Tent campsites near Butler, Illinois include several established options within reasonable driving distance. Waverly Lake City Park offers primitive tent camping with sites spread out for privacy along the lakefront. Spillway Campground, located on the Kaskaskia River near Lake Shelbyville Dam, provides both primitive and electric hookup tent sites with good access to river fishing and water activities. Hidden Springs State Forest's Shady Grove Campground is another option for tent campers seeking a more secluded forest setting.
Most tent campgrounds in this region feature basic amenities with varying levels of services. Waverly Lake provides portable toilets but lacks running water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Sites generally sit on natural surfaces with minimal preparation. Spillway offers more developed facilities including drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and restrooms, making it suitable for tent campers who prefer some conveniences. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established sites, though some locations restrict fires during dry periods. Many locations implement stay limits, with Waverly Lake restricting camping to 4 consecutive days per month.
The tent camping experience near Butler offers relative quiet and access to outdoor recreation. Sites at Waverly Lake remain uncrowded, with visitors noting "there has only been one other person" during their stays. Spillway Campground provides unique access to the Kaskaskia River with opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and tubing. The area has several small campgrounds rather than large, crowded facilities, allowing for more peaceful experiences. While facilities may be limited at some locations, the trade-off is fewer neighbors and more natural surroundings. Some tent campsites are seasonal, with greater availability during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. One camper described Spillway as "peaceful" despite being close to town, noting it offers "very good" fishing access both at the campground and the nearby dam area.
"There are portable toilets that are kept clean. There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit."
"It one of just a few free campgrounds in the area but it got a lake im not sure how many camping spots but quit a fee from what I seen no showers but port-a-potties spears out"
from $15 - $16 / night
"This campground is located behind the Spillway Motel across the highway from the Lake Shelbyville Dam."
TravelerCamp Host is very friendly and brought firewood to our site. Bath/shower house was clean. We were in the equestrian campground due to our 73 foot overall length. It was a great stay for visiting family. There are a lot of outdoor activities at the lake area, but no pool.
TravelerThe campsite is nice plenty of spaces spaced out nicely, but there’s absolutely no signage. took us forever to decide where we could park and what to do. tiny little sign on the Rangers house. Led us to a website and then charged us $50. Not what we were expecting. Plan ahead on this one.
GuideThis was a beautiful place to spend an evening on our cross country trip. We were able to secure site B7 -a nice level and shady spot on a beautiful tree lined lake. The site was dusty but there was a picnic table and electricity. It was 90 degrees in early October so I can imagine the open spots are really hot during the heat of the summer. Signs tell you to check in with camp host before parking but there was no one at their camper. I called the phone number and a helpful gentleman explained that the sites were first come, first served and someone would be around to collect our $20 fee. One large bathhouse for the campground was a good walk away but was spotless. I would have given this campground a 5 rating but after walking around, we realized that most of the sites by the lake were hard packed dirt, small and not level. However there is a new section I that has 10 long back in gravel pads with electric & water. They are away from the water but close to the shower house. Finally, google coordinates directed us to a private residence just short of the marina. Follow directions to the marina and find the road to the campground at the end of the parking lot.
ScoutThis campground is primarily for RVs and people with boats, given the lake nearby. There are five tent sites set back into the trees a bit. They are nicely laid out. There are a couple of picnic sites on the lake that are pleasant. What it needs for TLC is give the pit toilets a rehab. The one I used was filthy and the throne was almost completely unbolted. The water pump by the tent sites is inoperative and there seems to be only one location where one works, so you have to use your car to get water. It doesn't have showers but you can use one at a nearby campground if you really need. Bottom line: fix the toilets and water and I'd give this a four.
ScoutThis is such a peaceful and great place to camp.
ScoutBeautiful level campsites! Well kept! Beautiful surroundings! Clean! One of the nicest level sites we have stayed in. Bathrooms are clean and showers are great!
TravelerJody, the hostess, is friendly and responsive. We stayed one night in the fall so the many permanent RVs were not occupied. The park is large and surrounded by woods and fields. We had a peaceful night near the cornfields where the short-term RV sites are located. Can hear the train horn in the distance. Note that they are tandem, so pull thru for the first person but back in for the second. We would stay here again.
RangerOur campsite was the best! At the end of the road with lake frontage, it was quiet, private and relaxing. Cell service with AT&T was weak with 1 bar. Vault toilet nearby with very clean showers about 500 yds away. Great host!
TravelerThe office staff is very nice and accommodating. The campground is clean and has great amenities. I will stay here again.
Tent camping near Butler, Illinois centers on several state parks and natural areas within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in central Illinois prairie country with rolling terrain and several water features including lakes, rivers and small forest preserves. Most camping options remain open from April through October, with facilities generally closing during winter months due to freezing conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Spillway Campground provides direct access to the Kaskaskia River for anglers. "The fishing here and at the Spillway across the road are very good. I camped here in October and it was pretty empty, so even though you are close to town it is peaceful," notes camper Michael M.
Canoeing and tubing: The Kaskaskia River offers paddling options with rental equipment available seasonally. "There are a few cabins and trailers that are full time residents, a boat ramp, rental canoe's and tubes, a bait shop," explains a camper about the facilities at Spillway.
Biking access: The region offers paved trails connecting some campgrounds to nearby towns. "Small campground next to water to fish and bike trails. Great all year," reports Jan G. about the recreation options at Spillway Campground.
Quiet atmosphere: Waverly Lake City Park receives consistent praise for its peaceful setting. "It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do," notes John H. about the camping experience.
Site spacing: Campers appreciate the distance between sites at certain campgrounds. "Each site is spread out and fairly well," reports Darren D. about the layout at Waverly Lake, which contributes to a more private camping experience.
Location convenience: Some campgrounds offer proximity to towns while maintaining a natural setting. "This campground is located behind the Spillway Motel across the highway from the Lake Shelbyville Dam," explains a camper, highlighting the accessibility of services while still enjoying outdoor recreation.
Limited facilities: Many tent sites offer minimal amenities. "As far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean," explains a camper about Rainey Park, where campers need to bring their own water supply.
Stay restrictions: Several campgrounds enforce time limits on camping duration. One reviewer notes about Waverly Lake: "There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit," which requires planning for longer trips.
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for local wildlife encounters at campsites. "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. Come prepared," advises camper Darren D.
Insect protection: Families should pack substantial mosquito protection during summer months. "The mosquitoes are BRUTAL. Come prepared," warns a camper about conditions at Waverly Lake City Park.
Food storage: Secure food supplies against wildlife, especially at more primitive sites. One camper mentioned learning "the hard way" about raccoons at night, suggesting proper food storage is essential for family camping trips.
Seasonal planning: Spring and fall offer more comfortable camping temperatures for families with young children. "I camped here in October and it was pretty empty," notes a camper about Shady Grove Campground, suggesting autumn as a good time for family outings.
Limited hookup options: RV campers should note that full hookup sites are scarce in the area. "There are 16 full hookup and about 20 overnight primitive campsites at $10 a night," explains Michael M. about the accommodations at Spillway Campground.
Park verification: Some listed camping areas may not actually permit overnight stays. "This is a paved lot past the ballfields. No tent camping allowed. Quiet night, great stop," clarifies Barbara P. about Rainey Park, indicating it functions more as an overnight parking area than a traditional campground.
Year-round options: Some campgrounds remain accessible outside peak season. "Great all year," notes Jan G. about Spillway Campground, making it suitable for RVers seeking off-season camping options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Butler, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Butler, IL is Waverly Lake City Park with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Butler, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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