Accessible Campgrounds

Illinois State Fair Campground
801 Sangamon Ave. (Gate 11)
(217) 524-9894
www.agr.state.il.us/spacerental/facility/camp.php
www.agr.state.il.us/isf/premium/camping.pdf
The campground at the Illinois State Fairgrounds is open from April 1 to Oct. 31, not just for the Fair in August. Located in the southwest corner of the fairgrounds, it has 300 sites, all with hookups. Tent campsites without water or electricity are also available. Those wishing to reserve an accessible campsite near the barrier-free restrooms and shower facilities must have a disability parking placard or license. Non-Fair camping reservations may be made only by phone. For reservations during the Fair, an application is available at the second website listed above. The application process opens Feb. 1 each year.
Riverside Park Campground
4105 Sandhill Rd. (Cross St.: N. Peoria Rd.)
(217) 753-0630 (May-Oct. only)
www.springfieldparks.org/locations/33/Riverside%20Park/location-details
Open mid-May to mid-October, this Springfield Park District campground has 87 campsites in all, 67 with water and electric and 8 with sewer as well. Tent areas are also available on the remote wooded site just south of the Sangamon River. The campground has wheelchair accessible restrooms and showers (not audited) as well as a picnic pavilion. There is a paved road along the river with level access to the bank for fishing. Able-bodied family members may want to try Riverside Park's BMX Bike Track or go trail riding at nearby Riverside Stables (217-522-7702, www.riversidestable.com), which also rents kayaks and canoes.
Lincoln's New Salem Campground
15588 History Lane, Petersburg, IL (Cross St.: Route 97)
(217) 632-4003 (April-Oct. only)
www.lincolnsnewsalem.com
Just steps away from the reconstructed village of New Salem is a wooded campground with 200 campsites, 100 of which are electrified. The campsites do not have water or sewer hookups, but hydrants for filling storage tanks and a dump station are available. Shower houses have wheelchair accessible restrooms and roll-in showers with a hand-held showerhead and fold-down bench. Discounts are available for older residents and those with disabilities. The campground is open year-round but shower houses are closed from Dec. 1 to March 15th. Reservations are not accepted.