Is Washington County Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Washington County Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Washington County Campground before I book?

Yes! Washington County Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Washington County Campground?

Washington County Campground is open Campground is used year-round; flush toilets and the main shower building are typically open roughly April 1–October 31, with more primitive/restroom-limited conditions in winter.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Washington County Campground?

Yes, Washington County Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Washington County Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Washington County Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Washington County Campground?

Washington County Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Washington County Campground?

Popular activities at Washington County Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Washington County Campground

4.71

80 reviews

Top 1% in ILSummer

Peace & QuietFishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

495 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Check Availability

Get Directions

Quick Facts

495 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Check Availability

Get Directions

Washington County Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Illinois State Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Washington County Campground

38.2836, -89.3492

Nearby places

Nashville, IL (≈4 miles)

Nearby supplies

Nashville, IL (≈4 miles) for groceries, fuel and basic supplies.

Weather at Washington County Campground

Best Time to Camp at Washington County Campground

Spring through fall is the primary season for full services; summer is busiest for lake activities and fishing. Showers and flush toilets are generally available April 1–Oct 31; winter camping remains possible but with limited facilities.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in IL

Summer is busiest and best for lake activities, fishing and boating; full services available.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Campground is used year-round; flush toilets and the main shower building are typically open roughly April 1–October 31, with more primitive/restroom-limited conditions in winter.

About Washington County Campground

Washington County Campground sits within the Washington County State Recreation Area centered on a 248-acre lake. The campground offers a quiet, lake-focused setting amid mixed pine and hardwood stands with options for cabins, RVs and tent camping and is popular for fishing, boating and wildlife viewing.

The campground offers a mix of camping options including RV sites with electrical hookups, tent sites, primitive sites, group camping, and two small camping cabins available for rent.

Historical Significance

No specific historic or cultural significance for the recreation area is documented in campground materials; the site is managed primarily for conservation and recreation around an artificial lake.

Weather and SeasonsSpring through fall is the primary season for full services; summer is busiest for lake activities and fishing. Showers and flush toilets are generally available April 1–Oct 31; winter camping remains possible but with limited facilities.

Natural Features and SceneryThe site surrounds Washington County Lake (about 248 acres, ~13 miles of shoreline) with tree-lined shores, coves, stands of pines and hardwoods, brushy draws and open fields. Trails and access roads wind through gently rolling terrain typical of southern Illinois conservation land.

Geological RegionSouthern Illinois rolling-woods and lake region — rolling woods, brushy draws, fallow fields and a 248-acre lake; transition between farm country and wooded conservation land.

Scenic ViewsBest views focus on Washington County Lake—many sites and day-use areas overlook the water or are near tree-lined shoreline and coves. Higher shoreline points and near-dam areas offer occasional broader vistas across the lake and surrounding fields.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsUseDirect (typical platform for Illinois State Parks). Reservations are recommended for holidays and busy summer weekends.

Best CampsitesLakeside and shaded sites are most recommended for views and summer comfort; campground cabins are suggested for campers wanting lake views with more amenities. Sites farther from the main entrance/road and closer to the lake are commonly preferred for privacy and scenery.

Need help booking Washington County Campground?

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Campground amenities include electric hookups at most RV sites (30/50 amp), six water spigots, one sanitary dump station, three toilet buildings, one shower building (seasonal), picnic tables and fire rings at most sites, boat ramps and docks, and ADA-accessible camping options.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The recreation area is centered on a 248-acre lake and supports boating, fishing, hiking, paddling, picnicking, and wildlife viewing across rolling woods and fields.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReviewers have reported fishing line and other trash left by visitors posing hazards to wildlife and users. Facilities are limited in winter (showers and flush toilets closed), which may affect safety and comfort for off-season camping.

Cell CoverageMajor camping reviews do not systematically report cell coverage for this park. Given its location near Nashville, IL and Interstate 64, general southern Illinois experience suggests at least spotty to moderate coverage from major carriers (AT&T, Verizon) near the lake and campground, but this is an inference, not a documented fact. No carrier‑specific reliability reports were found, so visitors should not rely on strong data connections and should plan for limited or inconsistent service.

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

80 reviews

Top-Rated

Washington County Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors praise the lake-centered setting, good fishing and boating, a peaceful, well-maintained campground, and convenient access from I-64. Reviews note a mix of RV, tent and cabin options and generally positive staff/service at the site amenities that are open.

Review Summaries

Based on 80 reviews

What Campers Love

Calm, uncrowded atmosphere; strong fishing and boating opportunities; many lakeside and shaded sites; electric hookups at most RV sites; cabins available; campground described as clean and...

Based on 80 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early for holiday weekends and expect minimum-stay rules; plan visits April–Oct for full services (showers/flush toilets); bring groceries, firewood and supplies (Nashville, IL is the nearest...

Based on 80 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Nice quite camping with rv and primitive camping spots.” — “Beautiful and well-maintained! Tent camping, electric facilities, or cabin rental-all lovely!” — “It's a nice clean campground it has...

Based on 80 reviews

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