Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area and surrounding campgrounds offer year-round camping options across central Illinois. The region features rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 500 to 650 feet above sea level and receives an average of 40 inches of precipitation annually. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer days often exceed 90°F, making spring and fall popular camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Spring Creek Campground features a fishing pond where no boating or swimming is allowed. A camper noted, "There is a small playground, covered patio, bathrooms with showers and plenty of lawn space!" while another mentioned the "beautiful fishing pond."
Outdoor games: Country Bend Campground offers numerous recreation options. As one camper described, "This beautiful campground has many things to offer... It has a pool, swing sets, playground, cabins, ponds with stocked fish, beautiful walking trails, camping, welcome center, baseball field, volleyball, games, horseshoes, paddle boats, miniature golf, and so much more."
Miniature golf: The Double J Campground and RV Park provides additional recreation options. A visitor mentioned, "Nice pool, putt-putt golf, and washer and dryers." The campground also features basketball courts and outdoor checkers.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Spring Creek Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. One camper stated, "Campground is well maintained. All spots are back in. All have electricity but only a few have water. There are clean restrooms with free showers." Another noted it was "Very well maintained, peaceful and level."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Country Bend Campground organizes scheduled activities. A visitor shared, "Holiday weekends have so many planned activities, some for all ages. We really loved the bridges with trails to ponds, and the jumping pillow." Another camper added, "We had a great time with lots of activities to keep the kiddos busy."
Quiet settings: Some parks offer peaceful environments away from highway noise. A camper at Spring Creek appreciated that it's "Far enough away from the interstate you don't hear the traffic. No nearby trains either." Another described it as "one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've been in in a long time... the bird sounds, the frogs, ducks, the whole natural environment is just wonderful."
What you should know
Site conditions vary: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain during wet weather. At Country Bend, a camper warned, "Be prepared for mud and standing water. 4wd a must" during rainy periods.
Limited tent sites: Cedarbrook RV Park and Campground isn't ideal for tent camping. A reviewer pointed out, "There are only about 6 tent sites at this campground, which makes it not entirely friendly for tent campers. However, the bathrooms were lovely and clean."
Varying site sizes: Campground layouts can be restrictive for larger vehicles. A Kamper Kompanion reviewer noted there are a "limited number of" pull-through sites, while others mentioned some campgrounds are "basically a big open flat field with sites and building spread throughout."
Tips for camping with families
Pet accommodations: Most parks welcome pets but have specific areas. At Kamper Kompanion RV Park, "Cute little fenced in pet area with benches for the pups to stretch," according to one visitor. Another mentioned, "Quiet, family friendly, and great for our dogs. We love the dog yard!"
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates. Spring Creek charges "$15 for tent/primitive camping, $25 for electric!" according to a recent visitor, while Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area was described as having "reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff."
Playground facilities: Many parks have kid-focused areas. Spring Creek has a "Nice playground in the shade next to a pavilion," and another visitor confirmed it has a "small playground, covered patio, bathrooms with showers and plenty of lawn space!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many RV sites require adjustment. At Kaskaskia Dragon RV Park, a visitor noted, "Downsides is wifi is poor, gravel is unlevel," while appreciating the "Long spots, friendly owner, easy access to hardware store across the street."
Easy access sites: Percival Springs RV Campground offers "Huge pull thru sites for about 4 rigs. Lots of grass for 4 legged friends," according to a visitor who stayed overnight. Another camper appreciated that "We stopped here for a night. There is a restaurant near but it was closed. Mostly long term occupants with about 5 sites for travelers."
Seasonal considerations: RV camping near Ramsey, Illinois follows seasonal patterns. Most parks operate fully from April through October, while some like Double J Campground and Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area remain open year-round with limited services during winter months.
