Motorhome Parks In Mattoon, IL
39.4831° N, 88.3728° W
Quick Overview
Mattoon is a friendly east-central Illinois city in Coles County that sits at the crossroads of I-57 and IL-16, making it a natural stopping point for RVers traveling through the heart of the state along one of the major north-south interstates. With several motorhome campgrounds and parks in the area, including some free options, Mattoon provides a convenient and affordable place to park your rig while exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions. The city is known for hosting the annual Bagelfest celebration and for being the birthplace of the commercial hamburger -- so there's some genuine small-town charm and food heritage to soak in here. Lake Mattoon to the south offers fishing, boating, and lakeside camping that keeps folks coming back each season for the reliable bass and panfish action. Fox Ridge State Park is just a short drive east on IL-16 and features rugged wooded ravines and forested ridges that feel nothing like the flat farmland you've been driving through for the past hundred miles. The interstate access makes Mattoon easy to reach from Chicago, St. Louis, or Indianapolis, and you'll find all the supplies and services you need right in town along the IL-16 commercial strip including grocery stores, fuel stations, and a Walmart for major restocking. For RVers who want a solid overnight stop or a weekend base for exploring central Illinois, Mattoon punches well above its weight.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Mattoon
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All Dump Stations Near Mattoon
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson's Landing | 0.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lakeland Estates Mobile Home And RV Park | 3.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Forestry Department | 8.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lake Mattoon Campground & Marina | 10.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Campground East | 10.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Okaw Bluff Group Camp | 12.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sullivan Marina & Campground | 13.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Fox Ridge State Park Campground | 13.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Seven Hickory Estates | 13.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Fox Ridge State Park | 13.8 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Free |
Wilson's Landing
0.5 miLakeland Estates Mobile Home And RV Park
3.5 miForestry Department
8.7 miLake Mattoon Campground & Marina
10.0 miCampground East
10.8 miOkaw Bluff Group Camp
12.6 miSullivan Marina & Campground
13.0 miFox Ridge State Park Campground
13.5 miSeven Hickory Estates
13.5 miFox Ridge State Park
13.8 miTraveling to Mattoon by RV
Mattoon is right off I-57 at exits 184 and 190 in Coles County, roughly halfway between Champaign to the north and Effingham to the south along the interstate corridor. IL-16 runs east-west through town, connecting to Charleston and Eastern Illinois University about 10 miles east. The interstate exits have plenty of fuel stations, fast food, and a Walmart for restocking your supplies before heading out. Motorhome-friendly roads run south to Lake Mattoon on paved county highways and east to Fox Ridge State Park along IL-16. If you're pulling a big rig, stick to the main state highways since some county roads near the lake narrow down and have softer shoulders. The Cross County Mall area along IL-16 has everything you'll need for supplies, dining, and any last-minute shopping.
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Dump Station Costs in Mattoon
Of the campgrounds near Mattoon, a portion% are free while a portion% charge a fee for overnight stays. Private campsite sites with hookups typically run $25 to $40 per night, while public sites at the lake are generally cheaper with basic amenities. This is affordable central Illinois territory where your camping budget goes further than it would anywhere near Chicago or the St. Louis metro area. Free options exist for self-contained rigs at primitive sites in the area. Fuel and groceries in Mattoon are priced competitively thanks to the interstate commerce along I-57 that keeps competition healthy among the local retailers.
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Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Mattoon
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Best Time to Visit Mattoon by RV
Winter
Dec - Feb
20-40°F
Crowds: Low
Most campgrounds close for winter but Mattoon's city services remain fully open for overnighting RVers passing through.
Spring
Mar - May
40-72°F
Crowds: Low
Lake fishing opens up with warming water and wildflowers bloom in Fox Ridge State Park. Campgrounds are quiet and easy to book.
Summer
Jun - Aug
65-90°F
Crowds: Medium
Peak camping season with Bagelfest and lake recreation activities drawing visitors to the area. Warm and humid conditions throughout.
Fall
Sep - Nov
40-72°F
Crowds: Low
Great time for hiking Fox Ridge with spectacular fall colors in the ravines. Lake campgrounds thin out after Labor Day.
Explore the Mattoon Area
Fox Ridge State Park east of town is an unexpected treat for hiking -- the ravines and ridges are genuinely rugged and nothing like the flat prairie landscape you'd expect in this part of the state. The trails drop down through hardwood forest into deep ravines that feel like a completely different region of the country. Lake Mattoon south of town has a good boat ramp and solid bass fishing, plus picnic areas along the shoreline for a relaxing afternoon. Grab a burger from one of the local spots in town and embrace Mattoon's hamburger heritage. If you need propane for your rig, there are fill stations along the I-57 corridor within easy reach. Eastern Illinois University in neighboring Charleston has restaurants, a bookstore, and campus events worth checking out, especially during the school year when there's more activity.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Mattoon
Where can I find motorhome parks near Mattoon, Illinois?
Mattoon has {{stationCount}} motorhome campgrounds and parks in the surrounding area. Options include private campgrounds with full service near the I-57 interchange and lakeside camping sites at Lake Mattoon south of town with water access.
Are there free camping options near Mattoon?
Yes, {{freeCount}} free options exist near Mattoon for self-contained RVs looking for basic camping. These tend to be primitive sites without full hookup services in the surrounding Coles County countryside.
How much does motorhome camping cost near Mattoon?
Private campsite sites typically run $25 to $40 per night with full or partial hookups available. Public camping at Lake Mattoon is usually less expensive and offers direct waterfront access with basic facilities.
What outdoor activities are near Mattoon for motorhome campers?
Fox Ridge State Park offers rugged hiking through wooded ravines and forested ridges just east of town on IL-16. Lake Mattoon has bass fishing, boating with a public ramp, and lakeside picnic areas south of the city for day use.
Where can I find motorhome parks near Mattoon, Illinois?
Mattoon has {{stationCount}} motorhome campgrounds and parks in the surrounding area. Options include private campgrounds with full service near the I-57 interchange and lakeside camping sites at Lake Mattoon south of town with water access.
Are there free camping options near Mattoon?
Yes, {{freeCount}} free options exist near Mattoon for self-contained RVs looking for basic camping. These tend to be primitive sites without full hookup services in the surrounding Coles County countryside.
How much does motorhome camping cost near Mattoon?
Private campsite sites typically run $25 to $40 per night with full or partial hookups available. Public camping at Lake Mattoon is usually less expensive and offers direct waterfront access with basic facilities.
What outdoor activities are near Mattoon for motorhome campers?
Fox Ridge State Park offers rugged hiking through wooded ravines and forested ridges just east of town on IL-16. Lake Mattoon has bass fishing, boating with a public ramp, and lakeside picnic areas south of the city for day use.
Are there free dump stations in Mattoon?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Mattoon.
