Piney Woods Campground

For Illinois locals seeking a clean, welcoming, and activity-filled escape into nature, Piney Woods Campground near McLeansboro is a highly recommended destination. Nestled within the expansive Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area, this campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and family-friendly amenities, making it a favorite for many returning campers. If you're looking for a peaceful, well-maintained spot where kids can play freely and adults can relax in a shaded environment, Piney Woods Campground provides an ideal setting for your next Illinois outdoor adventure.

Piney Woods Campground is renowned for its consistent cleanliness and its inviting atmosphere, a testament to its management and the respectful community of campers it attracts. Unlike some sprawling or overly commercialized sites, it maintains a comfortable, approachable scale while still offering a variety of camping options and recreational opportunities. It’s a place where "plenty of nice folks" gather, and where the sounds of children "running around, riding bikes, and scooters" are a common and welcome backdrop. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Piney Woods Campground, detailing its specific location and accessibility, the services and facilities it provides, its key features and highlights, and important contact information. Ultimately, we’ll delve into why this charming and well-regarded campground is particularly well-suited for residents across Illinois looking for a reliable and enjoyable outdoor retreat.

Piney Woods Campground is located at County Rd 1625 E, McLeansboro, IL 62859, USA. This address places it within Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area, also commonly known as Dolan Lake, in southern Illinois. The campground is situated approximately 8 miles southeast of McLeansboro, off Route 14.

Access to the Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area, and by extension, Piney Woods Campground, is via paved county roads. Reviews indicate that the two main entrances to the park, on County Road 1100 and County Road 1025, are "paved and easy to navigate." Most of the roads within the park are also paved, ensuring that visitors, including those with RVs and trailers, should have "no trouble maneuvering." The campground's proximity to Dolan Lake means that many sites are "within a few feet of the lake," offering convenient access to water activities. The well-maintained roads and clear signage contribute to an easy arrival experience, making it a hassle-free journey for Illinois locals looking to get away for a weekend or longer.

• Diverse Campsite Options: Piney Woods Campground offers a variety of camping sites. There are 60 RV campsites with electric hookups and pad sizes ranging from 39 to 68 feet long. Additionally, there are 10 primitive campsites available for tent campers. All sites come with a picnic table and fire ring.
• Clean & Functional Shower House and Bathrooms: A consistently praised feature, as noted by reviewers, is that "The shower house and bathrooms are always clean and working." The park offers flush toilets in the shower building within the campground, as well as 12 sets of accessible vault toilets throughout the wider park. Hot showers are available, ensuring comfort for all campers.
• Potable Water Access: Potable water access is available at certain areas within the campground, providing a convenient source for drinking and cooking.
• Sanitary Dump Station: For RV and trailer campers, a sanitary dump station is available on-site, making waste disposal straightforward before departure.
• Accessible Features: The campground features one ADA compliant campsite (site 23) in the electric campground, which includes a wheelchair accessible picnic table and grill. The park also has accessible parking spaces, wheelchair ramps to the site office, and an accessible wooden boat dock.
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically present at site 22 (near the shower house), providing on-site assistance and support to campers.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are allowed on all campsites, provided they are on a leash or otherwise restrained at all times, making it a great option for families traveling with their furry companions.

• Shaded Campsites: Reviewers highlight that the place is "well shaded," which is a significant advantage, especially during warmer Illinois summers, providing comfort and a pleasant atmosphere.
• Great Playground: For families with children, the "great playground for the little ones to play on" is a major draw. Reviews mention "Lots of kids running around, riding bikes, and scooters," indicating a lively and engaging environment for younger campers.
• Dolan Lake Access: The campground's location on the 75-acre Dolan Lake is a primary highlight. The lake is ideal for various water activities, including fishing, boating (with a 10HP motor limit to ensure calm waters), swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. An accessible wooden boat dock is available.
• Excellent Fishing: Dolan Lake is known for its clear water and abundant fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, and bullheads, providing fantastic opportunities for anglers.
• Hiking and Equestrian Trails: The Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area offers 8 miles of day-use horse trails, which are also open to hikers. These trails provide opportunities to explore the park's diverse landscapes.
• Picnicking Areas: The park features large, shaded picnic areas with tables, outdoor stoves, and drinking water, many of which are located on the lakefront.
• Community and Friendly Atmosphere: Reviews frequently mention "plenty of nice folks camping," indicating a welcoming and respectful camping community.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park's 1,683 acres include open fields and food plots, which attract various wildlife, offering opportunities for observation.

For reservations, current park conditions, or any inquiries regarding Piney Woods Campground and the Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area, you can contact the park office directly or utilize the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reservation system.

Piney Woods Campground / Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area

Address: County Rd 1625 E, McLeansboro, IL 62859, USA

Park Office Phone: (618) 773-4340 (This is the likely park office number for Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area, where Piney Woods Campground is located.)

General IDNR Phone: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is often best to consult the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website or contact their main information lines if the direct park number is not readily available or updated.

Reservations: Reservations for campsites at Illinois State Parks and Fish & Wildlife Areas can typically be made through the ExploreMoreIL.com website. It is advisable to book in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.

Always call ahead to confirm operational hours, specific site availability, and any current advisories or restrictions (such as fire bans) before your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.

For Illinois locals, Piney Woods Campground emerges as an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing destination, particularly for families and anyone seeking a clean, welcoming, and activity-rich outdoor experience. Its location within the Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area in southern Illinois makes it an accessible and convenient getaway for many residents across the state, providing a genuine escape into nature without requiring extensive travel.

The core suitability for Illinoisans lies in the consistent positive feedback regarding its cleanliness and the quality of its facilities. Reviewers consistently praise the "always clean, well shaded" environment and the "clean and working" shower house and bathrooms. This attention to detail alleviates common camping concerns, allowing visitors to truly relax and enjoy their time outdoors. For families, the "great playground for the little ones" and the sight of "Lots of kids running around, riding bikes, and scooters" speaks directly to the campground's child-friendly atmosphere, ensuring entertainment for younger family members.

Moreover, the abundance of recreational opportunities centered around Dolan Lake is a significant draw. Whether it's the peaceful, 10HP-motor-limited lake perfect for "kayaking" and "fishing," or the "nice folks camping" who contribute to a friendly community vibe, Piney Woods offers a diverse range of activities for all ages. The option for both RV and primitive tent camping further broadens its appeal. Ultimately, Piney Woods Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it’s a well-loved local institution that provides a consistent, enjoyable, and accessible outdoor experience, solidifying its place as a prime choice for Illinois residents looking to embrace the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of their home state.