Map showing campground location near Carlinville, Illinois

Camper submitted image from Beaver Dam State Park Campground

Beaver Dam State Park Campground

Gravel roads wind through this Illinois state park campground, where sites spread across several loops near a 59-acre lake. The campground operates year-round under Illinois Department of Natural Resources management, though Shelly S. notes "the occupants were possibly locals who obviously use the entire 14 day stay limit."

Sites feature electric hookups with shared water spigots positioned throughout the loops rather than at individual spots. GoWhereYouAreDraw N. explains "each site has electric, however the water spigots are scattered about." Fire rings include adjustable grates, and most sites provide adequate shade from mature trees. The layout requires backing into some spots between neighboring sites, which works fine for smaller rigs but could challenge larger RVs despite the 60-foot length limit.

A paved trail circles the entire lake, connecting multiple fishing docks and a boat ramp equipped with a fish cleaning station. The lake draws consistent angling activity, and campers report catching bass and bluegill from shore and boat. Walking trails extend beyond the lake loop, though reviewers mention poor marking and overgrown sections in places. A playground serves families, though maintenance varies seasonally.

The shower house maintains cleanliness standards, while restroom conditions can fluctuate between loops. Campers staying in tent areas may find bathroom facilities less reliable than those near RV sites. The campground sits roughly seven miles from town, with a Walmart about ten minutes away for supplies. For additional camping options in the region, visitors can explore campgrounds just outside Carlinville.

Reserve sites in advance during peak fishing seasons, and bring insect repellent for summer visits when mosquitoes become active near the water.

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Map & DirectionsBeaver Dam State Park Campground is located in Illinois near Carlinville

Public Campground

Directions

Located 7 miles south of Carlinville, IL. on the Shipman Backtop (SB) From I-55 take Hwy 108 west into Carlinville. Go straight through town to the 4th Stop Sign (T-intersection), turn left, you will be on the SB. From Rt. 4 South, at the Hwy. 108 stop sign turn left, go straight through town to the 4th Stop Sign (T-intersection), turn left, you will be on the SB From Rt. 4 North, get onto Hwy. 108 west (west main st.) at the first stop light turn left, you will be on the SB From Hwy. 108 west, at the 2nd stop light turn right, you will be on the SB.

Address

14548 Beaver Dam Lane
Plainview, IL 62676

Coordinates

39.21100021 N
89.97600018 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Last on 5/21/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

51 min from Springfield, IL
54 min from St. Louis, MO
1 hr 28 min from Decatur, IL
1 hr 48 min from Bloomington, IL

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Reviews11 Camper Reviews - Beaver Dam State Park Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted spacious, shaded sites near a scenic lake with fishing and trails. Multiple campers commented on mixed facility conditions - clean showers but inconsistent restroom maintenance. Good for families despite some playground safety concerns.

Katie P.

Scout

Reviewed May. 16, 2022

Good Campsite!

Family of 5 (2 toddlers, 1 baby)

We have went to this campsite for years! It’s only 35 minutes from our home which makes it appealing. Everyone is so nice, never had an issue with the people or service. We also love the size of the park, the paved streets, and walking trails. Great for long weekend with littles!

Docked two stars because the sites aren’t consistently mowed and the playgrounds aren’t very well maintained. It’s a far fall off the slides.

Site30

Month of VisitMay

Larkyn

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

Good place to rest and shower for the night

Drive by, choose a spot, let the host know. We tent camped. The ground was relatively flat minus some tree stumps. Every site has a fire pit with adjustable grill, picnic tables, ours had a concrete slab for gatherings, 2 vehicle parking bumper to bumper. Outhouse was a short walk from us and was decent (no sink). Water spicket just beyond that. They’re sporadically placed. Our site was in the shade and not far from the road though there were others that were further back. We did some of the trails which were okay. Something to do, a bit of exercise, and it had some cute little bridges and stops to sit or step out onto the water (must be able bodied). It is a pond not a lake, I could see all points of it from one standing position. Also, no beavers, they left a long time ago. The showers were clean. Walmart is about ten minutes away if you need groceries. It’s a good stop if you’re passing through and need to rest, get a little walk in, shower. Definitely wouldn’t recommend for some one out of town or state who wants to plan a vacation here.

Sitetent 13

Month of VisitJuly

(5) View All

Shelly S.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020

Saw no Beaver

Beaver Dam State Park, Il

We did an overnighter here. We arrived in time to get a hike in before dinner meal.

The trail map is very basic and not totally accurate. The trails are poorly marked but with basic knowledge of your compass points you can figure them out. Staff may be limited due to Corona , so the trail maintenance may have suffered, it is overgrown in several areas. The overlook to the marsh is pretty cool. I found no mileage for the trails , there may be a purchasable map with more information or of course a trail App. The lake is picturesque and busy. Lotsa fisher people here. The trail goes all the way around the lake with several fishing spots. Theres a boat ramp near the parking area and several docks to use across the lake. A nice feature is located next to the boat ramp, a fish cleaning pavilion complete with pull down hoses.

The campground had an interesting set up. The sites in the loops are gravel and you have room but not a lot of privacy. I was in site 26 and you have to back between the two other sites into this one. Not difficult in my van but it could get interesting with a camper. I don’t think you would have the room to pull in and circle out. Electric at these sites , no water. There were hydrants spaces throughout for your water needs. The fire “rings” were interesting, with a flat “platform” to set your coals/fire on. Nice campground, I felt like somewhat of an outsider here, the occupants were possibly locals who obviously use the entire 14 day stay limit. Otherwise nice, basic, water activity centered campground. I did not see any swimming areas.

(4) View All

Joshua Y.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2020

Love this place

This campground is only 30 minutes from where I live but I love going here. It has nice spacious campsites. Clean bathrooms and shower. Nice big common areas. A nice big lake for fishing. It’s a real pretty place to just get away for a weekend or so.

GoWhereYouAreDraw N.

Legend

Reviewed May. 14, 2020

Nice campsites

All sites are shaded and mostly level with pull-thru or back-in parking. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with a grate over it. Each site has electric, however the water spigots are scattered about. The restroom and shower house is very clean.

There is a nice walking trail path that goes around the exterior of the lake. The lake has boat access and some good fishing spots. There is also a restaurant and store on the lake. The breakfast at the restaurant is great! Mosquitoes are bad, remember to bring repellent.

Michael T.

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 3, 2020

Excellent condition quiet

Been there many times. Love it.

Elle H.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2019

Spacious

Primitive tent camping area is very spacious but bathrooms were dirty and gross. The women’s bathroom near T3 didn’t have toilet paper the entire three days we stayed there. I drove to other restrooms while we stayed there. Shower house was nice, with one small shower stall and large ADA shower stall. Camp host was friendly and helpful. The campground is just a few minutes from Carlinville Walmart and restaurants.

SiteT

Month of VisitJuly

Lucas T.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 1, 2019

Small

Tight spots and dirty looks. Regulars welcome, everyone else stay home .

M. Susan A.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2018

Spacious campsites, beautiful fall color, on the edge of a cornfield

Quiet midweek in tent camping area except for heavy equipment in field nearby. Large campground with open space and playground for kids. Short walk to beautiful lake.

Month of VisitOctober

Kelsee V.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 11, 2018

Quaint Campground

This is a small quaint campground that allows you to get a feel for the state park. There are plenty of walking trails, rec areas and fishing available around the park which makes it for the perfect weekend getaway for the family.

Fires are allowed and you are able to drive to your campsite.

Harold G.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Relaxing

Go early to get good spots

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Beaver Dam State Park campground?

Beaver Dam State Park campground offers shaded, mostly level sites with both pull-through and back-in options. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with a cooking grate. Electrical hookups are available at all sites, though water spigots are shared and scattered throughout the campground. Facilities include restrooms, a shower house, and outhouses. The park features paved streets, walking trails, recreation areas, a playground for children, and a lake for fishing. Tent camping areas are spacious, and each site can accommodate two vehicles parked bumper to bumper.

Where is Beaver Dam State Park located in Illinois?

Beaver Dam State Park is located in Illinois, approximately 30-35 minutes from some visitors' homes based on their reports. While the exact location details aren't specified in the available information, it's close enough to serve as a convenient weekend getaway destination for families in the region. For precise directions and GPS coordinates, check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website or call the park office directly.

What do visitors say in reviews about Beaver Dam State Park?

Visitors have mixed experiences at Beaver Dam State Park. Many appreciate the spacious, shaded campsites and the park's natural beauty, particularly the lake. Campers often mention it as a perfect weekend getaway for families with plenty of walking trails, recreation areas, and fishing opportunities. While some praise the clean shower house and restrooms, others report maintenance issues with bathrooms. The campground offers both primitive tent camping and sites with electrical hookups. Some visitors note the peaceful atmosphere, especially midweek, while a few mention feeling unwelcome as newcomers compared to regular campers.

Is there a detailed map of Beaver Dam State Park campground?

The park does have trail maps available, but they are described as basic and not entirely accurate. Trail markings within the park are reportedly poor, requiring visitors to have basic navigation skills. For a detailed campground map, it's best to check with park staff upon arrival or contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website before your visit. When you arrive, you can typically drive through the campground, choose an available site, and then inform the host of your selection.

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