Top Tent Camping near Oakland, IL
Searching for a tent camping spot near Oakland? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Illinois camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Oakland, IL (8)
1. Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort
1 Review•5 SavesThis recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville
- Tents
- Drinking Water
2. Spillway (Il)
3 Reviews•3 Photos•4 SavesOverview
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
4. Shady Grove Campground — Hidden Springs State Forest
Be the first to review!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
5. Covered Bridge State Forest Retreat
Be the first to review!- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
6. Dam East (Day Use)
Be the first to review!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
7. Dam West (Day Use)
Be the first to review!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
8. Kaskaskia River Camp
Be the first to review!•1 SaveTent camping. Limited electric and water. Canoe and boat rentals, bait and showers. On river bank.
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Showers
- Drinking Water
Recent Tent Reviews In Oakland
350 Reviews of 8 Oakland Campgrounds
Sara W.
Scout
Prairie Creek
Prairie creek
Men's and women's shower house playground few trails rv tent and camper electric a few primitive sites 2 sites r 50 Amp I think the rest r 30 Amp water gets wonderfully hot Verizon works can have door dash and amazon delivered
SomadNomad M.
Traveler
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
- SSteve
Guide
Plainview Campground — Lincoln Trail State Park
Dog poop in the site and loud neighbors
I was not a fan. I was tenting and there was not a great spot for the tent and there was dog poop everywhere (tracked some in the tent when setting up so I wasn't pleased). Also a bunch of large Widowmakers in the trees above was nerve-wracking. The people around me were LOUD! One dude listening to a college football game until past 10 and a guy and his kid playing glow Frisbee right in from of my tent past 10 as well. As I was on a road trip and wanted to get to sleep, this was not appreciated.. On th e good side, the bathrooms were very clean. I would NOT stay here again
Laurie L.Scout
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.
Simon I.Scout
Sam Parr State Park
nice
I enjoyed playing here in Australia. cocoacasino.live , I found a great way to play and earn money online, all thanks to this online site, it's really easy to win and I definitely like it, you can also try it and I guarantee you won't regret your choice because it's incredibly cool to play here!
Charles K.Guide
Spring Creek Campground
Great little quiet camp ground
Far enough away from the interstate you don't hear the traffic. No nearby trains either. The grounds were neat and clean. The fishing pond is great and beautiful. Big rig friendly. Bob showed up as I pulled in and made sure I was all set for the night. This place is going in my saved list for sure.
- DDaveScout
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!
AndriyScout
Hickory Hollar Campground
alexseen
Scrolling through my phone, I decided to try something different, and that’s when I found lucky star. The site’s design is simple but nice, and it’s easy to find your way around. I played a few games on lucky star, and they were actually pretty fun and not too complicated, even for someone like me who’s new to this. The bonuses make it feel like you’re getting a little something extra each time, which keeps it exciting. I didn’t expect much going in, but it turned out to be a really good time. I’ll definitely be back when I need a break from everything else.
- RRiki22Scout
Fairview Park Campground
If you're planning a camping trip
If you're planning a camping trip and also juggling school work, consider using services like buy a term paper to help manage your academic load. This way, you can enjoy your outdoor adventures without the stress of unfinished assignments hanging over you. Enjoy your camping experience while staying on top of your studies!
SteveScout
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.TravelerKickapoo 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.
LegendPrairie 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.Traveler
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.
S.celesteScout
Camp Lakewood
Very pretty
Tent campsites are a decent size but still pretty close together, and our site had water and eletric hookup. Cute lake, very family friendly, lots of amenities, amazingly clean.
- SScott B.Guide
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
- ccathyLGuide
Turkey Run State Park Campground
Fabulous Park, Nice Campground
Turkey Run is a fabulous state park with a nice campground. My only complaint about the campground is that many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them. You don’t have a lot of privacy. Two sections of the campground, with the higher numbered sites, are much more wooded. If I go again, I will try to be there!
But the campground has two large modern bathrooms that are cleaned regularly. It also has clean well maintained vault toilets throughout the campground. Best of all, from the back of the campground you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave. It’s a peaceful spot.
Be advised that a “moderate” hike at Turkey Run can be challenging, with plenty of steps up and down the hillsides. Many of the trails go along stream beds, so you often need to make your way across the rocks to avoid wet feet. Be prepared with hiking boots and sticks.
There are two covered bridges on the edges of the park. Be sure to check them out!
KingDreddScout
Fowler County Park
Amazing view and fishing
Got in late after a spurratic decision to camp. Got here and found that point 5 was open and we tried it. Beautiful view, nice people, and great lake access. Mossy but we casted over it no problem and never had any issues.
- Sandie R.Scout
Oblong Park and Lake
Beautiful, well maintained
Beautifully maintained, would like to see a small concession stand for soft drinks and ice cream for the kiddos.
Staci W.GuideTurkey Run State Park Campground
Pros and Cons you Should Know beforehand
Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons.
It is definitely designed to accommodate RVs, as the majority of the sites are situated in an open field. There are a few dozen sites that are in “loops” that are situated in shaded areas. Some camp sites have zero privacy while others have a little. Either way, if you’re here on a weekend, you’ll definitely have neighbors close by. You can see the entire campground via google maps street view, just FYI
This is a very family friendly campground and you will see lots of kids on bicycles flying around. I’ve stayed here a few times, and no matter the day of the week or the time of year, there are always lots of kids.
This campground has a raccoon “problem” due to campers having poor camp etiquette and feeding them. They come out of the woods towards dusk looking for food. They will come right up to you without hesitation, so don’t be alarmed if there’s one next to you while you cook s’mores over your fire (ask me how I know, hah). They will take any food that is left out. Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out.
On my last visit to turkey run (I’ve camped here 3 or 4 times) I arrived to my campsite and someone had left dog food out for the raccoons in little piles all over the place which was super disappointing. Additionally, my neighbors didn’t put their campfire out when they packed up and left.
Perhaps I’m just used to camping in other areas where you have to worry about bears and burning the forests down…But campers here just aren’t as mindful or respectful of the campground.
The restrooms and showers (at least the one I use at this campground) is modernized and cleaned daily but there’s no dish pit/wash room available if you cook. Just be prepared to clean up accordingly and put trash in trash receptacles. There are a few vault toilets in the campground as well.
You can hike from the CG into the state park (highly recommend. It’s gorgeous!) just wear shoes that youre willing to get wet.
Overall, it’s a beautiful state park with a conveniently located campground. It’s not the best campground ever but for Indiana standards, it’s great. Even with my complaints, I always return because I enjoy visiting and hiking through the state park.
Betty D.Scout
Spillway (Il)
Great
Seeking student essay help? This review can help learn about OxbridgeEssays.com. Reading writing service reviews is crucial for making informed decisions when choosing academic assistance.
- Julie H.Traveler
Rockville Lake County Park
Spring beauty
I stayed by the lake, the spaces there are parallel to the road. Which gives you a beautiful view of the lake. I was there early in April when all the flowering trees were in bloom! Full hook up made it even the nicer!
- Brenda W.Scout
Camp Lakewood
We think this is a nice relaxing place to spend some well deserved time away from home
Nice friendly clean
Brandi M.Guide
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.
Rosa M.Scout
Casey KOA
Great
Seeking academic essay help is common among students striving to meet their writing requirements. When considering options, exploring services like https://www.writingpapersucks.net/speedypaper-com-review/ can offer valuable support in content creation and meeting academic deadlines.
Andrew D.TravelerHickory Hollar Campground
Nice short term camp
Very friendly and helpful owners. Very accommodating. We were here for the eclipse and was fantastic for that. Some of the facilities such as kayaking etc not open yet due to time of year.
- DDesirèeScout
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.
- KKayla G.Scout
Eagle Creek State Park Campground
Wonderful Experience :)
The views were incredible and it wasn’t too busy.
Guide to Oakland
Camping near Oakland, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.
What to do
- Hiking: Explore the trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Trail 7 leads to a small stream running past a recessed cave. It’s a peaceful spot."
- Fishing: At Fowler County Park, you can enjoy fishing in the stocked lake. A visitor shared, "Bring your fishing gear; they stock the lake."
- Swimming: Enjoy the beach access at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. One family noted, "We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests."
What campers like
- Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings at Shakamak State Park. A reviewer said, "Most of the sites are shady and have a great view."
- Clean Facilities: Many visitors enjoy the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area. One camper remarked, "The bathhouse was clean, plenty of showers, flush toilets."
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Terre Haute Campground are noted for being great for families. A reviewer mentioned, "Lots of free activities for kids. Friendly and helpful staff."
What you should know
- Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds, like Turkey Run State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. One camper noted, "Many sites are in an open area without a lot of trees or bushes between them."
- Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons at places like Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area. A visitor humorously warned, "Don’t turn your back to your dinner table if there’s food out."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Shades State Park Campground, have basic facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "The vault toilets were dirty, and the women’s stalls didn’t have doors."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that are spacious and have shade, like those at Shakamak State Park. One camper said, "The sites are mostly all shaded and very flat."
- Plan Activities: Bring bikes for the kids, as many campgrounds have trails. A visitor at Fowler County Park mentioned, "It makes for a great base camp for a weekend of biking."
- Pack Snacks: Keep food secure to avoid wildlife encounters. A camper at Turkey Run State Park Campground advised, "Raccoons come out looking for food, so lock it all up at night."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Terre Haute Campground noted, "Most sites are gravel, and some are too tight for big rigs."
- Use Adapters: If you’re on a 50-amp site, ensure you have the right adapter for your RV. A visitor at Fowler County Park mentioned, "You will need an adapter to use 30amp from a 50amp site."
- Stay Connected: Some campgrounds offer decent Wi-Fi. A camper at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area said, "The Wi-Fi was above average for this type of private campground."
Camping around Oakland, Illinois, provides a variety of experiences, from scenic views to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Oakland, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Oakland, IL is Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Oakland, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Oakland, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.