RV sites near Simpson, Illinois range from riverside locations with distant views of passing barges to more densely arranged parks with full utility connections. The region sits at the northern edge of the Shawnee National Forest where elevation changes create varied camping terrain. Most campgrounds in this area maintain operational seasons from March through November, with a few larger facilities offering year-round availability.
What to do
Fishing access: Birmingham Point Campground offers shoreline fishing opportunities on Kentucky Lake with good catch potential for bass and crappie. "There is a nice swimming beach and beautiful views," notes camper Erin P., who mentions that while hiking and biking options are limited, water activities are abundant.
Visit water parks: Venture River RV Park provides convenient accommodation next to a water attraction. "The facilities are great, but you can tell it is a very new campground by the lack of mature trees for shade. We would stay here again and bring the cousins to play at the water park," reports Brandon T.
Watch river traffic: Birdsville Riverside RV Park positions campers directly along the Ohio River. "We enjoyed a quiet and relaxing stay at this wonderful park. Watching the barges go up and down the river along with an occasional recreational boat or 2," shares Eileen T., who appreciated the waterfront setting.
Wildlife observation: Campers report seeing various wildlife throughout the area. "We enjoyed the lake view from our site plus we saw deer and eagles in the CG during our overnight stay," notes MickandKarla W. about their Birmingham Point Campground experience.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Birdsville Resort and Campground receives consistent praise for its river positioning. "Super nice owner, very clean small park without a lot of extra frills. All open sites waterfront, 30 or 50 amp, sewer and water hookups. Right on the Ohio river!" explains Beth H.
Clean facilities: Venture River RV Park maintains well-kept grounds despite being newer and lacking mature shade trees. "The facilities are great," confirms Brandon T., who stayed while visiting family in the area.
Family activities: Cypress Lakes RV Park offers recreational options for children. "Very nice campground. There is a small lake to fish in. Nice play ground for the kids. Also has many activities for the kids," shares Bonnie F., who plans return visits.
Affordable overnight stops: Marion Campground provides economical options for travelers passing through. "The price is right.. the check-in was Friendly and quick and all the hookups! Little swings for the littles and lots of room to walk your dog," states Jacque E.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Operating periods vary among campgrounds in the region. Outback RV Resort runs from "April 1 to November 1," while Birmingham Point operates "Mar 15 - Nov 15," and Birdsville Riverside RV Park maintains a "March 1 to November 30" season.
Site spacing differences: Proximity between campsites varies significantly across campgrounds. "The sites here vary a lot on how close they are to each other. The website states the sites are 50 feet long, which is probably correct," reports MickandKarla W. about Birmingham Point.
Permanent residents: Many campgrounds host long-term campers. "This campground is mostly permanent residents with very impressive setups," notes Delci L. about Cypress Lakes RV Park, while another reviewer describes it as "Lots of seasonal sites and very busy with activities."
Highway noise: Some locations experience traffic sounds due to their proximity to major roads. "It is right next to interstate 57, so unless you're inside your camper, you'll definitely be listening to the highway," warns Chelsea D. about a campground in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Cypress Lakes RV Park offers multiple recreation options. "Kids enjoyed the playground and the reservoir is really beautiful. We wish the pool had been open…it's still in the process of a renovation. Shaved ice was a nice consolation prize for the kids after the promised pool was a bust," shares Delci L.
Playground access: Several parks maintain play equipment for children. "They had play equipment for kids and a pool," notes a camper about one facility, while another mentions, "Nice play ground for the kids. Also has many activities for the kids."
Swimming options: Water recreation varies by location. "There is a nice swimming beach and beautiful views," states Erin P. about Birmingham Point Campground, providing an alternative to pool facilities.
Low-key campgrounds: Some families prefer quieter settings. "We enjoyed the low key weekend with lots of fun things to do with a little bit of a drive," mentions Beth H., suggesting that families willing to venture out from camp can find additional activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup arrangements: Birdsville Riverside RV Park uses an alternating site setup. "The electric poles and water are shared between each site (you have your own plug but it's in the middle of the two sites) which means the odd number sites are back in, even numbers are pull in," explains Beth H., adding information about cord placement.
Big rig accessibility: Size limitations exist at certain locations. "We wouldn't go in there with anything over 38'. The sites here vary a lot on how close they are to each other," advises MickandKarla W. regarding Birmingham Point Campground.
Surface conditions: Site levelness requires attention. "Level asphalt pads with good hook-ups. Most sites have some shade," notes a reviewer about one park, while another mentions needing "levelers on the door side" of their RV.
Overnight convenience: RV travelers seeking quick stops can find suitable options. "This is a stop-over type of campground. The sites are very close together with no privacy. There are some pull-thru sites, which is convenient," states Chelsea D. about Marion Campground.
