Tent camping options near Carlinville, Illinois extend into neighboring counties with primitive and lakeside sites. The area sits within the prairie lands of central Illinois, characterized by gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 500-650 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with daytime temperatures between 60-75°F.
What to do
Paddleboarding and kayaking: Waverly Lake City Park provides water access for non-motorized watercraft with spacious tent sites spread along the shoreline. "My wife and I really enjoy this campsite," notes one Waverly Lake visitor who frequents the area for water activities.
Hiking trails: McCully Heritage Project offers extensive walking paths with varying difficulty levels. "There's a house to rent or primitive camping trails have a map but need a little more marking on newer sections. Very well maintained. Neat look out points," explains a camper who explored the property.
Fishing spots: Multiple ponds and small lakes dot the region, particularly at McCully Heritage Project where campers can fish from the shoreline. One visitor mentions, "We have only stayed at the largest site as it has good fishing and a place for us to launch our paddleboards and kayaks."
What campers like
Affordability: The camping areas around Carlinville keep costs minimal for outdoor enthusiasts. As one McCully Heritage Project visitor notes, "Ten dollars a night helps maintain land and natural area, all donation, very family oriented."
Minimal crowds: Many campgrounds in the region remain uncrowded even during peak season. At Waverly Lake City Park, one camper reports, "I've stayed here a couple times now. Each time there has only been one other person. It's quiet and peaceful."
Access to water: Several tent camping areas provide direct access to ponds or lakes. A regular visitor to McCully Heritage Project appreciates that "We easily fit a dozen people over the 4th of July. Nice hiking trails near."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most tent camping areas have basic facilities. At Waverly Lake, "There's not much to do. As far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean."
Stay limits: Some public camping areas enforce duration restrictions. Waverly Lake City Park has a "4 consecutive day per month limit" according to a recent visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife regularly visits campsites. "Watch for ticks. Don't be alarmed if you see cats or the neighbors dogs roaming around the site. They are friendly," advises a McCully Heritage Project camper.
Insect preparation: Biting insects are prevalent during warmer months. One Waverly Lake camper warns, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some camping areas include facilities for children. At McCully Heritage Project, a parent shares, "I just love the bridge across the pond. We had a picnic and the kids got to play on the playground equipment."
Educational opportunities: Several sites offer nature programming and environmental education. McCully Heritage Project maintains interpretive trails and conservation areas that provide learning experiences for young campers.
Site selection: Choose campsites away from water edges with small children. A family that tent camped at Waverly Lake recommends the higher elevation sites to reduce mosquito exposure.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most camping areas near Carlinville cater primarily to tent campers with few dedicated RV amenities. While Hidden Ridge accommodates some small trailers, larger RVs should consider commercial campgrounds further from Carlinville.
Parking considerations: Some locations have restrictions on vehicle access. At Rainey Park (now Wright Park), an overnight visitor clarifies, "This is a paved lot past the ballfields. Pull in at the sign and follow the road. The lot is beside private property so I called the police to verify parking is still allowed and they said no problem."
Tent-only zones: Several campgrounds separate tent camping from vehicle areas. "No tent camping allowed. Quiet night, great stop," notes a visitor to Rainey Park, indicating its use primarily as an overnight parking area rather than a traditional campground.
