Campgrounds near Johnsonville, Illinois provide access to over 25,000 acres of recreational land across multiple conservation areas and state parks. The region has elevations ranging from 450-580 feet above sea level with humid continental climate patterns that create distinct camping seasons. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer highs regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity levels.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Bass and bluegill fishing at Sam Dale Lake supports anglers of all skill levels. "Clean campground right on the lake," notes Elmer L. at Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area.
**Kayaking on Rend Lake: Paddle through secluded coves and inlets with abundant wildlife viewing. "Nice little campground on Rend Lake. Sites are spread out with long concrete pads... Lake is very pretty - you could anchor your boat off your campsite," reports Maggie C. from Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground.
**Hiking trail system: Several interconnected paths with variable terrain from flat shorelines to wooded hills. "Main trail was nice but could be better marked. Lost our way a few times but still a good hike," shares Tracie E. from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area.
**Wildlife observation: Morning and evening hours provide prime deer watching opportunities. "Never been to a CG with such abundant wildlife! Can sit at your spot and watch deer throughout the day," says Lucas T. from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground.
What campers like
**Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer larger than average sites with good separation between neighbors. "The sites were pretty level. The campground is well kept, about 20 minutes from any groceries so come with your necessities," notes Tina J. about Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area.
**Beach access: Several lakes feature designated swimming areas with sandy shorelines. "This State Park is located outside Carlyle, Illinois. This park offers playground areas and more. Cabins, campsites with power or no power the choice is yours," explains Jake L. about Eldon Hazlet State Park.
**Early morning tranquility: Lakeside sites provide peaceful dawn conditions for nature enthusiasts. "Our tent site was shaded and our one neighbor was quiet and friendly. We felt secluded yet had easy access to the campground shower house," writes Julie M. about Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
**Fall camping events: October brings special programming at many parks. "They have a huge Halloween event every year where people decorate their sites (pretty extensively) and there's a haunted house, then kids trick or treat from site to site," shares Aimee T. about Illini Campground.
What you should know
**Water tank filling: Many sites require bringing water from central stations. "It clearly states electric only. Which was no problem. They had a water hookup that you could pull up to for more water if needed," explains Jonathon B. from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area.
**Site leveling challenges: RVers should check site conditions before setup. "Many sites do have a steep grade," cautions Debra M. about Rend Lake campgrounds. "Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them," confirms Jeff F. from Gun Creek.
