Old Bates Campground

For Illinois residents seeking an outdoor escape that combines affordability, essential conveniences, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere, Old Bates Campground in Sesser, Illinois, stands out as a highly recommended destination. Far from the hustle and bustle of major interstates, this quiet and well-maintained campground offers a serene environment where campers can truly relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of nature. Whether you're an experienced RVer, a family with active kids, or someone just looking for a peaceful overnight stop, Old Bates Campground provides a compelling option in Southern Illinois.

Often praised by visitors for its welcoming owners and excellent value, Old Bates Campground goes beyond just providing a place to park your rig. It’s designed to offer a comfortable and convenient experience, ensuring that your time outdoors is as enjoyable as possible. From easily accessible amenities like laundry facilities and propane refills to family-friendly features like a playground, this campground anticipates the needs of its guests. Its strategic location near the expansive Rend Lake also opens up a world of recreational possibilities, making it a fantastic base for exploring the beauty of Southern Illinois.

As a professional content writer specializing in local business SEO-optimized descriptions, my aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Old Bates Campground. Drawing on the positive feedback from real customers and publicly available data, this article will highlight what makes Old Bates a suitable and appealing choice for Illinois locals looking for their next camping adventure.

Old Bates Campground is strategically located at 5272 Peach Orchard Rd, Sesser, IL 62884, USA. Sesser is a small, friendly community nestled in Franklin County, Illinois, providing a tranquil rural setting while remaining conveniently accessible from major routes. This prime location makes it an excellent stopping point or a destination for Illinois residents exploring the southern part of the state.

The campground benefits significantly from its proximity to Rend Lake, one of Illinois's largest man-made lakes. Rend Lake offers a vast expanse of water for fishing, boating, swimming, and various other water-based recreational activities, with facilities like the South Sandusky Beach and Boat Ramp just a few miles away. This direct access to major outdoor recreation is a substantial draw for campers at Old Bates.

Accessibility to Old Bates Campground is straightforward, typically via Illinois Route 148. If traveling from Interstate 57, visitors can take Exit 77 onto Illinois Route 154 West towards Sesser. From Sesser, turn left onto Illinois Route 148 South. The campground is approximately 2.7 miles down Route 148 on the right side. This ensures that the journey to the campground is manageable for vehicles of all sizes, including large RVs, as noted by its "big rig friendly" nature. Despite its quiet rural feel, Sesser offers basic amenities such as gas stations and local stores, with larger towns in the vicinity for more extensive shopping or dining needs. The "no interstate noise" environment provides a peaceful retreat, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Old Bates Campground is designed to offer a comprehensive range of services that enhance the comfort and convenience of its guests, making it a truly accommodating destination for various camping styles.

• Full Hookup Sites: The campground provides numerous full hookup sites with 20, 30, and 50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections. Many sites feature long asphalt parking pads, making them suitable for accommodating large RVs and big rigs up to 43 feet long. There are also sites with just electric and water or just electric for various needs.

• Laundry Room: A clean and convenient laundry room is available on-site, offering coin-operated washers and dryers. Reviewers specifically highlight the affordability, with wash cycles costing only $1.00 and drying at $0.75, which is a significant value for campers on extended trips.

• Propane Refill Station: Old Bates Campground offers an LP (propane) fill station on-site, a highly convenient service for RV owners and campers needing to refill their tanks for cooking or heating, available year-round.

• Clean Restrooms and Shower House: The campground provides clean restrooms and a shower house, ensuring that all guests have access to comfortable and well-maintained facilities. The shower house is open seasonally.

• On-site Restaurant: Uniquely, there is an independently operated restaurant located on the campground property, offering a convenient dining option for guests who prefer not to cook every meal.

• RV/Boat Storage: For those needing longer-term solutions, Old Bates Campground offers RV and boat storage, providing added flexibility for local residents or seasonal campers.

• Playground: A dedicated playground ensures that children have a safe and engaging area for recreation and fun.

• Picnic Areas and Pavilion: Shady picnic areas and a pavilion are available for outdoor meals, group gatherings, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The pavilion can be a great spot for community events or family reunions.

• Basketball Court: For active guests, a basketball court provides an opportunity for friendly games and exercise.

• Camper Rentals: In addition to traditional sites, camper rentals may also be available, offering another flexible lodging option for those without their own RV.

Old Bates Campground stands out for several key features and highlights that consistently impress visitors and contribute to its strong reputation among Illinois campers.

• Exceptional Value: A recurring theme in reviews is the outstanding value offered. With competitive rates, including a Passport America discount reducing daily rates significantly, Old Bates provides an affordable camping experience without compromising on essential amenities or comfort. The low cost of laundry facilities further adds to this value.

• Friendly and Accommodating Owners/Staff: The owners, including Robert, are frequently praised for being "friendly and helpful" and "very nice and accommodating." This personal touch and welcoming atmosphere significantly enhance the overall guest experience, making visitors feel truly at home.

• Quiet and Peaceful Environment: Away from interstate noise, the campground is consistently described as a "quiet place," ideal for relaxation. This tranquil setting allows campers to fully appreciate the natural surroundings and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep.

• Spacious, Shaded Sites: The campground offers "large spaces" and "shady campsites," providing ample room for campers to spread out and enjoy privacy. The presence of trees offers welcome shade on warm days, enhancing comfort.

• Comprehensive Amenities: Old Bates Campground provides "everything you need," from propane refills and a laundry room to a playground for kids and an on-site restaurant. This wide array of amenities ensures convenience and entertainment without having to leave the campground.

• Wildlife Viewing: The opportunity to "enjoy the wildlife" is a cherished highlight, adding to the authentic outdoor experience and making visits truly memorable for nature enthusiasts.

• Proximity to Rend Lake: Being just minutes from South Sandusky Beach and Boat Ramp at Rend Lake means easy access to a vast lake for fishing, boating, and swimming, making it a perfect base for water activities.

Old Bates Campground is notable for actively participating in discount programs that provide significant savings for campers, making it an excellent value proposition for Illinois locals and travelers alike.

• Passport America Discount: A highly emphasized promotion is its participation in Passport America. Campers with a Passport America membership can enjoy a 50% discount on their nightly rates, bringing the cost down to as low as $13.50 a night, as highlighted in a customer review. This is a substantial saving, making extended stays or frequent visits much more affordable.

• Military Rate: Old Bates Campground offers a specific "Military Rate" for Veterans and Active Military Members. Guests can use the promo code "MILITARY" when booking, demonstrating appreciation for service members.

• Weekly Rates: For those planning a longer visit, weekly rates are available. For instance, some sources indicate a weekly rate for rotating sites at $270, which can offer savings compared to booking daily, especially if not using the Passport America discount for every night.

• Affordable Laundry: While not a traditional "promotion," the consistently low prices for the laundry facilities ($1.00 wash, $0.75 dry) represent an ongoing value that significantly benefits campers, making it easier and more affordable to manage longer trips.

For the most current pricing, availability, and to confirm any special offers or promotions, it is always best to contact Old Bates Campground directly using the provided phone number or check their booking website.

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, or any other questions regarding Old Bates Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 5272 Peach Orchard Rd, Sesser, IL 62884, USA

• Phone: (618) 625-6250

• Mobile Phone: +1 618-625-6250

• Website: While not explicitly provided in the prompt, public information suggests a website such as www.oldbatescampground.com or booking via Campspot (campspot.com/book/oldbatescampground) and Passport America. Checking these resources can provide additional booking and information details.

For Illinois residents, Old Bates Campground in Sesser is an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing destination for a multitude of reasons, offering a blend of value, comfort, and natural immersion that caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.

Firstly, its standout feature for locals is the incredible value it provides. With competitive rates, especially through the Passport America program, and remarkably affordable on-site laundry facilities, Old Bates makes quality camping accessible and budget-friendly. This economic advantage allows Illinois families and individuals to enjoy more frequent and longer outdoor excursions without breaking the bank, a significant benefit in today's economy.

Secondly, the consistently praised friendly and accommodating nature of the owners, like Robert, fosters a welcoming and personal atmosphere. This personal touch enhances the overall camping experience, making guests feel valued and ensuring a pleasant stay. For locals, this means discovering a place where they can feel at home and build rapport with the people running the campground, encouraging repeat visits.

Furthermore, the campground's quiet and peaceful environment, combined with its spacious and often shaded sites, offers a genuine retreat from the stresses of daily life. This tranquility, free from interstate noise, provides an ideal setting for relaxation, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the simple joys of a campfire. For Illinoisans seeking a true escape into nature, without venturing too far from home, Old Bates delivers a serene experience.

Lastly, the comprehensive array of on-site amenities—from full hookups for various RVs to a playground for kids, an on-site restaurant, and even propane refills—means that virtually "everything you need" is readily available. This convenience significantly enhances the comfort of any camping trip, minimizing the need for off-site errands. Coupled with its close proximity to the vast recreational opportunities of Rend Lake, Old Bates Campground serves as an ideal base for fishing, boating, and exploring the natural beauty of Southern Illinois.

In conclusion, Old Bates Campground offers a compelling package for Illinois residents: affordability, comfort, a friendly community, and access to fantastic outdoor recreation. It’s a place where lasting memories are made, proving to be a perfect choice for your next family adventure or peaceful getaway in the heart of Southern Illinois.