Summer Vacation: 5 Of The Best Camping Lakes In Illinois

If your ideal summer is camping near a lake, Illinois has over 2,900 lakes, so get out your calendar and find a place to fit in a trip to one of these 5 lakeside campgrounds.

Lake Vacations

By the water, on the water. Swimming in it, fishing in it. In a boat, behind a boat.

Toes in the water, ass in the sand. (Zac Brown)

Zac may be singing of a more tropical body of water, but this tune is still a great one to play while we plans some summer trips.

Do you go to a place in your mind as soon as you read the words LAKE and VACATION?

You need to look at this list, and then you need to share it with the people who you want around your lakeside campfire.

Best Lakes for Camping in Illinois

Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park in Lena, Illinois

Lake Le-Aqua-Na is a manmade lake and is known for having some of the clearest water in Illinois. The lake has a total of 1.4 miles of wooded shoreline, too.

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This Caribbean-like lake is located in Stephenson County just west of Route 73 on Lake Road, in Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park. The park is six miles south of the Illinois-Wisconsin state line and three miles north of Lena, Illinois. The park also offers multi-use trails, picnic areas, and RV, tent, equestrian, and youth group campgrounds.

RELATED: Illinois Lake Dubbed ‘Most Polluted’ In America

Lake Shelbyville in Shelbyville, Illinois

Lake Shelbyville is a reservoir located in Shelby County, Illinois, and Moultrie County, Illinois created by damming the Kaskaskia River.

According to drivinvibin.com, one of the best features of Lake Shelbyville is the massive amount of campgrounds available.

• 5 federal campgrounds
• 2 state campgrounds
• More than 1,000 campsites in total

Plus, these sites range from tent camping to full hookup

MORE: 20 Hidden Gem Spots from Across Illinois You Must Visit

Illinois Beach State Park-Lake Michigan in Zion, Illinois

The campground in the southern unit at Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach provides 241 Class A Premium sites with electricity and access to showers and sanitary facilities.

WOW: $7M Illinois Mansion Surrounded by Unbelievable Lake Michigan Luxury

Rock Cut State Park in Caledonia, Illinois

Rock Cut's 3,254 acres include two lakes. Pierce Lake is 162 acres, and Olson Lake is 50 acres.

There are 210 premium Class A sites and 60 Class B sites. The campground has showers, toilets, and playground equipment.

SEE THIS! 3 Beautiful Small Towns in Illinois Perfect for a Relaxing Visit

Have a fantastic summer!