Springfield-area campgrounds provide RV accommodations ranging from basic electric sites to full hookups within 25 miles of central Illinois' capital city. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, while The Double J Campground and RV Park offers year-round camping. Sites typically feature gravel pads with fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of shade depending on the campground location.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Sangchris Lake State Park Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites. "We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from. Spotty reception but it's great to unplug," notes one visitor. The 3,000-acre cooling lake attracts anglers looking for largemouth bass, catfish and crappie.
Historical exploration: The Illinois State Fair Campground provides an affordable base for visiting Springfield's Lincoln sites. "Short drive 2.5 miles to Lincoln home. 1 mile from Lincoln's Tomb," reports one camper. The fairgrounds also hosts a weekly farmers market during summer months.
Walking and biking: Campgrounds near Springfield feature paved roads ideal for family walks and bike rides. A visitor to Country Bend Campground shared, "We really loved the bridges with trails to ponds, and the jumping pillow." Most campgrounds maintain walkable loops within their boundaries.
What campers like
Affordable alternatives: Illinois State Fair Campground offers budget-conscious sites just minutes from downtown. "$20 a night. Campground attendant Mike very nice and helpful. Large campground over 300 sites. All sites have electric, most have water," reports one visitor.
Peaceful environments: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground earns praise for its quiet, lake-adjacent setting. "This is our close to home, fave weekender site. Electric only but still love. Spaced out, gravel sites and asphalt roads," explains a repeat visitor. The park offers both wooded and lakeside camping options.
Family activities: Springfield KOA features recreational facilities for children. A visitor notes, "Beautiful campground! Super clean and peaceful. This KOA has many family activities, including a pool, mini golf, jumping pillow & a huge field for the kids to play." The campground operates seasonally from April through November.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Central Illinois experiences humid summers and occasional storms. A camper at Country Bend Campground reports, "It rained our 1st night there we had a big mud hole asked if there was anyway to get rock and they brought rick to get it dry for us." Spring camping often means dealing with wet conditions.
Reservation requirements: Campsites fill quickly during summer and holiday weekends. At The Double J Campground and RV Park, a visitor noted, "Called last minute on a Saturday, I had to leave a message and was hoping someone would call me back! Within five minutes, I had a call back and a lovely pull through site reserved for a one night stay on a Saturday night in May."
RV site conditions: Many Springfield-area campgrounds feature gravel rather than concrete pads. "The gravel could be a bit thicker but it was decent," reports a camper at Double J Campground. After rainfall, sites may require additional drainage time before becoming fully usable.
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate activities: Country Bend Campground offers multiple recreation options. "Holiday weekends have so many planned activities, some for all ages. We really loved the bridges with trails to ponds, and the jumping pillow," shares a family camper.
Safety considerations: Campgrounds provide varying levels of supervision. A visitor to Double J Campground observed, "Their friendly staff leads you back to your site on a golf cart and is regularly driving around with firewood." Staff presence increases during peak season.
Pet accommodations: Most Springfield campgrounds welcome pets with specific guidelines. A camper at Kamper Kompanion RV Park noted, "Cute little fenced in pet area with benches for the pups to stretch." Double J Campground provides "lots of grass and walking areas for pets."
Tips from RVers
Site access: Springfield-area RV sites accommodate various rig sizes. At Double J Campground, a visitor explains, "We have stayed here twice, and will stay again for sure when in the area. Fantastic camp hosts, large pull through spots, pool, mini golf, and more. Very convenient to get too and the check in is very fast."
Hookup considerations: Electricity varies between campgrounds. "Full site hookups 30/50 amp, water, sewer, cable and WiFi. Many many pros to this park. Cons- very pricey, WiFi is about the speed of dial up," explains a visitor to Double J Campground regarding connectivity issues.
Location convenience: RV sites near Springfield, Illinois provide varying proximity to highways and attractions. Kamper Kompanion RV Park offers "Easy on off, right by highway, pulled in after dark and they met us to show us to the site and got us settled. Easy pull thru site with 40' and toad."
