Public Campground
Adventure Outdoors Basic Sites
Steelville, Illinois
Campground in Illinois.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About Old Bates Campground
Campground in Illinois.
Old Bates Campground offers a classic Illinois camping experience in a welcoming public setting that appeals to both seasoned RV travelers and families seeking a peaceful retreat. Nestled in the heart of Illinois, this campground provides an authentic connection to the region's natural character and small-town charm that makes the Prairie State special.
The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring central Illinois, where wide open spaces and genuine Midwestern hospitality create a relaxing atmosphere away from the hustle of major highways. The surrounding landscape captures the essence of the Illinois countryside, with rolling terrain and natural vegetation that provide a serene backdrop for your camping adventure. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, the location offers convenient access to local attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities that showcase what makes this region appealing to nature lovers and explorers alike.
Visitors consistently praise Old Bates Campground for its down-to-earth atmosphere and reasonable rates. The 4.2-star rating from past guests reflects a campground that understands what RV travelers need: a clean, well-maintained space to park, friendly staff, and a sense of community among fellow campers. The reviews highlight the welcoming nature of the facility and its appeal to those seeking a traditional camping experience without unnecessary frills or complications.
The area surrounding the campground offers several reasons to venture beyond your RV site. Small towns nearby feature local restaurants, antique shops, and farm stands where you can sample regional products and support community businesses. History enthusiasts will find interesting sites scattered throughout the region, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, hiking, and exploring the natural landscape that characterizes this part of Illinois.
Old Bates Campground works well for retirees on extended trips, families introducing children to RV camping, and travelers seeking an affordable stop along their Illinois journey. The public campground atmosphere creates natural opportunities to meet other travelers and swap stories about your adventures on the road.
The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring central Illinois, where wide open spaces and genuine Midwestern hospitality create a relaxing atmosphere away from the hustle of major highways. The surrounding landscape captures the essence of the Illinois countryside, with rolling terrain and natural vegetation that provide a serene backdrop for your camping adventure. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, the location offers convenient access to local attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities that showcase what makes this region appealing to nature lovers and explorers alike.
Visitors consistently praise Old Bates Campground for its down-to-earth atmosphere and reasonable rates. The 4.2-star rating from past guests reflects a campground that understands what RV travelers need: a clean, well-maintained space to park, friendly staff, and a sense of community among fellow campers. The reviews highlight the welcoming nature of the facility and its appeal to those seeking a traditional camping experience without unnecessary frills or complications.
The area surrounding the campground offers several reasons to venture beyond your RV site. Small towns nearby feature local restaurants, antique shops, and farm stands where you can sample regional products and support community businesses. History enthusiasts will find interesting sites scattered throughout the region, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, hiking, and exploring the natural landscape that characterizes this part of Illinois.
Old Bates Campground works well for retirees on extended trips, families introducing children to RV camping, and travelers seeking an affordable stop along their Illinois journey. The public campground atmosphere creates natural opportunities to meet other travelers and swap stories about your adventures on the road.
4.2
Rating
25
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Johnston City is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
Illinois weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Johnston City.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Johnston City. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Old Bates Campground Reviews
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Lesley Molina
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Lesley Molina
Great place, the owner was friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our stay totally recommend as this place not only provides everything you need from propain refill,Laundry room and even park for kids. Love this quiet place.
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Caleb Tulu
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Caleb Tulu
We were on our way to KC and we were pleasantly surprised at how good a value the place was! The owner Robert was very nice and accommodating! We will be back again! For the price you can't beat it. On Passport America it is only 13.50 a night. Laundry is only 1.00 for wash and . 75 to dry.
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Dana L
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Dana L
Good experience. Easy to get in and out. Small play area for the kids as well as a large pavillion if you are having visitors. Didn't check out the shower house but the laundry worked great and was close to our site. The area we were in flooded when we got a lot of rain but that isn't something the camp owners had control over and it didn't last to long. We would stay again.
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Xenophon 42
Mar 18, 2026
1.0
Google Review by Xenophon 42
Not a place I would ever want to revisit: Dumpster almost always overflowing with trash. The "pool" shown in the photos is now a partially filled-in mosquito-infested bog. Loud music from Stringers and Moore echoing though the campground on the weekends. Power and water outages. People walking through campsites day and night with no respect for boundaries. Unattended children running loose. Piles... Not a place I would ever want to revisit: Dumpster almost always overflowing with trash. The "pool" shown in the photos is now a partially filled-in mosquito-infested bog. Loud music from Stringers and Moore echoing though the campground on the weekends. Power and water outages. People walking through campsites day and night with no respect for boundaries. Unattended children running loose. Piles of rusting trash and other things around some of the campers. Barking dogs day and night with the owners curbing them in other people's lots. Items disappearing or RV getting vandalized. You probably don't want to stay here unless you are desperate for a cheap place to stay, very desperate...
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Julie Acepilot
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Julie Acepilot
We stayed at Old Bates for the solar eclipse while en route to WI. The place feels old and looks a little beat up and has lots of year round and seasonal folks. But don't let that turn you off. The owner and staff are friendly and helpful. Access to our site was uneventful. It was a gravel pad with full hook ups and a grassy side yard. No wifi, but cell signal was strong. Quiet camp, no kids aroun... We stayed at Old Bates for the solar eclipse while en route to WI. The place feels old and looks a little beat up and has lots of year round and seasonal folks. But don't let that turn you off. The owner and staff are friendly and helpful. Access to our site was uneventful. It was a gravel pad with full hook ups and a grassy side yard. No wifi, but cell signal was strong. Quiet camp, no kids around while we were there, but there was a playground, a picnic shelter, and the warmest, cleanest pool. We didn't want to get out. We will definitely stay here again if we're in the area. Oh yeah, there are a couple big domestic bunnies hopping around 😊
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