Deer Run Campground

For Illinois residents looking to immerse themselves in nature, enjoy spacious campsites, and experience a truly quiet escape, Deer Run Campground in Edinburg, Illinois, offers an exceptional outdoor destination. Known as a "sister" campground to the popular Hickory Point Campground, which is part of Sangchris Lake State Park, Deer Run provides a serene setting that's perfect for both seasoned campers and those new to the great outdoors. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, with ample space between you and your neighbors, ensuring a relaxing and private camping experience.

Deer Run Campground is highly praised by visitors for its peaceful atmosphere and generous site sizes. Reviews consistently highlight that it's "Nice and quiet" with "very large sites," meaning you're "not staring into your neighbors' windows." This focus on space and tranquility is a significant draw for many Illinois campers seeking a genuine retreat from their busy lives. The campground provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including electric hookups at designated circles, water hydrants for filling tanks, and individual fire pits and picnic tables at each site. With a blend of young and old trees, campers can find both sun and shade, making it adaptable to various preferences. Deer Run Campground truly embodies the spirit of traditional camping with modern conveniences, all within a welcoming and well-maintained environment.

Deer Run Campground is conveniently located in Edinburg, IL 62531, USA. This places it in central Illinois, making it an accessible destination for many residents across the state. Importantly, it is identified as a "sister campground to Hickory Point Campground, which is part of Sangchris State Park just south of Springfield." This association immediately links Deer Run to a well-known state park, implying similar standards and access to broader recreational opportunities.

For Illinois locals, the accessibility of Deer Run Campground is a major advantage. It's approximately 19 minutes from Springfield, 46 minutes from Decatur, and just over an hour from Bloomington (1 hour 12 minutes) and Champaign (1 hour 16 minutes). This central location means that a significant portion of Illinois's population can reach the campground within a comfortable driving distance, making it ideal for weekend getaways or longer family vacations without excessive travel. The roads leading to the campground are generally well-maintained, accommodating various vehicle types, including large RVs and travel trailers. Its proximity to Sangchris Lake State Park further enhances its accessibility, as the state park is a known landmark and offers additional amenities and activities just a short drive away. This ease of access ensures that more time can be spent enjoying the quiet environment and outdoor activities that Deer Run provides.

Deer Run Campground offers a range of essential services and amenities designed to cater to various camping styles, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for all visitors.

• Diverse Campsite Types: The campground features Class A campsites with electricity, showers, and vehicle access (80 sites), Class B/S sites with vehicle access and showers (40 sites), and Class C sites for tent camping, walk-in or backpack (5 sites), which also include showers. There are also 5 Class C equestrian campsites.
• Electric Hookups: Sites in circles A and B are equipped with electric hookups, predominantly 30 amp, but with some 50 amp sites available to accommodate various RV needs.
• Water Access: Water hydrants are centrally located in the middle of loops for convenient filling of water tanks. Campers may need longer hoses (up to 300-400 ft) depending on their site, but hosts are available to lend hoses if necessary.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite comes with a cooking fire pit and a picnic table, enhancing the traditional camping experience and providing necessary outdoor living elements.
• Restrooms and Showers: While some older reviews mention outhouses, more recent information indicates Deer Run (as part of Sangchris Lake State Park) has access to shower buildings and restrooms with flush toilets, although water facilities are closed seasonally (typically Monday prior to Thanksgiving through March 31st).
• Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is provided in the campground for RV waste, ensuring proper disposal.
• Camp Host Availability: A host is typically on-site to assist campers with needs, as noted by the ability to borrow a hose.
• Pet-Friendly: All campsites are pet-friendly, allowing furry family members to join the outdoor adventure.

Deer Run Campground is highly regarded for its unique features and highlights that make it a standout choice for Illinois campers seeking a tranquil and spacious outdoor experience.

• Spacious and Quiet Sites: A consistent highlight from reviews is the generous size of the campsites, which are "not squished together," providing privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. This allows campers to truly relax without feeling crowded.
• Natural Shade and Scenery: The presence of "young and old trees for shade" ensures comfort during warmer months and contributes to the scenic beauty of the campground. It offers a genuine connection with nature.
• Gravel and Level Sites: Campsites are described as being gravel and level, which is a significant advantage for RV and trailer setup, making it easier to park and stabilize vehicles.
• Part of Sangchris Lake State Park System: As a "sister" campground to Hickory Point within Sangchris Lake State Park, Deer Run benefits from the wider park's offerings, including access to Sangchris Lake for fishing and boating (boating with 25 HP and below at full speed; larger HP at no-wake), as well as hiking and equestrian trails.
• Well-Managed and Maintained: While specific details about staff weren't given, the general positive sentiment about the campground implies good management and upkeep, ensuring a pleasant experience.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground welcomes pets, allowing families to bring their beloved animals along for their outdoor adventures, provided they are kept on a leash.
• Affordable Camping: Being part of a state park system, Deer Run generally offers very inexpensive rates, providing excellent value for the quality of the camping experience.

It is worth noting that while sites are generally easy to back into, some longer trailers (e.g., 30ft) might require using a grassy area for maneuvering due to the angle of some sites.

As a campground primarily managed under the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as part of Sangchris Lake State Park, Deer Run Campground's promotions and special offers are typically integrated into the state park's fee structure and reservation system rather than traditional commercial discounts. However, there are some established benefits and booking considerations:

• Inexpensive Rates: The park generally offers very affordable daily camping rates, providing inherent value for campers. For example, Class A (electric, shower, vehicle access) sites are typically around $20 per day.
• Group Camping Discounts: For groups interested in reserving the Group Camp for adult or youth use, specific discounts may apply. It's advised to call the site office for details and ensure the "youth box" is checked for the discount when making online reservations.
• Seasonal Closures: It's important for campers to note that water facilities (including the shower building) are closed from the Monday prior to Thanksgiving through March 31st. Deer Run campground itself is closed the second week in January through March 31st, which impacts seasonal availability.
• ExploreMoreIL™ Reservations: Reservations for campsites and cabins at Sangchris Lake State Park (which includes Deer Run) can be made through the ExploreMoreIL™ system, which sometimes features booking incentives or easier access to availability.
• ADA Accessible Sites: Handicapped accessible sites are available in both Deer Run and Hickory Point campgrounds, ensuring accessibility for all campers.

For the most current information on rates, availability, and any specific seasonal promotions, Illinois locals are encouraged to check the official Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for Sangchris Lake State Park or use the ExploreMoreIL™ reservation platform.

For all inquiries regarding Deer Run Campground, including site availability, reservations, and specific park rules, Illinois locals can utilize the following contact information. As Deer Run is part of Sangchris Lake State Park, the primary contact details are typically for the park office.

Address: Deer Run Campground is located within Sangchris Lake State Park, which has an official address of 9898 Cascade Road, Rochester, IL 62563. While Deer Run itself is in Edinburg, this is the main park office contact point.

Park Office Phone: (217) 498-9208

Primary Contact Name: Eric Riemer (as per public records)

Primary Contact Email: eric.riemer@illinois.gov (as per public records)

Website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/SangchrisLake.aspx

For specific questions about group camping or any detailed inquiries not covered on the website, calling the park office directly is recommended. When making online reservations through ExploreMoreIL™, ensure you select the correct campground (Deer Run) within Sangchris Lake State Park.

Deer Run Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Illinois locals seeking a refreshing and genuine outdoor experience. Its primary appeal lies in its "nice and quiet" atmosphere and "very large sites" that prevent the feeling of being "squished together," ensuring privacy and relaxation. This makes it ideal for families, couples, or solo adventurers who prioritize a serene environment for their camping trip. The inclusion of electric hookups, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site provides modern conveniences while retaining the rustic charm of camping.

As a "sister" campground to Sangchris Lake State Park, Deer Run offers the added benefit of access to a broader range of recreational activities, including fishing and boating on Sangchris Lake, as well as extensive hiking and equestrian trails within the state park. Its central Illinois location makes it easily accessible from major cities like Springfield, Decatur, Bloomington, and Champaign, reducing travel time and maximizing leisure time. For Illinois residents eager to connect with nature, enjoy spacious surroundings, and experience a well-maintained campground that balances tranquility with practical amenities, Deer Run Campground stands out as a top choice for your next outdoor adventure. The fact that past campers, even those with 30ft trailers, would "camp here again" speaks volumes about its enduring appeal.