Frequently Asked Questions

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

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. 

We require at least a 72-hour notice for cancellations. If you cancel within 72 hours of your arrival date, you will be charged for the first night's stay.

Yes, we have complimentary Wi-Fi available in the Bella Vita Lodge and at the internet cafe 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 done at our General Store open Wednesday - Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. All reservations and check-ins after hours will be done by phone at (217)345-4031. Hours are subject to change per event and session. For the summer season our hours are: Wednesday & Thursday 9 AM to 5 PM, Friday & Saturday 9 AM to 10 PM, Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM

You are welcome to shop in the General Store and eat at the restaurant that is opening soon. All other amenities, lodging, and camping have a cost. Camping and lodging are priced by the day, week, month, and site requirements. For amenities, you can pay by the activity or go with a daily pass that includes all amenities other than equipment rental, like boats, fishing gear, and lake floats. See pricing on our RV Park and Amenities 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 the Bella Vita, we realize that your pet is part of your family and does not 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. 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 can 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 including 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.