Camping sites near Neoga, Illinois offer varied terrain from densely wooded areas to open lakeside spots, with elevations ranging from 550-650 feet above sea level. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal patterns with average summer temperatures between 75-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August. Campgrounds in the area operate primarily from April through October with reduced services during shoulder seasons.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide pond and lake access for anglers. At Spring Creek Campground, campers report productive fishing. "The fishing pond is great and beautiful. Big rig friendly," notes Charles K. The campground offers fishing in a small pond with catch-and-release rules.
**Hiking trails: Fox Ridge State Park features some of central Illinois' most diverse terrain. A camper describes, "The hiking trails are some of the best in the state because the glaciers dropped of mountains of soil in the area where this park is located. The surrounding farm land is flat as can be, but the forested hills and creek beds in the park are almost mountainous."
**Swimming access: Lake Shelbyville offers swimming beaches near several campgrounds. At Camp Lakewood, "The swimming area is basically just a dock you can jump off of but it's not crowded at all so plenty of room for my family," shares Riley J. Most swimming areas close after Labor Day.
**Boating: Lake Shelbyville allows motorized boats with multiple access points. "Lithia Springs is a great campground with a wonderful marina located on beautiful Lake Shelbyville!" notes a reviewer. Boat rentals available at Lithia Springs Marina include fishing boats and pontoon boats for day use.
What campers like
**Privacy between sites: Many campsites provide natural barriers for seclusion. At Possum Creek Campground, the primitive setting offers solitude. "We were the only ones there and I really don't have any negative thoughts about it," writes Catherine T. Sites cost approximately $8 per night for tent camping.
**Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Shower house is clean and well maintained," reports Josh H. about Eagle Creek State Park Campground. Another camper adds, "The bathrooms are so clean! Nice place over all!"
**Wildlife viewing: The wooded settings provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "There is tons of deer and other animals to watch and watch out that they don't steal your food while you are sleeping. The wild life is great for photography and makes for some good fireside stories," writes a camper about Eagle Creek State Park.
**Lakefront sites: Campers value spots with water views. "We chose a buddy site even though we weren't camping with another family because we like the location. It was right at the end of the peninsula, and it is by far the biggest and beautiful site we have ever stayed in," notes a visitor to Coon Creek on Lake Shelbyville.
What you should know
**Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We spent the weekend at Coon Creek and had a great time. I enjoyed our Site #14. There was a path behind our site that led to a private 'beach'," shares Crystal. Reservations recommended 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
**Seasonal operation: Most facilities operate April through October. Robin Hood Woods Campground runs from April 1 to October 31, while others like Wolf Creek State Park Campground remain open year-round with limited services in winter.
**Site variations: Campgrounds offer different amenities by location. "This campground has a dog park and beautiful views, but the sites are very crowded. There are full hook up sites and electric only. If you like the party atmosphere, this place is for you. If you like a more spread out and quiet park, look at Lithia Springs or Opossum," advises Debra M.
**Service limitations: Cell coverage varies throughout the region. "AT&T has good phone service," notes a camper at Eagle Creek, while others report spotty coverage at more remote locations like Possum Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
**Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Robin Hood Woods Campground, "There is a pool, playground, fishing pond and small arcade room. You can rent a peddle type cart that holds 4 people who all peddle. They really loved them," shares Tina H.
**Beach accessibility: Consider proximity to swimming areas when booking with kids. "There is a beach that closes after Labor Day, but there are lots of sites available all year round," notes a camper about Wolf Creek State Park. Most beaches lack lifeguards.
**Evening activities: Some campgrounds organize weekend events. "Weekend activities for the kids" are available at Robin Hood Woods, and a visitor notes, "We went 4th of July weekend and they even had a golf cart parade and through candy which was so fun for our son."
**Buddy sites: For families camping together, specialized sites accommodate multiple units. "There are several buddy sites here that are set up very well for groups of RV's and tents camping together," explains a camper at Coon Creek, where sites can accommodate up to 10-12 people.
Tips from RVers
**Hook-up availability: Service levels vary between campgrounds. At Bo Wood, "Our FHU site was very easy to access and a very level well graveled site. The site is full shade and wooded with a nice fire pit and lantern post," reports Ryne T. Full hook-up sites typically cost $25-30 per night.
**Site leveling: Most campgrounds maintain relatively even sites. "The sites are mostly gravel and level," notes a camper about Coon Creek. Bo Wood receives praise for "super wide, all gravel and quite level" sites that are "really, the site couldn't have been better."
**Maneuverability considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. About Camp Lakewood, John T. explains, "The sites are fairly tight. They guided us to our site which was good, I never would have found my site without their help. All gravel without clear markings or signage."
**Dump station locations: Know where facilities are located before arrival. "There is a central dumping station upon exit," notes James C. about Spring Creek Campground, while other locations offer on-site sewer connections at premium sites.
