Camping opportunities near Trenton, Illinois range from lakeside sites with easy boat access to more remote areas for primitive camping. Located in the western part of the state where elevations typically stay below 600 feet, most campgrounds in this region feature a mix of wooded and open areas with varying levels of privacy. Summer temperatures often reach into the 90s with high humidity, making campgrounds with shade trees particularly valuable during peak season.
What to do
Fishing access points: At Dam West Spillway, campers can enjoy excellent lakeside fishing with multiple convenient spots. "There are a lot of good trails and fishing at the spillway," notes one visitor, while another mentions the campground is "right next to the marina and with many sites right on the lake."
Biking trails: The paved paths around Dam West Spillway provide excellent cycling opportunities for all ages. "There is a bike path that goes right past the campground that was busy all weekend with bikers, runners, and walkers," explains one reviewer, adding it "takes you from the shower house to the marina in just a short walk."
Seasonal bird watching: Visit during spring or fall migration periods for optimal wildlife viewing. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground is particularly noted for this activity, with one camper sharing, "This is a great place when the geese are migrating thru, I really hope to be back here some day!"
What campers like
Budget-friendly camping: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground offers some of the most affordable camping in the region. Multiple reviewers highlight the value, with one stating, "Great spot and great value... access to drinking water and waste water dump for just $8," and another adding, "Nice private camping... 5 ⭐ in my opinion simply because of the overnight price and privacy."
Lake views and activities: Pyramid State Recreation Area provides excellent water access across multiple lakes. A camper notes, "The campground was peaceful and close to the lakes," while another visitor mentions, "There are several trails to explore and plenty of places to throw a pole in."
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the maintenance standards at Randolph County State Recreation Area, with one reviewer noting, "The grounds are well maintained. Lots of nice tall trees for shade and grass is mowed on the regular," and another simply stating it's "Clean and very quiet."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: At Randolph County State Recreation Area, some camping sections offer less privacy than others. One camper cautions, "The RV sites are very close together, so don't expect privacy or quiet days/evenings at least in the Pine Ridge campground."
Equestrian facilities limitations: While Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area offers dedicated horse camping areas, riders should note potential drawbacks. A reviewer points out, "Biggest draw back is no electricity in equestrian sites. There's is water and toilets trails aren't marked real well but very wide nicely maintained to."
Seasonal closures: Some horse campgrounds near Trenton, Illinois may have restricted access during certain times. At Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground, a visitor reported, "There is a homemade sign that says no camping. I wish we would have known that before we got here."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Dam West Spillway features multiple play areas within walking distance of campsites. A family camper shares, "This campsite is very clean and safe for young children. They have outdoor informational presentations about plants and animals geared toward children."
Educational programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities focused on local wildlife. One Dam West Spillway visitor mentioned, "They have activities for children on the weekends," making it ideal for families seeking structured outdoor learning.
Kid-friendly trails: Du Quoin State Fair Campground maintains easily navigable paths suitable for younger hikers. While specific family programming is limited, campers note the grounds are "clean and bathrooms easy to get to," important considerations when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: When visiting Randolph County State Recreation Area, plan your arrival carefully. One RVer advises, "Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there's no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It's approximately a mile before the campground on your left."
Site dimensions: Many equestrian campgrounds near Trenton, Illinois have limited space for larger rigs. At Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area, some sites can accommodate bigger vehicles, but one camper notes the park is "somewhat far from supply stores," so stock up before arrival.
Hookup availability: The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta offers some of the most complete hookup options in the region. A recent visitor noted, "Lot's of full hookups... Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue," though they caution the campground can fill completely during major events in early August.
