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.