Campground Cemetery

Campground Cemetery has accumulated paranormal folklore within regional paranormal culture. According to local accounts, people passing the cemetery have reported seeing individuals dressed in clothing from the late 1800s and early 1900s engaged in picnicking activities. When observers look away and then turn their attention back to the cemetery, the figures have vanished completely, leaving no trace of their presence.

These apparitions are interpreted as residual hauntings—manifestations of individuals from previous historical periods repeating recreational activities from their lifetime. The picnicking scenario suggests gatherings or social activities associated with the cemetery in historical periods.

Visitors to the cemetery have reported strange lights emanating from the grounds, particularly during evening and nighttime hours. These lights are described as appearing without obvious source and moving independently across the cemetery area.

Interestingly, multiple instances have occurred in which paranormal enthusiasts and visitors have contacted the Coles County Sheriff's Department to report suspected vandalism of cemetery grounds based on observed disturbances. However, law enforcement investigations have found no evidence of actual vandalism or physical damage. This pattern of false vandalism reports suggests either misinterpretation of natural phenomena or a distinction between perceived paranormal activity and documented physical evidence.

The cemetery is documented as one of the paranormal locations featured in Chad Lewis and Terry Fisk's research compilation "The Illinois Road Guide to Haunted Locations," which includes detailed historical context, eyewitness accounts, photographs, and investigation documentation.