Map showing campground location near Chester, Illinois

Camper submitted image from Randolph County State Recreation Area

Randolph County State Recreation Area

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Randolph County State Recreation Area encompasses 1,101 acres of rolling hill country five miles northeast of Chester. The campground provides 146 sites across multiple areas, with Class BE sites offering electric hookups and Class C sites providing full hookups including water and sewer connections. A dump station sits approximately one mile before the main campground entrance.

Sites feature gravel surfaces with most offering shade from mature trees, though spacing runs tight between neighbors. "Plenty of people and dogs to be heard, most hours of the day," notes Rachael G. about the Pine Ridge section. The 65-acre lake anchors recreational activities, with campers walking directly from sites to fishing spots and a boat ramp. Two playgrounds serve families, while hiking trails wind through forested sections where wildlife includes rabbits moving through campsites.

Maneuvering larger RVs requires careful navigation on campground roads, with only three paved spots available and some harsh backing angles. Water spigots distribute throughout the grounds, though the shower house mentioned in some older information may not currently operate. Sites cost $18 per night, with roughly half available for reservation and half operating first-come, first-serve.

Campers seeking additional options can explore campgrounds around Chester or consider Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground for a different lakeside experience.

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Location

Public Campground

Randolph County State Recreation Area is located in Illinois

Directions

Located just northeast of Chester on Palestine Road. Coming south on State Route 3 turn left at Shawneetown Trail crossroad. Turn right on Palestine Road. Follow signs. Entrance is on left on Palestine Road. Coming north on State Route 3 to Chester. Follow signs in Chester to Palestine Road. Entrance to right on Palestine Road.

Address

4301 S Lake Dr
Chester, IL 62233

Coordinates

37.97200019 N
89.80500018 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group
Cabins
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

52 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
1 hr 7 min from St. Louis, MO
1 hr 51 min from Paducah, KY
2 hrs 40 min from Evansville, IN

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5 Stars

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3 Stars

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted well-maintained sites with good shade and modern facilities including hookups and bathrooms. Many mentioned excellent fishing lake access and family amenities like playgrounds, though some noted tight RV spacing.

Shirlee A.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2025

Quiet Chill and Peaceful

Stayed here a week with two toddlers and it was great! Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, , 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground. The workers were super nice and helpful, the nature is beautiful and cute little forest bunnies running around !

Also there was fire wood for purchase if needed.

Site48

Month of VisitJune

Matthew H.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 2, 2023

Best sites are walk in only

Best sites are first come first serve other half are reservable. 50amp water fill available with frost free. And dump station at front. $18 a night. Tight spots and harsh back up angles. Only 3 paved spots

Month of VisitJanuary

michael G.

Scout

Reviewed Jan. 16, 2022

Tent camping

Plenty of tent camping sites. There are primitive also. Great Lake to fish and plenty of trails to hike. Looks like the rv site can get booked up on weekends.

Month of VisitMay

Rachael G.

Scout

Reviewed May. 31, 2021

Ok but crowded

The grounds are well maintained. Lots of nice tall trees for shade and grass is mowed on the regular. There are a few spigots around for fresh water. There a couple hiking trails. But, the RV sites are very close together, so don't expect privacy or quiet days/evenings at least in the Pine Ridge campground--not sure about the other campgrounds. Plenty of people and dogs to be heard, most hours of the day.

Month of VisitMay

nathan C.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 24, 2021

Randolph county lake

The lake is nice decent camping, needs water hookups.

Site40

Month of VisitMarch

J K.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2019

Nice quaint campground

This is a great little campground with a fishing lake. Sites are gravel but well maintained. Sites are fairly close with most shaded. Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you’re careful. Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there’s no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It’s approximately a mile before the campground on your left. Be aware that there are no showers though, only bathrooms. Fifty-one Class BE campsites, 95 Class C campsites, an equestrian site with eight stalls for horses, and four Class D (primitive) campsites are available throughout the area. A group camp area has its own shelter, stone fireplace, electricity and tables. Some campsites at Randolph County SRA can be reserved online through Reserve America at www.reserveamerica.com Randolph County State Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting and camping are just a few of the choices on the 1,101 acres at the site. Located five miles northeast of Chester, Randolph County SRA lies in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois. Offering a cool retreat from hot summer days, well shaded picnic areas, hiking trails and scenic forest stands await park visitors.

Park Information:

West Central Illinois

4301 S. Lake Drive Chester IL 62233

618-826-2706

N: 37.968 W: -89.802 History In 1958, land was purchased and plans started to build a dam and spillway for a 65-acre lake. The lake was completed in 1961, and since that time, recreational facilities have been added to provide picnic shelters, toilets, a boat ramp and a concession stand at Randolph County SRA..

Directions All access to Randolph County SRA is from the west entrance off Palestine Rd. Coming from the North on Route 3, visitors will turn east on Shawneetown Trail south of the town of Ellis Grove. At Palestine, turn south on Palestine Road and proceed two miles, then turn left at the entrance sign. Coming from the north on Route 150, turn west on Shawneetown Trail and proceed to Palestine, then turn south on Palestine Road and proceed to the entrance sign and turn left into the area. Coming from the south from Chester, head north on Palestine Road to the entrance sign and turn right into the area.

(15) View All

C O.

Scout

Reviewed May. 25, 2019

Quiet and peaceful

Clean and very quiet

Joel R.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 11, 2019

Nice little lake

This campground is located on a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating. There is also hunting, so some seasons are iffy. There are water and electric hookups, and a dump station. Modern shower and bathroom. Located five miles northeast of Chester IL for supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Randolph County State Recreation Area campground?

The campground offers electric hookups and a dump station located at the front of the property. Fresh water is available from frost-free spigots positioned around the grounds, though direct water hookups at sites are limited. Sites are primarily gravel but well-maintained, with most offering good shade from tall trees. The area features modern sanitation facilities, and the grounds are regularly maintained with mowed grass. There are different camping sections including Pine Ridge, which tends to be more crowded. Sites are relatively close together, so privacy can be limited. Both RV sites with electricity and primitive tent camping areas are available.

How do I make reservations for camping at Randolph County State Recreation Area?

Randolph County State Recreation Area offers both reservable and first-come, first-served camping options. Half of the sites can be reserved in advance, while the best sites are typically first-come, first-served. Camping costs $18 per night. The campground has some paved spots (only 3) and gravel sites, with varying degrees of shade. For RVs, be aware that some sites have tight angles for backing in. To secure a spot during busy weekends, especially for RVs, advance reservations are recommended through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website or by phone.

Are there any conservation rules or regulations I should know about when visiting Randolph County Conservation Area?

While specific conservation regulations aren't detailed, standard Illinois Department of Natural Resources rules apply at Randolph County State Recreation Area. Be aware that hunting is permitted during designated seasons, which may affect camping and hiking activities during those periods. Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles, properly dispose of waste at designated facilities, and respect wildlife. The campground has a dump station that RV campers should utilize. Fires are allowed in designated fire rings. During your visit, be mindful of natural resources, stay on designated trails, and follow any posted regulations regarding fishing licenses and catch limits for the lake. Contact the park office for specific seasonal regulations, especially regarding hunting seasons.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Randolph County Lake?

Randolph County Lake offers numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. Fishing is popular on this small but well-stocked lake. Boating is permitted, making it great for paddling and small watercraft. The area features multiple hiking trails through the surrounding natural areas, providing opportunities to observe wildlife. For families, there are two playgrounds within walking distance of the campground, and the lake offers gorgeous views just a short walk away. Other activities include picnicking in designated areas, wildlife watching (including forest bunnies), and seasonal hunting. The combination of water and forest recreation makes it suitable for both relaxing and active outdoor pursuits.

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