Camping sites near St. Anne, Illinois range from established forest preserves to family-oriented RV parks within a 90-minute drive radius. The region features prairie and woodland terrain with elevations generally between 600-700 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Water activities on natural lakes: Oak Lake RV Resort features a swimming pond with recreational features during summer months. One visitor noted, "Great park just off interstate. Gated for security and plenty of shade. Great family setting and staff."
Hiking on forest trails: Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area offers diverse hiking trails through prairie and woodland habitats. According to a camper, "Lots of acreage to explore. No real trails but if you don't mind roughing it plenty to explore, hunting, fishing, mushrooms, electric motor only boats on the lake."
Mountain biking opportunities: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides access to extensive trail systems for cycling enthusiasts. A reviewer shared, "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."
Fishing in multiple locations: Several camping areas offer fishing in ponds and small lakes stocked with various species. A visitor to Willow Slough commented, "There are monster bass in this lake, I have got a 19-inch largemouth in 2017."
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Harry L Swartz Campground receives consistent praise for its well-maintained amenities. One camper reported, "Bathrooms and showers are extremely clean. Great oasis from Illinois's light pollution for stargazing."
Family-oriented activities: Many resorts schedule regular weekend entertainment for visitors of all ages. A camper at Caboose Lake Campground shared, "We love Caboose! If you have kids or teens this is your spot. Super clean water and beach area with inflatables - so fun!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several camping locations offer chances to observe native species in their natural habitats. A reviewer at Harry L Swartz noted, "Lots of wildlife: heard many different bird calls & coyotes howling in the night."
Dark sky stargazing: Some campgrounds away from urban light pollution provide excellent night sky viewing. According to a Harry L Swartz visitor, "Since the campground is right next to a Dark Sky Park, stargazing is amazing if you have good weather."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campgrounds offer different levels of separation between sites. A camper at Camp Sullivan observed, "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded."
Seasonal availability: Most glamping accommodations near St. Anne operate from April through October due to Midwest weather patterns. Several campgrounds list specific opening dates on their websites.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential for weekend stays, particularly at popular locations. A Harry L Swartz visitor noted, "Reservations were limited in 2020 due to the pandemic so getting a site was a bit of a task but not in previous years."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience occasional noise issues. A camper reported about Kankakee South KOA, "There were some kind of car races until around 9:30, awful noise."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kankakee South KOA offers play areas specifically designed for younger children. A visitor commented, "Playground was nice and geared toward smaller kids. Staff was friendly and very nice."
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with additional attractions. A review of Caboose Lake stated, "They do require wristbands which cost 10$ a day but that includes bumper boats and unlimited paddle boat rentals, for us it's perfect!"
Weekend activities schedule: Many campgrounds organize special events throughout the camping season. A Kankakee South KOA visitor shared, "We always go in October on one of their Halloween weekends a just have a blast. They provide scheduled activities, nightly movies, haunted hay rack rides."
Proximity to facilities: Consider site location relative to bathrooms when camping with young children. One Camp Sullivan reviewer advised, "Use to have a shower house but it was closed when we were there."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds near St. Anne offer complete service connections. A Kankakee South KOA camper noted, "A plus was the full hookups. The sights are very close together. Management is not over bearing and very friendly."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for stabilizing RVs. A camper at Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area mentioned, "Some sites are not level so you have to pay attention."
RV size restrictions: Not all sites accommodate larger recreational vehicles. According to a Harry L Swartz visitor, "Some of the sites are small so big campers on some sites could be an issue. Some of the sites are weird and literally just along the roadside in the campground."
Utility reliability: Power and water quality can vary between locations. A Willow Slough camper cautioned, "Do remember to bring power source for your phone such as a power bank and water to drink, the water there taste funny."
