Gander Bay Campground

For residents of Illinois seeking a refreshing escape into nature, Gander Bay Campground, nestled within the expansive Moraine View State Recreation Area near Ellsworth, offers an ideal destination. This campground provides a fantastic opportunity to unwind, reconnect with the outdoors, and enjoy a variety of recreational activities, all within a convenient drive from many parts of Central Illinois. It's a place where the sounds of the city are replaced by the gentle lapping of waves on Dawson Lake and the rustling of leaves in the surrounding forests.

Gander Bay Campground is designed to cater to a diverse range of campers, whether you prefer the comfort of an RV or the traditional charm of tent camping. Its inclusion within the larger Moraine View State Recreation Area means visitors have access to a wealth of activities and natural beauty right at their fingertips. While it can become quite popular during peak summer months, its spacious layout often allows for a relatively quiet and peaceful experience, making it a beloved spot for both short getaways and longer vacations. The emphasis here is on enjoying the natural environment, with well-maintained facilities that complement the rugged beauty of the park.

The true appeal of Gander Bay lies in its versatility and the abundance of recreational opportunities. From serene fishing on Dawson Lake to exhilarating hikes through wooded trails, there's something to capture the interest of every outdoor enthusiast. It’s a testament to Illinois’s commitment to preserving natural spaces for its citizens to enjoy, providing an accessible and engaging outdoor experience for all.

Gander Bay Campground is situated within the Moraine View State Recreation Area, with a general address in Ellsworth, IL 61737, USA. This location places it just minutes east of the Bloomington/Normal metropolitan area, making it an exceptionally convenient destination for many Illinois residents. The park is easily accessible from Interstate 74, which is a major east-west artery through Central Illinois, connecting cities like Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, and Champaign.

The park's proximity to I-74 ensures a straightforward drive for both RVs and passenger vehicles, minimizing travel time and maximizing relaxation time. While the specific address is Ellsworth, the campground is well-signposted once you enter Moraine View State Recreation Area. The internal roads within the park and leading to the campground loops are generally navigable for various vehicle types, including smaller RVs and trailers. This ease of access means that a tranquil outdoor escape is within reach for a spontaneous weekend trip or a planned family vacation. Beyond the immediate park, the nearby towns of Bloomington and Normal offer all essential services, including grocery stores, fuel, dining options, and medical facilities, ensuring that campers have everything they need within a short drive. This blend of natural immersion and practical accessibility makes Gander Bay Campground a highly suitable choice for Illinois locals.

• Electric Campsites: Gander Bay Campground offers 102 RV-friendly sites, primarily with 30-amp electrical hookups, with a few sites also featuring 50-amp service. These sites are suitable for both RVs and tents.

• Paved Parking Pads: Many sites, particularly those in Loop 1 (updated in late 2024), feature new paved pads for RVs and trailers, enhancing stability and ease of setup.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, ideal for outdoor meals and traditional campfire experiences.

• Clean Shower Houses: Well-maintained shower houses are available, with some locations receiving updates like new mini-split units for improved climate control (AC/Heat).

• Potable Water Access: Potable water is available at a dump station near the front of the park and at various spigots throughout the campground loops. (Note: Some past visitors have mentioned the water can be discolored, suggesting bringing your own for drinking if preferred).

• Dump Station: A convenient RV dump station is provided for waste disposal.

• Camp Host: Campground hosts are often on-site to assist campers and ensure regulations are followed.

• Firewood and Ice Sales: Firewood and ice are typically available for purchase from the camp host or park concessionaire.

• Reservable and First-Come, First-Served Sites: Most sites are reservable online through the Illinois DNR website, but a certain number (e.g., 35 sites) are held for first-come, first-served arrivals.

• Dawson Lake Access: The centerpiece of Moraine View State Recreation Area is the 158-acre Dawson Lake, offering abundant opportunities for fishing, boating (10 HP limit for motorized boats), and swimming at the designated sandy beach area.

• Variety of Water Activities: Kayak, canoe, and paddleboat rentals are available at the park's concession stand, making it easy to enjoy the lake even without bringing your own watercraft.

• Extensive Trail System: Over 10 miles of multi-use trails are available for hiking and exploring, including bridle paths (Timberland Ridge Trail) for horseback riding, and designated trails for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter.

• Diverse Fishing Opportunities: Dawson Lake is well-stocked with various fish species, including channel catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, and northern pike, accessible from boats, the shoreline, or a handicap-accessible pier.

• Picnic Areas and Playgrounds: The park features numerous picnic areas and playgrounds spread throughout, providing spaces for family gatherings and children's play.

• Wildlife Viewing: The varied habitats within the park attract a range of wildlife, offering opportunities for bird watching and observing local fauna.

• Four-Season Recreation: Moraine View State Recreation Area offers activities year-round, from summer swimming and boating to winter ice fishing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing when conditions allow.

• Quiet and Shaded Sites: Many campsites are well-spaced and shaded by tall trees, contributing to a peaceful and private camping experience.

• Concession Stand and Restaurant: A concession stand offers fishing tackle, bait, refreshments, and rentals, while a restaurant near Dawson Lake serves breakfast and lunch daily.

Address: Ellsworth, IL 61737, USA (This refers to the general location of Moraine View State Recreation Area, which Gander Bay Campground is part of).

For general inquiries about Moraine View State Recreation Area and Gander Bay Campground, you can typically contact the park office. Publicly available phone numbers associated with the park include:

Park Office Phone: (309) 724-8032

Concession/Restaurant Phone: (309) 724-8295 (for rentals, bait, supplies, and restaurant information)

For reservations, it's generally best to use the official Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website for state park camping, as most sites are reservable online.

For residents of Illinois, Gander Bay Campground within Moraine View State Recreation Area represents an ideal blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and diverse recreational opportunities. Its location in Central Illinois, just a short drive from major urban centers like Bloomington-Normal and easily reachable via Interstate 74, means that a rejuvenating outdoor escape is always within reach. This convenience makes it perfect for weekend getaways, spontaneous adventures, or even longer family vacations without the need for extensive travel.

The sheer variety of activities available at Moraine View, from extensive hiking and horseback riding trails to year-round water sports on Dawson Lake—including fishing, boating, and swimming—ensures that there's something to appeal to every member of the family, regardless of age or interest. Even in the colder months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland for snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing, making it a truly four-season destination for Illinoisans. The well-maintained electric campsites, clean facilities, and the overall peaceful atmosphere further enhance its appeal as a comfortable and enjoyable home away from home. Gander Bay Campground offers locals a fantastic opportunity to connect with Illinois's natural landscapes, enjoy a wide array of outdoor pursuits, and create lasting memories in a beautiful and convenient setting.

Gander Bay Campground

Ellsworth, IL 61737, USA