Motorhome Parks In Olney, IL
38.7309° N, 88.0853° W
Quick Overview
Olney is a small city in southeastern Illinois best known for its population of white squirrels and a surprisingly welcoming motorhome camping scene that draws travelers looking for something off the beaten path. With several motorhome campgrounds and parks in the area, including some free options, Olney offers a quiet and affordable alternative to the busier campgrounds farther north in the state. The town sits in Richland County where US Route 50 meets IL Route 130, surrounded by agricultural land with pockets of timber along the Embarras and Fox rivers that provide wooded corridors through the prairie. What makes Olney stand out for RVers is the combination of rock-bottom camping prices, good fishing at nearby lakes, and genuine small-town hospitality that you don't always find on the road. The town's famous white squirrels -- albino Eastern gray squirrels -- roam the city parks freely, and they're a genuine attraction that has put this little city on the map. There are even official crossing signs posted for them around town. East Fork Lake and several smaller fishing spots nearby provide solid angling for bass, crappie, and bluegill throughout the season. The campgrounds around Olney range from city park facilities with basic hookups to private motorhome parks with full water, electric, and sewer connections. It's not a destination that makes the glossy travel magazine lists, but for RVers crossing southern Illinois on US-50 or looking for a peaceful few days in the quiet countryside, Olney absolutely delivers. The pace of life here is slow and unhurried, which is exactly what many RVers are looking for after days of highway driving. The surrounding countryside is beautiful in its own understated way -- green fields stretching to the horizon in summer, golden harvests in fall, and wooded river bottoms providing habitat for deer, turkey, and waterfowl. For travelers who appreciate authentic small-town America over polished tourist destinations, Olney is a genuinely refreshing stop.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Olney
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All Dump Stations Near Olney
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeside Campground | 2.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lakeside RV And Campground | 2.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| East Fork Lake Campground | 2.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Taylor Lake Campground | 4.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Red Hills Lake State Park | 12.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Red Hills State Park | 13.4 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Free |
| Raccoon Ridge Campground | 13.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Tent Camping Area | 13.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Kuhl's Trailers Sales | 13.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sam Parr State Park | 19.4 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Free |
Lakeside Campground
2.1 miLakeside RV And Campground
2.2 miEast Fork Lake Campground
2.4 miTaylor Lake Campground
4.5 miRed Hills Lake State Park
12.1 miRed Hills State Park
13.4 miRaccoon Ridge Campground
13.7 miTent Camping Area
13.7 miKuhl's Trailers Sales
13.8 miSam Parr State Park
19.4 miTraveling to Olney by RV
Olney is at the junction of US-50 and IL-130 in southeastern Illinois, about 75 miles east of the St. Louis metro area and 120 miles south of Champaign. From I-70, take IL-130 south from Greenup -- it's about a 45-minute drive through rolling farmland. From I-64, take IL-130 north from Lawrenceville. From Evansville, Indiana, head northwest on US-50. The roads into Olney are all two-lane state highways that handle motorhome traffic without problems -- flat terrain, no low bridges on the main routes, and gentle curves that won't give you any trouble. Fuel is available at several stations along US-50 through the center of town. Olney has a couple of grocery stores, fast food restaurants, and local diners for resupply stops. For bigger shopping needs, motorhome parts, or specialty supplies, Effingham is about 45 minutes north on IL-130 and has Walmart, auto parts stores, hardware stores, and significantly more retail options than you'll find locally.
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Dump Station Costs in Olney
Among campgrounds near Olney, a portion% are free and a portion% charge a fee for camping. This is one of the most affordable camping areas in all of Illinois -- seriously, the prices here are hard to beat anywhere in the Midwest. City and county campgrounds charge $10 to $20 per night for electric sites. Private Motorhome parks with full service run just $25 to $35 per night, well below what you'd pay near the bigger metro areas or popular state parks. Free options exist for self-contained rigs at certain recreation areas around the county. If you're looking to stretch your camping budget as far as it'll go, southeastern Illinois is genuinely hard to beat for value.
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Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Olney
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Best Time to Visit Olney by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
25-45°F
Crowds: Low
Most campgrounds are closed or have limited services. A few spots remain accessible for self-contained winter travelers.
Spring
Mar - May
40-70°F
Crowds: Low
Fishing season picks up as the lakes warm. Light crowds and pleasant weather make spring an ideal time to camp here.
Summer
Jun - Aug
65-90°F
Crowds: Medium
Warm and humid but manageable. Campgrounds see moderate use from families and fishing enthusiasts.
Fall
Sep - Oct
45-75°F
Crowds: Low
Great camping weather with fall colors along the timber areas. Hunting season brings some visitors to the surrounding countryside.
Explore the Olney Area
Take a walk or slow drive through the town parks to spot the famous white squirrels -- they're albino Eastern gray squirrels and Olney has one of the largest populations of them in the entire country. They're easiest to spot in the morning when they're most active. East Fork Lake is the best nearby fishing spot for largemouth bass and crappie, and it sees far less pressure than the big-name lakes up north. If you're visiting in late summer, check the local event calendar for the Richland County Fair and other community events that showcase small-town Illinois at its best. The campgrounds near town are quiet and rarely crowded, so you can usually find a site without reservations except on major holiday weekends. Bring your own firewood since the campgrounds don't always have it for sale. The local restaurants in downtown Olney are worth trying for a break from camp cooking -- these are small-town diners that serve solid comfort food at prices that'll make you smile.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Olney
Where are the motorhome campgrounds near Olney, Illinois?
Olney has {{stationCount}} motorhome campgrounds and parks in the area for travelers. Options include city-managed campgrounds with electric hookups and private motorhome parks with full hookup sites including water, electric, and sewer. They're spread around the US-50 and IL-130 corridors near town.
Are there free camping options near Olney?
Yes, {{freeCount}} free camping options are available near Olney for self-contained RVers. These are typically primitive sites without hookups at county recreation areas, suitable for rigs that carry their own water and power and are comfortable dry camping.
What are the white squirrels in Olney?
Olney is nationally famous for its population of albino Eastern gray squirrels that roam freely through the town's parks and neighborhoods. The city even has official crossing signs posted for them, and they've become the town's mascot and main tourist attraction. It's a unique and fun sightseeing stop for RVers passing through the area.
How much does motorhome camping cost near Olney?
Public campgrounds charge just $10 to $20 per night for electric sites, making them some of the cheapest in the state. Private Motorhome parks run $25 to $35 for full service. Olney is genuinely one of the most affordable camping areas in all of Illinois.
What is there to do near Olney for campers?
Fish at East Fork Lake for bass and crappie, spot the famous white squirrels wandering through the town parks, explore the rural southeastern Illinois countryside on scenic drives, and enjoy authentic small-town dining at local restaurants. Hunting is popular in the surrounding farmland and timber during season.
Where are the motorhome campgrounds near Olney, Illinois?
Olney has {{stationCount}} motorhome campgrounds and parks in the area for travelers. Options include city-managed campgrounds with electric hookups and private motorhome parks with full hookup sites including water, electric, and sewer. They're spread around the US-50 and IL-130 corridors near town.
Are there free camping options near Olney?
Yes, {{freeCount}} free camping options are available near Olney for self-contained RVers. These are typically primitive sites without hookups at county recreation areas, suitable for rigs that carry their own water and power and are comfortable dry camping.
What are the white squirrels in Olney?
Olney is nationally famous for its population of albino Eastern gray squirrels that roam freely through the town's parks and neighborhoods. The city even has official crossing signs posted for them, and they've become the town's mascot and main tourist attraction. It's a unique and fun sightseeing stop for RVers passing through the area.
How much does motorhome camping cost near Olney?
Public campgrounds charge just $10 to $20 per night for electric sites, making them some of the cheapest in the state. Private Motorhome parks run $25 to $35 for full service. Olney is genuinely one of the most affordable camping areas in all of Illinois.
What is there to do near Olney for campers?
Fish at East Fork Lake for bass and crappie, spot the famous white squirrels wandering through the town parks, explore the rural southeastern Illinois countryside on scenic drives, and enjoy authentic small-town dining at local restaurants. Hunting is popular in the surrounding farmland and timber during season.
Are there free dump stations in Olney?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Olney.
All Dump Stations Near Olney (81)
RV ParkLakeside Campground
RV ParkLakeside RV And Campground
RV ParkEast Fork Lake Campground
RV ParkTaylor Lake Campground
RV ParkRed Hills Lake State Park
RV ParkKuhl's Trailers Sales
RV Park with Dump StationsRed Hills State Park
RV ParkRaccoon Ridge Campground
RV ParkTent Camping Area
RV Park with Dump Stations