Pyramid State Recreation Area offers basic amenities for RV camping throughout the year. Located 5 miles from Pinckneyville, this 1,101-acre park contains numerous lakes ideal for fishing, with 4.2 miles of hiking trails through rolling terrain typical of southern Illinois. Campgrounds near Pinckneyville experience hot, humid summers with temperatures reaching 90°F and mild winters with occasional snow, making fall and spring the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Randolph County State Recreation Area has a 65-acre lake completed in 1961 that offers prime fishing spots. "Great lake to fish and plenty of trails to hike. Looks like the rv site can get booked up on weekends," notes one visitor who found the recreation options plentiful despite the popularity.
Stargazing: The rural location of many campgrounds provides excellent night sky viewing conditions. "The campground is pretty far from any big metro area, so the sky was real dark, great for picking out constellations. We listened to Whip-por-will calls around the campfire," mentions a camper at Washington County State Recreation Area.
Trail exploration: Hiking opportunities range from short lake loops to longer forest trails. A visitor to Pyramid State Recreation Area shared, "We spent about 4 hours just taking every little trail we could and couldn't have been happier." The terrain offers moderate difficulty suitable for most skill levels.
What campers like
Shade coverage: Washington County State Recreation Area provides welcome relief from summer heat with its wooded sites. "This is a nice little park in southern Illinois. It is surrounded by cornfields, however the park is wooded. The park surrounds a very pretty lake," notes one camper who appreciated the natural setting.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the peaceful environment at smaller campgrounds. "Very quiet, not a lot of people. Plenty of spaces and lake was nice," commented a visitor about Washington County State Recreation Area, highlighting the tranquil setting.
Wildlife viewing: Goatey Goat Ranch RV Park & Campground offers a unique rural experience with animal encounters. "Perfect star gazing, only 5 to 10 minutes from grocery store & downtown area for drinks & dining, Sunrise & Sunset were beautiful with hilly country views," shares a reviewer who enjoyed both the natural setting and convenient location.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring adjustment equipment. A camper at South Sandusky Campground observed, "Most of the sites are wooded with space between them, and many have lake views. They are not very level so some adjustments were needed."
Campground selection timing: Fall through spring typically offers better availability at most campgrounds. At Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney, located 30 miles from Pinckneyville, one camper advised, "Great place to go. Lots of shade and always clean. Has a nice pool," making it worth the short drive when closer options are full.
Varied campsite spacing: Proximity to neighboring sites differs significantly between campgrounds. "Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front," reports a camper at Archway RV Park about the layout of full-hookup spaces.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: South Sandusky Campground offers multiple recreational facilities for children. "We love the large beach. The campsites have a nice set up and are a decent size. The kids loved the playground. There were kids everywhere and everyone was very friendly," shares a family who found the social environment welcoming.
Swimming options: Beach areas vary in quality and accessibility throughout the region. One camper notes about South Sandusky, "It's also just a short drive from the South Sandusky swimming beach. It's sometimes pretty rocky in the water so we usually wear water shoes."
Recreation variety: Bring bikes to take advantage of paved trails at many campgrounds. "Fishing. Swimming, hiking, boating, playgrounds. Water and sewer hookups with 30/50 amp electric. Lots of shade. Friendly staff," summarizes a visitor to South Sandusky who appreciated the diverse activities available.
Tips from RVers
Arrival planning: For overnight stopovers, consider Marion Campground & RV Park which offers convenient access. "The price is right.. the check-in was Friendly and quick and all the hookups! Little swings for the littles and lots of room to walk your dog," reports a traveler who found it suitable for a quick stay despite highway noise.
Utility configurations: Bring adapters for varying electrical setups. "Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained," advises an RVer who stayed at Archway RV Park.
Backing challenges: Many sites require careful maneuvering due to roadside ditches. A camper at South Sandusky noted, "The loop has low-sloping ditches on both sides of the road, so precise backing is needed to land on the asphalt pad."
