor mentioned, "The sites are mostly gravel and level." Another tip: "There are several paths down to the waters edge and the beach, lots of little hiking, tons of Geocaching, and a great little beach."
Bug preparation: Evening insects can be prevalent, particularly in wooded areas near water. "The only thing I would say is make sure that you bring a screen tent for eating outside as the bugs really get bad at night," advised one Coon Creek camper. Bug repellent is recommended for summer camping, particularly during evening hours.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kamper Kompanion RV Park provides pet-friendly facilities with dedicated areas for children and pets. "Cute little fenced in pet area with benches for the pups to stretch," noted one visitor. Several campgrounds offer playgrounds for children, with Spring Creek featuring "a nice playground in the shade next to a pavilion."
Swimming options: Check which campgrounds offer swimming facilities. Robin Hood Woods received praise for its "beautiful new pool was perfectly maintained with plenty of tables and chairs to make a day of the time at the pool. Pavilion and picnic area near pool and playground perfect for family gatherings or kids birthdays."
Off-peak savings: Visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons can provide quieter experiences and better site availability. "We spend the weekend at Coon Creek and had a great time. I enjoyed our Site #14. There was a path behind our site that led to a private 'beach'," shared one family, highlighting the benefits of finding less crowded timeframes.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer pull-through sites for easier RV access. "Big rig friendly with easy in and out," reported a visitor to Kaskaskia Dragon RV Park. The park provides "long spots, friendly owner, easy access to hardware store across the street, coin laundry available."
Interstate proximity: Some campgrounds offer convenient highway access. Spring Creek Campground provides "easy close access from I-70, only 7 miles out of Effingham at the Montrose exit. 30 amp, spacious sites. Water available to fill tank." This makes it suitable for overnight stays while traveling through the region.
Electrical service variations: Amperage options differ between campgrounds. Kamper Kompanion offers "easy pull thru site with 40' and toad. Basically a big open flat field with sites and building spread throughout." Always verify the electrical hookup type when booking to ensure compatibility with your RV requirements.
