Best Campgrounds near Oakland, IL

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Oakland, IL has a lot to offer. Oakland is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Oakland, IL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Oakland, Illinois (71)

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Recent Reviews near Oakland, IL

382 Reviews of 71 Oakland Campgrounds



Guide to Oakland

Camping near Oakland, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Trail 7 leads to a small stream running past a recessed cave. It’s a peaceful spot."
  • Fishing: At Fowler County Park, you can enjoy fishing in the stocked lake. A visitor shared, "Bring your fishing gear; they stock the lake."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the beach access at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. One family noted, "We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings at Shakamak State Park. A reviewer said, "Most of the sites are shady and have a great view."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors enjoy the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area. One camper remarked, "The bathhouse was clean, plenty of showers, flush toilets."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Terre Haute Campground are noted for being great for families. A reviewer mentioned, "Lots of free activities for kids. Friendly and helpful staff."

What you should know

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds, like Turkey Run State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. One camper noted, "Many sites are in an open area without a lot of trees or bushes between them."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons at places like Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area. A visitor humorously warned, "Don’t turn your back to your dinner table if there’s food out."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Shades State Park Campground, have basic facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "The vault toilets were dirty, and the women’s stalls didn’t have doors."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that are spacious and have shade, like those at Shakamak State Park. One camper said, "The sites are mostly all shaded and very flat."
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes for the kids, as many campgrounds have trails. A visitor at Fowler County Park mentioned, "It makes for a great base camp for a weekend of biking."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep food secure to avoid wildlife encounters. A camper at Turkey Run State Park Campground advised, "Raccoons come out looking for food, so lock it all up at night."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Terre Haute Campground noted, "Most sites are gravel, and some are too tight for big rigs."
  • Use Adapters: If you’re on a 50-amp site, ensure you have the right adapter for your RV. A visitor at Fowler County Park mentioned, "You will need an adapter to use 30amp from a 50amp site."
  • Stay Connected: Some campgrounds offer decent Wi-Fi. A camper at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area said, "The Wi-Fi was above average for this type of private campground."

Camping around Oakland, Illinois, provides a variety of experiences, from scenic views to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

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