Scattered across central Illinois farmland, Monticello sits between several camping destinations within a 30-minute drive. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and mild spring and fall seasons that create ideal camping conditions. Winter camping remains available at select locations, though water systems shut down from November through April at most campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking through varied terrain: Friends Creek Campground offers well-marked trails through wooded areas with historic elements. "There are two well-marked and well-maintained trails plus a playground and basketball hoop. There is also a historic schoolhouse, and guided tours are available by calling," explains Lee D., who particularly enjoyed exploring the trails before departing.
Fishing at multiple locations: The region boasts several lakes with diverse fishing opportunities. "Clinton Lake is a boating destination as the waters are unusually warm due to the discharge from the nearby nuclear plant," notes Stacia R., explaining why the area attracts anglers even during cooler months.
Stargazing without light pollution: Harry L Swartz Campground provides exceptional night sky viewing. "Since the campground is right next to a Dark Sky Park, stargazing is amazing if you have good weather," shares Rachel, who visited during a meteor shower when "a local expert came to give a talk and there was a meteor viewing party."
Boating on Lake Shelbyville: Multiple access points make water activities accessible. "Lithia Springs is a great campground with a wonderful marina located on beautiful Lake Shelbyville!" notes b K., mentioning the convenience of having boat facilities directly accessible from the camping area.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded campsites: Wolf Creek State Park Campground receives praise for its natural setting. "Nice park, spacious sites, bring plenty of water hose. The water faucets for fill up can be a bit far away," advises Nathaniel K., highlighting the importance of preparation when staying at this popular destination.
Clean facilities throughout the year: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms. "The shower house was older but decent and clean. The showers themselves have a lot of hooks inside to hang your things," Rachel observed at Harry L Swartz Campground, appreciating the thoughtful amenities.
Range of campsite privacy options: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of seclusion. "Sites 40-48 get full sun until around 2 in the afternoon. Luckily it was cool for our visit or we would have melted. Other sites are mostly shaded and beautiful. Some sites give more privacy than others," notes Art S. about the camping options at Harry L Swartz.
Quiet weekday camping: Visitors note the difference between busy weekends and peaceful weekdays. "Stayed only 1 night, had planned 2 but had issues had to call and cancel 1 night. Sites level, plenty of space between campers, shade trees, loved the dog run too," reports Ricky L. about their midweek stay at D & W Lake RV Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary seasonally: Popular times require planning. "Stay here a while ago on a last minute weekend away whim. Got to the park after dark and paid the next morning. Not being a holiday weekend we were able to find a site easily," explains Tim F. about Comlara County Park, highlighting the flexibility during off-peak times.
Wildlife encounters are common: Be prepared for nocturnal visitors. "There is tons of deer and other animals to watch and watch out that they don't steal your food while you are sleeping," warns Michael M. about Eagle Creek State Park Campground.
Weather impacts site selection: Heat management becomes crucial during summer months. "The different loops have very different feels...some are very shaded in the trees, some more wide open with a prairie type view," Stacia R. notes about Clinton Lake, emphasizing how site selection affects comfort.
Beach access may require fees: Some parks charge for swimming areas. "The kicker is the $20.00 fee per boat/kayak to get on the lake plus the fee for the swimming area was a bit much for us. Was planning an active weekend but quickly realized we were going to be sitting at our site," Marcie J. warns about unexpected costs at Comlara County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose loop-specific camping: Different areas cater to different needs. "The loops that allow alcohol can get a bit rowdy with weekend partiers, but the alcohol restricted loops can get loud from all the families," explains Marisa A. about Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, offering insight for families seeking appropriate settings.
Access recreation facilities: Multiple playgrounds and beaches provide entertainment. "There is a beach and concession stand, group camping areas and lots of roads to bike around," mentions Stacia R., highlighting family-friendly amenities at Clinton Lake.
Look for fishing ponds: Kid-friendly fishing spots abound. "There are several fishing ponds around the campground and a small swimming area with a beach, playground, mini library, and shower house," Rachel notes about Harry L Swartz Campground, pointing out convenient amenities.
Plan for seasonally warm water: Clinton Lake offers unique swimming conditions. "You wIll defInItely want to bring a suit. The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach," advises Melissa B., explaining a distinctive feature families appreciate.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling varies by campground: Some parks offer better surfaces than others. "Level sites, clean restrooms/showers and a nice swimming area to enjoy!" summarizes Erick S. about Lithia Springs, highlighting key features RVers seek.
Electric options widely available: Most parks offer hookups but with limitations. "We have only stayed in the electric only sites as the full hookup sites are hard to come by," shares Tim F. about Clinton Lake, providing insight about availability challenges.
Water access points require planning: Bring appropriate equipment. "Nice big spacious sites! Reserve early to get full hookup! Right on Lake Shelbyville," advises Sonya A. about Forrest W. Bo Wood, emphasizing the importance of early reservations for premium sites.
Shade availability impacts comfort: Tree cover varies significantly between sites. "Very open campground. Not a ton of trees although some sites offer nice shade," Tim F. notes about Comlara County Park, an important consideration for RVers managing interior temperatures.
