21 September, 2022
4 Popular Camping Areas in Illinois
The state of Illinois is an excellent area for camping, unwinding, and communing with nature. With a wide range of land and water forms, Illinois offers innumerable activities for all ages and gender to enjoy. Whether a quiet primitive camping trip or an action-packed weekend adventure, Illinois has it all.
Here is a list of the four popular camping areas in the state of Illinois.
Pyramid State Recreation Area
1562 Pyramid Park Road
Pinckneyville IL 62274
Pyramid State Recreation Area is considered the largest state recreation area in the whole of Illinois, with a total of 19,701 acres of combined lakes, ponds, and forested hills. With a total of 500 acres of lakes within the property, it is considered a Super Lake and is particularly popular among bass and bluegill anglers. A hike-in lake called Lost Lake is also a great spot for a hybrid of green sunfish/bluegill.
Trail seekers can also take advantage of the 16.5 miles of the foot, horse, and mountain bike path, where encounters with the wildlife of songbirds, squirrels, deers, beavers, turkeys, rabbits, bobcats, and many others await.
Sites
54 RV Sites, 54 Tent Sites, 54 No Hookup
Rates
Daily Rates: $6.00 – $8.00
Recreation
Boat Ramp, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Paddling, Wildlife watching, Archery range (off-season)
Policies
Pets are welcome, and No age limit for visitors
Restrictions
Max RV Length 35 ft, Max RV Width 20 ft
Facilities & Services
Dump Station, No Showers, Pit Toilets
Eagle Creek State Park
2341 Eagle Creek Rd
Findlay IL 62534
As part of the Shelbyville Reservoir Project, dam construction and lake creation projects were initiated in 1963 in the area of Findlay, Il. A few years later, in 1972, the lake opened a public camping ground known as The Eagle Creek State Park.
The park highlights more than 11,100 acres of water with 250 miles of shoreline. The park is a popular destination for camping, fishing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, boating, hiking, hunting, and golfing.
Rates
Daily Rates: $10.00 – $30.00
Policies
Pets are welcome, and No age limit for visitors
Restrictions
Max RV Length 47 ft
Facilities & Services
Bathhouse / Restrooms, Dump Station, Hot Showers, Water Spigots (non-site)
Crab Orchard Campground
10067 Campground Drive, Carterville, IL 62918
The Crab Orchard Campground is a waterfront camping area within Crab Orchard Lake nestled within trees of the 6,965-acre reservoir. This campground is a perfect getaway for those looking for a quiet retreat yet requiring direct access to urban amenities. The Crab Orchard Campground is part of the more enormous Crab Orchard Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, and many others. For those interested in discovering more about the region, its ecosystems, and the wildlife inhabiting it, the refuge also offers environmental education programs.
Camping
62 RV campsites
7 Tent campsites
Fees
Full Hook-Up: $25/night
Electric/Water: $20
Open Season
April 1 – October 31
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
7251 Ranger Rd, De Witt, IL 61735
A popular boating lake for motorboats and sailboats, Clinton is a well-known place for launching motorboats. The Exelon Power Station uses Clinton Lake as a cooling lake, and the IDNR manages recreation on and around the lake. Fishing is this place’s primary draw but also provides hiking, camping, picnic, and playground activities. The area also features an appealing 1000-foot sand beach for swimmers and sunbathers.
Over 3,600 acres of Clinton Lake SRA are managed for rabbit, pheasant, squirrel, dove, archery, and firearm deer hunting. Young people and hunters with disabilities also have special opportunities to hunt deer, pheasants, and waterfowl.
Sites
227 RV Sites, 232 Tent Sites, 10 Full Hookup, 217 Electric Only, 5 No Hookup, 226 30 Amps, 218 50 Amps
Rates
Daily Rates: $8.00 – $35.00
Recreation
Biking, Boat Ramp, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Kayaking, Playground, Swimming
Policies
Pets are welcome, and No age limit for visitors
Restrictions
Max RV Length 40 ft
Facilities & Services
Bathhouse / Restrooms, Dump Station
Conclusion:
Camping in Illinois is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the state. With plenty of activities available, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, be sure to check out camping in Illinois.
References:
https://www.ifishillinois.org/
