Frequently Asked Questions

 The lodge and RV park check-in time is 2pm-5pm, and check-out is by 11am. 

The Bella Vita Private Resort is located in central Illinois, about 3 miles from Illinois Eastern University and downtown Charleston, which has restaurants, a hospital, and shopping. However, the resort feels far from city life, with mature trees, hills, valleys, and a private lake to relax by. 

Cancel 10+ days before arrival for a refund minus $30. Cancellations within 10 days are non-refundable. No refunds for early departures, bad weather, or illness. Travel protection may be added to booking to guarantee refund for these events.

Yes, we have complimentary Wi-Fi available in the Bella Vita Lodge and in the General Store

Our private resort is open to everyone and, though not exclusive, offers a variety of accommodations and amenities catering to our guests seeking a more intimate and personalized experience.  While welcoming a broad clientele, it still maintains a sense of privacy and tranquility, distinguishing itself from public parks and resorts. 

All check-ins for amenities, lodging, and camping will be conducted at our General Store, open Thursday through Saturday from 10am to 7:30pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm. All reservations and check-ins after hours will be handled by phone at (224) 666-7199. Hours are subject to change per event and session.

You are welcome to shop in the General Store. All other amenities, lodging, and camping have a cost. Camping and lodging are priced by the day, week, and site requirements. For amenities, you can pay by the activity or opt for a daily pass that includes all amenities, except for equipment rental, such as boats, fishing gear, and lake floats. See pricing on our booking pages.  

The fee for fishing at the Bella Vita is $15 per person per day, catch and release. If you are fishing the river, you will need an Illinois fishing license, and you can keep the fish from the river. The lake is home to some of the largest fish in Illinois, and we practice catch and release so that everyone can enjoy the thrill of landing a trophy fish today and in the future.

Here at Bella Vita, we understand that your pet is a valued member of your family and doesn't want to miss out on the family fun. So our Lodge and campground are pet-friendly, but we require that all pets be on a leash, that you clean up after your pet, and that your pet not be aggressive toward people or other guests' pets. If any aggressive behavior or prolonged barking occurs, you will be asked to leave the premises. There is a $25 small dog under 30lb and a $50 large pet over 30lb. There is a cleaning fee for pets in the lodge, and as long as you clean up after your pet, there is no fee for pets in the campground. 

Yes, as long as you stay overnight at the resort, you are welcome to bring your kayak to enjoy the lake and river. Make sure you have the proper life preserver on board. Rental kayaks and equipment are available at our general store. Trips down the river are also available starting at Bella Vita; we will pick you up at Lake Charleston. 

The races run from April through the end of September, on Saturdays between 7 PM and 11 PM. The events showcase categories include DIRTcar Modified, DIRTcar Pro Modified, DIRTcar Pro Late Model, DIRTcar Street Stock, DIRTcar Factory Stock, and DIRTcar Hornet. If you're outdoors, you can hear the races happening.