Camping near Quincy, Illinois offers access to both the Mississippi River and inland lakes, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from spring through fall. The region's mix of wetlands, forested areas, and prairie creates diverse camping environments within a 40-mile radius of Quincy. Weather conditions vary widely, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F while spring and fall bring milder camping weather.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Wakonda State Park features six interconnected lakes where anglers can cast for multiple species. According to a camper at Wakonda Lake Campground, "We have been to Wakonda twice and really enjoyed the RV parking area... Each parking site has steps down to the lake for bank fishing. There are also John boats and kayaks for rent."
Hiking trails: Explore numerous trails with varying difficulty levels at Siloam Springs State Park. A regular visitor shares, "I've camped and hiked at Siloam Springs several times. Great hiking trails for all ages. Nice hiking loop for backpacking camping." Another camper notes that "The pines give great cover when hot and add that familiar pine sent to the whole park."
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming spots during summer months. One visitor to Ray Behrens mentioned, "The trails lead you to the lake, but a short drive to the other side of lake they had a lake beach entry to swim." At Wakonda State Park, "there is a sandy beach for swimming," which provides a family-friendly activity option.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campsites in the region offer ample space between neighbors. At Ray Behrens, campers appreciate the generous layout: "All the sites have enough empty space in between that most campgrounds would have stuck another site in-between." Similarly, at Wakonda Lake, "Sites were spacious, clan, plenty of space between sites."
Boat rentals: Several parks offer boat and kayak rental options for visitors without their own watercraft. A visitor at Indian Creek Campground appreciated the convenient location: "Great beach and marina. Mark Twain Lake is beautiful. Lots of hiking trails and greenery between campsites." The campground also has "its own beach that you can only get to by boat or if your camping in the campground."
Affordability: State parks in the region typically offer lower rates than private campgrounds. According to one camper at Wakonda State Park, "The rates are very cheap as it is a state park." Similarly, at Ray Behrens, one visitor mentioned, "Stayed 2 nights for $18 total with National senior pass. Electric hookup only."
What you should know
Distance to supplies: Many campgrounds in the Quincy area are quite remote. A camper at Wakonda Lake Campground noted, "4 miles to LA Grange MO - pop approx 1,000... 1 gas station/convenience store, a casino..... 14 miles to Canton MO - pop approx 3,500... restaurants, stores, etc."
Flooding potential: Riverside camping areas may experience seasonal closures. At Canton City River Park, camping areas along the Mississippi can be affected by water levels, with some reviewers noting temporary closures. Similarly, at Wakonda Lake, a camper mentioned that their oversized site "used to house a duplex cabin but was flooded out in 1997."
Insect activity: Prepare for mosquitoes and ticks, especially during summer months. One camper at Indian Creek warned, "Very much a mosquito paradise," while another mentioned, "Ticks galore so prepare for that." Bug spray is essential during warmer months at most campgrounds in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mark Twain Cave & Campground offers family-friendly facilities including playground areas. Though some visitors note that it has a "Tiniest Playground ever," many families appreciate having dedicated play spaces for children after a day of outdoor activities.
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks feature shorter hiking options suitable for young explorers. At Siloam Springs, one visitor recommended specific trails: "My favorite trails are the Red Oak and Hoot Owl!" noting that these are accessible for families with children.
Biking opportunities: Paved roads at several campgrounds allow safe cycling for children. A visitor at Indian Creek Campground shared, "This campground has a lot of road to bike on if you like to ride your bike," making it ideal for families with children who enjoy cycling around the campground.
Tips from RVers
Site conditions: Many campgrounds offer concrete pads for easier leveling and setup. At Driftwood Campground & RV Park, RVers appreciate that sites have "concrete pads," with one noting it was "Our first night out in our new travel trailer. Very impressed with the park."
Hookup availability: Check specific site amenities before booking, as they vary widely. At Ray Behrens, a camper noted, "The sites close to the lake are not full hookups. The others are," while at Wakonda Lake Campground, "Full amenities - ESW - on our site."
Site selection: Research specific site numbers when booking for the best experience. At Ray Behrens, an experienced camper advised, "The whole park doesn't match the awesomeness of site 97 and the few around it, but the end of this loop is almost perfect. Great shade, almost no slope to pads, all power options, great water pressure, and a sewer hookup."
