Tent campsites near Beason, Illinois include locations for primitive camping experiences with minimal amenities. Most campgrounds in this central Illinois region sit between 600 and 700 feet in elevation, featuring mostly flat terrain with occasional rolling hills. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F to 85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons experience wider temperature swings requiring additional preparation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, anglers can access multiple fishing spots around the lake. According to visitor Art S., "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 provides accessible hiking directly from the camping area. Art S. mentions, "Deer run hiking trail is right in camp and gets you a bit of a hike."
Recreation facilities: Hickory Hill Campground offers numerous recreational amenities. Stuart K. notes the campground includes "an in-ground pool opened between Memorial Day and Labor Day, basketball court, mini golf, shuffleboard, pool table, ping pong and various soda and snack vending machines and games in the recreation center, catch & release lake for fishing."
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campgrounds in the Beason area provide quiet settings away from urban noise. Art S. describes Spring Lake as "a quiet place in an open field surrounded by forest."
Friendly community: Local campgrounds foster welcoming environments. Kevin T. appreciated that Hickory Hill Campground offered "Clean, quiet, and plenty of shade. Friendly staff and other campers."
Natural surroundings: Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area preserves natural habitat while providing primitive camping options. Camper Sarra W. shared a positive family experience, noting simply "Would take my family back!"
Convenience: Some sites offer easy highway access for weekend trips. As deb B. noted about Hickory Hill, they "called in the afternoon and got a full hook up, pull through spot. Lots of nice amenities for families."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Many tent sites near Beason lack drinking water. At Spring Lake, there are "Vault toilets up the hill. Garbage cans are plentiful," according to Art S., but campers must bring their own water supply.
Access considerations: Reaching some camping areas requires slow driving on unpaved roads. Art S. advises about Spring Lake, "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."
Site selection: When tent camping at Spring Lake, Art S. suggests you "Choose a campsite under some trees if you like" as the main area is an open field with limited natural shade.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate with limited services during winter months. Spitler Woods State Natural Area received high marks from Thomas F. who called it their "Favorite place to camp in Illinois" with "Great sites. Plenty to do."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Families should consider campgrounds with built-in recreation. Stuart K. mentions Hickory Hill offers "an in-ground pool opened between Memorial Day and Labor Day" plus various games and activities suitable for children.
Supplies planning: The remote location of many campgrounds requires advance planning. Stuart K. notes that Hickory Hills "is pretty isolated, clear out in the boondocks" and advises "you better bring everything you need because while it's a short drive into the nearest town here, which is El Paso, to be honest, there's not a lot there either."
Alternative camping locations: If tent sites are limited, consider nearby options with better facilities for families. Stuart K. recommends "If you are on the hunt for some real outdoor tent camping, great hiking or care to dip your kayak into some really nice fresh water, then head on over to nearby Comlara Park, featuring Evergreen Lake."
Tips from RVers
Site conditions: Hickory Hill Campground offers RV accommodations, though Bill P. notes the "sites are kind of tight. Gravel sites but mostly level."
Permanent resident atmosphere: Some campgrounds have a different feel than traditional camping. Bill P. observed, "This seems to be more of a full time camping location. Lots of buildings and I was offered a lot for sale. Golf carts seem to be the most common mode of travel as there are plentiful."
Hookup availability: Call ahead for availability as some sites fill with seasonal campers. As deb B. shared about Hickory Hill, "We called in the afternoon and got a full hook up, pull through spot."
