As a term and condition of your Agreement, you are required to abide by the following rules.
1. The Lake and Parks Director or designee reserve the right to evict any person that fails to abide by these rules and regulations. Violation of any of these rules and regulations or terms and conditions of the "Campsite License Agreement" by the tenant, lessee and/or the camper guest(s) or visitor(s) is grounds for immediate termination of the license agreement.
2. CAMPSITE FEES - Campsite fees can be made in two equal installments with the first installment due on or before September 30, prior to the next camping season. The second installment is due on or before March 31, prior to the camping season. A $100 late fee applies to any installment not paid by the due date. Any installment and/or late fee not received within 15 days after due date will be deemed a cancellation of the Agreement and the camper shall remove any vehicles and personal property from the Campground immediately. All fees are non-refundable. There will be a $25 charge for any returned checks and late charges will also apply.
3. INSURANCE - All seasonal campers must provide current proof of insurance throughout the year on their unit. The unit should be listed on the insurance coverage.
4. PAYMENTS - Camper does not have a valid licensing agreement to camp or use dock unless licensing agreement has been duly executed by city and camper, and payment has been made in accordance with licensing agreement! Any payment paid online or by a bank check will not be valid without signed agreement. Both the signed agreement and payment must be received by the due date. Mailed payments are credited on the date received by the city. Payments can be made at the Marina in season when the Marina is open. You can pay by cash, credit card (online) or check.
5. UTILITIES - Camper is responsible to pay for electricity and water usage. Failure to pay for electricity or water bill by due date may result in cancellation of the Agreement. Meters will be read on or close to the 15th of the month. Bills are due on the fifth of each month following the reading. Any payment not received by or on the due date will be charged a minimum $25 late fee. Any payment along with late fee not paid by the 15th of each month will also be charged a $25 non-payment fee. We reserve the right to disconnect or shut off power without being held responsible for any damages.
ELECTRIC - Camper will be billed according to usage plus a $13.50 charge that includes additional utility fees incurred such as service availability charge, sales tax, security lights, KVA minimum up charge and administrative fees. If there is no usage, the minimum monthly amount of $13.50 will be billed.
WATER - There will be a $15 monthly charge for water usage during the season, April 15 to October 15. All units must be checked for leaks on a regular basis. If a leak is found, water will be shut off until the leak is fixed. Camper is allowed to power wash their units. Please do not be wasteful and leave water running. The water will be shut off annually on October 15. Every unit must be winterized by then and hoses disconnected from water spigots. Camper is responsible for hookup from the water spigot to their camper for water.
Camper will be responsible for any damage caused by camper or camper(s) and/or guest(s) to any electrical post and/or water connection/line. Law enforcement may be notified. Any unit with skirting/underpinning must have a trap door close to the hookups so we have access in case of a water leak. DO NOT pound, poke, jab or stick anything in the ground without permission from the Lake Supervisor. Electrical and water lines are in ground.
6. CAMPERS/TRAILERS/RVs - All campers/trailers/RVs must be movable: tires, frame, and hitch must be maintained and in working condition in the event of site maintenance, sewer, electrical, water, tree removal or trimming, and emergencies. Campers/trailers/RVs that cannot be moved when needed, must be fixed/repaired to bring the camper/trailer/RV up to a moveable standard. If this cannot be done, notice will be given that the unit is beyond repair and will be requested to be removed from the campgrounds within 30 days. The city reserves the right of judgement to request camper to remove camper/trailer/RVs that is not being maintained, beyond repair or in very poor condition. Costs for having units removed and put back on-site will be solely the camper's responsibility.
NEW INCOMING SEASONAL CAMPERS/RVs OR UPGRADING CAMPER/RV - Any new or different camper/RV must not be older than 20 years from the current year. Make sure with the Lake Supervisor that the camper/RV will fit onto your site and in the proper place within the lot lines. All campers must be able to be removed and be placed on a site without the need to move or impede any neighboring campers. The Lake Supervisor must be present when campers/RVs are being set up to ensure proper location on the site and neighboring sites are not disturbed. This must also be done during staff working hours. Prior notice of setup is required.
7. CLOSING FOR SEASON - Campground gate will be closed and locked annually at 2:00 p.m. on October 15. No electricity or water will be available after October 15 at 2:00 p.m. Camper may leave RV unit, as defined below while the Campground is closed. All water hoses must be disconnected from the water main. All loose items (lawn furniture, lawn ornaments outside decorations) and nonmotorized vessels such as kayaks and canoes must be stored on an approved rack, in your camper, on or under your deck so we may be allowed for proper fall and spring leaf cleanup. No other vehicles of any kind including golf carts and trailers are allowed inside the Campground from closing period of October 15 through April 14. Camper may be permitted to walk to campsite during this period, but camping privileges apply only for the period from April 15 through October 15, ("camping period"), and are contingent on the city's receipt of an annual license from the State of Illinois. The city reserves the right to alter the aforementioned dates as it deems necessary.
8. NON-RENEWAL of LEASE - Any camper without a renewed lease for the next season is required to remove their property from the premises by the last day of the camping season. Upon departure notify Lake Supervisor. Failure to remove property will result in a storage fee equal to the current daily rate for that campsite until property is removed. All access to the Campground must be made in advance and by appointment only. All fees must be paid in full prior to unit removal. Any property left more than 30 days past the end of the Agreement expiration is subject to abandonment proceedings.
9. TERMINATION - If a camper or a camper's guest violates the terms of the agreement or rules, the camper and guests will be ejected, any refund of fees will be forfeited, and camper will have two weeks from the date that they were ejected to remove unit and all property from the grounds. Any property left after such two-week period shall be removed at the camper's expense and the city will not be liable for any damages to the property.
10. GUESTS and/or VISITORS - The camper shall have no more than six individuals or immediate family (two adults plus minor children) per site for overnight camping. Camper is responsible for all campers and guests and will assure that all obligations of this Agreement are understood and abided by every person that uses the campsite.
11. MINORS - Camper is responsible for the supervision and conduct of minors in their care. All minors must return to their own campsites by dusk unless accompanied by an adult. Camper must ensure that minors are supervised by a responsible adult and follow campground rules. Camper is responsible for all campers and guests and will assure that all obligations of this Agreement are understood and abided by every person that uses the campsite.
12. SALES (any Unit): - No trailer, mobile home or unit is allowed to be sold and kept on site. Please contact Lake Supervisor immediately in the event of ownership changes. Any unit that is sold while on Campground property must be immediately removed. Leases for campsites are non-transferable. Sub-leasing is prohibited. Lots available are based on requests and/or waiting list. Existing mobile homes are grandfathered in but the unit cannot be sold or transferred as of September 30, 2020 without being removed.
The east part of the east campground is in Cumberland County and the mobile homes must pay a property tax that is billed to the city. The amounts will come from the City Clerk, broken down by Cumberland County.
13. REMOVAL POLICY - Camper is responsible for immediately removing unit, all debris, decking and other property from campsite at termination of licensing agreement. Upon termination of the licensing agreement, patios, stone walkways must remain on the campsite and may not be removed. Campers who fails to clean litter or debris from campsite are subject to clean-up fee plus any additional expenses occurred by the city. Camper is responsible to reimburse the city for the cost to repair any damage to campsite or dock.
14. BOAT DOCKS - See Exhibit B - Boat Dock Rules. Individually owned docks are grandfathered in. No new individually owned docks may be constructed. Camper is responsible and liable for their docks, to maintain safety and liability standards. The city is not responsible and/or liable in any way for these docks. Failure to maintain will result in removal at the owners' expense. See Lake Supervisor for available docks for rent.
SEASONAL DOCK RENTAL - (Dock equals one side) Dock usage is prohibited unless you are the authorized camper of that dock. Camper is not allowed to give permission to grant use of their dock to any other individual.
No children under the age of 13 are allowed on docks without adult supervision.
15. CAMPSITES/TENTS - NO TENTS are allowed at any camper sites. There is a designated tent section in the West Campground for daily rental.
16. CAMPSITE MAINTENANCE/MOWING - Please take pride in our Campground by keeping the campsite and waterfront neat, organized and free from litter and clutter. The city will maintain the open areas of the campgrounds. Campers are responsible for mowing, trimming, leaf cleanup, weed control, organization of their campsite and decks. This includes under all picnic tables, decks, lawn furniture, water hoses, electric boxes, water spigots, storage sheds, fire pits, wood storage and the like.
Each Monday all campsites will be inspected. Any campsite with grass or weeds over the height of four inches or deemed necessary to be trimmed by Lake Supervisor will be cut by city personnel after notification to camper to remedy the situation within 72 hours for a fee of $25 per mowing or trimming will be charged. Mowing and trimming services are offered if needed. Contact Lake Supervisor for pricing and details.
Lawn decorations, water hoses, furniture, grills, water toys, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, firewood and the like must be kept neat and orderly at all times. All excess water hose must be neatly coiled up and, on a reel, or holder.
Stored wood on the site must measure no more than 4'(D) X 4'(H) X 8'(L) = 2 ricks. If there are any items deemed as clutter or excessive by the Lake Supervisor, you will be asked to organize and/or remove it immediately.
Any non-motorized vessels (canoes, paddleboats, kayaks, and the like) on your campsite must have a current lake sticker registration or be removed immediately from the campsite.
17. SEWAGE - Absolutely no dumping of sewage (black or gray water) on the ground. Dumping is subject to a fine and /or immediate termination of the lease. There is a dump station centrally located inside the West Campground. Please keep sewer caps on trailers, totes and dump tanks. Services are offered to empty your tanks if needed. Contact Lake Supervisor for pricing and details.
18. STORAGE - No storage of any building materials, construction equipment, riding mowers, log splitters, ladders, lumber, pallets, awnings, clutter items, and the like under, around or behind your camper or site.
19. CAMPFIRES/LEAVES/BURNING - Campers may not ignite any fire or burn any material which is not organic, compostable or biodegradable and must only allow to burn if they are contained in the fire ring or pit within their campsite. Any fire should not be left unattended and extinguished before retiring.
20. SPECIAL ACTIVITIES/TEMPORARY STRUCTURES: - any additional temporary structures or activities* - must be pre-approved by the Lake Supervisor prior to making any arrangements.
*Additional temporary structures such as tents, awnings, bouncy houses, dunk tanks. Activities such as slip 'n' slide, bouncy houses, pony rides, carnival type activity. Additional water, electrical and other fees may apply. Deposits may be required. Any damage to the property will be the responsibility of the camper to have it returned to its original status. All decisions of any needed repairs to return it to its original status will be made by the Lake Supervisor. All decisions will be final.
These additional structures and/or activities require the camper to provide a certificate of insurance and additional insured endorsement with policy limits of no less than $1,000,000 and agrees to name the City of Mattoon as additional insured on its liability insurance policy, on a primary basis, and not contributing with or in excess of any other policy of insurance that may be available to the city. The certificate of insurance must be presented to the City of Mattoon seven days prior to the event. Without pre-approval and/or certificate of insurance, the additional structure(s) and/or activity will not be allowed and will need to be removed immediately.
21. STRUCTURES - No permanent structures, additions, sun/screen rooms, covered deck or fences are permitted. No sheds or outbuildings larger than 4'(D) X 7'(H) X 8'(L) will be allowed. A permanent structure is one that cannot be removed immediately upon request. Decks are permitted with approval of plan drawings. Decks may not impede other campsites. Maximum deck dimensions can be no longer than your camper and no wider than 12 ft. All improvements that are constructed in the lake or docks shall become property of the city. No improvements deemed permanent shall be constructed without prior approval of the Lake Supervisor. All requests should be made in writing and emailed to Lakemattoon@gmail.com.
22. BOAT/TRAILER/UTILITY TRAILER PARKING - ABSOLUTELY NO BOAT, BOAT TRAILER, OR UTILITY TRAILER PARKING AT THE CAMP SITE. All parking must be in the designated boat parking area. There is a designated boat/trailer parking area with one boat/trailer parking space for each LEASE. Other spaces are available at an EXTRA charge of $25 monthly. Empty boat trailers not being used will be moved to a different location to allow space. Boats or trailers may not be hitch locked or chained to any trees or posts. All boats and trailers must have valid state and City of Mattoon watercraft registration stickers or will be towed at the owners' expense. The city is not responsible/nor liable for trailers, boats, or other property illegally parked. Boat/trailers will be moved periodically for mowing. Boat/trailers may be stored over the winter for a fee. Contact Lake Supervisor for more information on storage.
23. PARKING - Roadways must be always kept open! No motor vehicles or trailers of any kind may be left unattended at the campsite when site is not being occupied by campsite leasee. Each campsite is limited to one vehicle. If there is room on your site, you may park one additional vehicle if it does not stick out beyond your site area. All guests/visitors and additional vehicles must park in designated overflow area.
24. PET ETIQUETTE - Pets are NOT allowed to run freely on the grounds. All pets while outside MUST be on a maximum six-foot leash, supervised, and under control at all times. Any excessive barking day or night will not be tolerated. Pets must not be left unattended outside (tied up or in kennels). Any dogs displaying aggressive tendencies are not allowed and must be removed from the campground immediately. Camper must be able to provide proof of current immunizations upon request to from the city. Camper is required to clean up after its pets. Pet waste must be placed into a sealed bag and disposed of in trash containers. Disposing of pet waste in the lake water is absolutely prohibited! Pets are not allowed in restrooms. All campsites have a limit of three pets per site.
25. CANNABIS is PROHIBITED - Public Act 101-0593 410 ILCS 705/10-35 "Prohibits the use of Cannabis in a Public Place". "Public place" includes all parts of buildings owned in whole or in part, or leased, by the state or a unit of local government. "Public place" includes all areas in a park, recreation area, wildlife area, or playground owned in whole or in part, leased, or managed by the state or a unit of local government.
26. ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES - No drugs or other illegal substances are allowed on the premises.
27. MUSIC - Amplified, offensive and vulgar music is not permitted at any time. The volume or content should not interfere with other campers right to quiet enjoyment of the campground.
28. DRUNKEN OR DISORDERLY CONDUCT - Drunkenness, inappropriate language, bullying, harassment, violence or threats of violence will result in immediate termination of this contract as well as intervention by authority as necessary.
29. NO FIREWORKS - No fireworks, explosives or sparklers are allowed on the premises.
30. WEAPONS - The campground is a gun free, weapon free zone. Firearms, BB guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, archery, sling shots and lethal weapons are strictly prohibited on the campground.
31. PROFANITY - This is a family campground, so language fit for all campers is required. PLEASE be respectful of fellow campers.
32. QUIET HOURS - Quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily. During quiet hours, music should be turned down to a low volume and conversation should be toned down. Enjoy yourself but respect your neighbor. Do a walk around your site and determine a respectful volume level.
33. GENERATORS - The campground is a generator-free area. Generator use and battery charging by engine idling is also prohibited.
34. TRASH/DUMPSTER - Household trash only! No fish remains or dumping! Trash must be placed INSIDE the dumpster. DO NOT place anything next to or outside of the dumpster. All boxes must be broken down flat. No furniture, mattresses, carpet, appliances, batteries, paints and toxic liquids. These items are your personal responsibility and need disposed of in a different location. If applicable, please keep lids closed to help reduce insects. Absolutely, no fish remains or dumping of any kind is permitted.
If you witness anyone disposing of trash improperly, please note the date, time and the person involved and report it immediately to the Lake Supervisor.
35. FISH CLEANING/REMAINS - Fish remains shall not be disposed of at the campground anywhere, any time, for any reason. This includes and not limited to the campground dumpster. Fish remains should not be buried or composted at or near the campground.
36. TRANSPORTATION - Please watch for other vehicles, fellow campers and children playing. Four wheelers, ATVs, side by sides, scooters, or any vehicle not licensed by State of Illinois (other than for Campground staff) are NOT allowed. Golf carts are allowed, HOWEVER, anyone driving a golf cart or gas/electric vehicle MUST HAVE VALID driver's license and proof of insurance. Camper must be able to provide a copy of insurance at any time upon request. Camper is responsible for the acts or omissions of anyone driving a vehicle owned by camper. All motorized vehicles MUST remain on the roadways and abide by the ten mph speed limit.
37. SPEED LIMIT - Ten mph is the maximum speed limit. This is a family Campground: WATCH for children playing.
38. RESTROOMS/BATH HOUSE - Please note "NO SMOKING" and "NO PETS" permitted in the restrooms! Campground facilities are open 24 hours a day during season.
39. SWIMMING AREAS - NO swimming pools, wading pools or hot tubs allowed. NO jumping or diving in the Lake from any docks or Campground shoreline. Lake Mattoon has one designated beach for swimming. Swimming or wading in Lake Mattoon is at your own risk.
40. PLAYGROUND - An adult must supervise all children under the age of eight. The playground closes at dusk.
41. MISC -
* No "For Sale" signs allowed.
* No fences are allowed on your campsite.
* No clotheslines allowed at the Campground.
* The use of chainsaws is not permitted.
42. Rules and Regulation Changes - See § 98.020: "The City Council, after consulting with the City Administrator and the Park and Recreation Director may from time to time establish rules and regulations as may be deemed advisable or necessary to make, in giving full force and effect to the carrying out of the provisions of this chapter, and may amend and repeal any such rules and regulations at any time.”
43. VIOLATION OF RULES - Campground management reserves the right to immediately remove without prior notice, licensee, family and guests upon violation of any rule, or who, in managements opinion, is creating a disturbance of any kind or is a nuisance.
44. CITY OF MATTOON IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, LOSS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY, AND/OR VALUABLES TO OUR CAMPERS, GUESTS AND/OR VISITORS.