Top Tent Camping near Monticello, IL

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Monticello? Find the best tent camping sites near Monticello. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Monticello, Illinois's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Monticello, IL (8)

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        2. Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort

        1 Review
        5 Saves

        This recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville

        • Tents
        • Drinking Water
        Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (Il)
        Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (Il)
        Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (Il)

        3. Spillway (Il)

        3 Reviews
        3 Photos
        4 Saves

        Overview

        Spillway is a day use area on the shore of the Kaskaskia River just below the Lake Shelbyville dam.

        Situated in the heart of central Illinois, the river, lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, picnicking and simply relaxing by the water.

        Natural Features:

        This facility is mostly open with some wooded areas. Oak and hickory are the dominant tree species.

        Foliage turns a variety of red, orange, purple and yellow each fall, while prairie flowers dot the landscape in spring and summer.

        Numerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors inhabit the lake area, as do mammals such as cottontail rabbit, white-tail deer, gray and fox squirrel, muskrat and mink.

        Recreation:

        Spillway is a fun place to relax along the river. It has plenty of open space and a playground for children.

        Lake Shelbyville and the Kaskaskia River also offer a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. For those without boats, there are also several ponds with farmed fish available around the lake.

        Hunting areas located within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

        Facilities:

        This facility has a reservable picnic shelter that can accommodate 50 people. Six picnic tables, a playground, volleyball courts, fish cleaning station, flush toilets and spigots for drinking water are provided.

        Nearby Attractions:

        Wolf Creek State Park, Woods Lake Waterfowl Refuge and Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex are popular locations for wildlife watching, birding and hunting near Lake Shelbyville.

        • Pets
        • Electric Hookups
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Group
        Camper-submitted photo from Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area
        • No image available

          5. Dam West (Day Use)

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          Overview

          Dam West Day Use Area offers reservable group picnic shelters on the shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois.

          The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing. Boaters have year-round access to the lake, even during high lake elevations.

          Natural Features:

          This facility is mostly open with a clear view of the lake. About half of the land around the lake is forested, with oak and hickory as the dominant species. Foliage turns a variety of red, orange, purple and yellow each fall, while prairie flowers dot the landscape in spring and summer.

          Numerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors inhabit the lake area, as do mammals such as cottontail rabbit, white-tail deer, gray and fox squirrel, muskrat and mink.

          Recreation:

          Boaters have access to a multi-lane boat ramp and courtesy dock, and hikers can explore the shore using a number of trails. The General Dacey Trail begins at Dam West Recreation Area and makes its way through Shelbyvilles Forrest Park.

          Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. For those without a boat, several managed ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake.

          Hunting areas, located a short drive away, offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

          Facilities:

          Dam West Day Use Area has four group picnic shelters; three can accommodate about 50 people each, while one can host up to 100. The shelters each have six picnic tables, and the facility provides volleyball courts, a large public beach with showers and a playground.

          Nearby Attractions:

          Wolf Creek State Park, Woods Lake Waterfowl Refuge and Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex are popular locations for wildlife watching, birding and hunting near Lake Shelbyville.

          • Pets
          • Electric Hookups
          • Reservable
          • Tents
          • Group
          • No image available

            6. Dam East (Day Use)

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            Overview

            Dam East Day Use Area sits above the shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois.

            The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, picnicking and simply relaxing by the water.

            Natural Features:

            This facility sits above the lake with a steep descent to the shoreline. Oak and hickory trees dominate the landscape.

            Foliage turns a variety of red, orange, purple and yellow each fall, while prairie flowers dot the landscape in spring and summer.

            Numerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors inhabit the lake area, as do mammals such as cottontail rabbit, white-tail deer, gray and fox squirrel, muskrat and mink.

            Recreation:

            With a playground, volleyball court and horseshoe pit, Dam East Day Use is a fun place for families to relax along the lake.

            Within a short drive, Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. For those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake.

            Nearby hunting areas offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

            Facilities:

            This facility offers one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 people. Six picnic tables, a large grill, flush toilets and electric hookups are provided.

            Nearby Attractions:

            Wolf Creek State Park, Woods Lake Waterfowl Refuge and Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex are popular locations for wildlife watching, birding and hunting near Lake Shelbyville.

            • Pets
            • Electric Hookups
            • Reservable
            • Tents
            • Group
            • No image available

              7. Kaskaskia River Camp

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              1 Save

              Tent camping. Limited electric and water. Canoe and boat rentals, bait and showers. On river bank.

              • Fires
              • Tents
              • Trash
              • Picnic Table
              • Showers
              • Drinking Water
              • No image available

                8. Shady Grove Campground — Hidden Springs State Forest

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                Shady Grove Campground accommodates groups by reservation only. Ground fires are allowed only in the fire rings provided.

                • Pets
                • Fires
                • Phone Service
                • Reservable
                • ADA Access
                • Tents

              Recent Tent Reviews In Monticello

              283 Reviews of 8 Monticello Campgrounds


              • SomadNomad M.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Kickapoo State Recreation Area
                Sep. 26, 2024

                Kickapoo State Recreation Area

                HEY DYRT

                How about doing a fact che k before giving bad info? It states in the very first section telling about the park that ALL CAMPERS MUST OBTAIN A PERMIT FROM THE CAMP HOST OR RESERVATIONS, but on the pro section you tell us that we don't need a permit. You know hmmmm I just got a warning g ticket from AC DNR for camping without A PERMIT FACT CHECK YO SHIT, DO YOUR JOB

              • Laurie L.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from D & W Lake RV Park
                Sep. 19, 2024

                D & W Lake RV Park

                Lovely campground

                Lovely little campground with its own little lake. Well maintained. Clean laundry. Friendly and helpful owner. Visible presence throughout campground checking that all is well.

              • D
                Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
                Aug. 29, 2024

                Coon Creek (IL)

                Unfriendly park attendants

                Check in crabby park attendants. Tried to change to another site that was available, I was told they only check people in and out, that was it! I was told to flag down a Ranger for help. My family will never come here again!

              • Linda N.
                Camper-submitted photo from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
                Aug. 10, 2024

                Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

                Memorabe trip

                One of our favorite camping trips so far!

                We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on.

                Sites were somewhat open but there were tons of trees and grass behind each spot so it didn’t feel so exposed. We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole.

                We heard the toilets and shower house were brought a portable toilet since we have small kids who might not make it to the outhouse so we never used the campground toilet/facilities.

                Definitely our vibe of being more secluded and on the water.

              • Steve
                Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Pines Campground
                Aug. 6, 2024

                Prairie Pines Campground

                Comfortable campground

                People are very nice and the campgrounds are clean. Plenty of site room and clean and updated shower and washing machines. Rates have gone up to $40 per night

              • Rose S.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Kickapoo State Recreation Area
                Jul. 26, 2024

                Kickapoo State Recreation Area

                Not free camping

                My mistake for not researching this place further but it was listed on the dyrt’s free camping sites, but this is a paid/reservation based site. Unfortunately we arrived passed check in (which starts at 3pm) and couldn’t stay here for the night

              • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Pines Campground
                Jul. 24, 2024

                Prairie Pines Campground

                Nice Campground

                Our Garmin RV GPS’ conflicted with our new Ford RV navigation, wanting to take us a more direct route and Garmin through town to this city park. Either route would have worked but suggest you locate the campground(CG) on the map and verify the route with Google Maps or Waze. Check-in was at the camp host site near where you enter the campground near the shower house building in the center of the CG. After a quick check-in we were escorted to site 13 with FHUs. This site is technically a back-in but our host brought us around by the swing set to make it an easy pull-through. The utilities worked well and we got 3 bars on Verizon. There are a lot of mature trees. They have a nice shower house complete with laundry. This CG was well kept and a great choice for an overnight stay as we headed to our home base near St. Louis, MO.

              • Sara W.
                Camper-submitted photo from Friends Creek Campground
                Jul. 7, 2024

                Friends Creek Campground

                Clean, spacious sites, nice amenities

                Friends Creek is a small campground with nice spacious sites and super clean bathhouses and pit toilets. The fire pits are well kept and the camp host was very kind! He came around with suckers for the kids and just to check in. We hiked a bit on the trails and played in the creek. Highly recommend.

              • L
                Camper-submitted photo from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
                Jul. 6, 2024

                Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

                Great visit with the family

                We had a fantastic time here. We came during Fourth of July and never felt like it was overly crowded. Sites were spacious but wasn’t much privacy, which didn’t bother us because it allowed for our kids to play with the other kids easily. Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole. We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests. We did not use the toilets or showers, although it looked like they were in working order as others were using then. We had a cloudless night and the stars were spectacular.

              • SThe Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Kickapoo State Recreation Area
                Jun. 18, 2024

                Kickapoo State Recreation Area

                Nice park with activities

                Camp sites in the middle are on the smaller end but side sites have plenty of room. Drive is paved and pretty level. They have tubes kayaks and cannons

              • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
                May. 6, 2024

                Comlara County Park

                Lakefront Camping Bliss Albeit Sans Privacy

                Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site. One moment you’ll be driving down the well-paved country road with golden tassles of corn popping up on either side of you and the very next, you’ll turn into a wooded sanctuary that is punctuated by the marvelous Evergreen Lake, which was built in 1970 and is some 925 acres in size with an average depth of nearly 20 feet and 50 feet at its deepest.

                It is this fresh body of water that really makes Comlara County Park stand-out from just about anything else in the surrounding area. It has not one but two outstanding boat launches as well as a separate launch for canoes and kayaks. There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in – which you will predominantly find largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, saugeye, muskellunge and crappie – as well as a small individual isle called Deer Island, although when we explored the small land mass, no deer were to be found. There’s boat rentals and a bait shop that is available on the weekends only as well as a proper beach head with swimming available 7 days a week during the summertime (Memorial Day – Labor Day).

                As far as the campground(s) are concerned – if you look closely, there's actually not 1, not 2, not even 3, but actually 4 to choose from – but if you add up all of the 144 campsites (apart from the primitive camping options) collectively, they are spaced a little too close to comfort for my taste, which when you add on top of that there isn’t much brush or anything separating you from your neighbors camping alongside of you. This is likely my biggest complaint: privacy. If that doesn’t matter to you and you enjoying being in a large wide open space chock full with other tents, RVs and 5th wheelers, then Comlara County Park is a great choice for you.

                I would first begin by pointing out that the entire Comlara Park is very well organized, kept impeccably clean and very easy to navigate with relatively good roads and decent signage. It feels as though whether you are looking for a trail to hike, a spot to launch your kayak, biking trails to navigate or finding a fishing hole to cast a line, everything seems as though it is in very close reach and just a short walk away. All of the 144 campsites are made available on a first-come, first served basis, with 94 including 30 / 50 amp electric while 23 are non-electric sites, with the 11 remaining devoid of any hook-ups.

                For my tent-pitching primitive bredren, there’s 16 walk-in sites in the main recreation area (I guess that is situated amongst or in-between the other 3 campgrounds that exist here), but there is a completely separate whole other area (oh, and located completely in a different county altogether), which is technically a completely different campground in a completely separate physical location with these 16 primitive campsites.

                With amenities in mind, aside from the greatest asset being Evergreen Lake itself and beyond the associated amenities that have already been highlighted (e.g. boat launch, beach, canoe / boat rental, bait shop) there’s 3 kid’s playground, at least 5 large shelters by my count, at least 3 his / her bathroom and shower facilities as well as scattered in-ground fire rings, water spigots (basically planted every 3rd or 4th site) stand-up BBQ grills as well as the prerequisite picnic tables, all of which were in very condition during our stay. There’s only one dump station, which seemed odd considering that there’s at least 3 campgrounds if not 4 here and 144 sites collecting garbage at a single time. There is firewood, ice and fishing worms available at the visitors center and campground station in the main area.

                Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If like me you are a primitive tent camper and on the look out for some pretty amazing, not-so-EZ places on earth to really feel like you are out enjoying pristine, undisturbed nature, then you’ll want to have a very close look at the primitive camping areas west of Evergreen Lake over near White Oak. There’s 16 or so simply excellent lakefront sites over here along with your own boat dock; (2) Should you be ‘herd camping’ with a much larger group, there’s actually a simply fantastic hidden group camping oasis over here in White Oaks as well that you can get away from it all; (3) In the event that you grow weary of cooking up franks & beans again for dinner, you’ll have a decent drive to either El Paso, where there’s a Monical’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, Casey’s, El Paso Mexican or, upgrade yourself to The Local Tap, which is a craft kitchen and alehouse serving up some excellent fare. Of course, you could head into Bloomington, of which you will find everything, but that’s a bit of a hike unless, like me, you would make that drive to either have some of the best deep dish pizza Chicago has to offer, Giordano’s, or one of the greatest sausage and Italian beef joints in the world, Portillo’s.

                Happy Camping!

              • Anne W.
                Camper-submitted photo from Harry L Swartz Campground
                May. 5, 2024

                Harry L Swartz Campground

                Beautiful campground but very busy (and noisy)

                This is a really lovely spot! There’s 2 bars of Verizon service, a shower house with warm water and flush toilets, as well as pit toilets. There are a few hiking trails that leave from the campground as well. My only problem was that it was extremely busy when I visited and some of my neighbors were quite loud (although they quieted down by quiet hours).

              • Brandi M.
                Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Point State Park
                Apr. 14, 2024

                Walnut Point State Park

                Loved our stay!

                This is a lovely campground with large dispersed camp sites. There is an on-site restaurant that has stayed busy, and we are here the second weekend of April. Cafe also sells firewood when in stock and rents out boats and kayaks. John, the host is very sweet! Electric only with a dump station. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained, I like that size of the showers. Fishing is good. A beautiful weekend for our first time here.

              • DThe Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Fox Ridge State Park
                Feb. 4, 2024

                Fox Ridge State Park

                Half way point for the days drive

                Stopped here for lunch and stayed about an hour. Easy to find, multiple shelters with grills. Some light paths and a playground.

              • Kathie M.
                Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
                Oct. 16, 2023

                Comlara County Park

                Site 18

                Beautiful lake view site. Steep drop to water so not good for those w/little kids. Great trees for hammock-overlooking lake! Pad level. Water very close. Outhouse close walk. Kayak launch close walk. Boat dock close. Shower house short walk

              • Kathie M.
                Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
                Oct. 12, 2023

                Comlara County Park

                Site 107 non-electric

                Very large non electric site near water. Quieter area of campground. Site level. Water close by. Pit toilets close.

              • Kathie M.
                Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
                Sep. 30, 2023

                Comlara County Park

                Site 31

                Site 31 is for those who want more privacy. It has woods on 2 sides with a trail thru woods to outhouse. Nice shade, site is level and on cul-de-sac so way less traffic. Water spigot very close. Very short walk to lake/dock and shower house. Park kept clean and very friendly staff.

              • Kathie M.
                Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
                Aug. 27, 2023

                Comlara County Park

                County Campground w/nice lake

                Campground with nice no wake lake. Sites are fairly large although many of them with wide open area and thus little privacy. Site 31 nice site backed by woods. Could use a second dump station-only has one. Camp staff very friendly.

              • Katherine T.
                Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
                Jul. 31, 2023

                Forrest W. Bo Wood

                Not a lot of privacy for tent camping

                This was a quick overnight in a tent on a road trip for me. Site 75 was what was available when I booked last minute. It's level with grass to pitch a tent but definitely in a loop of the park better suited to travel trailers/RVs etc. Not much privacy between sites but backs up to woods. The bathrooms were clean with good hot showers. Would return again if I could snag a tent loop site.

              • Rick G.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
                Jul. 25, 2023

                Comlara County Park

                Nice County Park near Bloomington

                Needed a couple nights stay near Bloomington and chose site #29 sight unseen. Ended up having to grab a different site since #29 was too unlevel. The campground office was very accommodating. Park is very well maintained with small lake access and lots of open space. Enjoyed peace and quiet with only one other camper in our loop. Filled the fresh water tank on the way end and used the easy access dump on the way out. Verizon signal was minimal, but worked. Recommend the McLean County History Museum in downtown Bloomington. Located in the old courthouse building and extremely well done.

              • B
                Camper-submitted photo from Kickapoo State Recreation Area
                Jul. 20, 2023

                Kickapoo State Recreation Area

                Not bad but sites too close together

                I can only speak about the non-electric sites. It was a weeknight so I only saw 2 other occupied campsites in the whole area (did not see the campers though). Being that it was empty it wasn’t bad. If it was full I think it wouldn’t be quite so nice. It’s very open.

              • Ben S.
                Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
                Jul. 15, 2023

                Comlara County Park

                Water is not communal

                Water spigots are supposed to be communal. No one site has water, but trailers hook their hoses up to the spigots for the duration of their stays and nothing is said to them. Meaning that primitive-tents, and bikepackers have to seak further away from your particular campsite for refill. This campground is full most weekends all summer, so tenters and cyclists plan ahead. Other than that, the campground looks well cared for. Trees are trimmed, grass mowed. Sites are roomy. Pit toilets were clean and had paper, shower house is 15 seconds per push button. The water is warm. The lake is beautiful for paddling.



              Guide to Monticello

              Camping near Monticello, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

              What to do

              • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at places like Comlara County Park, where you can catch bass, walleye, and more. One reviewer mentioned, “There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in.”
              • Hiking: Trails abound in the area, especially at Kickapoo State Recreation Area. A visitor noted, “Great hiking trails clean shower and bath houses.”
              • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at Moraine View State Recreational Area, where the beach is open during the summer. One camper shared, “The swimming beach is apparently only open on the weekends but there are plenty of places to get in the water.”

              What campers like

              • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower houses. A review for Sangchris Lake State Park Campground stated, “There are restrooms and a shower house that are clean.”
              • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots for tents and RVs. A visitor at Coon Creek mentioned, “We had a full hookup site that was pull through. Our area was nice and flat and large, which was great for our kids to run and play.”
              • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of campground hosts. One camper at Spring Creek Campground said, “Bob showed up as I pulled in and made sure I was all set for the night.”

              What you should know

              • Privacy concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A review for Comlara County Park noted, “They are spaced a little too close for comfort for my taste.”
              • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Moraine View State Recreational Area mentioned, “Facilities could be a little cleaner but not bad, the water is TERRIBLE and looks like coffee or tea.”
              • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for raccoons and other wildlife. One camper at Weldon Springs State Park had to leave due to raccoons causing trouble, stating, “The couple a few sites down had their tent destroyed.”

              Tips for camping with families

              • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A review for Clinton Lake State Recreation Area highlighted, “Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole.”
              • Plan for meals: Bring your own food or check for nearby dining options. One camper at Coon Creek mentioned, “You could buy ice, filtered water, beer, groceries, bait, firewood, and lots of other items!”
              • Pack for comfort: Ensure you have all necessary supplies, especially for younger kids. A visitor at Kickapoo State Recreation Area noted, “The sites are pretty close together, but we've had far worse.”

              Tips from RVers

              • Check site sizes: Some sites may not be as spacious as advertised. A review for Weldon Springs State Park mentioned, “A 40-foot site might only be 20 feet.”
              • Bring leveling equipment: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Spring Creek Campground advised, “Make sure to bring plenty of cribbing if you’ve never stayed here before.”
              • Stay connected: Check cell service availability if you need to stay connected. A visitor at Fox Ridge State Park mentioned, “Cell coverage for Verizon was 1 bar consistently, 2 bars occasionally.”

              Camping near Monticello, Illinois, has its perks and quirks, but with the right preparation, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

              Frequently Asked Questions

              • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Monticello, IL?

                According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Monticello, IL is Spitler Woods State Natural Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

              • What is the best site to find tent camping near Monticello, IL?

                TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Monticello, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.