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Map showing campground location near Petersburg, Illinois
Camper submitted image from Lincolns New Salem Historic Site CampgroundView 4 Photos
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Lincolns New Salem Historic Site Campground

4 ReviewsAdd Review

With 50 sites and full hookups for RVs up to 40 feet, this state-operated campground sits within Lincoln's New Salem State Park, where paved roads connect level camping spots to the historic village reconstruction. Sites include electric, water, and sewer connections, though Kaitlin D. notes "utilities harder to get to" on some spots. The campground accepts reservations and allows pets.

The historic village provides the main draw here, featuring reconstructed 1830s buildings, period demonstrations, and an outdoor amphitheater. Visitors can explore cabins once occupied by families like the Trents, Grahams, and Jacksons, plus tour the old schoolhouse where Lincoln studied. During events, staff dress in period clothing, and livestock graze in nearby pastures. A small diner serves meals and ice cream on-site.

Cell service proves spotty, with AT&T coverage particularly weak according to recent visitors. The paved sites handle RVs well under normal conditions, but heavy rain can create drainage issues that make some areas temporarily inaccessible. Walking trails connect the campground to the village and surrounding parkland.

For a different camping experience, Lincoln's New Salem Park IL Historic Preservation Agency offers another option nearby with a more rustic setting.

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Location

Public Campground

Lincolns New Salem Historic Site Campground is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Address

15588 History Lane
Petersburg, IL 62675

Coordinates

39.98100021 N
89.845 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

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

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the historic village access and family-friendly educational activities. Pet owners appreciated the welcoming environment, though weather-related drainage issues affected one stay.

Kaitlin D.
Reviewed May. 24, 2022

Great area

We loved this campground. Was all paved sites and roads. Pretty level sites. Utilities harder to get to but all in all a great family campground. Pet friendly. Not 5 stars since we had to leave a day early due to weather. Not their fault but sites became a lake and couldn’t even step outside. Barely any AT&T service. Couldn’t use phone as hotspot at all.

Site51
Month of VisitMay
Cassidy P.
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2018

Favorite Hometown Hiking

a couple cute trails and 1 nice little campground that you can pitch a tent in or drive your RV too. close to the beautiful historic New Salem Village. my dog and I love it here!

  • Review photo of Lincolns New Salem Historic Site Campground by Cassidy P., August 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Lincolns New Salem Historic Site Campground by Cassidy P., August 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Lincolns New Salem Historic Site Campground by Cassidy P., August 16, 2018
Jamie T.
Reviewed May. 29, 2018

Great place to visit and learn some history as well

This is a wonderful place to visit. I enjoy learning about some of our family history. We have relation to the Trent, Graham, and Jackson families from the original area. Their cabins are reconstructed for touring as well as the old school house. Such a great way to show the kids how life was like for pioneers on the homesteads.

Month of VisitSeptember
Leah H.
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Great camping and great history

Love this place and have been visiting here ever since I was little! I love to walk through all the old buildings and learn about Lincoln's way of life. They even had horses and a bull out in the pastures! All the kids were feeding one of the horses handfuls of grass over the fence. And I love that everyone is in period clothing for events. It's quite charming like a step back in time. There is also a little diner/ice cream shop for lunch or a snack. And plays in the outdoor amphitheater in the evenings. Great place!

  • Review photo of Lincolns New Salem Historic Site Campground by Leah H., October 1, 2016
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a map of New Salem campground?

Maps of Lincoln's New Salem campground can be obtained at the entrance or visitor center when you arrive. For advance planning, check the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency website or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources portal, which typically provide downloadable maps of state historic sites. You can also call the site directly to request map information be sent to you before your visit.

What camping facilities are available at Lincoln's New Salem campground?

Lincoln's New Salem campground offers both tent camping and RV accommodations. The campground features paved sites and roads, making it accessible for various camping styles. RV sites include utility hookups, though they can be somewhat challenging to access. The campground is pet-friendly and designed for family camping. Nearby, you'll find walking trails and access to the historic New Salem Village. Be aware that during heavy rain, some sites may experience flooding issues.

Is Lincoln's New Salem campground part of a state park or historic site?

Yes, Lincoln's New Salem campground is part of the Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site. This significant historical area preserves and recreates the 1830s village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood. The historic site features reconstructed period buildings including cabins, a schoolhouse, and other structures that showcase life during Lincoln's time. The campground serves as convenient accommodation for visitors exploring this important Illinois historic landmark.

Are there photos available of New Salem campground sites?

Photos of New Salem campground sites are available through several sources. The official Illinois Historic Preservation Agency website typically features images of the campground. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources also maintains photos of state-managed camping areas. For the most current and varied perspectives, camping apps like The Dyrt showcase user-submitted photos of individual sites. Contact the visitor center directly if you need images of specific campsites for planning purposes.

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