If you enjoy camping, we have good news and bad news to share. Let’s start with the good news: one of the best campgrounds in the Midwest is actually located here in Illinois. However, the bad news is that it’s more than a five-hour drive away.
Oak Point Campground, situated in southern Illinois, has been recognized as one of the best in the Midwest, according to The Dyrt’s 2025 Best Places to Camp, a camping app that compiles user reviews of campgrounds nationwide.
Why Oak Point Campground is the best in Illinois
Located in Lake Glendale, Vienna, Illinois, Oak Point Campground secured the ninth spot in The Dyrt’s regional rankings for the Midwest.
Set within the Lake Glendale Recreation Area of Shawnee National Forest, Oak Point operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It is renowned for its quiet, tree-lined campsites and proximity to outdoor activities.
The campground features 93 sites, welcomes RVs, and permits fires, with prices ranging from $10 to $20.
The three-mile hiking trail is ideal for spotting wildlife, and campers can enjoy fishing and kayaking in the lake. Additionally, there is a nearby swimming beach for those who want to cool off during the summer months.
You can see the complete list of Midwest rankings at The Dyrt’s website.