Wheeland Park Campground

For residents of Central Illinois, **Wheeland Park Campground** in the village of Riverton offers a simple, accessible, and highly appealing camping destination. Nestled on the east bank of the historic **Sangamon River**, this local park provides a compact and well-maintained outdoor retreat that is just a short drive from the state capital of Springfield. Unlike massive state parks, Wheeland Park focuses on providing a convenient, nature-focused experience, making it an excellent choice for a quick weekend escape or a base camp for exploring the surrounding Sangamon County region.

The campground is part of the larger **Wheeland Park** facility, which is managed by the Village of Riverton. This connection means campers have easy access to the adjacent park amenities, enhancing the overall experience for families and active individuals. It caters primarily to those who appreciate a no-frills camping environment with the essential comforts—a place where you can quickly set up camp, start a fire, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river. Historically, the land has ties to the beautiful Wheeland Haven estate, adding a unique, local backstory to the area, though the park today is purely dedicated to public recreation.

With only a limited number of sites, the Wheeland Park Campground maintains a quieter, more intimate atmosphere than larger commercial facilities. This makes it particularly attractive to Illinois locals looking for a dependable, affordable, and easily reservable option close to home, especially those interested in fishing, canoeing, or kayaking on the Sangamon River.

Wheeland Park Campground is located at **S 3rd St, Riverton, IL 62561, USA**. Riverton's location, just east of Springfield, makes the campground exceptionally accessible for residents throughout Central Illinois. Its close proximity to major routes, including Interstate 55 and U.S. Route 36, ensures a smooth and short drive from cities like Springfield, Decatur, and Jacksonville.

The park is conveniently situated within the village of Riverton, meaning campers are never far from essential services. Local grocery stores, gas stations, and dining establishments are just minutes away, offering a significant convenience that larger, more remote campgrounds cannot match. Most importantly, the campground sits directly on the bank of the **Sangamon River**. This proximity is key, as the park features a dedicated **boat ramp**, providing easy put-in and take-out access for kayaks, canoes, and small motorized boats, making it an ideal staging point for paddling trips along the scenic river.

Wheeland Park Campground offers a focused set of services that ensure a practical and enjoyable stay for its guests, prioritizing affordability and essential utility:

• Campsite Accommodations: The facility features a total of **11 campsites**, catering to both tent campers and RV/trailer users.
• Utility Hookups: Some of the sites are equipped with **electric hookups**, available for an additional, nominal nightly fee (historically around $5 a night, though current rates should always be verified).
• Site Furnishings: Each campsite is equipped with a **fire ring** for campfires and cooking, a **gravel drive** for stable parking, a **picnic table** for dining, and a **lantern holder**.
• Water Access: **Drinking water** is readily available from a **water fountain/spigot** located at the entrance to the campground area.
• Restroom Facilities: The park provides **restrooms** for campers. *Note: Public data suggests the facility may not include shower houses, which should be confirmed by self-sufficient campers.*
• Parking: Campsites feature gravel drives, providing on-site parking for vehicles and RVs.

The major highlights of Wheeland Park Campground are its natural setting on the Sangamon River and its connection to the recreational amenities of the larger municipal park:

• Sangamon River Boat Ramp: A key feature is the on-site **boat ramp**, which offers direct, easy access to the Sangamon River for paddling (kayaking, canoeing) and fishing.
• Access to Park Recreation: Campers have access to the amenities of the larger Wheeland Park, which include **sandy volleyball courts** and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Paddling Destination: The park is a popular put-in or take-out point for paddlers exploring sections of the Sangamon River, often connecting with Riverside Park downstream toward Springfield.
• Affordable Electric Option: The availability of electric hookups at a very low additional fee makes it a particularly economical choice for Central Illinois RV campers seeking power.
• Gravel Drives and Fire Rings: The inclusion of basic, well-maintained amenities at each of the 11 sites ensures a comfortable setup for any camper.
• Small, Intimate Setting: With only 11 sites, the campground offers a less crowded, more relaxed atmosphere than larger state or commercial facilities.
• Proximity to Springfield: The convenient location near the state capital means easy access to shopping, dining, historical sites (like the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library), and entertainment in Springfield.

For up-to-date information on camping fees, availability, electric hookup status, and to confirm specific services, Illinois residents should contact the Riverton Village Office, as the campground is municipally run.

Address: S 3rd St, Riverton, IL 62561, USA

Village of Riverton Main Phone: (217) 629-9122 (Often the main contact for park information)

Wheeland Park Campground is worth choosing for the Illinois resident who is looking for a **convenient, affordable, and practical base for Sangamon River recreation**. Its most compelling feature is the direct, unhindered access it provides to the river via the on-site boat ramp, making it the perfect choice for kayakers, canoeists, and fishing enthusiasts.

For Central Illinois families, the campground offers a great balance: a secluded, nature-oriented campsite with essential amenities (like electric and drinking water) combined with the extreme convenience of being minutes away from Riverton's local facilities and the full range of historical and recreational attractions in nearby Springfield. It provides an authentic, no-fuss camping experience—a true local gem on the riverbank that saves time and money while maximizing outdoor enjoyment.

Wheeland Park Campground

S 3rd St, Riverton, IL 62561, USA