Nothing says “summer in Illinois” like campgrounds in Illinois with lakes. Better yet, make it a full weekend with a visit to one of these absolutely amazing camping resorts in Illinois that you’ll never want to leave! If you haven’t heard of these awesome sites for epic waterfront camping in the Land of Lincoln, you’re truly missing out. Featuring excellent views and community atmospheres, these campgrounds are truly the best of the best for lakeside camping in Illinois. Scroll on for more details on these must-visit spots…

1. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Pine Lakes
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park RV Resort at Pine Lakes, 1405 Lakeview Heights, Pittsfield, IL 62363, USA
Facebook/Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Pine Lakes
Guests enjoy RV camping as well as overnight stays in cabins at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Pine Lakes, a very popular resort. Fun things to do include playing on the basketball and volleyball courts, enjoying hay rides, jumping on the giant pillow, and utilizing the aquatic playground. Find this incredible spot, which is pretty much the Disney World of Illinois campgrounds, at 1405 Lakeview Heights, Pittsfield, IL, 62363.

2. Woodhaven Lakes
509 La Moille Rd, Sublette, IL 61367, USA
Facebook/Woodhaven Lakes
Featuring fishing lakes, two pools, a beach, sports courts, and live entertainment, this waterfront camping resort in Illinois has it all. This classic 1,756-acre oasis also has 15 miles of hiking trails, and it is pet-friendly. This camp is open year round for locals to enjoy everything from swimming and fishing to sleeping under the stars. Find it at 509 La Moille Rd., Sublette, IL, 61367.
3. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, 32223 N US Hwy 12, Volo, IL 60073, USA
Facebook/Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort
Located at 32223 US-12, Volo, IL, 60073, this popular camping spot is right on the lake but also has pools for guests to enjoy. Visitors can set up their own tents or rent a cabin for their stay at Fish Lake, one of the best spots for waterfront camping in Illinois!
4. Lake LaDonna Family Campground
Lake Ladonna Family Campground, 1302 S Harmony Rd, Oregon, IL 61061, USA
Facebook_Lake/LaDonna Family Campground
While you may camp in your tent this lovely campground also has cabins to rent. This is an excellent spot to swim, fish, play sports, and enjoy activities like treasure hunts, live music, and hiking. Find it all at 1302 S Harmony Rd., Oregon, IL, 61061.
5. Little Grassy Lake Campground
Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina, 788 Hidden Bay Ln, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
Google/kyle simpson
Located within the beautiful Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, this is one of the most beautiful lakeside camp resorts in Illinois. The lake is 1,000 acres and is great for fishing and boating. Enjoy boat rentals, hook ups for RVs, and a general store at 788 Hidden Bay Ln., Makanda, IL, 60058.
6. Canton Lakes Campground
Canton Lake Campground, 25845 N Lakeshore Dr, Canton, IL 61520, USA
Google/Andrew Ewing
Camping on this lovely lake in Illinois gives you some of the most peaceful views in the state. Great for boating and fishing, this campground is available seasonally and is located at 25845 N Lakeshore Dr., Canton, IL, 61520.
7. Sun Retreats Rock River
3333 290th St N, Hillsdale, IL 61257, USA
Facebook/Sunset Retreats Rock River
Formerly known as Sunset Lakes and located along the resplendent Rock River, Sun Retreats Rock River is an amazing campsite and RV park that has a slew of fun things for its guests to enjoy. Swim in the pool, fish on the lake, or play any number of sports and other games available here. This family-friendly spot is worth a whole week of vacation, and it is found at 3333 290th St. N, Hillsdale, IL, 61257.
8. Carlyle Lake Dam West Campground
Carlyle Lake Dam West Campground, 14498-14510 County Rd 1430 N, Carlyle, IL 62231, USA
Google/Johnnie Crunch
This southern Illinois paradise contains a 26,000-acre lake that is one of the absolute best in the country for sailing. Campers at this site enjoy fishing, hiking, and other simple activities in nature. Find it at 14498-14510 County Rd., 1430 N, Carlyle, IL, 62231.
9. Timber Lake Resort and Campground
Timber Lake Resort and Campground, 8216 Black Oak Rd, Mt Carroll, IL 61053, USA
Google/Carl Swanson
Whether you choose to stay in a tent or cabin, you'll have a memorable experience at the immensely lovely Timber Lake Resort and Campground in Mount Carroll, Illinois. One of our most popular lakeside camp resorts, this oasis has a pool, game room, boat rentals, hiking trails, a sand volleyball court, playgrounds, a store, and more. Find it at 8216 Black Oak Rd., Mt Carroll, IL, 61053.

10. Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois Beach State Park Road, Illinois Beach State Park Rd, Zion, IL 60099, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Wrongdave
Located along Lake Michigan in the northeastern region of the state, Illinois Beach State Park is certainly one of the best places to camp in Illinois if you love being by the water. It is a 4,160-acre park that features beaches, trails, fishing, and boating. You'll feel like you're right on the ocean at 1 Lake Front Dr., Zion, IL, 60099.

For more great campgrounds in Illinois with lakes, check out 12 hidden lakes you’ll never find in Illinois without this guide.

What other lakeside camp resorts do you love to visit in Illinois? Share your favorite sites with us in the comments.

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Lakeside camping in Illinois

Sarah M. | June 07, 2022

What's the best place for lakeside camping in Illinois?

While we adore all of the above waterfront campsites in the Land of Lincoln, there's just something extra special about Rock Cut State Park. One of Illinois' finest state parks, Rock Cut State Park is a 3,092-acre park located in the north-central part of the state in Winnebago County. With seasonal hunting, fishing, trails, wildlife, horseback riding, boating, waterfront camping, and more, this is an ideal place to come and connect with nature in Illinois! You will really want to pitch a tent and stay awhile; there are 40 miles of hiking trails, 25 miles of equestrian trails, and 26 miles of trails for mountain biking. You can also bring your boat to use on one of the lakes or rent one from Rock State Park Concession located right at the park. They have kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, paddleboats, and paddleboards available, which come in handy in the park's two lakes: the 162-acre Pierce Lake and the 50-acre Olson Lake. And in terms of actual campsites, there are also plenty of spots to go around; in total, there are 210 Class A Premium campsites, 60 Class B/S Premium campsites, a rustic cabin, shelters, and a youth group camp. What fun!

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