Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
Park Review (out of 10.0)
Ground’s Cleanliness
Facility’s Cleanliness & Accessiblity
Park Amenities
Staff Friendliness
Overall Park Score
Park Info Illinois State Fairgrounds
801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL 62702
Latitude: 39.831553
Longitude: -89.640683
217-524-9894
Open All Year (No water November – March)
Date(s) of Stay May 9 – 10, 2017
Facilities 30/50 amp, water, dump station, free Wi-Fi
Restrooms with Showers
Daily RV Rates $20 to $25 (Weekly & Monthly Rates Available)
Rate Discounts for n/a
Big Rig Friendly? Yes
Access Enter through Gate 11.
Comments
The campground area of the Illinois State Fairgrounds will serve you well if you want to be just a few short miles from the sites of Springfield, IL – including Abraham Lincoln’s home, museum, and tomb; or if you just need a no-frills stop for the night. Other than during the actual state fair (in August), it is pretty open and ready for your arrival.
While there are plenty of spots amongst the grass and trees, I opted for a 2-day stay in the parking lot for the sake of easy leveling. Needless to say, it is not all that soul-nourishing to “camp” in a parking lot, but my main goal with this campground was to be within biking distance of downtown Springfield, where both Lincoln’s home and Museum are located, as well as a Frank Lloyd Wright house, the Dana-Thomas Home. (All 3 are must-sees, as well as Lincoln’s Tomb, which is outside downtown and very near the campground.)
The not-so-wonderful: The bath houses leave a lot to be desired, but they are plentiful in stalls. And a frustration when I first arrived was that no one was in the office. I waited half an hour, at which time someone from security assisted in my site assignment. Also, most sites are water and electric only; though there is a convenient dump station across from the office area. Lastly, the sound of trains occasionally wafts in, though not too, too loudly. (I am not overly sensitive to noise, but if you are, this may be a deterrent.)
Bottom-line: This will probably not be one of your favorite overnight spots, but it does the job. Conveniently located, I would not hesitate to return for an overnight stay.