Canton Lake Campground

Welcome to Canton Lake Campground, a seasonal retreat nestled on the scenic shores of Canton Lake in Canton, Illinois. For Illinois residents seeking an accessible and straightforward camping experience with convenient access to water activities, this campground offers a practical choice. With a history stretching back to its formation in 1939, Canton Lake and its surrounding areas have long been a local resource for outdoor enjoyment. The campground, open seasonally from April 15th to October 15th, provides a direct connection to the lake's fishing and boating opportunities, making it a fitting option for those who prioritize time on the water.

Canton Lake Campground aims to provide a functional and enjoyable environment for campers. While it has evolved over the years, including recent upgrades to facilities, its core appeal remains its lakeside location and direct access to recreational pursuits. For Illinoisans looking for a place to set up their RV or tent, enjoy some fishing, or simply relax by the lake, Canton Lake Campground serves as a local option. We strive to maintain a setting that allows guests to appreciate the natural surroundings and make the most of their time outdoors in central Illinois.

Canton Lake Campground is located at 25845 N Lakeshore Dr, Canton, IL 61520, USA. This position places it just east of the city of Canton, within Fulton County, a region of central Illinois. Its address on North Lakeshore Drive directly signifies its proximity to the lake, providing campers with easy access to the water. The campground is reachable via East Chestnut Street, which becomes East County Highway 27, leading directly to the lake area.

The accessibility of Canton Lake Campground is a key advantage for Illinois residents. Situated roughly 34 minutes from Peoria, an hour from Bloomington, and about 1.5 hours from Springfield, it offers a relatively short drive for a significant portion of the state’s population. This convenient proximity makes it an ideal spot for quick weekend getaways without the need for extensive travel planning. The drive to Canton is straightforward, primarily utilizing well-maintained state and county roads. Once at the lake, the campground is easily identifiable. While some reviews suggest sites can be close together, indicating a potentially more communal atmosphere, the ease of access ensures that campers can quickly settle in and begin enjoying the lake and its surroundings. For Illinoisans seeking a lakeside retreat that doesn’t demand a lengthy journey, Canton Lake Campground provides a practical and accessible option.

• RV Sites: Offers 60 RV sites, with most providing water and electrical hookups (availability of 30 or 50 amp service may vary by site).
• Tent Sites: Includes 15 primitive sites for tent camping, with a small area of 5 sites offering no utilities.
• Cove Cabin Rental: Features cabin rentals, including small bungalows (sleeping 4 each) and a larger cabin (sleeping 30), both equipped with electricity, heating, air conditioning, and a compact refrigerator/microwave. Note: These cabins generally do not have running water or restrooms inside.
• Shower House: A renovated shower house building with restrooms and showers, cleaned daily, is available for campers.
• Dump Station: A stationary holding tank dump station is available for waste disposal, pumped weekly by the City.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for outdoor cooking and campfires.
• Vending Machines: Available on-site for convenience.
• On-site Campground Host: A campground host, Jack Freeman, is available for inquiries and assistance.
• Boat Slip Rentals: Lake Canton offers 12 pontoon boat slips for rent on a seasonal, monthly, weekly, or daily basis.
• One-Day Boat Licenses & Kayak Stickers: Available for purchase from the Campground Host for use on Canton Lake.

• 250-Acre Canton Lake: A man-made lake known for fishing, boating (with a 30 mph speed limit and counter-clockwise direction), and scenic views, with a 13-mile wooded shoreline.
• Fishing Opportunities: Reputed for its trophy-sized largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, and yellow bass. The lake is regularly stocked by IDNR.
• Boating Access: Four boat ramps and boat slip areas for launching and retrieving various watercraft (kayaks, canoes, pontoons, paddle boats; 85 hp motor limit).
• Lake Canton Nature Trails: 1.92 miles (3.09 km) of wooded paths along the shoreline for hiking and walking.
• Playground: A playground is available within the campground area for children.
• Weekend Food Vendors: May be selling food at the pavilion during the camping season.
• Disc Golf Course: Located in the Big Bend Day Use Area, offering another recreational activity.
• Lake View Observation Deck: Provides scenic views of the lake.
• Dog-Friendly Trails: The Sebree Strolls Trailhead and The Docks Trailhead parking areas offer access to dog-friendly trails (leash required).
• Seasonal Operation: Open from April 15th to October 15th, allowing campers to enjoy the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

For reservation inquiries or further details about Canton Lake Campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: 25845 N Lakeshore Dr, Canton, IL 61520, USA

Phone: (309) 267-1938 (This number is for Jack Freeman, the Campground Host)

General City of Canton Phone (for broader Lake Canton inquiries): (309) 647-0123

Canton Lake Campground offers a compelling and highly accessible option for Illinois locals seeking a lakeside camping experience. Its prime location just east of Canton means it’s a manageable drive for many residents across central Illinois, facilitating quick weekend getaways without extensive travel. The core appeal of this campground lies in its direct connection to the 250-acre Canton Lake, providing immediate opportunities for popular activities like fishing and boating, which are central to the Illinois outdoor lifestyle.

For Illinois families and individuals who prioritize water-based recreation, the availability of boat slips, multiple boat ramps, and the lake's reputation for excellent fishing are significant advantages. While some campers have noted the proximity of sites, the recent improvements in cleanliness of the bathhouses and a reduction in late-night partying indicate a positive shift towards a more pleasant and family-friendly atmosphere. The presence of a playground and the option for cabin rentals further broaden its appeal to various types of campers, including those looking for a slightly more comfortable outdoor stay.

Furthermore, the Lake Canton Nature Trails offer additional opportunities for hiking and enjoying the wooded shoreline, catering to those who prefer dry-land exploration. The option to rent daily/weekly sites or even seasonal sites for residents provides flexibility for short visits or establishing a recurring base for consistent enjoyment of the lake. For Illinoisans who appreciate a straightforward camping experience with direct access to a well-regarded fishing and boating lake, Canton Lake Campground provides a functional and continually improving destination close to home, allowing them to make the most of their leisure time in their home state.

Canton Lake Campground

25845 N Lakeshore Dr, Canton, IL 61520, USA