Best Campgrounds near Carlinville, IL

State parks and private campgrounds surround Carlinville, Illinois, providing a range of camping experiences within central Illinois. Beaver Dam State Park Campground, located in nearby Plainview, offers year-round camping with both primitive tent sites and electric hookups for RVs. Country Bend Campground in Litchfield provides family-oriented camping with recreational amenities including fishing ponds and walking trails. The Double J Campground and RV Park near Chatham features spacious sites with full hookups, while Sherwood Forest in Hillsboro caters to both tent and RV campers. Most campgrounds in the region operate on flat terrain typical of central Illinois, with varying levels of shade and proximity to small lakes or ponds.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping conditions around Carlinville. Spring rains can create muddy conditions at many sites, particularly at campgrounds with gravel pads. As one camper noted about Country Bend, "Be prepared for mud and standing water. 4WD a must" after heavy rainfall. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, though Beaver Dam State Park and The Double J remain open year-round. Facilities vary widely across the region, with state parks typically offering basic amenities while private campgrounds provide more extensive hookups and recreational facilities. Proximity to town is a notable advantage, with one Beaver Dam visitor mentioning, "The campground is just a few minutes from Carlinville Walmart and restaurants."

Fishing opportunities represent a significant draw for campers in the Carlinville area. Beaver Dam State Park features a small lake with boat access and fishing docks, complete with a fish cleaning station. Trails around water features are common at most campgrounds, though visitors note varying quality of trail maintenance. Campers frequently mention the agricultural setting as part of the experience, with cornfields often bordering campgrounds. As one visitor to Double J Campground observed, "The campground is next to a large corn field... during the growing/harvest season there may be dust and noise from equipment." Most campgrounds in the region are pet-friendly and offer fire rings at individual sites, though noise from nearby highways can be an issue at some locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Carlinville, Illinois (56)

    1. Beaver Dam State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Carlinville, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 854-8020

    "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."

    "There is a nice walking trail path that goes around the exterior of the lake. The lake has boat access and some good fishing spots. There is also a restaurant and store on the lake."

    2. Country Bend Campground

    10 Reviews
    Litchfield, IL
    13 miles
    Website

    $25 - $40 / night

    "This beautiful campground has many things to offer and is only a few minutes from the local drive in movie theater in Litchfield Illinois."

    "Pretty scenery to walk around.  Plenty of lakes/ponds to fish.  We couldn't boat while there due to COVID but look forward to going back and taking our kayaks.  Attentive and Friendly camp hosts."

    3. Kamper Kompanion RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Litchfield, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 324-4747

    "Just off the highway, but minimal noise. Clean. Well maintained. Pleasant staff. We had a long pull through, but there are a limited number of those."

    "Easy on off, right by highway, pulled in after dark and they met us to show us to the site and got us settled. Easy pull thru site with 40' and toad."

    4. The Double J Campground and RV Park

    19 Reviews
    Chatham, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 483-9998

    "We stayed here in order to visit Springfield, Illinois, and we really enjoyed this spot."

    "The campground is next to a large corn field that has recently been cut; I suspect during the growing/harvest season there may be dust and noise from equipment, and perhaps overspray from any chemicals"

    5. Sherwood Forest

    6 Reviews
    Hillsboro, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 532-5211

    $25 - $45 / night

    "We stayed here in our Motorhome but the sites are pretty small and you are right next to your neighbor."

    "After a massive disappointment at a nearby state park, we came to Sherwood Forest as a last resort. We were beyond pleasantly surprised!"

    6. Rustic Acres Jellystone

    4 Reviews
    Litchfield, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 456-1122

    "We chose this campground because it was near our route and we needed a place to stay for one night."

    7. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Rochester, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 498-9208

    "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. "

    "Lots of trails, Lake Sangchris is very close by for fishing & kayaking. Quiet campground; great place to unwind."

    8. Lazy Days RV Park & Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Litchfield, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 324-3233

    $40 / night

    10. Waverly Lake City Park

    3 Reviews
    Woodson, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 435-4611
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Recent Reviews near Carlinville, IL

294 Reviews of 56 Carlinville Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    Fun Little Getaway

    Pere Marquette Campground is a little gym, just past Grafton, Missouri. It is located in the Great River Road, and within 10 minutes to restaurants and bars. There is a Lodge located next door which also serves a wonderful breakfast.

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Love's RV Hookup-Hamel IL 578

    Good for a truck stop, busy and loud

    Easy reservation system online. $60 is a bit pricey for one night. Electricity and water at each spot which are concrete slabs. Typical super busy truck stop with bright lights and lots of action but safe and convenient.

  • Fred R.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Sundermeier RV Park

    Cross country trip stop #2

    Just a place to park the camper and sleep. Big rig friendly for sure. Went back to see the Arch Natl park and down into historic st. Charles. Beautiful historic town with plenty to see and do, with a casino past that.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

    Excellent City Campground

    Wow. Very well ran, clean, secure, friendly, professional campground. Full service, pull through site. Excellent park, lots of amenities. It is not "in the woods," which I usually prefer, but will stay there again next time I am passing through St. Louis. You do have to call to make a reservation.

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Kamper Kompanion RV Park

    Perfect overnight stop.

    Just off the highway, but minimal noise. Clean. Well maintained. Pleasant staff. We had a long pull through, but there are a limited number of those.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    Peaceful with lots of big tree trees

    I went to this campsite because they were pictures of sites right by the water. This is not true. You are a couple hundred yards at best to the Waters edge. The only reason I’m giving it four stars is because it was $20 a night.

  • Toni S.
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Tomahawk Campground

    Welcoming vibe with a down home feel!!

    Friendly hosts, affordable, has a very welcoming vibe.. down home fun!

    Can’t wait to go back and stay again!!

    New owners.. improvements daily can’t wait to go back and see the transformation!! 

    Just fell in love with it!!

  • d
    May. 28, 2025

    Town and Country Lakes

    Nice place just could use a little updating

    It’s a beautiful place with good people but could definitely use some updating on the playground, signage, and drive.


Guide to Carlinville

Camping near Carlinville, Illinois ranges from public state parks to private RV facilities, all situated in the prairie landscape of central Illinois. The region typically experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures reaching 90°F and cold winters where temperatures can drop below freezing. Most campsites near Carlinville sit on relatively flat terrain at elevations around 600-650 feet above sea level, with minimal elevation changes throughout the camping areas.

What to do

Fishing at multiple lakes: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities from private docks at lakeside campsites. "I took a trip alone with my tent for 4 days in May. The place is as pristine as it was when I was a kid... wonderful fishing to be had," notes one visitor to Sangchris Lake State Park Campground.

Mini golf and outdoor recreation: Family activities at some campgrounds include putt-putt courses and swimming. At Country Bend Campground, "Huge campground with a lot of different areas. Be prepared for a lot of walking unless you rent or bring your own golf cart. Holiday weekends have so many planned activities, some for all ages."

Walking and biking trails: Several campgrounds maintain walking paths for exercise and nature observation. One visitor at Sangchris Lake mentioned, "Great to ride a bike around, too!" While another camper stated, "We really loved the bridges with trails to ponds, and the jumping pillow" at Country Bend Campground.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At The Double J Campground and RV Park, visitors appreciate that "Shower house is clean, camp ground is well run, they even escort you to your site so that your facing the right way and take a route that best suites your rig."

Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds offer peaceful settings away from city noise. Waverly Lake City Park provides a tranquil experience as one camper noted, "My wife and I really enjoy this campsite... It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do."

Wildlife viewing: Natural settings provide opportunities to observe local fauna. At Sherwood Forest, the surrounding environment was highlighted by a visitor who mentioned "the nature around this place is a plus. As many people have mentioned, it's a hidden gem!"

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate April through October, though some remain open year-round. The limited winter camping options include Beaver Dam State Park and The Double J Campground.

Water access varies: Not all campgrounds provide water hookups at individual sites. At Beaver Dam State Park Campground, "All sites are shaded and mostly level with pull-thru or back-in parking. Each site has electric, however the water spigots are scattered about."

Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water features. One camper at Beaver Dam State Park noted, "Mosquitoes are bad, remember to bring repellent."

Weather impact: Spring rain significantly affects ground conditions. A visitor to Waverly Lake mentioned, "My wife and I were homeless for a month and needed to break out the tents. We had a pleasant and fairly private experience... Be mindful of field roaches and raccoons at night."

Tips for camping with families

Choose activity-rich campgrounds: Families benefit from campgrounds with recreational amenities. At Rustic Acres Jellystone, "The campsites are small and a bit pricey, but it is a great family friendly place. Good pizza and amazing ice cream at the store! Kid fun and themed activities, bounce trampoline pillow, pool, etc."

Consider site spacing: Family privacy varies between campgrounds. One visitor to Sherwood Forest noted, "Our site is very large with an equally large grass lawn area," making it ideal for families needing space.

Plan for lake activities: Many campgrounds feature fishing opportunities suitable for children. At Sangchris Lake, "All sites at Hickory Point very close to lake. Several fishing docks in campground," providing easy access for family fishing.

Tips from RVers

Pull-through accessibility: Many campgrounds offer pull-through sites for easier access. At Double J Campground, "All are pull through. Full hook ups. Nice in ground pool and laundry facilities," making it convenient for larger rigs.

Campground navigation assistance: Some campgrounds provide staff help with parking. At Double J, "They even escort you to your site so that your facing the right way and take a route that best suites your rig."

Site surface conditions: Pay attention to the ground surface at sites. At Kamper Kompanion RV Park, one visitor noted it was "Easy on off, right by highway, pulled in after dark and they met us to show us to the site and got us settled. Easy pull thru site with 40' and toad."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there private campgrounds in Carlinville, Illinois?

While Carlinville itself has limited private camping options, several private campgrounds are within reasonable driving distance. Springfield KOA is about 30-40 minutes away, offering a quiet setting with good facilities, though sites can get muddy after rain. It's conveniently located about 20 minutes from Springfield attractions like the State Fair. For RV travelers, Kamper Kompanion RV Park near Litchfield provides water hookups and is big-rig friendly. Those willing to travel a bit further might consider Rustic Acres Jellystone, which offers both drive-in and walk-in access with various amenities for families.

Is camping available at Carlinville Lake?

While there isn't dedicated camping at Carlinville Lake itself, nearby Beaver Dam State Park Campground offers camping opportunities close to Carlinville. This park features spacious primitive tent camping areas with fire pits, adjustable grills, and picnic tables. Most sites have concrete slabs for gatherings and parking for two vehicles. The park has outhouses and shower facilities, though bathroom maintenance can be inconsistent. For lake-focused camping in the general region, Waverly Lake City Park provides an alternative with drive-in access and facilities for campers.

What campgrounds are available near Carlinville, IL?

Several campgrounds are available within driving distance of Carlinville. Pere Marquette State Park Campground offers 88 sites with electric hookups (30 or 50 amp) for $20 per night, plus tent-only sites without electricity for $8. The park features great hiking trails and is located along the Illinois River near Grafton. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground is another option in the region. For those willing to travel a bit further, The Double J Campground and RV Park near Springfield provides well-sized sites with good highway access and nice amenities.