Best Campgrounds near Richmond, IL
Chain O' Lakes State Park serves as the primary camping destination near Richmond, Illinois, featuring several distinct camping areas including Turner Lake South, Honeysuckle Hollow, Fox Den, Prairie View, and Mud Lake East. The park offers multiple accommodation types ranging from primitive tent sites to RV-friendly electric hookups, with some areas like Honeysuckle Hollow also providing cabin options. Most campgrounds in the area are established facilities with designated sites, fire rings, and picnic tables. The Turner Lake South area is particularly noted for more private, wooded sites compared to the more open RV sections at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Campsites throughout the region typically require reservations, especially during summer weekends when the area experiences high demand. Sites range from $12 for primitive camping to $25 for electric sites, with varying levels of amenities. Bathroom facilities include both shower houses and pit toilets, though cleanliness can vary during busy periods. The park provides good access to water activities with boat launches, fishing piers, and rental options for kayaks and small fishing boats. A visitor noted, "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer. The best sites for those hoping for privacy are in Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East."
Families and water enthusiasts particularly appreciate the mixed-use campgrounds in this region. The Chain O' Lakes waterway system offers extensive boating and fishing opportunities, though it becomes quite busy during peak summer months. Several campgrounds provide direct water access, with Turner Lake South offering a fishing pier near the camping loop. Wildlife viewing is common, with birds and raccoons frequently mentioned in reviews. One camper shared, "There is so much to do at this campground. Horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing. There is also a park for the kids in several areas." Road noise can be an issue at some sites, and visitors should be prepared for ticks and mosquitoes, especially in wooded areas. The developed campgrounds generally maintain clean facilities with running water, though primitive sites have more basic amenities.
