Best Campgrounds near Newton, IL
Newton, Illinois features several established campgrounds within a short drive of town, including Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area and Oblong Park and Lake. The area provides a mix of camping options with most sites offering electric hookups for RVs while also accommodating tent campers. Several locations like Camp Lakewood, Spring Creek Campground, and Red Hills State Park also offer cabin rentals for those seeking more sheltered accommodations. These developed campgrounds are primarily situated around lakes and recreational areas, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking.
Campground amenities vary significantly throughout the region, with most offering basic facilities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water. "This is a real nice small park. Each site has great privacy and has very spacious sites," noted one visitor about Fox Ridge State Park. Many campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though some facilities like showers may close seasonally from November through April. Reservations are recommended during summer months, particularly for weekend stays, as waterfront sites tend to fill quickly. Most campgrounds provide electric hookups, while full hookup sites with water and sewer connections are less common but available at select locations.
The lake-based recreation areas near Newton receive consistently positive reviews from campers. Fox Ridge State Park Campground, located approximately 30 miles north of Newton, stands out with multiple reviewers praising its privacy and spacious sites. Lake Shelbyville, slightly farther west, offers several highly-rated campgrounds with water access. A camper described Coon Creek on Lake Shelbyville as having "beautiful shady sites with views" and noted it was "by far the biggest and beautiful site we have ever stayed in." Most developed campgrounds in the region feature clean restrooms and shower facilities, though primitive camping options with fewer amenities are also available. Visitors particularly appreciate the fishing opportunities, with several small lakes and ponds stocked with game fish throughout the area.
