Olney sits at an elevation of around 475 feet in southeastern Illinois, with camping options within a 30-mile radius featuring varying terrain from wooded areas to lakeside settings. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall provide milder conditions for outdoor activities. Winter camping is available at several rv campgrounds near Olney, Illinois with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Beall Woods State Park, visitors can fish in a lake stocked with trout. "Nice campground in rural southern Illinois. Pit toilets, water, picnic tables. On a big lake stocked with trout," notes one visitor. The park also features well-defined trails for hiking.
Wildlife observation: The natural areas around Olney support diverse wildlife viewing. "Birds, wildlife abundant," mentions a camper at Beall Woods State Park. At Red Hills State Park, one visitor highlights "Great walking woods" with plenty of opportunity to see local birds and animals.
Paddle sports: Several lakes in the region permit non-motorized or electric-motor boats. "Small lake nearby, easy access, electric trolley motors on boats allowed & great place paddle canoe or kayak around," states a reviewer at Beall Woods. Red Hills State Park has a 40-acre lake where "Boats allowed with electric motors only. Max depth is 21 feet."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Camp Lakewood receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "Everything is super clean here, staff is friendly. There is laundry on site and the showers are some of the cleanest I've seen," comments one camper. Another adds, "The bathrooms are so clean!"
Peace and quiet: Many campgrounds provide tranquil settings. "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," says a visitor at Spring Creek Campground, noting the "bird sounds, the frogs, ducks, the whole natural environment is just wonderful."
Lake views: Several RV parks around Olney offer waterfront sites. "Beautiful view from site 19!" reports a Camp Lakewood visitor. At Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground, "Sites are spread out with long concrete pads... Lake is very pretty - you could anchor your boat off your campsite."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: While several campgrounds operate year-round, amenities vary by season. Some restaurants close during winter months, as noted at Red Hills State Park: "Wish the restaurant was open, but told it may be next Spring."
Reservation requirements: Many sites fill up during peak periods. Spring Creek Campground offers more flexibility: "No reservation was needed, just stop in, find a site and we'll find you in the morning. Easy close access from I-70, only 7 miles out of Effingham."
Primitive facilities: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. At Oblong Park and Lake, campers note a "$10 per night" fee that "includes electric and water only...there is a dump station in the park as well." Payment works "on the honor system" with collection at the bathhouse.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Lots of playgrounds for kids," reports a visitor at Oblong Park and Lake. Spring Creek Campground offers a "Nice playground in the shade next to a pavilion," while Red Hills State Park has "basketball courts, volleyball court, and lots of playground equipment around the park."
Swimming options: Limited swimming opportunities exist at select locations. At Camp Lakewood, a camper notes "The swimming area is basically just a dock you can jump off of but it's not crowded at all so plenty of room for my family."
Specific site recommendations: Some campsites better accommodate families than others. At Percival Springs RV Campground, "an open field greats you at your site and you can watch the helicopter or people fly with parachutes. Full hook ups... There is a little playground on site as well."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many RV campgrounds in Olney, Illinois require leveling equipment. At Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground, "There is a bit of a slope to the pads so you will need to level." Camp Lakewood visitors note "Gravel sites and level. Big shade trees."
Tight navigation: Some parks require careful maneuvering. Camp Lakewood has "winding roads to sites" and "The road to our site had a tight turn and required a little maneuvering but not terrible." Sites can be close together, with one visitor noting they "couldn't erect our screen house even if we wanted to."
Utility details: Water access varies between campgrounds. Red Hills State Park has electric hookups, but as one camper notes, you "will need to fill up with fresh water at park." At Gun Creek Campground, "Campsites are electric only, so you need to fill your water tank before parking."
