Best Tent Camping near Altamont, IL
Tent campers seeking sites near Altamont, Illinois have several established options within a short drive. Spillway Campground on the Kaskaskia River offers both primitive tent sites and drive-in access, while Shady Grove Campground in Hidden Springs State Forest provides a more forested setting for tent camping. Both locations are within 15 miles of Altamont and offer basic amenities for tent campers.
Most tent campgrounds in the Altamont area feature dirt or grass pads with minimal site preparation. Spillway Campground provides drinking water, electric hookups at some sites, and picnic tables, making it suitable for both primitive and more comfortable tent camping experiences. Shady Grove offers more basic accommodations with drinking water and toilets but fewer amenities. Fire rings are available at most locations, with fires permitted at both Spillway and Shady Grove. Campers should note that most sites are reservable, though some may offer first-come, first-served options.
The tent camping experience near Altamont varies by location, with Spillway offering riverside sites that provide good fishing access and proximity to bike trails. This campground sits directly on the Kaskaskia River below Lake Shelbyville Dam, providing unique water access for tent campers. The area remains relatively peaceful despite being close to town, especially during off-peak seasons. A reviewer noted that "even though you are close to town it is peaceful" and described it as "not a well known place to go but you can have fun here with the canoe's and river fishing." Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort offers another option with stricter quiet hours enforced, which tent campers seeking a more regulated environment might appreciate.