69 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"He even told us where they had been stacking wood from clearing out some trees near the campground and encouraged us to use all we need. Very clean pit toilets."
"Park Maintenance offers to blow off your site when they come around. Only reason wasn’t 5 stars is that they need MORE trails."
"Far enough away from the interstate you don't hear the traffic. No nearby trains either. The grounds were neat and clean. The fishing pond is great and beautiful. Big rig friendly."
"There is a central dumping station upon exit. At $25 per night, this place is beautiful."
from $15 - $25 / night
"The sun sets behind the camper. Very nice clean restrooms, laundry room and a area you can grill in using their grills."
"Walk-in tent site. Late arrival. Bathrooms are spotless."
from $35 - $999 / night
Check Availability"Very humble rural park with a quiet atmosphere and Great Lake for fishing. The people of oblong are also the friendliest around!"
"There's lots of playgrounds for kids and a big lake to fish or stroll around as well. Big thumbs up👍"
"Water is near by to fill up. It is quite place. Beautiful views. Lake is near by to fish. If you have kids they have play ground to play on. Host are very nice and welcoming."
"Lots of trails it seems. Lake is nice sized but not too big. Wish the restaurant was open, but told it may be next Spring."
"It's super easy to find, take exit 105 off I70 and head north about a quarter mile. There's a dirt road on the right with camping signs pointing you in."
from $15 / night
"Close to Eastern Illinois University and lake Charleston which has trails."
"The park and trails are usually busy since the park is near the Eastern Illinois University. The no-drinking campground prevents many noisy student campouts."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The sites are a little difficult to figure out, but water and electric and a dump station nearby. Big trees for shade and a lake with a fountain for a peaceful setting"
from $10 - $25 / night
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TravelerThis is a county fairgrounds/park. There's a few sites with hookups that cost 25$ or you can camp anywhere here without hookups for 15$. It's an honor system box by the bathroom. It's super easy to find, take exit 105 off I70 and head north about a quarter mile. There's a dirt road on the right with camping signs pointing you in. The road in goes through a cemetery and after that is the park.
GuideLovely views of the lake. We had site 60. Lots of area around us, space between sites. Our sight was not the most level, but we made it work.
ScoutBeautiful campground! Walk-in tent site. Late arrival. Bathrooms are spotless.
RangerRolled in on a July Saturday at 6:30pm. There are hundreds of sites at this campground and so many were still open. Was looking for a Class C site (I.e. rustic site, no hookups). Chatted with camp hosts « papa Bruce » and « grandma sugar burger » They were so sweet and accommodating. For same day, it’s first come first serve so bring cash - you can online pay with a card online 3 days minimum before. 8$ Class C and 20$ Class A (hookup). Dump station and water and trash receptacles. Lots of hiking trails and eating activities - sadly we didn’t have time to explore.
ScoutLove this place. small campground. Decent fishing good shade.
ScoutI had the entire Lake Side Tent section to myself on a Monday, last week of July 2025. It was quite and there were all sorts of birds singing until dark, then the insects and frogs took over. The fire tray and grill were great for cooking up some steak and peppers I bought in nearby Marshall, IN. I will be staying again in 2026 on a coast to coast and back motorcycle trip. Definitely recommended👌
ScoutIt is a small campground with options of lake view for your walk-in tent sites. Bathrooms were clean and shower was hot with good water pressure. It was pretty quiet.
Fishing could be done at the docks which wasn’t very far but not a good place to fish on land and couldn’t access water by sites very well. No trails. It’s a good place to go just to sit and relax. But not much activities.
TravelerWe were on a full hookup site, not directly on the lake. It was a beautiful campground that is well maintained with plentiful clean bathhouse, a playground and a nearby marina where you can rent a boat or grab a bite or a beverage. Unfortunately for us the restaurant at the marina was closed (Mondays and Tuesdays). If I were to stay here again, I would try to secure one of the lakefront sites if possible. We only had contact with one staff member and that was at the gate, but he was very friendly and helpful.
TravelerCasey is a very welcoming place. Almost reminds you a little of the town in the Music Man, River City I believe? Fairview Park is extremely nice and the camp spots are level and green with many shaded under beautiful trees. $15.00/night for residents and $25.00/night for non-residents.
Camping sites near Newton, Illinois tend to concentrate around lakes and wildlife areas within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F from June through August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional rainfall. Most camping areas in this part of central Illinois sit at elevations between 500-600 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat terrain with gentle hills around water features.
Fishing opportunities: At Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area, visitors can access multiple fishing spots. "We caught some nice sized Bass on the lake which made for a yummy dinner," noted one camper, who also mentioned hiking trails that leave directly from the campground.
Hiking trails: The region offers various hiking options with differing terrain. "There is one 2.3 mile look near the damn which is very nice, but plenty of opportunity to have more," commented a visitor about Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area, suggesting potential for additional trail development.
Bird watching: Several campgrounds provide excellent bird watching opportunities. "Absolutely beautiful. Sites overlooking the lake. Geese, herons, and owls! Quiet," observed a camper at Sam Parr, highlighting the diverse wildlife viewing possibilities at camping areas throughout the region.
Privacy between sites: At Fox Ridge State Park Campground, the site layout offers substantial separation. "All sites were spacious and shaded. We did not use any of the facilities but were impressed with how secluded our campsite felt. Each site is Isolated by trees and growth," explained one camper.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained amenities. "Beautifully maintained, would like to see a small concession stand for soft drinks and ice cream for the kiddos," noted a visitor at Oblong Park and Lake, giving insight into the campground's current offerings.
Fishing access: Spring Creek Campground provides fishing opportunities close to campsites. "This is a small family owned campground. It has a pond for fishing, no boating or swimming. Shower house is nice. Nice playground in the shade next to a pavilion," a reviewer shared, detailing the amenities available.
Site types and pricing: Many campgrounds offer a range of site options with varying costs. At Camp Lakewood, "They appeared to have all gravel sites with minimal grass. There are fire rings by request. The sites are fairly tight," according to one camper, providing insight into the site layout and limitations.
Seasonal considerations: Weather affects facility availability throughout the year. "We stayed in March... the restroom near our site, #13, was open, but no lights and no shower," reported a Fox Ridge State Park visitor, indicating potential limitations during off-season camping.
Reservation needs: While some parks take reservations, others operate differently. "Only 33 sites overall (only 1st 10 reservable) but sites are quite large & all have very level concrete pads," explained a Sam Parr visitor about their booking system.
Playground availability: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Red Hills Lake State Park, "Lots to do for kids, as the park has basketball courts, volleyball court, and lots of playground equipment around the park," noted a camper, highlighting recreational options beyond traditional camping activities.
Wildlife viewing: Kids often enjoy animal sightings at campgrounds. "The park and surrounding farm land provide opportunities to see white squirrels," mentioned a visitor, referencing a unique wildlife spotting possibility in the region.
Lake activities: Water access provides entertainment for children. "Nice sized walking path around the lake. Fenced in dog play area. Large park area with multiple playgrounds," described a camper at Oblong Park and Lake, noting amenities that appeal to families.
Site size considerations: At Spring Creek Campground, "All spots are back in. All have electricity but only a few have water. There are clean restrooms with free showers. There is a central dumping station upon exit," explained a reviewer, providing essential information for RV campers about hookup availability.
Levelness of sites: Many campers note the importance of level sites for RVs. "Very humble rural park with a quiet atmosphere and Great Lake for fishing," mentioned a camper about Oblong Park and Lake, while another noted its "$10 that includes electric and water only...there is a dump station in the park as well."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns that can be difficult for larger rigs. A Camp Lakewood visitor shared, "The road to our site had a tight turn and required a little maneuvering but not terrible," warning other RVers about potential access issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Newton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Newton, IL is Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
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