Best Tent Camping near Butler, IL

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.

Best Tent Sites Near Butler, Illinois (7)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Butler, IL

5 Photos of 7 Butler Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Butler, IL

356 Reviews of 7 Butler Campgrounds


  • Aaron B.
    Jun. 16, 2019

    Eagle Creek State Park Campground

    Wooded Solitude / Family Friendly

    Review of Drive In Tent Camping Site 2. Showed up on a Thursday night and had our pick of all the drive in and walk in sites. We decided on site 2 in the drive in area. Previous reviews and a book by John Schirle on Tent Camping in Illinois helped us with this decision as well. Decent maintained sites with some older picnic tables and fire rings, but let's be honest this stuff sits outside 24/7. Site 2 seemed to sit back the farthest with site 1 a close second. Both wooded sites that made for great shade and helped some when it was raining. Any two families looking for two sites could certainly set up and share the experience. Nice little cove behind them to try fishing. Just watch the hike down the path or ravine. Dog friendly, fresh water supply (hint put the handle all the way up and wait a few seconds), ability to store stuff in the car close by, outhouse toilets visible at the walk in parking lot, and helpful host for easy check in who even sells fire wood made for a great few days ($5 a bundle). Rated B/S site at a cost of $10 a night.

  • Susan L.
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

    5 stars with a caveat

    This is a beautiful state park, but hopefully you won’t have the same experience I did with the electric hookup. I stayed here right after the fourth of July and because of the heat over this holiday weekend and a completely full campground, the electricity couldn’t meet the demand and a transformer blew. By the time I arrived the transformer was repaired, however the pedestals in the section I was supposed to stay in had a problem. I was supposed to stay in site 27, but after 3 attempts to get power at 3 different sites, number 24 was the winner and this was a great site! The campground hosts were fantastic in resolving the situation as well.

    Site 24 is huge and level with a picnic table and fire ring. Electric but no water at site. The site is totally private on one side because of a lake inlet and there’s a large back area right on the lake. The gravel pad is located right near a large, old bald cypress. 

    This park has multiple public use areas, 2 campgrounds, boat launches, fishing piers and a beach. I didn’t use the public restrooms because they were closed due to Covid-19. I was able to get internet with Verizon. 

    This state park felt like it was dropped into the middle of cornfields and made for a fun drive. The sunset views and stars were awesome!

  • Michael M.
    Oct. 2, 2017

    Eagle Creek State Park Campground

    Great Lakeside Camping

    I have camped here in the past and enjoy primitive tent camping so I stayed Friday September 29th and Saturday September 30th in the tent camping drive up site #2. There is also a tent camping walk in area with 2 lake front sites that are about 150 yards from the parking area and about eight other sites in between. There is a building with men's and women's flush toilets here for both primitive campgrounds. These are cheaper campsites than in the RV area where you have the shower house, nicer bathrooms and electric hookups. There are lots of nice shaded sites in these campgrounds and all have fire ring grates, lantern posts, picnic tables and some have pole mounted campstove tables as well. The camp hosts do a great job keeping this place clean, maintaining a quiet campground and supplying firewood for the campers. The park has a boat ramp, playground areas, the Chief Illini trail plus a couple short trails. There is a golf course and a run down lodge / hotel that has been closed for several years. There is tons of deer and other animals to watch and watch out that they don't steal your food while you are sleeping. The wild life is great for photography and makes for some good fireside stories.

    This is my second favorite place to camp on the lake, although not as peaceful as Lone Point it does have the Chief Illini trailhead here and makes for nice round trip hiking camping adventures.

    This park is open year round so the fantastic camping in spring and fall are available. You should watch out for hunters in the area when bow season starts October 1st.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Beaver Dam State Park Campground

    Saw no Beaver

    Beaver Dam State Park, Il

    We did an overnighter here. We arrived in time to get a hike in before dinner meal.

    The trail map is very basic and not totally accurate. The trails are poorly marked but with basic knowledge of your compass points you can figure them out. Staff may be limited due to Corona , so the trail maintenance may have suffered, it is overgrown in several areas. The overlook to the marsh is pretty cool. I found no mileage for the trails , there may be a purchasable map with more information or of course a trail App. The lake is picturesque and busy. Lotsa fisher people here. The trail goes all the way around the lake with several fishing spots. Theres a boat ramp near the parking area and several docks to use across the lake. A nice feature is located next to the boat ramp, a fish cleaning pavilion complete with pull down hoses.

    The campground had an interesting set up. The sites in the loops are gravel and you have room but not a lot of privacy. I was in site 26 and you have to back between the two other sites into this one. Not difficult in my van but it could get interesting with a camper. I don’t think you would have the room to pull in and circle out. Electric at these sites , no water. There were hydrants spaces throughout for your water needs. The fire “rings” were interesting, with a flat “platform” to set your coals/fire on. Nice campground, I felt like somewhat of an outsider here, the occupants were possibly locals who obviously use the entire 14 day stay limit. Otherwise nice, basic, water activity centered campground. I did not see any swimming areas.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Dam East - Mcnair Campground

    Location Great for Travel

    McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Dam East Recreation Area

    GREAT LOCATION for STOPOVER

    East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
    (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.

  • Michael M.
    Oct. 20, 2017

    Coon Creek (IL)

    Big Campground with great lake access

    I have camped here in a motorhome with full hookups and tent camped as well.

    The camp sites are divided into many loops and have side pullin sites and backin sites. The RV and tent sites are grouped in the same loops and there are many that have trails from the site right to the lake and people leave the boat near the campsite but still on the water. The restrooms and shower houses are clean as all the Lake Shelbyville campgrounds are maintained by the Corps of Engineers. This campground is very busy in the prime camping season, but if you are camping with a group and have a boat this is the place to go. There are several buddy sites here that are set up very well for groups of RV's and tents camping together. There are a few isolated sites on corners of loops, but most are fairly close together. There is a swimming beach here and lots of boat traffic, but quiet hours are observed, so you can get a good night's sleep before an action packed day on the lake. The fishing is good if you have a boat, but there is very little bank fishing areas available. Part of the campground is open after Labor Day, but the main season is Memorial day to Labor day.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

    Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area

    Nice little campground close to down town St Louis (when the leaves are down I bet you can see the Arch). Campsites are nice and flat with the standard picnic tables and fire rings. No showers, but decent toilets. The nice thing is the campground is staffed by rangers in the day, and at night they sometimes take a security swing through the campground. Nice lake for fishing and boating.

  • Aaron B.
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

    Lakeside Relaxation

    These walk in sites check all the boxes.  At the western part of the RV loop, is a peninsula of primitive tent camping spots to choose from.  About half the sites were filled by the second day we were there.  We settled on 62, which is spacious and provides access to the path from the front and behind where you can walk into site 64 as well.  A parking area with a single spot for each camp site is well marked and by two vault toilets.  Park staff and host were great.  A decent fishing spot is just in front of site 64.  $8 for IL residents is hard to beat, if you don't need an RV spot with electric.  A water source is also by the parking spots.  The weekend we were there the weather had cooled some and a great breeze was coming off the lake.  Springfield being so close is a bonus.

    The only negative is like any spot and how previous people leave the camp looking before you are there.  Some garbage in the fire pit and random spots are par for the course in any state park.  Pick up the trash and dump it in the dumpster by the parking lot.  Leave the site better than you found it is our motto.


Guide to Butler

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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 Countryside Escape with a 1-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Butler, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.