Oakwood, Illinois offers abundant camping options within the 2,842-acre Kickapoo State Recreation Area and surrounding parks. Located in east-central Illinois at approximately 700 feet elevation, the area experiences distinct seasonal changes with humid summers reaching 85-90°F and mild spring and fall conditions ideal for outdoor activities. Flooding occasionally affects camping areas during spring rains, requiring campers to check conditions before arrival.
What to Do
Paddling opportunities: Kickapoo State Recreation Area features multiple lakes for canoeing and kayaking. "Nice place to canoe!" reports Lucas T. about Kickapoo State Recreation Area, while many campers mention water access as a key attraction.
Observatory hiking: Walnut Point State Park offers unique trails leading to unexpected discoveries. "A really cool hike to an abandoned observatory" is highlighted by Merry L. at Walnut Point State Park Campground, making this a distinctive day trip option from Oakwood.
Dark sky viewing: The region provides excellent stargazing opportunities away from urban light pollution. The Harry L Swartz Campground is "right next to a Dark Sky Park, stargazing is amazing if you have good weather," notes Rachel, who attended a "meteor viewing party" with an expert speaker during the Perseid meteor shower.
Lake activities: Most parks in the region feature fishing opportunities with well-stocked waters. "The lake was well stocked and maintained" reports Todd T. about Walnut Point State Park, while several campgrounds offer equipment rentals for those without their own gear.
What Campers Like
Walk-in tent areas: For those seeking more seclusion, several parks offer dedicated walk-in primitive camping. "The walk in tent sites are in a shady woody area and with lake views" at Walnut Point State Park Campground, while Cassandra I. notes about Kickapoo: "Have to walk to the site but if you want nonelectric/primitive that's what you get."
Wildlife encounters: Early mornings offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities beyond just deer. "Bald eagles are visible on the river" at Harry L Swartz Campground, and campers frequently report varied bird sightings throughout the region.
Affordability: Camping in the Oakwood area remains reasonably priced compared to many destinations. "We paid only $20 for our one night stay" at Kickapoo State Recreation Area, notes Rob G., who appreciated the "big, beautiful and well maintained" sites with electricity and free showers.
Concession amenities: Some parks feature unexpected food options beyond typical campground fare. At Walnut Point, the concessions "held a dinner special, RibEye sandwiches and walleye to choose from at a very reasonable price and had a band playing from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM," reports Michael M., providing a less rustic evening option.
What You Should Know
Enforcement of rules: Park rangers actively enforce posted regulations at certain campgrounds. Lucas T. warns visitors to Kickapoo to "take it serious! Watched a ranger evict and entire group late in the evening for drinking. They weren't being rowdy but were breaking the rules."
Variable shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality differs significantly across area campgrounds. The shower house at Turkey Run State Park Campground earned praise from Samantha S.: "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure," while other parks maintain basic but functional facilities.
Seasonal concerns: Early spring camping may face access limitations. Rachel H. notes at Walnut Point: "The concessions has recently changed hands... Overall it's a great little park. Nice hiking, lots of quiet fishing options. No swimming or motor boats."
Raccoon activity: Several campgrounds report bold wildlife that may approach campsites. Turkey Run campers are warned: "Watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," requiring proper food storage protocols.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature multiple play areas distributed throughout the parks. Harry L Swartz Campground offers "several fishing ponds around the campground and a small swimming area with a beach, playground, mini library, and shower house."
Site selection strategy: For families seeking privacy, choose sites carefully based on location. At Turkey Run, "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," advises Samantha S., noting these sites "have a decent number of trees separating you from the site next to you."
Timing for trail access: To avoid crowds with children, plan hiking excursions strategically. "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning/early afternoon," recommends one Turkey Run visitor, who then found alternative activities when weekend crowds arrived.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds present difficulties for larger RVs due to uneven terrain. At Turkey Run State Park Campground, Michelle M. found their site "very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end."
Hookup limitations: Most area campgrounds offer electric-only sites with central water and dump stations. At Walnut Point, sites have "a gravel pad, grill/fire pit and picnic table, as well as electric hook up. There is one dump station near the campground entrance, and water fill there or in a few locations in the campground."
Pet-friendly site selection: For RVers with pets seeking more room to accommodate dog walking needs, Harry L Swartz Campground offers sites with extra space. One camper noted site 25 has "a trail that leads to the back row of sites (and no one behind it)" providing more privacy and exercise space for pets.
