Nashville, Illinois camping options extend beyond typical state recreation areas with several lesser-known campgrounds within a 30-40 mile radius. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-75°F range. Many campsites in this region don't require advance reservations during weekdays, though holiday weekends fill quickly.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Carlyle Lake at Dam West Spillway provides excellent shoreline fishing access. "My wife and I stayed at this campground for two nights along our cross-country road trip. We wanted to hit up a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game and this campground was close enough. The lake is enormous and there are plenty of fishing access points including a large dock so bring a boat!!" noted one visitor to Washington County State Recreation Area.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer beach access for cooling off during summer months. "We stayed at site #7 for one night in the spring. Some sites are spacious, others are pretty cramped. The loop that we stayed on was close to the water with views of Carlyle Lake. There is a swimming pool and campground store. The pool was closed when we were there but looked nice," reports a camper at Eldon Hazlet State Park.
Biking trails: Paved paths connect many campgrounds to nearby attractions and towns. "I really enjoyed my stay here! There's miles and miles of walking and biking trails! The sites are pretty generously sized. Easy bike ride into the town of Carlyle," writes a visitor at COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground.
What campers like
Affordability: Many campgrounds in the Nashville area offer low rates with additional discounts for seniors. "This is an ACOE so it is inexpensive and clean. There's lots of shade, level lots and waterfront sites. Though there is no water access on each site, it's not far from anyone. They do accept America the beautiful pass," notes a camper at Dam West Campground.
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds provide more seclusion than others. "Site 26. We were basically by ourselves being mid week in November. Great view. Nice camp hosts. This place looks like it could get pretty full in the summer. It has its own swimming pool," mentions a visitor at Boulder Recreation Area.
Lake views: Many sites offer direct waterfront access with scenic vistas. "We stayed in site #6. Had full hookups, plenty of space, lots of shade, and a wonderful view. The site is level and also has a picnic table and fire ring. Overlooks the marina so you can watch boats come and go," reports a camper at Boulder Recreation Area.
What you should know
Seasonal water access: Water facilities and hookups can change throughout the year. "Easy to find. Affordable overnight stay with electric. Beautiful lake. Friendly campers and hosts. Pit toilets. Spotty Verizon," notes a visitor at Washington County State Recreation Area.
Bathroom variability: Facilities range from primitive to modern across campgrounds. "Overall this is a VERY nice campground. There is a camp store, firewood available, and even a pool! The trails around are nice and our family had fun hiking. HOWEVER: Unless you have a restroom in your rig, be prepared to walk up to the showerhouse. The pit toilets that were spread across the campground were in horrendous condition," warns a camper at Eldon Hazlet State Park.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "We arrived at this campground at 11am on a Friday only to find that the first-come, first-serve sites were already full. After talking to the campground host, it sounds like they go fast," advises a visitor at Dam West Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "We stayed here for the first time the weekend of October 9th. There are three playground areas, a basketball court, sand volleyball and a pool during summer months. Lots of families with kids, bike rides and plenty of other lake and outdoor activities in the area," shares a camper at Coles Creek Recreation Area.
Halloween festivities: Special seasonal events occur at select campgrounds. "They have a huge Halloween event every year where people decorate their sites (pretty extensively) and there's a haunted house, then kids trick or treat from site to site. The campground also provides pumpkin painting contests and other fun activities. Better get there at least a week in advance for the halloween festivities- it fills up!" advises a visitor at Eldon Hazlet State Park.
Beach swimming: Many Nashville area campgrounds offer lake access with designated swimming areas. "While there are many full service sites available, this campground offers dozens of rustic tent sites right next to Carlyle Lake as well! We felt secluded yet had easy access to the campground shower house, swimming pool, wooded nature trail, campground hosts and camp store," reports a visitor at Eldon Hazlet State Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup variability: Most campgrounds offer electric sites but amperage differs. "Quick overnight stay on our way West. Staff was friendly and welcoming on check in. Easy on and off Interstate 64," notes a visitor at Archway RV Park.
Site leveling challenges: Some waterfront sites require additional leveling equipment. "Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter," advises an RVer at Archway RV Park.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds have sewer connections at individual sites. "I was thoroughly impressed with the upkeep of this area. The campground is well maintained and has plenty of hiking area, fishing area, and playing/swimming area for children. The only thing I would change is the ONE dump station for this massive campground," mentions a visitor at Coles Creek Recreation Area.
