Best Campgrounds near Pomona, IL

Camping near Pomona, IL, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking and Trails: The area is home to stunning trails. At Giant City State Park Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter." Another camper noted, "There are many wineries within a short drive of the camp, which made for a fun afternoon."
• Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy water activities, Crab Orchard Lake Campground is a great spot. A camper shared, "The campground has it all - spacious sites with many right on the water," making it perfect for fishing and relaxing by the lake.
• Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, like Jackson Falls, offer opportunities to see local wildlife. One reviewer said, "It’s an interesting thing to hear what nature does when people aren’t around."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Shawnee Forest Campground, a visitor remarked, "The bathrooms are very clean and well lit."
• Friendly Staff: Many campers highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Giant City State Park Campground said, "The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful."
• Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for South Marcum Campground noted, "The sites are set up to provide some privacy and are not right on top of each other."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Benton KOA mentioned, "One side is directly on the freeway VERY loud," so consider your site carefully.
• Reservation Policies: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Crab Orchard Lake Campground said, "Reservations through recreation.gov are a must."
• Wildlife Caution: Be mindful of wildlife, especially at more remote sites. One camper at Jackson Falls warned, "If you’re terrified of wildlife, this is not the place for you."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and safe areas for kids to explore. South Sandusky Campground has been noted for its "close restrooms and playgrounds."
• Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A family at Turkey Ridge Campground enjoyed the "quiet in November," which made cooking outdoors more enjoyable.
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on younger campers, especially near water. One parent at Giant City State Park Campground mentioned, "The hiking trails are beautiful, and not too crowded."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levels: Some sites can be tricky to level. A reviewer at South Marcum Campground advised, "Make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible."
• Connectivity: Cell service can vary. One camper at Benton KOA noted, "T-Mobile worked well," while others had issues with Wi-Fi.
• Dump Stations: Be aware of dump station availability. A visitor at Trail of Tears State Park Campground mentioned, "Dump station backs up on Sunday for close to an hour wait."

Camping near Pomona, IL, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!