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Best Campgrounds near Mount Zion, IL

336 Reviews

Several established campgrounds surround Mount Zion, Illinois, providing a range of camping experiences in central Illinois farm country. Friends Creek Campground, approximately 13 miles from Decatur, features 40 sites with electric hookups, tent spaces, and well-maintained facilities. Lake Shelbyville recreation areas, including Bo Wood, Forrest W. Bo Wood, and Lithia Springs campgrounds, offer additional options with many sites providing lake access. These Corps of Engineers campgrounds accommodate tent camping, RVs with full hookups, and some cabin rentals within a 30-minute drive of Mount Zion.

Camping in central Illinois follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with most campgrounds open from spring through fall. Friends Creek operates from May 1 to November 1, while Coon Creek maintains a similar season from May 1 to October 13. Several Lake Shelbyville campgrounds remain open year-round, including Eagle Creek State Park, Weldon Springs, and Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. Advance reservations are recommended, especially for electric hookup sites and weekend camping during summer months. Most developed campgrounds provide water access points, though not all sites have individual water hookups. A visitor noted, "Get here early and you have your choice. This is a nice mid-Illinois campground!"

Camping experiences vary significantly between the smaller, quieter campgrounds like Friends Creek and the larger, more amenity-rich Lake Shelbyville sites. Friends Creek receives consistently positive reviews for its clean facilities, spacious sites and peaceful setting. One camper described it as "a true hidden gem. Lovely, treed, clean and quiet. Tent and RV sites, including 50 amp sites!" Lake Shelbyville campgrounds offer more water recreation opportunities with boat ramps, marinas, and swimming areas. Sites at Bo Wood provide lake views, though they can be more crowded during peak season. Bathhouse facilities at most developed campgrounds receive positive feedback for cleanliness and maintenance. Trails and nature areas complement camping experiences, with several parks featuring prairie restoration areas, fishing opportunities, and hiking paths through deciduous forests.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mount Zion, Illinois (60)

    1. Friends Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cisco, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 795-8361

    $10 - $25 / night

    "In mid-Illinois a campground waits for you. Well tended grassy sites with an impeccable grassy picnicking area. There was plenty of room in our site but most of the campground is empty."

    "This hidden gem of a campground is very quiet and serene - surrounded by tall trees and next to a tall grass prairie conservation area - complete with historic schoolhouse, mowed trails to a nearby creek"

    2. Spitler Woods State Natural Area

    1 Review
    Mount Zion, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (815) 933-1383

    "Favorite place to camp in Illinois."

    3. Coon Creek (IL)

    18 Reviews
    Shelbyville, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $18 - $48 / night

    "We've been camping at Coon Creek, on a beautiful Lake Shelbyville, for a few years now, the place is perfect for family vacations. And that's exactly what we do."

    "There are many sites on this campground that are wooded and have views of Lake Shelbyville. Boat ramp to put in your boat or kayaks and sand beach for the kids to go swimming."

    4. Weldon Springs State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Clinton, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 935-2644

    "It’s a nice Illinois state park. Very quiet. Clean bathrooms, the consecution stand is closed. So can’t rent boat etc. but a nice lake to paddle canoe/kayak ."

    "Good fishing near by with walking trail surrounding pond. Plenty of wildlife friendly locals."

    5. Eagle Creek State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Findlay, IL
    21 miles
    Website

    "Review of Drive In Tent Camping Site 2. Showed up on a Thursday night and had our pick of all the drive in and walk in sites. We decided on site 2 in the drive in area."

    "I have camped here in the past and enjoy primitive tent camping so I stayed Friday September 29th and Saturday September 30th in the tent camping drive up site #2."

    6. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Weldon, IL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 935-8722

    $10 - $30 / night

    "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach."

    "Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole."

    7. Bo Wood

    8 Reviews
    Sullivan, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $18 - $48 / night

    "In 2017 it has 150 camping sites, a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, several picnic areas and a bait shop at the entrance on Illinois Route 32 4 miles South of Sullivan."

    "It is right next to the lake. I get some views. In the pictures I posted you’ll see what I’m talking about."

    8. Forrest W. Bo Wood

    8 Reviews
    Sullivan, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $18 - $48 / night

    "Located on Lake Shelbyville, Bo Wood is an Army Co of Engineers park. Plenty of full hook ups and tent camping spots. Most by the lake."

    "It’s crowded near the road but spreads out well at the back of the site. Lots of people here today"

    9. Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Findlay, IL
    23 miles
    Website

    "The park is huge and is one of the only state park's in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails."

    "We are tent people and love primitive camping in spots where we can really be away from everyone and at least pretend like we’re alone."

    10. Lithia Springs

    10 Reviews
    Shelbyville, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $18 - $36 / night

    "At the end of the circles there are some sites right on the lake and the boat ramp is nearby.

    Nice latrines and showerhouses."

    "Lithia Springs is a great campground with a wonderful marina located on beautiful Lake Shelbyville! We stayed at Site #12 overlooking the lake."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mount Zion, IL

61 Photos of 60 Mount Zion Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mount Zion, IL

336 Reviews of 60 Mount Zion Campgrounds

  • Jill C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Secluded and Cozy

    We stayed here during our travels from Kansas to Indiana. While we only stayed one night, it was long enough to know that should we travel nearby again-this will be our stopping point. Easy to access from the highway yet while in the park, we experienced pure bliss and quiet. Spacious sites and an abundant amount of shade made this stay even better! The camp hosts do an excellent job as the grounds and bathhouse were all immaculate! These are electric only sites however there are several water spigots to fill the tank prior to parking. For ease, there are even potable water spigots at the dump station and the bathhouse as well. Our site was fairly level and easy to maneuver into. For reference, we have a 34’ fifth wheel. When reserving, note that there are a handful of 50 amp sites, several 30 amp sites and tent sites available.

  • L
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Great campground

    Very nice small campground with well spaced sites. The bathrooms were very clean. The Macon County website is a bit wonky to navigate. The camp host is a jewel. Be aware that there are 50 amp sites and 30 amp sites. The 50 amp sites are more expensive. Would definitely return.

  • Mercedes K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Camp Lakewood

    Great Place!

    Great place! Enjoyed the serene atmosphere and friendly staff. Loved the pizza too.

  • B
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Bo Wood

    Family camping

    Extremely peaceful spot and friendly camp host. Great shower/bathroom facilities (could be little cooler in there in the summer)

  • B
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Bad Management Ready To Ruin Your Holiday

    This park is beautiful, clean and the people were friendly. My issue is with the site supervisor and superintendent. On July 4th 2025 we were given the option of moving our entire campsite or being kicked out of the park. JULY 4TH! We booked our campsite in the last week of April, paid in full. We were the second party to book any spot in the entire campground! We chose our spot specifically for the access to the water and seclusion from the rest of the sites. Come to find out(a day after we set up camp) we booked in "horse camp" which apparently requires you to have horses. It never stated this on the website or rental confirmation we received. Nobody reached out to us in the three months we held the booking to confirm if we had horses. There was no on-site check in that could have saved us the trouble. No, instead we had to take 4 hours out of our holiday to pack all of our stuff and move into overflow camping or be forced to leave. Because of their mistake. Absolutely ruined our holiday with zero remorse or understanding. The icing on the cake was as we were leaving horse camp we noticed multiple other camp sites where people had not brought horses. They stated this happens all the time. If site management had two braincells to rub together they would fix their website instead of consistently ruining peoples trips and holidays. And then these people had the audacity to say they weren't going to charge us for the campsite they moved us to?!?! In reality, we should be receiving a full refund for the campsite we did pay for and free passes for the rest of the year. There is a second state campground on the other side of the lake I would suggest before coming to this place.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    D & W Lake RV Park

    Lovely hideway

    Very nice looking campground. When we drove in, 1st impression, it gave off a "Welcome" feel. Check-in was easy, we were pre-paid, we were taken directly to our pull-thru site. Stayed only 1 night, had planned 2 but had issues had to call and cancel 1 night. Sites level, plenty of space between campers, shade trees, loved the dog run too. Overall it was a very nice well kept campground. I'm glad we made a reservation. We enjoyed our stay.

  • Jeri B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Spring Creek Campground

    Beautiful, serene

    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. I would’ve stayed there for weeks if I could and will definitely be back.

  • Becky K.
    May. 31, 2025

    D & W Lake RV Park

    Great place to stay

    This campground is close to home and is our go to when we have a last minute opportunity to camp. Beautiful lake view from our site. Owners are very friendly and super helpful.

Guide to Mount Zion

Camping near Mount Zion, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at Comlara County Park. One reviewer mentioned, "There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in." You can expect to catch bass, walleye, and more.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Moraine View State Recreational Area. A visitor noted, "Great hiking trails clean shower and bath houses," making it a perfect spot for a nature walk.
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. One family shared, "We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests," highlighting the beach access.

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. At Okaw Valley Kampground, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms were newly updated and immaculate," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the campground staff. A camper at Double J Campground remarked, "Staff were super friendly and went out of their way to accommodate!"
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Coon Creek noted, "The sites at the campground are kind of hit or miss as lots are very slopy, but we had a full hookup site that was pull through."

What you should know

  • Privacy concerns: Some campgrounds can feel crowded. A visitor at Comlara County Park mentioned, "They are spaced a little too close for comfort for my taste," so be prepared for close quarters.
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A camper at Moraine View State Recreational Area pointed out, "The outhouse was in really rough shape," so plan accordingly.
  • Wildlife encounters: Be aware of local wildlife. One camper at Weldon Springs State Park had a raccoon problem, stating, "The couple a few sites down had their tent destroyed."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Camp Lakewood, a reviewer said, "Cute lake, very family friendly, lots of amenities, amazingly clean."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A family at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed the beach and playground, saying, "We had a fantastic time here."
  • Pack extra supplies: Be prepared for anything. A camper at Coon Creek suggested bringing your own hand soap, as some facilities may lack basic supplies.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure the site can accommodate your RV. A visitor at Double J Campground noted, "Well maintained and level spots," which is crucial for RV parking.
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A camper at Okaw Valley Kampground mentioned, "We had a level pull thru gravel site with a picnic table and small fire ring."
  • Be mindful of noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A reviewer at Fox Ridge State Park said, "You can hear the highway traffic nearby, but it was more like white-noise than anything else."

Camping near Mount Zion, Illinois, offers a mix of fun and relaxation. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mount Zion, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Zion, IL is Friends Creek Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.

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