Welcome, Illinois adventurers! If you're looking to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, then understanding what a "campground" truly offers is your first step towards an unforgettable experience. In Illinois, campgrounds provide a unique opportunity to connect with the outdoors, whether you're a seasoned RVer, a traditional tent camper, or someone looking for the comforts of a cabin amidst a natural setting. Today, we're focusing on a key player in the Illinois camping scene: Kiefer Campgrounds, with its corporate headquarters located right here in Effingham.
A campground, at its heart, is a designated area where people can set up temporary shelter, typically for recreational purposes. This can range from pitching a simple tent under the stars to parking a fully equipped recreational vehicle (RV) with all the amenities of home. Campgrounds often provide various facilities to enhance your stay, from basic necessities like restrooms and water access to more elaborate offerings such as swimming pools, recreational areas, and even Wi-Fi. They serve as ideal bases for exploring local attractions, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply relaxing in a peaceful environment. Kiefer Campgrounds aims to be a family-owned and operated collection of such havens, striving to provide quality RV parks and serene, modern campgrounds across various locations, including a prominent presence right here in Illinois.
Kiefer Campgrounds, through its various properties, including the well-known Camp Lakewood Campground in Effingham, strives to be a go-to destination for those seeking an outdoor escape. While the corporate headquarters manages the broader operations, it's the individual campgrounds under their umbrella that truly deliver the camping experience.
The corporate headquarters for Kiefer Campgrounds is conveniently located at 3110 S Banker St, Effingham, IL 62401, USA. This central Illinois location places it strategically within easy reach for many residents across the state and neighboring regions. Effingham itself is known as "The Crossroads of America," being situated at the intersection of two major interstate highways, I-70 and I-57. This makes access to Kiefer Campgrounds' primary Illinois offering, Camp Lakewood Campground, incredibly straightforward for those traveling by car or RV.
Camp Lakewood Campground, a prominent Kiefer property in Illinois, is ideally positioned on the north shores of Lake Pauline in scenic South Central Illinois. Its proximity to both I-70 and I-57, often within a mile, means less time driving and more time enjoying your getaway. This excellent accessibility is a significant advantage for Illinois families and individuals looking for a quick weekend escape or a longer vacation without extensive travel. The ease of reaching this location ensures that your journey to relaxation is as smooth as possible, allowing you to quickly transition into your outdoor adventure.
Kiefer Campgrounds, through its various locations like Camp Lakewood Campground, aims to provide a comprehensive range of services to cater to diverse camping preferences. While specific offerings may vary slightly by individual campground, generally, you can expect the following:
Beyond the basic services, Kiefer Campgrounds strives to offer features that enhance the overall camping experience. While the individual campgrounds under the Kiefer umbrella will have their specific highlights, here are some common features you might find, designed to make your stay enjoyable:
For inquiries regarding Kiefer Campgrounds or to connect with their corporate headquarters, you can use the following information:
Address: 3110 S Banker St, Effingham, IL 62401, USA
Phone: (217) 342-1111
Mobile Phone: +1 217-342-1111
For locals in Illinois, Kiefer Campgrounds, particularly through its Camp Lakewood location in Effingham, presents an excellent opportunity to experience the joy of camping without traveling far from home. The strategic placement near major interstates (I-70 and I-57) ensures that residents from various parts of Illinois can easily access these outdoor havens, making them ideal for weekend getaways or even longer, more immersive vacations. Imagine packing up the car on a Friday afternoon and being nestled by a campfire within a couple of hours, ready to unwind and recharge.
The diversity of accommodations, from full-hookup RV sites designed for big rigs to more rustic tent camping options and comfortable cabins, means there's a perfect fit for every type of outdoor enthusiast and family. Whether you're a seasoned camper with your own rig, a family looking to try glamping, or a group of friends seeking a traditional tenting experience, Kiefer Campgrounds aims to cater to your needs. This flexibility is particularly appealing to Illinois residents who might have varying levels of camping experience or different preferences for comfort.
While recent reviews suggest areas for improvement, particularly concerning the upkeep of facilities at certain locations and during specific times, it's clear that Kiefer Campgrounds is a family-owned and operated entity dedicated to providing a space for outdoor enjoyment. Their stated mission to be a "quality RV park and serene, modern campground that people will learn to know and trust" speaks to a commitment to the camper experience. For local Illinoisans, having a campground system with a centralized headquarters in the state means a more direct and potentially responsive experience. The emphasis on being family-owned and operated can also resonate with local users who appreciate supporting businesses rooted in the community.
Ultimately, Kiefer Campgrounds offers Illinois residents a convenient and accessible way to reconnect with nature, create lasting memories, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes our state has to offer. It's a place where you can leave the hustle and bustle behind and embrace the simple pleasures of the outdoors, all within a reasonable drive from your Illinois home. While it's always advisable to check recent reviews and specific campground amenities when planning your trip, the presence and offerings of Kiefer Campgrounds provide a valuable resource for local outdoor adventures.
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV camping
RV electric hookup
Public restroom
Restroom
Running water
Wi-Fi
Good for kids
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
Madison Campground, charging $77 a night and your showers are terrible! Peeling paint and filthy bathroom. Needs updating. I will tell anyone who asks, NOT to use a Kiefer Campgroung! Update your campgrounds! Charging that high a price for substandard , outdated fixtures in the campground. Worst campground I've ever been to . Shame on you. You'll never get my business again!!!!!
We stayed at Madison Campground on April 1, 2025. The website said they opened on April 1. It was clear that no preparations at all had been made prior to April 1st. The campground restrooms had no water in them and were very dirty. They assigned us a campsite where the electricity didn't work. We had traveled 440 miles that day, were all set up, only to have to move. When we went back into the office to tell them, they sort of laughed and said - "Oh yeah, the electricity on that site didn't work last year. Guess you will have to move." We were also told that we would receive a receipt via email - it never happened. If you are open on April 1, then everything should be ready BY that date. For $70 a night, we were disappointed.
We stayed at Kiefer campground near Meramec in Sullivan, MO. I plan to share what campers want to know- the sites are close together, there are fire pits, there are full hook ups, no wifi, phone signal was ok but not great with ATT, there was a fenced dog play area, a pool (during summer only), a shower house, and a laundry facility. The sites are gravel- pull through and Fairly level. There is a very small playground and game room- I would not expect that children would be entertained for long in the off season (past Labor Day). There was a nice building with tables/ chairs, a juke box and one game to have a gathering with friends if it rains. 8 pieces of wood for the fire pit was $9 and wood on site. Simple needs like ice, propane refills, etc. are available at the camp store. If further needs are noted there is a DG right down the road. I gave 5 * because I had nothing at all to complain about and it was a cozy stay for a few nights!
Very nice campground with lots of children’s activities. Nice level sites. Management is very professional and accommodating. Great pool area with game room and gathering room beside it. Mostly shaded sites.
After a tire blowout on I 70 with our towed vehicle, we had to stay in Effingham overnight. An internet search found Lakewood Rv campground with great reviews and close proximity. If we had to be stuck somewhere for the night, we could not have found a better place. Walking around the lake at sunset was gorgeous. The trees provide cooling shade and breezes⁹. Clean, quiet campground with very clean bathrooms. We love the design of the sites. Spaced apart among the trees and angled to provide privacy. We hope to visit other Kiefer sites during our travels.