Top Tent Camping near Buncombe, IL

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Buncombe, look no further. Find the best tent camping sites near Buncombe. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Buncombe, Illinois's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Buncombe, IL (19)

Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Buncombe

559 Reviews of 19 Buncombe Campgrounds


  • Tabitha R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnson Creek
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Johnson Creek

    Nice!

    This campground provides large spots, drinking water, vault toliets, dumpsters, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and contactless check in. I also appreciate the value of these sites. It really is a reasonable rate for forest camping.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from General Watkins Conservation Area
    Sep. 11, 2024

    General Watkins Conservation Area

    Maybe not a travel destination, but certainly a good waypoint.

    We opted for this site on our way west as a stopover because it was free and not a parking lot. There are a couple of loop trails and we walked one of them. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon. The locals use the area for fishing and walking and it was somewhat busy in the afternoon. A couple of guys fished at night until about nine. There was only one other couple camping. Very quiet and peaceful. There was a portable toilet but we didn't investigate.

    The cool thing was that the loop trail was forested by hundreds of paw paw trees. It must have been just past the season and we saw only a couple of decaying ones, but the entire trail smelled of apple cider vinegar and was quite pleasant.

    If you consider this waypoint, two things:

    1. The last mile is good, but very dusty, gravel road.

    2. No cell coverage in the parking lot for T-Mobile, some coverage on loop trail.

  • Cecilia
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Hills
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Pine Hills

    Very nice

    Very quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail Of Tears State Park
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Trail Of Tears State Park

    Train Lovers.

    Large park with not many large RV sites. Lots of tent and dispersed camping. Disappointing store. Equestrian area. Beach and boat launch.

  • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point - Lake Glendale
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Oak Point - Lake Glendale

    Stellar Illinois

    This is a little gem of a refuge within the Shawnee NF - about 30min from Marion, down a beautiful country road before nestling among the trees around the lake. The drive is paved/gravel the whole way, so very easily drivable for anyone in anything. Plenty of camp sites, both with electric and non-electric, double and single. Bring bug spray - horseflies and ticks. Beautiful lake, beautiful biking trails, etc. Firepits w/ grates are spacious and nice, fees are online. 1 bar verizon at camp, can get up to 3 bars within the area.

  • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Hilltop Campground

    Nice stop

    Stopped here for the night driving through the area. Nice campground, clean, safe, and right off the interstate.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great place to camp!

    We stayed 4 days and had a great time. The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to offer places to visit in the area, places to eat and provide assistance as needed. The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk (twice around the lake from our site was 3 miles). :) We plan to visit again!

  • Wil V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    May. 30, 2024

    Benton KOA

    Loud

    1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud, the other is in between the sewer treatment plant and municipal airport. If you're a light sleeper might want to stay away Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/QpuNpA7UVZI

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    May. 13, 2024

    South Marcum Campground

    Great Campground

    Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing. Cell service for AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE. Only issue that I have is that site 49 is very hard to get level in, make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible

  • Dante V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point - Lake Glendale
    May. 9, 2024

    Oak Point - Lake Glendale

    Solar Eclipse Crossroads

    We camped here during the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse and it was also the overflow site which at that time was the side of the camp entrance road. Fast forward to April 7,8 & 9 2024 We are again on overflow campground where this time was their group camping site which was much better than the side of the road. The overflow site has 4 unisex bathrooms but no showers (showers are at the main campground) there is dining (open) pavilion with a fireplace and a filtered well water system. We had a blast watching the Total Solar Eclipse.

  • Jon H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point Campground
    May. 6, 2024

    Oak Point Campground

    Nice national park campground

    Location is everything and this is well in the middle of a great area in Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the gods, Bell Smith springs, Ferne State park, and on and on. You can spend a week here and not see everything.
    There are primitive and electric (with water) sites. There are no sites with sewer hookup. There is a dump station at the entrance.

    Sites are generally level and well kept. Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front. There are some lake front spots that can be had. Sites are first come and there are no reservations taken. During the week, no problem. Weekends would be iffy.

    Large lake with swimming, fishing, kayaking. Also has a bike trail around it - maybe 2 miles.

    Shower houses are kept clean, but as of this posting, they need some maintenance work.

    All in all, this is a must stop if you want to enjoy what the area has to offer.

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 30, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Blue Jay #49 Water site

    Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

  • Steve G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Apr. 24, 2024

    Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    Excellent Lakeside Campgrouind

    Getting there: Easy access off Illinois 13 East of Carbondale 

    Check in and staff: Campground is now under the egis of recreation.gov& reservations through them are a must. This is new& when planning the trip the website said“first come first serve” so we arrived on a Friday evening(4pm) with no reservation. The sign said RV sites all taken. The host was wonderful! He has been here 9 years and steered us to a nice site for the one night we will be here. The online experience with recreation.gov was not pleasant, impossible in fact. So I had to call. This took quite awhile. Once I got a real live person it was great, and we got our site with no problems. 

    Amenities: Bathrooms: clean, paper towels& air dryers. 

    Site: A-35. In the middle of the A loop and therefore not on the water. Still, very nice. After all, beggars can’t be choosers! Sites are somewhat spacious, but not terribly private.

  • Angela C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA
    Apr. 8, 2024

    Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA

    Great overnight!

    We called from the road to get an overnight stop - the staff were super nice both on the phone and in person. When we arrived, the lady who checked us in gave me a coupon for the drive-in movie theater that was literally down the road. Normally, when we camp we arrive so late it’s impossible to take advantage of area attractions so we decided to go and can I tell you, it was awesome!!! The theater accommodated our camper and the food (cheese fries especially) at the snack stand was great. As far as the campground, our site was a bit hilly but we had a nice view of the lake and close proximity to the playground. My kids also enjoyed the pool. Solid place to overnight!

  • Michelle K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sharp Rock Falls Recreation
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Sharp Rock Falls Recreation

    Longbranch Shooting House And Saloon

    You're welcome to at longbranch! Please make your reservations.
    Only 16 spots left!

    Ava Illinois +1 618-318-6734 Text your name and number of people on your campsite to reserve your spot.

    The Solar Eclipse Event "PARK @ THE MOON"

    Extended or early arrivals welcome. Just simply request more information in the text. We will get ahold of asap with a more information and a confirmation number.

    #ShareThisPost #solareclipse2024

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Fern Lake Campground and RV Park
    Mar. 25, 2024

    Fern Lake Campground and RV Park

    Friendly, well kept, just off I24

    This is a convenient and pleasant campground, just off exit 3 on I24 in Paducah. The staff was friendly and walked us to our site and showed us the hookups. He gave us a lovely spot in the shade by the little lake. Have not used the showers yet so can't comment on that. We stayed on a Sunday night. The park was about half full. Seems to be a nice quiet family place. 

    They are across the street from a Mexican restaurant. There is a liquor store next door. Other businesses nearby.

    Noise from the nearby traffic may bother some, but we didn't mind it and it was not loud enough to hear inside our RV.

    It is a good place for us to stop on our way from MN to visit friends in FL. Also convenient for visiting the National Quilting Museum. We will stop here again.

  • Tonya B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Mar. 18, 2024

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great Place!

    Stayed here on the way to and from Florida (home in Minnesota). Very nice campground. Well maintained, big sites for our 40ft fifth wheel, great sunrise/sunset views, and the bathrooms are very clean and well lite. The gentleman/host that greeted us at the office upon arrival was polite and helpful. Will definitely stay again!

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Willow Springs Campground
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Willow Springs Campground

    New to the Dyrt!

    Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Cypress Lakes RV Park
    Feb. 25, 2024

    Cypress Lakes RV Park

    Looks are deceiving

    Mostly seasonal and permanent with a few spots for weekly and overnight. All sites are level, gravel with concrete patios and fire rings. The staff makes you feel like a friend immediately. Laundry is 1.50 per machine and the showers are large and clean. Interstate 24 is half a mile from this campground and some of the best restaurants in the area are within walking distance.

  • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park
    Feb. 23, 2024

    Giant City State Park

    Great trails and well kept campsites

    We stayed at Giant City in February on a very cold weekend. It was still a fantastic trip! The campsites, fire pits and pit toilets were well maintained. The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter. The Lodge also had excellent food and a very cozy feel. Definitely visit the Lodge!!

  • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Park
    Feb. 4, 2024

    Pyramid State Park

    Nice campsites and lots of lakes

    We stayed at the campground on the north end of Pyramid. The campsites were close together but we visited in February so we were the only campers. The fire pits were a little run down but the sites were nice and level with a table. No lantern posts. Pit toilets that were decent. The park office is a pretty long drive from the north end campground. The hiking is limited but the campground was peaceful and close to the lakes. Probably covered in bugs in the summer. Overall pretty nice stay



Guide to Buncombe

Camping near Buncombe, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Easy walking distance to the observation trail that is the highlight of this park."
  • Fishing: Enjoy some fishing at Shawnee Forest Campground. A camper shared, "The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk (twice around the lake from our site was 3 miles)."
  • Rock Climbing: Head to Jackson Falls for some rock climbing. A reviewer noted, "Great hiking and scenery and it was very quiet at night."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One visitor at Shawnee Forest Campground said, "The camp was clean and well maintained."
  • Scenic Views: Many enjoy the stunning views. A reviewer at Giant City State Park Campground remarked, "The campsites, fire pits, and pit toilets were well maintained."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of the area. A visitor at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs said, "It was a great spot. I think there are 20 spots and including us only 5 were taken. Very quiet and peaceful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "There is no potable water on site."
  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds on weekends. A visitor at Shawnee Forest Campground mentioned, "Very busy on Fridays and weekends."
  • Primitive Camping: If you prefer a more rustic experience, check out Jackson Falls. One camper said, "Great place to backwoods camp."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Weekdays: To avoid crowds, visit during the week. A reviewer at Shawnee Forest Campground recommended, "Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday."
  • Bring Activities: Keep kids entertained with hiking and exploring. A family at Giant City State Park Campground enjoyed, "The vault toilets were fine and the playground was good."
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to pack meals or check for nearby restaurants. One camper at Fern Lake Campground and RV Park mentioned, "They are across the street from a Mexican restaurant."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Shawnee Forest Campground said, "Well maintained, big sites for our 40ft fifth wheel."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. A camper at Fern Lake Campground and RV Park noted, "Gravel sites with water, dump, 30/50 amps."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be near roads or train tracks. A reviewer at Trail of Tears State Park Campground mentioned, "Lots of trains, day and night with train horn blaring."

Camping near Buncombe, Illinois, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Buncombe, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Buncombe, IL is Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Buncombe, IL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Buncombe, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.