Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides tent, RV, and yurt camping options across several distinct loops. The campground extends over a large area with sites arranged in different environments - some shaded within trees and others in more open prairie settings. Located near Weldon, Illinois, the area features warm lake waters due to discharge from a nearby nuclear plant. Most campgrounds in the region remain accessible from April through October with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Lake activities at Comlara County Park: Several boat rental options available during summer months at this 900-acre recreational area. The beach costs extra ($2 per person) and boat rentals fill quickly. "You can rent boats and kayaks to take out on the lake during the day and grills throughout the park to have a bbq at night with friends," mentions Sage C. from Comlara County Park.
Fishing at D & W Lake: The small fishing lake contains bluegill and bass for catch-and-release fishing. No license required within the campground. "The lake behind our trailer is beautiful and can be fished Catch and Release with Blue Gill and Bass," shares Luna L. from D & W Lake RV Park.
Hiking at Friends Creek: Explore multiple well-maintained trails that wind through oak forests and connect to a small creek. "Great trails with lots of gorgeous old oaks. The old school house is a must see," notes Brandi M. who stays at Friends Creek regularly for mushroom hunting opportunities.
What campers like
Privacy at remote tent sites: Wolf Creek State Park offers walk-in tent camping areas that provide greater seclusion than the main camping loops. "We will definitely be back to checkout more of the primitive/walk-in/hike in sites!" writes Sadie R. about Wolf Creek State Park Campground.
Clean facilities at Friends Creek: The campground maintains exceptionally clean bathhouses and sites. "Friends Creek is a small campground with nice spacious sites and super clean bathhouses and pit toilets. The fire pits are well kept and the camp host was very kind!" explains Sara W. from Friends Creek Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights offer excellent night sky viewing at many campgrounds. "Very open campground. Not a ton of trees although some sites offer nice shade. Have been meaning to get back there but getting away can be hard," comments Tim F. about Comlara County Park.
What you should know
Limited services during off-season: Water and other facilities may be shut down during colder months. "Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too. Water option we're the lake or a 30 min drive into town for bottled," warns Matthew I. about Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
Weather considerations: Central Illinois summers can be humid with limited breeze at some campgrounds. "This also means in the dog days of summer the breeze is blocked by the trees so get an electric site even with a tent and bring a fan," advises Marisa A. about Clinton Lake.
Insects can be problematic: Particularly at lakeside campgrounds after sunset. "Our biggest issue with this campsite was the extensive bugs, once the sun goes down the bugs get horribly bad," reports Austin-Tarra G. about Forrest W. Bo Wood Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated play areas and child-friendly amenities. "There is a little creek but this is NOT a water rec kind of campground... Great trails with lots of gorgeous old oaks. The old school house is a must see," mentions Brandi M.
Beach and swimming options: Clinton Lake offers a dedicated swimming beach with concessions. "Has a really nice beach for swimming and picnics. Have about 20 nice full hook up spots and a bunch of electric sites. Our family spent a week there and loved it," shares Brandon E.
Site selection for kids: Choose locations with easy water access when camping with children. "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on," recommends Linda N. about her experience at Lithia Springs.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer limited numbers of full hookup sites that book quickly. "RV Park with 5 tent sites, a lake, small playground, and a dog run. The bathrooms and showers were very clean and well maintained," notes Julie P. about D & W Lake RV Park.
Level sites for larger rigs: Most campgrounds accommodate large rigs, but site levelness varies. "Sites level, plenty of space between campers, shade trees, loved the dog run too. Overall it was a very nice well kept campground," explains Ricky L. about Kentuckiana Campground.
Varying electrical service: Check specific sites for 30 or 50 amp service. "Be aware that there are 50 amp sites and 30 amp sites. The 50 amp sites are more expensive. Would definitely return," advises Larry R. about his stay at Friends Creek Campground.
