Camping options near Oakland, Illinois include a mix of established county parks and privately-owned grounds situated within central Illinois' prairie landscape. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 600-700 feet above sea level with terrain characterized by gently rolling hills and occasional wooded areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with higher humidity levels from June through August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Spring Creek Campground offers a fishing pond where catch-and-release fishing is available. "This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've been in in a long time. It's small, owned by an older farmer, has electricity and bathrooms. It's on a couple of small lakes and the bird sounds, the frogs, ducks, the whole natural environment is just wonderful," notes one camper at Spring Creek Campground.
Hiking trails: Turkey Run State Park provides challenging trail systems with unique geological features. "We hiked Trail 3, which has the ladders, and parts of trail 10, 4, and 2. Trail 10 was nothing special but was relatively flat. It was pretty crowded but people were respectful," reports a visitor to Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds near Oakland offer canoeing or kayaking opportunities. "Sugar Creek is also great for floating with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks," states one camper about Turkey Run State Park. Kickapoo State Recreation Area similarly provides multiple water recreation options with "a lot of close boat camping sites."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention bathroom cleanliness as a highlight at rv sites near Oakland, Illinois. "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure," notes one Turkey Run visitor. Another camper at D & W Lake RV Park shares: "The bathrooms and showers were very clean and well maintained."
Level sites: Many reviewers appreciate the even terrain at certain campgrounds. At D & W Lake RV Park, one camper notes: "Sites level, plenty of space between campers, shade trees, loved the dog run too." Another mentions: "Check-in was easy, we were pre-paid, we were taken directly to our pull-thru site."
Natural surroundings: Campers value the natural beauty around Oakland area campgrounds. At Kickapoo State Recreation Area, one visitor shares: "Super friendly staff. We had the best view in the campground with a view of the lake." Another notes: "Deer and wildlife seen in the mornings. Really nice way to get off the grid for a second without having to go too far."
What you should know
Reservation policies: Some campgrounds have specific policies worth noting. At Tin Cup RV Park, one camper cautions: "We reserved a one-night stay 6 weeks in advance for the Friday night of Memorial Day Weekend. We received a call 2 weeks before our stay telling us they won't honor the reservation because they've decided to impose a three-night minimum for the holiday weekend."
Site variations: Campground layouts vary significantly across the region. At Turkey Run: "All sites are electric at Turkey Run. $23 per night. The campground is located in a mature tree woods, so some sites are not as level as others." Similarly at Kickapoo: "There are camp sites that are walk to for some more distance from others, a lot of close drive to spots, RV, and a lot of close boat camping sites."
Highway noise: Some RV parks near major routes experience traffic noise. One D & W Lake visitor notes: "Our only 'problem' with the park can't be changed. The interstate noise could be heard all night, and at times overpowered the sounds of nature. This is probably only an issue for tenters, though."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer designated play areas. "D & W Lake has a lake, small playground, and a dog run," notes one visitor. At Casey KOA, families can find "a pool, shower house and recreation room," though one visitor notes "the playground is old and could use an upgrade along with the recreation room."
Water activities for children: Multiple water features provide recreation for families. At Spring Creek Campground, one camper describes: "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."
Site selection for privacy: Consider site location for family camping. At Turkey Run, one camper advises: "We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167... the open, grassy area sites don't offer any privacy. If that's what you're looking for, try to get a wooded site on the outsides that back up to woods."
Tips from RVers
Easy access: RVers appreciate convenient access from major highways. About D & W Lake, one camper notes: "Super easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad... If you need to get off the road and get some rest give them a try. Just north of town and you will be back on the road in no time."
Electrical options: Different RV sites near Oakland, Illinois offer various hookup configurations. At Kickapoo State Recreation Area, a camper explains: "We paid only $20 for our one night stay. Big, beautiful and well maintained. We had electricity, free showers, topped off our water tank."
Site leveling considerations: RVers should prepare for varying terrain. One camper at Spring Creek notes: "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." Another RVer advises: "We stopped for an overnight, arrived late. Owners very accommodating and very nice. No reservation was needed, just stop in, find a site and we'll find you in the morning."
