Mount Carmel, Illinois sits at the junction of the Wabash River and the White River, with surrounding terrain primarily flat to gently rolling. Camping options span across multiple counties in both Illinois and Indiana, creating a cross-state region for outdoor recreation. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F from June through September with high humidity levels that affect camping comfort.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Prides Creek County Park features a notable disc golf course that draws enthusiasts. "One (if not best in the state)," notes a visitor who appreciates this amenity alongside the park's lake activities. The course is maintained year-round and offers varying levels of challenge for beginners and experienced players.
Fishing opportunities: Prides Creek Co Park provides accessible shore fishing along its lake. "Very beautiful rv campground. Also allow tents. They have a beach area and a golf course," reports one camper. The lake is stocked seasonally and permits electric trolley motors for boats.
Water recreation: Multiple parks offer swimming and boating options during summer months. At Lynnville Park, campers appreciate the lake access: "Registration was easy on the town website. My camping spot was right on the lake and it was beautiful." The park allows non-motorized watercraft and has designated swimming areas with no lifeguards on duty.
What campers like
Quiet weekday stays: Many campers note the peaceful atmosphere at state parks during weekdays. At Beall Woods State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the solitude: "We had a great experience with the park itself. The grounds were very well maintained with trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. We were there on a Sunday night and were the only campers in the park."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife populations. "Birds, wildlife abundant," notes one visitor at Beall Woods State Park, which maintains trails specifically for nature observation. White squirrels can be spotted at Lakeside RV Campground, where one camper mentioned it's "home of the white squirrel!!"
Golf course proximity: Red Hills Lake State Park offers convenient access to recreational facilities. "Nice state park with recent upgrades," one visitor notes, highlighting the amenities beyond just camping. "Cell service was very good, Verizon, and very quiet. Most sites are 30 amp but the Lake view loop are 50 amp."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. "At first I thought the sites were a bit rough and not very level. But while were there, they started to regrade the pads at the sites. The new gravel was leveled and packed flat," reports a camper at Red Hills Lake State Park.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between parks. "The star I knocked off was for the pit toilets. They had not been limed in a while as evidenced by the bugs swarming inside the pits and larva swimming in the bottom," notes one visitor to Beall Woods State Park.
Road noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience highway noise. Lynnville Park campers mention: "Nice and quiet, apart from the interstate background noise which is noticeable but not too bad." This affects primarily perimeter sites closest to roadways.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Burdette Park offers extensive recreation options for children. "Love Burdette. They have everything to keep your family entertained. A pool, mini golf, hiking cabins and so much more," writes one visitor. The facilities include multiple playground areas distributed throughout the park.
Swimming options: Several parks maintain designated swimming areas during summer. Prides Creek County Park features a beach area that appeals to families: "Very beautiful rv campground. Also allow tents. They have a beach area and a golf course. Very lovely place and reasonably priced too."
Safer site selections: At certain campgrounds, specific site locations work better for families. At New Vision RV Park, one experienced camper advises: "If you have kids I recommend spot #1. It's big and borders a very nice playground. I also recommend not going for the back left (NE) corner. Train tracks are way too close."
Tips from RVers
RV site limitations: Finding full-hookup rv sites near Mount Carmel, Illinois can be challenging. The campgrounds vary considerably in terms of site size and utility access. "We were able to easily find a spot here when all other places were full," mentions one RVer about Beall Woods, though noting the limited amenities.
Seasonal site considerations: Some campgrounds have sites primarily occupied by long-term residents. Lakeside RV Campground has "Mostly seasonal campers. No sewage hookup, but does have a dump station," according to one visitor who notes the specialized amenities: "There is an awesome fish cleaning area with a nice table, electric, water, and a sink."
Restaurant access: Grayville KOA offers a unique camping experience with dining options. "It has a restaurant near the office that is open to the public. I like the business concept with the restaurant, its open to the public so it has enough business to stay open and have a decent menu, and it is within walking distance for the campers that don't want to disconnect to go to dinner."
