Updated Apr 12, 2023

10 Lakeside Camp Resorts In Illinois You’re Missing Out On

Discover the best lakeside campgrounds in Illinois, perfect for a summer getaway with family-friendly activities and beautiful views.

Updated Apr 12, 2023

Written by

Elizabeth Crozier

Stays|Camping

Published Aug 4, 2024

This Fairy Tale Campground In Illinois Is Like Something From A Dream

Published Aug 4, 2024

Written by

Jessica Moore

Illinois is a place of surprising natural beauty, and what better way to immerse yourself in it than by camping for a weekend or longer? There are many picturesque campgrounds across the state, but one campground stands apart from the rest for its beauty and location. You owe it to yourself to come and experience the otherworldly scenery and endless opportunities for recreation at this lakeside campground in Illinois.

The Marion/Shawnee National Forest KOA (formerly the Egyptian Hills Resort) is tucked along the stunning Lake of Egypt in far southern Illinois. This fairytale campground hosts a wide range of camping and lodging options, from traditional tent sites to gorgeous cabins, like this Double Chalet.

alt — Management / Egyptian Hills Resort

The Single Chalet, much like the Double, boasts incredible scenery and views of the surrounding trees and lake.

alt — Marion / Shawnee National Forest KOA / Facebook

Virtually all of the cabins offer stunning lakeside views, and some cabins are so close to the lake that you can fish right off of the deck!

The beds in the chalets are all quite cozy and comfortable, and the rooms themselves boast a warm ambiance that feels homey and welcoming from the moment you walk through the door.

alt — Management / Egyptian Hills Resort

Imagine sipping your morning coffee and soaking in the sunrise views from this cozy living room as you greet the day.

alt — Management / Egyptian Hills Resort

In addition to the many cabins offered, there are also a variety of RV-friendly full hookup sites, most of which are within a stone's throw of the lake.

alt — Management / Egyptian Hills Resort

There are also standard tent sites for those who want the most authentic camping experience. All campsites include complimentary WiFi access, your own fire ring, and bathhouse access for your comfort.

At the Marion/Shawnee National Forest KOA, you'll be able to enjoy a vast selection of water recreation activities such as fishing, boating, access to the KOA's water park, pontoon and jet ski rentals, water skiing and tubing, a lakeside patio lounge, and much more.

alt — Management / Lake of Egypt Boat Rentals

You can even enjoy some lakeside yoga to start your morning off right!

One thing you'll notice from the get-go is that the sunrises and sunsets over the Lake of Egypt are truly second to none.

alt — Marion / Shawnee National Forest KOA / Facebook

I recommend you explore the nearby hiking trails while you're staying at the KOA, such as the Garden of the Gods Trail, which leads you to stunning views of tree-fringed rock outcroppings. And bonus points if you can visit during the peak of fall colors!

Have you ever visited the beautiful Marion/Shawnee National Forest KOA? It truly is one of the best campgrounds in Illinois for all it has to offer, both in terms of lodging and outdoor recreation. It's a stunning destination that belongs on any traveler's bucket list.

While you're in the area, I suggest you read up on the Shawnee National Forest to learn more about its endless natural beauty and recreation so that you can better prepare yourself to enjoy your adventuring to the fullest.

Stays|Camping

Published May 24, 2024

Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In Illinois

Published May 24, 2024

Written by

Daisy Dow

McNair Campground is off to the side of one of Illinois’ most famous lakes. Open from April through November, this campground lets visitors take advantage of the warm summer months or stop by in the fall to see the leaves change color. Camping has always been my go-to activity if I need a break from my usual routine, and the McNair Campground is next on my list.

The Carlyle Lake Dam East-McNair Campground is split into three areas: the north loop, the south loop, and the spillway loop.

There are 47 reservable sites all of which have electrical hookups. The Spillway loop is the closest to the Carlyle Dam, but I would want to set up my camp on the south loop to be closest to the beach.

Carlyle Lake, a 25,000-acre reservoir, is our state’s largest manmade lake.

You will have more than enough elbow room to recreate on Carlyle Lake. Built in 1967, the Carlyle Dam modified the flow of the Kaskaskia River to mitigate the risk of floods. Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that 1.74 million people visit the lake every year, many of whom stay at the McNair Campground.

Benches and picnic tables are sprinkled across the campground, some in the woods and others right next to the lake.

Definitely plan to bring some charcoal to set up the grill at one of the picnic pavilions. Be sure to stash your trash, as raccoons occasionally set up camp in the area as well.

Visitors to McNair Campground should make plans to explore Eldon Hazlet State Park which is located just a 15-minute drive away.

Eldon Hazlet State Park has six trails across its 3,000 acre site. The park offers views of McNair Campground from across Lake Carlyle.

Cherokee Trail Loop in Eldon Hazlet State Park is ideal for hikers of all levels.

Open year-round, this 2.1-mile loop trail will take you along Lake Carlyle on a mostly flat path. Eagle-eyed hikers might be able to spot a deer or fox camouflaged among the wilderness, but be sure to watch your step as some bridges and steps have tripped up hikers recently.

Back at the campgrounds, there are many spots to explore including McNair Beach.

Many guests go for a swim in the shallow part of the reservoir, while others might bring a kayak and paddle around. This is not the best spot for fishing, so if you are wanting to drop a line, I’d suggest going south of the dam to the tailwater to catch some bluegill, white bass, walleye, and carp.

NcNair Campground has places to wait out rainstorms or simply get out of the sun.

There are picnic tables to accommodate many parties wanting to dine in the picnic area. Bathrooms have air conditioning and the shower house is praised for its water pressure.

McNair Campground has sites specifically for campers, trailers and RV’s.

There is a single waste water hookup near the entrance to the campground, and for every two sites there is a drinkable water hookup that neighboring campers can share. Additionally, there are large grassy spaces where groups can set up tents if they would rather get a little closer to the great outdoors.

After taking a morning hike and spending the afternoon on the beach at McNair Campground, the part of me that craves a natural getaway would feel restored. While some stop by McNair Campground for just a day, others will set up for up to two weeks to take in every bit of this special spot in southern Illinois. Be sure to make a reservation online a few weeks in advance of your trip so spots don't fill up.

To wrap up your visit in Carlyle, consider treating yourself to a wine tasting at the nearby Twelve Oaks Vineyard. The family-owned vineyard makes guests feel right at home, so much so that many get concerned about going up a private driveway when they are driving up.

Whatever brings you to the Carlyle Lake area, there will be something for everyone whether that’s sunbathing, fishing, hiking or sipping wine.

What’s your go-to activity on camping trips?

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10 Lakeside Camp Resorts In Illinois You’re Missing Out On

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This Fairy Tale Campground In Illinois Is Like Something From A Dream

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Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In Illinois

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All Stories

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