Tent camping near Sherman, Illinois offers primitive sites within conservation areas and state parks. The terrain consists primarily of flatlands with scattered woodlands and lakes, typical of central Illinois's prairie landscape. Most campgrounds sit between 500-650 feet in elevation with mild summers averaging 85°F and cold winters dropping to below freezing. Camping permits are generally required at state-managed properties during regular season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area provides extensive fishing access on its long, shallow lake. One camper noted, "There is lots of fishing opportunity here. Spring Lake is long and shallow. They allow pole fishing. We saw people fishing from boats as well as from nicely designed pullouts along the road."
Hiking trails: The Deer Run trail at Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area connects directly to the campground for convenient day hikes. "Deer run hiking trail is right in camp and gets you a bit of a hike," mentions a visitor, making it accessible for campers of varying abilities.
Lakeside recreation: Waverly Lake offers a quiet setting for water activities and shoreline exploration. A regular visitor stated, "I've stayed here a couple times now. Each time there has only been one other person. It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Waverly Lake City Park, campers appreciate the well-spaced sites. As one reviewer described, "My wife and I had a pleasant and fairly private experience. Each site is spread out and fairly well."
Accessibility to campsites: Though designated as walk-in camping, Spring Lake offers convenience for gear transport. A camper explained, "This campground has walk-in only camping but it's right next to where you park. It's a quiet place in an open field surrounded by forest."
Clean facilities: The basic amenities at tent sites are generally well-maintained. At Waverly Lake, a visitor mentioned, "There are portable toilets that are kept clean," which adds comfort to the primitive camping experience.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most tent camping areas near Sherman lack running water. A Waverly Lake camper advised, "As far as I know there's no running water," so bringing adequate water supplies is essential.
Stay duration limits: Hidden Ridge and some other campgrounds enforce restrictions on consecutive camping nights. At Waverly Lake, there's a "4 consecutive day per month limit," making these sites better for weekend trips rather than extended stays.
Wildlife preparedness: Insect and animal encounters are common at these campgrounds. One Waverly Lake camper warned, "My wife and I were homeless for a month and needed to break out the tents... Be mindful of field roaches and raccoons at night, as we had to learn the hard way the morning after our first night. Oh, and the mosquitoes are BRUTAL."
Road conditions: Access roads to some camping areas require patience. A Spring Lake visitor cautioned, "Be ready for a long slow drive in to the campground. Follow signs that direct you to the camp office. That's where the camping is."
Tips for camping with families
Simple campsite selection: For family camping at Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area, choose sites with natural shade where available. One visitor who brought family mentioned, "Would take my family back!" suggesting a positive experience for groups with children.
Site preparation: When tent camping with children, select areas away from dense underbrush. Pack extra bug spray for evening hours and secure food in sealed containers to prevent attracting wildlife, particularly at Waverly Lake where raccoon activity is reported.
Activity planning: For the best tent camping near Sherman, Illinois with children, consider Spitler Woods State Natural Area which offers engaging nature experiences. A camper noted it has "Great sites. Plenty to do. Favorite place to camp in Illinois," making it suitable for families who need activities to keep children engaged.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near Sherman lack traditional RV amenities like water and electric hookups. While some areas permit RVs, prepare to dry camp without services.
Site accessibility: For RVs at primitive sites, arrive during daylight hours to better assess ground conditions. Waverly Lake City Park is described as "big-rig friendly" in their features list, though specific parking areas may vary in accessibility depending on seasonal conditions.
