Camping areas around Lena, Illinois sit within the gently rolling Driftless Region, an area untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from early April through late October due to Illinois' cold winters, with daytime summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F. The region features a mix of forest, prairie and riverfront camping options at elevations between 700-900 feet above sea level.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area offers fishing in a stocked lake where visitors report catches even in the children's fishing pond. As one visitor noted, "There's fishing, exploring, a playground, and when you see a paddleboat you have time to drive to town before it hits loch & damn #12."
Hiking trails: Apple River Canyon features several walking paths along the canyon and river. A camper described, "We hiked down into the canyon along the river, and the bugs and spider webs we had to pass through were next level. Did see some deer, a big raccoon, and an eagle."
Wildlife viewing: The area's natural setting provides good wildlife watching opportunities. At Apple River Canyon, one visitor "met a local photographer who showed me pictures he had taken of local fox kits and other cool wildlife." Expect to see deer, raccoons, eagles and smaller wildlife throughout the region.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: Apple River Canyon is designated as a dark skies site. A camper mentioned, "This site is a dark skies site, so if it's not overcast or full moon there is some good stargazing."
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campgrounds in the area maintain quiet hours and a relaxed environment. One visitor to Blanding Landing reported, "Overall nice campground. Hosts are friendly and I saw rangers driving through multiple times. Each site includes picnic table and fire pit."
Diverse terrain: The Driftless Region's unique landscape offers varied camping experiences. At Rustic Barn Campground, visitors appreciate the "gorgeous sunsets" and note that "all had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near the Mississippi River have railroad tracks nearby. A Blanding Landing visitor cautioned, "Trains are noisy—we slept through them but are also used to living by a train station. Your mileage may vary on that one."
Bug activity: The wooded areas can have significant insect populations. A camper at Apple River Canyon warned, "The bugs are no joke though. Mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying friends were definitely swarming."
Cell service variability: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region. One camper noted about Apple River Canyon: "Tmobile cell service was spotty at best," while another specified, "AT&T cell service is mostly nonexistent in camp, but kicks in as you head out, so plan your research ahead of time."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Off Shore RV Park provides family-friendly water facilities. A visitor noted the "resort has restaurant, playground, water park" with "river views, hard lanes, tables, fire rings, RR, playground."
Playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Sugar Shores RV Resort, one camper mentioned there's a "fair amount of stuff for the kids, game room, mini golf, pool."
Wildlife education: The region provides opportunities for children to learn about nature. At Spruce Creek Park, a visitor recommended exploring nearby: "If you travel 15ish minutes North you can see the crystal caverns, my kids loved it."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: The region's hilly terrain can create challenges for RV parking. At Rustic Barn Campground RV Park, a visitor noted, "Unfortunately our site 26 seemed to be the most in level, which was our only negative. We had to use all our blocks to get us as level as possible."
Size limitations: Some parks cannot accommodate larger rigs. For Apple River Canyon, a camper advised, "Though there is a dump station, I would not recommend this park for large campers. Our pop up did fine and we saw a few other tear drop campers, but the roads are pretty narrow for anything more than that."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV camping near Lena, Illinois operates on a limited schedule. One visitor to Lake Louise RV Resort mentioned it's open from "Apr 1 - Oct 31," while Rustic Barn Campground RV Park operates from "April 13 to October 31," requiring advance planning for spring and fall visits.
