Lakeside Campground

For Illinois residents seeking a classic, nature-focused camping experience, Lakeside Campground in Marshall offers a picturesque and tranquil retreat. Located within the scenic Lincoln Trail State Park, this campground lives up to its name by providing beautiful views and easy access to the park's focal point, Lincoln Trail Lake. This is a place that caters to campers who want to unplug and immerse themselves in the great outdoors without being completely off the grid. The campground is known for its peaceful environment and well-maintained sites, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway or an extended stay. Whether you prefer to set up a tent in a rustic spot or park your RV in a level, gravel site, Lakeside Campground has options to suit your style. It is a welcoming spot for families, with plenty of open space for kids to play and explore, and it is also a great place for pet owners to bring their dogs along for the adventure. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the natural beauty that Southern Illinois has to offer.

Lakeside Campground is situated in Marshall, IL 62441, USA, as part of the larger Lincoln Trail State Park. This location is a significant advantage, as the park itself offers a variety of recreational activities and natural features. The campground is easily accessible by vehicle, making it a convenient destination for travelers from all over the state. Its placement within a state park ensures that campers are surrounded by a protected and well-maintained natural environment, including a lake with over seven miles of wooded shoreline. The park's location provides a sense of seclusion and escape, while still being close enough to the town of Marshall for any necessary supplies or a visit to a local restaurant. The campground is also committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery and facilities without any barriers.

Lakeside Campground offers a selection of services and amenities that are designed to provide a comfortable camping experience. While it is a state park campground and may not have all the luxuries of a private resort, it provides essential comforts that enhance your stay.

• Tent and RV Sites: The campground offers a variety of sites for both tent and RV camping. The sites are known to be well-maintained, with a mix of gravel and grassy areas. For RVs, sites are generally level, which makes setup easier. Some sites are situated close to each other, while others offer more privacy, allowing you to choose the perfect spot for your needs.

• Essential Facilities: While the campground may not have full bathhouses at every loop, it does provide public toilets. It is important for campers to note that the toilets at the lakeside sites are pit toilets, though access to flush toilets and showers is available with a short walk or drive to the other campground within the park. This is a key detail for those planning their stay.

• Running Water: Running water is available at faucets throughout the campground, which is convenient for refilling water tanks or for general use. A sanitary dumping station is also available within the park for RV campers, which is a crucial service for longer stays.

• On-Site Parking: For the convenience of all visitors, the campground offers on-site parking at each site. This allows you to park your vehicle close to your tent or RV, providing easy access to your gear and a secure place for your car.

• Pet-Friendly: Lakeside Campground is a great place to bring your pets, as dogs are allowed. The open spaces and hiking trails within the park provide plenty of opportunities for walks and outdoor fun with your canine companions. This is a significant benefit for pet owners who want to share their camping experience with their pets.

• Picnic Areas: The park has numerous picnic areas with tables, making it a great destination for both overnight campers and day-trippers. These spots are often shaded and provide a lovely setting for an outdoor meal with a view of the lake.

The true highlights of Lakeside Campground are found in its natural beauty and the array of recreational activities available within the park.

• Scenic Lakeside Views: As the name suggests, the campground's main highlight is its stunning location on Lincoln Trail Lake. Many sites are situated to overlook the water, providing a peaceful and picturesque backdrop for your camping trip. The thickly wooded shoreline and serene lake offer a beautiful setting for relaxation and contemplation.

• Hiking Trails: The campground is a perfect starting point for exploring the park's well-maintained hiking trails. The Beech Tree Trail, for example, is a short but scenic half-mile walk that takes you past the boat docks and offers a great view of the unique beech-maple forest. The trails are great for getting some exercise and experiencing the diverse habitats of the park.

• Water Activities: The 146-acre Lincoln Trail Lake is the park's centerpiece and offers a variety of water-related activities. Boating is popular, with a launching ramp and trailer parking available. Outboard motors are limited to 10hp, which helps maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Fishing is also a major draw, with the lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. The on-site concession stand offers boat rentals and bait, making it easy to get out on the water even if you don't have your own gear.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Lakeside Campground is considered "good for kids," with a playground available within the park. The open spaces and safe environment provide a great opportunity for children to run, play, and explore. The combination of easy access to trails, a beautiful lake, and a designated play area makes it an excellent choice for a family getaway.

• Privacy and Space: While some sites are close together, many offer a sense of privacy. The wooded areas and natural surroundings contribute to a feeling of being immersed in nature, even in a developed campground. This balance of community and personal space is a key highlight for many campers.

For more information or to plan your visit, you can find the campground at the following address.

Address: Marshall, IL 62441, USA

What makes Lakeside Campground a choice worth making for your next camping trip is its perfect balance of natural beauty and essential amenities. The most compelling reason to choose this spot is its location. It offers stunning views of Lincoln Trail Lake and a direct connection to a wealth of outdoor activities. For the avid hiker, boater, or angler, the park provides an ideal environment to pursue their passions. The campground itself offers well-maintained sites for both tents and RVs, catering to a wide range of camping styles. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere, combined with the fact that it is a pet-friendly and kid-friendly location, makes it a perfect destination for families and individuals alike.

The availability of on-site conveniences like picnic tables and a dump station, along with accessible facilities like public toilets and running water, ensures a comfortable stay. While the rustic nature of some facilities, such as the pit toilets at the lakeside, may be a consideration for some, the option to drive to the main campground for showers and flush toilets provides a convenient solution. The overall feedback from campers is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the cleanliness, the beautiful location, and the peaceful environment. In a state with many camping options, Lakeside Campground stands out as a genuine, well-kept, and beautiful destination that truly embodies the spirit of a relaxing outdoor retreat. Its combination of natural scenery, recreational opportunities, and a simple, friendly vibe makes it a top contender for your next Illinois camping adventure.

Lakeside Campground

Marshall, IL 62441, USA