The best camping near Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Clinton Lake State Recreation Area adventure.

100% (2 reviews)

Soak up the summer sun or revel in deep snows at this lake.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

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1912 Vintage Barn Experience

7 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Niantic, IL

The 1912 Barn is a 110 historic post and beam barn that makes a wonderful backdrop for a night out in the country. Located only 25 minutes from Springfield historic sites and 10 minutes from Decatur, IL this location makes it easy to tour during the day and relax by the camp fire in the evening. Decatur has a mini golf course, splash cove water park, children's zoo and museum, a governor's mansion for tours and 3 museums to visit. Milikin University offers local college level sports. Decatur has a great lake for paddle boarding, boating and fishing with canoe trips down the local Sangamon River. Several local breweries and cute market areas makes Decatur a great place to visit. Take a ride on the trolley and learn out our history. Springfield sites are only a hop and skip away with many things to see and learn. Museums offer great programs and the New Salem Park is a fun day trip with the kids to learn about historic living. Lincoln's sites around in several counties are great to see

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(83)

Posey Ridge

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Danvers, IL

I have a lake with lots of fish to go fishing, canoeing, kayaking. I also have small jon boat available for fishing. My property also has a outdoor his and hers privys..(bathrooms) No water though. I also have two construction trailers that we remodeled with couches chairs tables and refrigerators and TV's. These have a microwave in them to. These are available for people to stay in if wanted. They also have heat and AC. No water though. They cost extra to stay in.There's also places with camper plug ins. So power is available. Also have horseshoe pit and overhead cooking area. Great place for tent camping also. Have fire pit. And fire rings available. Also have access to firewood. Just no water. Great quiet enjoyable place for getaway to go fishing,canoeing or kayaking. Conveniently located between Peoria and Bloomington Illinois. Only about 3/4 from the Mackinaw river. For those who love to canoe and kayak on the river. Paddle boats will be available please inquire. ** PLEASE CONTACT HOSTS ABOUT PETS**

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(8)

The Farmers Cabin

3 sites · Lodging5 acres · Normal, IL

Step back in time and enjoy our rustic cabin couples retreat. No insulation or drywall, restored just as it was in 1865. The setting is rural and tranquil with lots of nature and farm animals, a beautiful place to relax and unplug. Conveniently located close to the Intersection of I-74 and I-55. Close to Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan Universities. As our guest you will have access to our farm surroundings. The bedroom loft provides a beautiful country view of the eastern pasture. Our cabin includes a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and toaster. The cabin is stocked with plates, glasses, coffee cups and silverware. Need some fresh air? The front porch is a wonderful place to sit and read a book, play a guitar or just listen to the sounds of nearby nature. Their is a small fire pit as well as a park like charcoal grill just outside the cabin entrance. Just a few steps away you will have access to the bathhouse, lined with aromatic cedar with private entrance. If you're looking for adventure instead of a boring hotel room, this is the place for you! Please be advised this is a working farm. It is 100 + years old and we cannot promise you may not see a bug or two. We have a few farm animals that need daily attention so you may see someone wondering around at some point. Just wave if you need anything, we’re happy to help out. Sorry, “NO pets are allowed. Note: 3 night maximum stay.

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(12)

Peaceful Prairie Tent Camping

3 sites · Lodging, Tents19 acres · Decatur, IL

We live on a 19 acre hobby farm with chickens, ducks, a goose, a pig and a pair of sheep and miniature donkeys. There is a pond full of frogs and turtles. We have a swimming pool that we share with guests. We have a tree house with nature games and books, a wildflower labyrinth, a creek and about 3/4 mile of trails in the woods. We are located very near several conservation areas with extensive hiking opportunities (Rock Springs and Sand Creek). Decatur has a water park (Splash Cove) and Overlook Adventure Park has batting cages, miniature golf and a ropes course. The Children's Museum of IL and Scovill Zoo are also fun for the kids. The Decatur Wellness Collective is located nearby and offers massage, yoga, meditation, reiki and Float therapy. There are also several local breweries (Door 4 Brewing, Decatur Brew Works and Golden Fox Brewing). We are certain that you will enjoy your stay here!

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(794)

Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents103 acres · Palmer, IL

We purchased our 45 acre farm in 1997, since then we have operated a sustainable small organic farm. In January of 2018 we purchased 58 more acres that is attached to our land. The property has a greenhouse, high tunnel and about a half acre of field that we raise vegetables & fruit on. We have a 3 acre pond with a naturally sustaining fish population, that we swim & boat in. There are hiking trails that go through many small pastures and woods with streams running through them. Plenty of wildlife, hiking & mountain biking areas. We have a certified kitchen at the farm and have products raised & made on the farm for folks to purchase. Supposedly our house is haunted and there are a couple of haunted sites within 15 miles of the farm.

92%

(6)

Secluded Springfield Stay

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Springfield, IL

On the outskirts of Springfield lay a secluded, peaceful piece of property perfect for a quick night or a weekend getaway. For those that don't wish to go all the way into the woods, our property is a great way to get that camping feel while still being in perfect vicinity to town for any basic needs or food chains. Nearby attractions: Carpenter Park that has beautiful hiking trails and Sangamon River access (5 min drive) Riverside Park - very dog friendly, fishing, Sangamon river access, hiking, horseback riding, etc. (3 minute drive) The Rail Golf Course (5 min drive) Weebles Bar and Grill being only a short walk away Blake and Aiden, the couple who own this land, are LGBTQ+ friendly, in their mid-20's, pet friendly, and also love to camp, hike, rock climb, and travel. They would be happy to answer any questions about nearby hiking, local attractions, restaurants, etc.

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(4)

Turkey knob

40 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Green Valley, IL

5 acres . Half wooded , half prairie. No frills camping, no electricity, no water , no bathrooms. Nice quiet peaceful place to relax. 2 miles from town where you can purchase basic necessities and ice . There are no shelters , chairs , etc . You must bring everything with you . I live about 5 minutes away and can assist and answer questions if needed

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(150)

Serenity Fields Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dalton City, IL

We are originally from Northern California. We are enjoying our expansive farm with all it's fresh air, fresh food, plants, animals, and fun events. We enjoy time relaxing in hammocks and letting the world pass us by. Bring your family out to enjoy all the farm has to offer, or take advantage of the serenity and privacy! Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent near the creek (site 1) in a completely private site (kids can sleep in the truck bed topper or fort if they'd like) or on the field to the side of the house (site 2) for a semi-private spot nearest to the bathroom and with a wood chip drive entrance for larger vehicles or (site 3) a semi- private spot down by the creek and the hay bales to the left of the house. (Or pick a spot of your choosing). Enjoy the farm animals, walk the property, build a fire, and enjoy the outdoors! There are more animals to pet from April through October (typically we have bunnies, chickens, sheep, cats, dogs, alpacas, miniature horses, horses, pig, goat, etc.). In the winter the horses, alpacas, chickens, dogs, cats and sometimes bunnies are available to visit. Firewood bundles available for $10 The creek at times is swimmable, other times it's walkable, and sometimes in the heat of July it's very shallow. There is a state park (Ft. Daniel) less than 5 minutes away and others a bit further (Spitler or Sand Creek) Horseback riding may be available upon request - $25.00 per person or $50.00 per family. There is a large shaded playground in the front yard for the kids with a trampoline, small zip line, ninja line, slack line, silks, climbing dome, hammocks, etc. BATHROOM: If you are looking at the house from the street, the bathroom is on the right of the house, attached to the house. It is a small shed looking building and is pictured. It has a toilet and running hot and cold water.

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River run

6 sites · RVs, Tents115 acres · Green Valley, IL

Learn more about this land:This campsite is great for fishing, kayaking, outdoor games, swimming in the river and sitting around the fire. We do offer a little pavilion and a sand volleyball court.

The best camping near Clinton Lake State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Spend a week at this gorgeous lake 10 miles east of Clinton. Drop your line to catch crappie, catfish, bass, and walleye among 4,900 acres. Fish from the pier or shore, or launch a boat to find a cozy inlet on this long, winding lake. The area hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year, indicating just how good the fishing is here.

Sail, ski, or speed over the lake, depending on the type of boat you prefer. Swim at the 1,000-foot beach to cool off on a hot summer's day. Bring a picnic lunch to eat next to the water. Build a sand castle, sunbathe, or watch the boats go by in the distance for a restful afternoon.

Hunt in the 3,600 acres surrounding the lake. Bag your limit of pheasants, rabbits, and squirrels. Ducks, geese, deer, and turkeys are also popular hunts. Check with state regulations for when various hunting seasons occur.

Reserve your pick of nearly 300 campsites at this popular spot. Most campsites have electricity, while 17 have full hook-ups.