Washington County State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
Illinois
Washington County State Park and Recreation Area in Southern Illinois is a sportsman's paradise. The 900-acre park offers an archery range, a hunting area, and a stocked fishing lake. Located on beautiful Washington County Lake, the park also features day-use pavilions, a playground, and a campground. Tent camping is available, but Washington County State Park also has RV sites available with electric and water connections. Enjoy a long weekend with the family and explore the park and the surrounding communities, which include Nashville and Oakdale. The sprawling metro area of St. Louis is less than an hour's drive to the west.
Spring 30-58 F
Summer 60-95 F
Fall 58-82 F
Winter 10-44 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Washington County State Recreation Area
While tent camping is available at Washington County State Park, you may enjoy a more comfortable experience with an RV. The RV sites offer electric and water connections. Plus, you'll be right on the lake and be able to step out into the forested surroundings any time you like. If you don't have an RV, rentals through RVshare can be picked up within 12 miles of the park.
Illini Campground/Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
If you want to stay somewhere else in the area, consider the Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area. This state park campground is right on the Carlyle Reservoir, which is about 30 miles north of Washington County Lake, and there are several waterfront sites available. Enjoy some backyard fishing, or relax by the water after an exciting day of hiking and exploring. This campground also has a pool. It books up quickly over summer months, so reserve in advance.
- 328 sites
- Electrical hookup: 50/30/20/15 amp
- Water hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: No
- Full-service bathhouse
- Wi-Fi: No
McNair Campground
Located 17.3 miles from Washington County State Park, McNair Campground offers gorgeous lake views and is just a few miles away from boat ramps and lake access points. This campground is also pet-friendly and close to local stores.
- 32 RV sites
- Electrical hookup: 50/30 amp
- Water hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: No
- Full-service bathhouse
- Wi-Fi: No
Dam West Recreation Area COE
This Army Corps of Engineer-maintained campground is very family-friendly. Located right on Rend Lake in Benton, it features boat ramps, a day-use beach, and fishing. The playground and biking trails offer plenty for the kids to do. Dam West Campground is especially popular with families during the summer months when it fills up quickly.
- 109 level sites
- Asphalt coated parking
- Shaded sites
- Electrical hookup: 50/30/20/15 amp
- Water hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: No
- Full-service bathhouse
- Wi-Fi available: Yes
- Laundry facility
What to Do at
Washington County State Recreation Area
Inside Washington County State Recreation Area
Washington County State Park is not only popular for outdoors enthusiasts; this day-use recreation area is also ideal for many family activities. For starters, each pavilion location includes grills and picnic tables. There's also a large playground and an open field offering plenty of room to run and play. Visitors can also choose to hike the 7-mile lake path while observing local wildlife, and cyclists will enjoy the many paved and off-road paths. However, the most popular activities are recreational boating and sport fishing in the 248-acre lake.
Outside Washington County State Recreation Area
If you're interested in a day trip outside of Washington County State Park, you'll find plenty of attractions in and around Nashville. Antique shops and restaurants are plentiful in the area. A local petting zoo lets visitors get up close and personal with exotic and domestic animals. Plus, wine connoisseurs will enjoy visiting local wineries.
Restaurants
Little Nashville Restaurant
This favorite among the locals has a small-town diner feel. It's clean and well-maintained with ample parking and seating. Menu favorites are the chicken-fried steak, club sandwich, and homestyle breakfast.
Type: American
Location: 11700 IL-127, Nashville, IL 62263
EL Indio Mexican Restaurant
Large portions, low prices, and friendly staff make this Mexican restaurant a favorite for lunch and dinner. The homemade salsa has chunks of tomato and cilantro for a fresh, sharp taste. Traditional Mexican fare like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas share the menu with some creative options such as the Durango special.
Type: Mexican
Location: 1620 S. Mill St, Nashville, IL 62263
Frankie's on the Hill
Elegant and trendy, this upscale restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two. The atmosphere is classy, and the food is delicious. Frankie's on the Hill opens on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 4:00 p.m. Reservations are required.
Type: Steakhouse
Location: 171 E St. Louis St, Nashville, IL 62263
Shopping
Ten Pin Antique Mall
Housed in a refurbished bowling alley, the Ten Pin Antique Mall claims to offer a million antiques in its 11,000-square-foot space. Shoppers can spend an afternoon browsing among antiques and collectibles from over 60 different vendors.
Location: 11515 IL-127, Carlyle, IL 62231
County Seat Antique Mall
Over 14,000 square feet of antiques are on display in this two-story building in the heart of downtown Benton. The County Seat Antique Mall offers a selection of small collectibles and large pieces like furniture and display items.
Location: 303 Public Square, Benton, IL 62812
Sightseeing
Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo
This 170-year-old barn is filled with domestic and exotic creatures of all species. In the spring, you can bottle-feed a calf or lamb. Try finding your way out of the corn maze in the fall. You can spend an afternoon chatting with Max the Macaw or petting goats, sheep, and potbellied pigs. Rainbow Ranch also features an event venue for parties, weddings, and gatherings.
Location: 9906 IL-15, Nashville, IL 62263
JO-AL Winery and Country Store
Not a traditional winery, the JO-AL Winery and Country Store has no vineyards or acres of grapes. All their wines are made on-site from other fruit. Some of the delicious wine varieties include cranberry, apple, raspberry, peach, and strawberry. The country store offers chocolates, local honey, sweet jelly, and plenty of handcrafted items from local artisans.
Location: 10213 IL-177, Mascoutah, IL 62258
Twelve Oaks Vineyard
Nestled on property passed down through four generations, Twelve Oaks Vineyard is a family-owned and -operated oasis. From growing to pressing to bottling, everything is done by family members and close friends. The result is an award-winning wine. Unique blends like citrus and melon, pear and spice, and apple vanilla create sweet, crisp tastes.
Location: 18975 Vogel Rd, Carlyle, IL 62231
How to Get to
Washington County State Recreation Area
Washington County State Park is located 7 miles south of Nashville, IL, on Highway 127. If you're coming from the St. Louis area, travel east on I-64 to Highway 127 south. Take Conservation Drive east to reach Washington County Lake. From the Louisville area, you'll travel west on I-64 to Highway 127.
Entering Washington County State Recreation Area
Washington County State Park is open 24 hours a day to visitors. Some parts of the park may be closed during the winter months. Contact the park information office before making your trip.
Per person : $0
There is plenty to do in the park and in the surrounding area, so pack up your RV or schedule a rental through RVshare and have a great time with your family. We would like to hear about your RV experience! Be sure to tag on RVshare on your social media posts or send pictures from your travels to [email protected]