48 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Oakwood, Illinois range from state recreation areas to county preserves, with options for tent, RV, and cabin camping. Kickapoo State Recreation Area serves as a central camping destination, offering electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities. Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area provides a more rustic experience with limited amenities but beautiful natural surroundings. Several campgrounds in the area feature access to lakes and rivers, making them popular for fishing and water recreation activities. Most sites are within a 30-minute drive of Oakwood, creating convenient access for weekend getaways.
The camping season varies by location, with some parks like Kickapoo State Recreation Area open year-round while others such as Middle Fork operate seasonally from May to November. "I live about 30 minutes from Kickapoo SP and anytime I feel I need to camp I head over. Great little campground in Central Illinois. Some pretty trails overlooking, beside, and sometimes through water," noted one regular visitor. Weather conditions can impact camping experiences, particularly during storm seasons. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups, though water and sewer connections are less common. Accessibility varies, with some sites offering paved pads while others maintain a more natural setting.
Campers report high satisfaction with water-adjacent sites throughout the region. Forest Glen County Preserve and Walnut Point State Park Campground consistently receive positive reviews for their natural settings and well-maintained facilities. According to one visitor, "A wonderful small campground with clean shower house. A great lake for fishing and kayaking. A hidden gem in central Illinois." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers frequently spotting birds, turtles, and occasionally raccoons. Weekday camping typically offers more solitude, while weekends bring families and recreational activities. The proximity to hiking trails represents another highlight, with several campgrounds providing direct trail access from camping areas. Fishing opportunities exist at multiple locations, with several ponds and lakes stocked for anglers. Campground hosts are generally available to assist with firewood purchases and local information.
"Stayed here on Dec. 10, 2021 (yes the night of all the tornadoes throughout the Illinois/Kentucky/Tennessee area), I and everyone else at the campsite got pretty lucky, we were just outside the path of"
"Great little campground in Central Illinois. Some pretty trails overlooking, beside, and sometimes through water."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"This park has very nice hiking trails and a swimming beach. The kids had a great time, and I got to kick back and relax."
"Short drive from Chicago (3 hours?) and you are in lush forest. You have to pick the right campsite or you will have no cover and big campers on either side of you."
"But close to a good size hill. Not a grass spot. No water hookup. But would recommend. Little store has lots to offer. Gas station and good near by. Fantastic walking trails within a mile or 2 also."
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability"We did forest glen river ridge trail; started from the staff parking lot and walked about 8 miles to the east camp. We had a big group and took sites 3 and 5 because they were on a flatter ground."
"There is a nearby water source but it will need to be filtered. Other things to do...walk in the prairie, hike, climb a tower, play at the playground, picnic, etc... it’s a very nice place to visit."
from $17 - $27 / night
Check Availability"Arrived on Sunday and nearly had the place to ourselves. Campgrounds are far removed from town and very quiet, large enough to feel isolated. Host sells ice and firewood for a reasonable price."
"The drive into the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve winds between a few ponds. We saw many families fishing around each of them. Once at the campground, check in with the camp host."
"Stayed here 2 nights on our way to Northern Illinois, easy access off the interstate, sites are spacious, grounds are well maintained, staff was very courteous and friendly, nice lake with trail around"
"It is close to the main highway, but far enough to not be noticeable. Sites are level and in good condition. Owner greets you on entering and then guides you to your site. "
"It's on the outskirts of town on the old Chanute AFB. They have lovely tree coverage, it's close to lots of amenities like grocery shopping, sports complex, urgent care, quick interstate access."
"Close to Champaign, IL off I 57 is this charming, open and clean grass covered park. Large sites with full hook ups, picnic table and scattered large trees near an Air Force base."
"The park roads are easy to walk, and trails abound! Trails range in difficulty, so read the park pamphlet before setting out. Views are amazing from the trails! "
"Located north of turkey run state park shades offers all the hiking and scenic terrain with less amenities and less crowds. Sugar creek cuts through the ancient sandstone floor creating canyon walls."
from $14 - $22 / night
Check Availability"Raccoon State Recreation Area | Cecil M Harden Lake is located in the heart of historic covered bridge country just 50 miles West of Indianapolis."
"There are multiple boat ramps for easy access to the water. I met a friend there who is a resident of Indianapolis and we had a great time on the water."
from $14 - $52 / night
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TravelerGreat little campground, decently spaced spots and lots of thoughtful people in a great area. Would def come back if I go through Indiana again. The lady who works in the shack quickly changed my site to one that fits my rv after pulling in and seeing it was way too small. Thanks again ma’am!
ScoutNeeded a place to stay to watch our grandson in a baseball tournament in Rantoul IL. This campground was great. About 10 minutes away. Very quiet and peaceful.
TravelerGreat little campground.
ScoutHad a great annual relationship with this campground. When we first started going they did not have their canoes and kayaks service. We had our our own so no big deal. They let us put in and take out. Then they started their livery service. They were hesitant about letting us use they put in and take out spot but since we would help with some of the chores around the campground we built a good relationship with the owners. They once said "you are the only ones we allow to do this" thought that we were sort of grandfathered in at that point. 20 years later....they must have forgotten their words and we were told since we took out our canoes at there site we were not allowed to come back ever again. You word goes a long way in my book and it evidently got forgotten or they just got mean.
ScoutWe checked in on a Sunday and there were plenty of available sites. I believe they are first come first served this time of year(April). It’s a pretty campground with good spacing between sites. Our site was level. Backed in and checked level and it was perfect front to back, side to side, on first try. We didn’t disconnect just set the stabilizers down, as we were there for just the one night. Shower house was open and reasonably clean. The check-in office was closed and no host on site. There were envelopes at the check-in station to pay when you leave if there was no host or attendant to collect. So we picked our site and setup. Very easy and just$20, no ridiculous add-on fees like entrance fees, unlike some states that I won’t mention(Indiana, Nebraska)….
GuideThis is a beautiful park with lots of amenities. The sites have paved pads but very few are level - weird. Lake access, wooded and sunny sites.
ScoutAmazing campground with multiple camping and RV options. Has a private lake you can set your RV up on and it’s very peaceful.
TravelerThis is one of the few campgrounds in the area open in February. We arrived after 3 pm so it was self check-in, although, for all we know there is no one there before 3 either. Check-in consists of filling out your information on an envelope and dropping it and $20 into a box. All of the buildings were locked and the water was turned off, but the electricity was still working. Only the Illini loop was open. There are no online reservations in the off-season, but finding a spot was not a problem. Only one other site was occupied.
The cement pads are great if you are pitching a tent, no rocks to worry about and perfectly level. The pads must have been added fairly recently because the outdated pictures on the website show a gravel pad. The fire ring worked well for cooking dinner as it has an adjustable height swivel grate for cooking. There was no firewood available at the entrance where it would normally be, but finding wood around is not a problem, plenty of dry wood laying on the ground nearby.
Scouti went here for a spring camporee for BSA Boy Scouts of America and i had a great time very nice place great people nice staff very very nice game room my one issue was a very very angry goose that jump scared me and my friends
Camping spots near Oakwood, Illinois blend prairie grasslands with forested areas at elevations between 500-700 feet. Central Illinois weather patterns bring humid summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F from June through August and freezing winter conditions from December through February. Most campgrounds in the region remain open April through October with limited winter availability at select locations.
Hiking through woodlands and ravines: Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area features hiking trails with scenic views. "This park has very nice hiking trails and a swimming beach. The kids had a great time, and I got to kick back and relax," notes Todd T. The trails range from easy walking paths to more challenging terrain through wooded areas.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Walnut Point State Park Campground provides fishing opportunities in its lake. Todd T. reports, "My family had a great time fishing. The lake was well stocked and maintained." The lake permits fishing but prohibits swimming and motorized boats, creating a quieter environment for anglers.
Canoe or kayak rentals: Available at multiple locations, water recreation is popular during summer months. "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning. Saturday we rented a canoe from a canoe place right down the road from the campground," writes Samantha S. about Turkey Run State Park. Water levels change seasonally, with spring typically offering higher water for paddling activities.
Private, wooded sites: Campers appreciate space between sites at D & W Lake RV Park. "Sites level, plenty of space between campers, shade trees, loved the dog run too," reports Ricky L. The campground features grassy areas with mature trees providing natural separation between camping areas.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain modern restrooms and shower facilities. At Prairie Pines Campground, Jennifer B. found "Large very clean bathhouse. Several small playgrounds and swingsets scattered about. The grounds are meticulously maintained." The bathhouses typically include hot water and are cleaned regularly.
Stargazing opportunities: Harry L Swartz Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing. "It's a dark sky park so you can get some nice views from the campground and surrounding areas," according to Tim F. The campground's location away from major light pollution creates optimal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. "Reservations were limited in 2020 due to the plandemic (cough cough) so getting a site was a bit of a task but not in previous years," notes Tim F. about Harry L Swartz Campground. Reservation windows typically open 6 months in advance for state parks.
Wildlife encounters: Expect to see local wildlife at campsites. At Kickapoo State Recreation Area, Lucas T. warns, "Nice CG. No booze signs posted, take it serious! Watched a ranger evict and entire group late in the evening for drinking." Local regulations are strictly enforced by rangers who patrol regularly.
Weather preparedness: Central Illinois experiences rapid weather changes, particularly during spring and early summer. "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders, and be prepared to get wet," suggests Samantha S. about nearby trails. Afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently during summer months.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. At Harry L Swartz Campground, Art S. mentions, "There is a swimming beach and playground that were also closed for COVID." Most playgrounds include standard equipment like swings and slides within walking distance of camping areas.
Educational opportunities: Forest Glen County Preserve offers nature learning activities. Sally R. shares, "Other things to do...walk in the prairie, hike, climb a tower, play at the playground, picnic, etc... it's a very nice place to visit." The preserve features interpretive signs identifying local flora and fauna along hiking paths.
Family-friendly sites: Choose sites based on proximity to amenities. "We stayed at site #35. It is in a very quiet, off the main road, in a circle, in full shade. It's is very close to the restroom but a distance from the camp store and dumpster," recommends Michelle M. about camping at Turkey Run State Park. Sites numbered 15-27 at Walnut Point are recommended for families due to their lake proximity.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. Michelle M. notes about Turkey Run State Park, "The site was clean and well equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. The site is very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It's was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end."
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are common but water and sewer connections vary. At Walnut Point, Rachel H. explains, "Each site has a gravel pad, grill/fire pit and picnic table, as well as electric hook up. There is one dump station near the campground entrance, and water fill there or in a few locations in the campground. There is not water and sewer hookup at each pad."
Easy access from highways: Prairie Pines Campground provides convenient locations for travelers. Brandi M. describes it as ideal for those who "want to park and go adventure the area, ride the bike path, check out some of the surrounding towns or local shopping it's all right there but doesn't feel right there." Its location makes it suitable for overnight stops while traveling through the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Oakwood, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oakwood, IL is Kickapoo State Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 31 reviews.
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