RV Rental Clinton Lake State Park, IL

One of the biggest draws at Clinton Lake State Park is the 4,900-acre lake, so it's no surprise that Clinton Lake State Park campers spend most of their time there. All boats are allowed in the lake’s main basin, but sail boating seems to be one of the more popular types of boating. The lake boasts six boat launch ramps and one canoe launch ramp. Water skiing is allowed on Clinton Lake from the Route 54 bridge to the Route 48 bridge. Visitors can enjoy the 1,000-foot white sand beach along the shore of the lake. There are no lifeguards on duty at the lake, but swimming is permitted in the buoyed areas.

Another popular activity to enjoy while camping at Clinton Lake State Park is fishing. The park has set up piers at the Spillway Access Area, Mascoutin Access Area, and Bank Fishing Area. You can also set out in your boat and drop your line in the deeper waters of the lake. Anglers can hope to catch catfish, walleye, striped bass, or crappie. Check with the park office for catch-and-release specifications and any limits that may be in place for certain fish species.

Over 3,600 acres within Clinton Lake State Park permit hunting. Many visitors enjoy motorhome camping when they come in for a weekend of rabbit, pheasant, dove, or squirrel hunting. Deer are only allowed to be hunted during deer season and only by archery, although the park will hand out a limited number of gun hunting permits for deer. All hunters within the park are advised to check the park rules and regulations and acquire the proper documentation before setting out.

State park RV campgrounds are great places to pull your camper and spend several days unwinding from the stresses of work. Clinton Lake State Park has nearly 300 campsites with various amenities. Some come with full hookups while others feature water and electric. Shower facilities are located within the campgrounds. Each campsite has a picnic table and a grill. Make your reservations early, especially during the busy season to ensure you have a spot at the park.

In the unlikely event that you can't get a campsite at Clinton Lake State Park, or if you'd prefer to camp near the park instead, head over to Arrowhead Acres in Clinton. This family-owned RV park located just minutes from Clinton Lake has 20-, 30-, 50-amp electric and water hookups. There's a bathhouse located within walking distance of most campsites. Visitors can also use the dump station at the campgrounds to empty their camper’s waste tanks.

Alternatively, check out Hickory Lane Campground in Atlanta, which is less than 45 minutes from Clinton Lake State Park. This campground is surrounded by the serene plains of Illinois and offers full RV hookups with 30- or 50-amp electric.

You can't leave the area without dropping by Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton. This 550-acre park’s main feature is Salt Creek and Weldon Spring Lake. The park is open year-round and even boasts great winter activities such as cross-country skiing and ice fishing. During warmer months, visitors enjoy hiking, boating, camping, and fishing.

Visit the C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, also in Clinton, before heading home. This museum was added to the National Register of Historic Places list in 1979. Visitors flock to the C.H. Moore Homestead the last weekend in September for the Annual Apple ‘n Pork Festival. This festival celebrates history, heritage, and hospitality and is a fundraising event that provides the necessary funds to keep the museum open.

Head over to Champaign and visit the William M. Staerkel Planetarium. The planetarium is located on the Parkland College campus and is among the major planetariums in the United States. The William M. Staerkel Planetarium features a 50-foot-diameter dome where you can view the sky from the comfort of your seat inside. Tours are available throughout the week, or you can opt to wander through the planetarium without a tour guide.