Camping near Springfield, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, provide great spots for fishing. One camper mentioned, "We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole."
- Hiking: Trails are abundant in the area. A visitor at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground noted, "The trails here are excellent for hiking and fat biking."
- Swimming: Some campgrounds have access to swimming areas. A family at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed, "We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests."
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Double J Campground and RV Park said, "The bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean."
- Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A visitor at Illinois Coon Creek remarked, "We had a full hookup site that was pull through. Our area was nice and flat and large, which was great for our kids to run and play."
- Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. A guest at Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area noted, "The camp host was very friendly and fun to chat with."
What you should know:
- Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Beaver Dam State Park Campground, may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper shared, "The showers were clean, but the water spigots are scattered about."
- Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. One camper at Weldon Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "She had to leave in the middle of the night because the raccoons were so bad."
- Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Coon Creek is open from May 1 to October 13.
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A family at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed, "Lots of families with kids riding bikes around the loop."
- Pack extra supplies: Some campgrounds are remote, so bring what you need. A camper at Primitive Campground suggested, "Suggest shopping for your needs prior to leaving larger cities."
- Plan for quiet hours: Respect the campground's quiet hours to keep the peace. A visitor at Double J Campground noted, "Even being small and on top of each other, the campground was quiet and still at night."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Illinois State Fair Campground mentioned, "All spaces seem to have electricity and water."
- Bring leveling blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly flat. A camper at Illinois Coon Creek advised, "Make sure to bring plenty of cribbing if you’ve never stayed here before."
- Use local resources: Take advantage of nearby stores for supplies. A visitor at Coon Creek appreciated, "There was a very well-stocked store at the entrance called 'Castaways at Coon Creek' that had lots of helpful, unexpected, and fun items."
Exploring the campgrounds around Springfield, IL, can lead to memorable experiences for everyone. Whether you're tent camping or bringing your RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
