New Salem Campground

Welcome to New Salem Campground, an integral part of Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, located near Petersburg, Illinois. This unique destination within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category offers more than just a place to stay; it provides a direct gateway to a significant piece of American history combined with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The campground serves as an ideal base for families, history enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers looking to explore the meticulously reconstructed 1830s village where Abraham Lincoln lived during his formative years.

The environment of New Salem Campground is characterized by its integration into the nearly 700-acre Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site. The campground itself is primarily shaded, with many sites nestled among mature trees, providing a classic forest camping experience. The overall ambiance is quiet and peaceful, offering a natural retreat from the bustle of daily life. The wider historic site encompasses rolling hills and dense woodlands, traversed by over 5 miles of hiking trails that wind through the natural landscape. The Sangamon River is also a significant natural feature of the area, providing additional recreational opportunities and contributing to the scenic beauty. While some reviews note that the campground facilities are established (some being 60-70 years old), the commitment to maintenance ensures a clean and well-kept environment. The sites are generally paved, contributing to a comfortable and accessible camping experience. The proximity to the historic village, often just a short walk or drive, seamlessly blends the natural environment with a rich historical context, allowing campers to easily transition between outdoor activities and educational exploration.

New Salem Campground offers a comprehensive range of services designed to make stays comfortable and convenient for both tent and RV campers. The campground boasts a substantial capacity with 200 campsites. Of these, 100 sites are equipped with electricity, providing 30-amp and 50-amp connections, catering to a variety of RV sizes and needs. The remaining 100 sites are non-electric, offering a more primitive experience for tent campers or those with self-sufficient RVs. It's important to note that while electric hookups are available, individual water and sewer hookups are not provided at each site. However, shared hydrants are conveniently located throughout the campground for campers to fill their fresh water tanks. A crucial service for RVers is the presence of a dedicated sewage and gray water dump station situated at the edge of the campground, ensuring proper waste disposal. For personal hygiene, two modern shower buildings with flush toilets are centrally located within the campground, known for being clean and well-maintained. These shower houses offer accessible stalls, ensuring inclusivity. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires. The campground is also pet-friendly, welcoming leashed pets, though they must not be left unattended at campsites. Some campsites are designed to be accessible for those with limited mobility, with paved and level surfaces. Camp hosts are often present, diligently making rounds and assisting campers, contributing to a friendly and well-managed atmosphere.

The features of New Salem Campground and its surrounding State Historic Site are diverse, combining recreational opportunities with educational experiences:

• Historic Village Access: The primary feature is its immediate proximity to the reconstructed Lincoln's New Salem village. Visitors can explore 23 historically furnished buildings, including homes, stores, and tradesmen's shops, as well as a tavern, school, wool carding mill, and a saw- and gristmill. Interpreters and staff often demonstrate period activities, providing a vivid glimpse into 19th-century life.
• Hiking Trails: Over 5 miles of well-marked hiking trails meander through the wooded areas of the site, offering opportunities for nature walks and scenic strolls. A notable feature is a trail that follows "Lincoln's footsteps," stretching almost 20 miles to Springfield, appealing to avid hikers.
• Outdoor Theater: An outdoor theater is available, typically open from mid-June through August, offering performances and events that enhance the visitor experience.
• Playground: A playground is available within the campground area for children's entertainment, with a newer playground possibly located in the day-use area of the park.
• Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, ideal for day visitors or campers seeking a change of scenery for their meals.
• Visitor Center & Museum: The site features a visitor center with museum exhibits and an orientation video about Lincoln's life in New Salem, providing context for the historic village.
• Sangamon River Access: A boat launch is available at the picnic area off Pritchetville Road, providing access to the Sangamon River for canoeing and kayaking.
• Site Versatility: The campground accommodates a wide range of camping setups, from small tents to larger RVs up to 40 feet in length, with paved sites and ample room for slideouts.

These features collectively offer a rich blend of history, nature, and recreation for all ages.

Promotional information and booking policies for New Salem Campground are managed through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and their ExploreMoreIL™ website.

• Seasonal Operation: The campground typically operates seasonally, with the peak season running from April 1st to October 31st. It is generally closed from November 1st through March 31st. During the off-season, facilities like water may be turned off.
• Reservations: Reservations for campsites can be made 180 days (approximately six months) in advance of the anticipated arrival date via the ExploreMoreIL™ website. It is highly recommended to reserve, especially for electric sites and during peak times, as walk-in sites are subject to availability. Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance for most IDNR campgrounds.
• Pricing: Nightly rates are generally affordable, with recent figures indicating around $20 USD per night for a campsite. Prices are subject to change. Payment can typically be made by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover, though some reviews mention cash or check payment being required for walk-ins in the past.
• Cancellation Policy: Camping fees are refundable if cancellation notification is received no later than 3 days prior to arrival. Cancellations made within the 3-day window usually incur a fee equal to the first day's park use fee.
• Rules and Regulations: A responsible adult (18 years or older) from the camping party must register and acknowledge compliance with park rules and regulations. Pets are welcome but must be leashed and not left unattended. Quiet hours are typically enforced.
• Accessibility: The campground promotes its accessible features, including specific accessible campsites (e.g., site 67 non-electric, site 57 50-amp, site 145 30-amp) and accessible restrooms and showers.
• Local Attractions Promotion: The campground's primary promotional draw is its direct connection to Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site and its proximity to other Lincoln-related sites in Springfield, about 30 minutes away (e.g., Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum & Library, Lincoln's Tomb).

New Salem Campground provides a unique opportunity to combine a relaxing outdoor camping experience with a deep dive into American history, making it a compelling choice for visitors to central Illinois.