Swimming Campgrounds in Illinois

Swimming Campgrounds in Illinois

Discover the best swimming campgrounds across Illinois. Beat the heat at campgrounds with pristine swimming spots. Lakes, rivers, beaches, and swimming holes just steps from your campsite.

9+ Campgrounds4.4★ AverageBest: Summer (June-September)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Lithia Springs
Star
4.3
(441)
Lithia Springs
ShelbyvilleLake Shelbyville

Top-tier swimming destination with sandy beach access on Lake Shelbyville. Excellent 4.31 sentiment with 441 reviews praising clean facilities and lake access. Greenbook status 'ok' with outstanding 91.1 vibe score ensures welcoming environment.

Tents
RVs
2
Lone Point
Star
4.4
(241)
Lone Point
ShelbyvilleLake Shelbyville

Outstanding swimming access with direct lake access for swimming at Lake Shelbyville. Strong 4.42 sentiment with clean facilities praised. Greenbook 'ok' status with 91.38 vibe score. Offers both solitude and family-friendly swimming opportunities.

Tents
RVs
3
Lotus Group Area
Star
4.6
(14)
Lotus Group Area
CARLYLECarlyle Lake

Premium group camping with walking distance to Coles Creek Beach. Excellent 4.59 sentiment despite limited reviews. Greenbook 'ok' with 91.25 vibe score. Perfect for families and groups seeking swimming at Illinois' largest lake.

Tents
RVs

About Swimming Campgrounds in Illinois

Swimming camping Illinois offers exceptional lake-based recreation across the state's premier reservoir destinations, where sandy beaches and clear waters create perfect summer getaways. From the expansive shores of Lake Shelbyville in Central Illinois to the wildlife-rich waters of Crab Orchard Lake in the south, Illinois campgrounds provide diverse swimming experiences complemented by modern facilities and natural beauty.

Best Time

Peak swimming season in Illinois runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with July and August offering the warmest water temperatures averaging 75-80°F and consistently sunny weather. June provides excellent early-season swimming with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures in the mid-80s, making it ideal for families seeking a quieter experience.

Activity Highlights

  • Lake and river swimming access
  • Natural swimming holes
  • Beach and waterfront sites
  • Family-friendly swimming areas
Staunton River Campground
Asher Creek Campground
San Elijo State Beach Campground

Explore Swimming Campgrounds in Illinois

Browse 18 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.

Interactive MapAdvanced Filters18+ swimming campgrounds

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming at sandy beaches and designated lake areasKayaking and canoeing on calm reservoir watersFishing for bass, crappie, and catfishBoating and water skiing on larger lakesHiking trails around reservoir shorelinesWildlife watching, especially at Crab Orchard refuge

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites well in advance for summer weekends, especially at Lake Shelbyville's premium locations where sites book out 3-4 months ahead.
  • 2Most Illinois state recreation areas require day-use permits for beach access even if you're camping, so factor this into your budget.
  • 3Bring water shoes for rocky entry points at some campgrounds, though featured beaches like those at Lithia Springs offer sandy bottoms.
  • 4Pack plenty of sunscreen and shade equipment, as lakeside sites can have limited tree cover during peak sun hours.
9 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Swimming Campgrounds in Illinois

Swimming Campgrounds in Illinois FAQ

We've ranked 9+ swimming campgrounds in Illinois based on water access, swimming areas, safety, and user reviews. Top options include campgrounds on lakes, rivers, and beaches with designated swimming areas.
Swimming safety varies by location. Many campgrounds have designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season. Always check for posted warnings, water conditions, and currents before swimming. Never swim alone.
Summer (June-September) is the best time for swimming camping in Illinois. Water temperatures are warmest and swimming areas are typically staffed. Some mountain lakes may be too cold for swimming even in summer.
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