Best Campgrounds near Charleston, IL

Charleston, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Charleston is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Illinois camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Charleston, Illinois (66)

    1. Fox Ridge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Charleston, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 345-6416

    $20 / night

    "Close to Eastern Illinois University and lake Charleston which has trails."

    "Great little campground close to Charleston and Eastern Illinois University. Not really anywhere to fish close, but nice quite park."

    2. Walnut Point State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Oakland, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 346-3336

    "A great lake for fishing and kayaking. A hidden gem in central Illinois with a great little family owned restaurant. The staff and camp host are super friendly and helpful!"

    "Walking trails all around the campground, all sites close to or on the lake. Little restaurant, ice cream, and kayak rental place on site through October 17. Good fishing spot. Several playgrouds."

    3. Casey KOA

    7 Reviews
    Charleston, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 932-5319

    "This is a KOA Journey, it is right off the interstate in a nice little town in East Central Illinois. It has full hookup, and electric and water sites."

    4. Spring Creek Campground

    13 Reviews
    Neoga, IL
    23 miles
    +1 (217) 821-2181

    $15 - $25 / night

    "Far enough away from the interstate you don't hear the traffic. No nearby trains either. The grounds were neat and clean. The fishing pond is great and beautiful. Big rig friendly."

    "There is a central dumping station upon exit. At $25 per night, this place is beautiful."

    5. Fairview Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Marshall, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 932-2600

    $10 - $25 / night

    7. Bo Wood

    8 Reviews
    Sullivan, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $18 - $48 / night

    "In 2017 it has 150 camping sites, a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, several picnic areas and a bait shop at the entrance on Illinois Route 32 4 miles South of Sullivan."

    "It is right next to the lake. I get some views. In the pictures I posted you’ll see what I’m talking about."

    8. Forrest W. Bo Wood

    8 Reviews
    Sullivan, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $18 - $48 / night

    "Located on Lake Shelbyville, Bo Wood is an Army Co of Engineers park. Plenty of full hook ups and tent camping spots. Most by the lake."

    "It’s crowded near the road but spreads out well at the back of the site. Lots of people here today"

    9. Coon Creek (IL)

    18 Reviews
    Shelbyville, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $18 - $48 / night

    "We've been camping at Coon Creek, on a beautiful Lake Shelbyville, for a few years now, the place is perfect for family vacations. And that's exactly what we do."

    "There are many sites on this campground that are wooded and have views of Lake Shelbyville. Boat ramp to put in your boat or kayaks and sand beach for the kids to go swimming."

    10. Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Findlay, IL
    26 miles
    Website

    "The park is huge and is one of the only state park's in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails."

    "We are tent people and love primitive camping in spots where we can really be away from everyone and at least pretend like we’re alone."

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Recent Reviews near Charleston, IL

276 Reviews of 66 Charleston Campgrounds


  • Jill C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Secluded and Cozy

    We stayed here during our travels from Kansas to Indiana. While we only stayed one night, it was long enough to know that should we travel nearby again-this will be our stopping point. Easy to access from the highway yet while in the park, we experienced pure bliss and quiet. Spacious sites and an abundant amount of shade made this stay even better! The camp hosts do an excellent job as the grounds and bathhouse were all immaculate! These are electric only sites however there are several water spigots to fill the tank prior to parking. For ease, there are even potable water spigots at the dump station and the bathhouse as well. Our site was fairly level and easy to maneuver into. For reference, we have a 34’ fifth wheel. When reserving, note that there are a handful of 50 amp sites, several 30 amp sites and tent sites available.

  • L
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Friends Creek Campground

    Great campground

    Very nice small campground with well spaced sites. The bathrooms were very clean. The Macon County website is a bit wonky to navigate. The camp host is a jewel. Be aware that there are 50 amp sites and 30 amp sites. The 50 amp sites are more expensive. Would definitely return.

  • Joshua R.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Plainview Campground — Lincoln Trail State Park

    Its ok

    Camp sites had some trash from previous campers. Bathrooms were dirty and outdated. Only scolding hot water in the shower. Host and another staff member made me turn my camper to face the other direction so the door wouldn't face another camp site, even though I have a door on both sides after we had camp set up. Sites themselves are nicely spaced apart. Place was pretty empty for our 4 day weekend there.

  • Mercedes K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Camp Lakewood

    Great Place!

    Great place! Enjoyed the serene atmosphere and friendly staff. Loved the pizza too.

  • B
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Bo Wood

    Family camping

    Extremely peaceful spot and friendly camp host. Great shower/bathroom facilities (could be little cooler in there in the summer)

  • B
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Bad Management Ready To Ruin Your Holiday

    This park is beautiful, clean and the people were friendly. My issue is with the site supervisor and superintendent. On July 4th 2025 we were given the option of moving our entire campsite or being kicked out of the park. JULY 4TH! We booked our campsite in the last week of April, paid in full. We were the second party to book any spot in the entire campground! We chose our spot specifically for the access to the water and seclusion from the rest of the sites. Come to find out(a day after we set up camp) we booked in "horse camp" which apparently requires you to have horses. It never stated this on the website or rental confirmation we received. Nobody reached out to us in the three months we held the booking to confirm if we had horses. There was no on-site check in that could have saved us the trouble. No, instead we had to take 4 hours out of our holiday to pack all of our stuff and move into overflow camping or be forced to leave. Because of their mistake. Absolutely ruined our holiday with zero remorse or understanding. The icing on the cake was as we were leaving horse camp we noticed multiple other camp sites where people had not brought horses. They stated this happens all the time. If site management had two braincells to rub together they would fix their website instead of consistently ruining peoples trips and holidays. And then these people had the audacity to say they weren't going to charge us for the campsite they moved us to?!?! In reality, we should be receiving a full refund for the campsite we did pay for and free passes for the rest of the year. There is a second state campground on the other side of the lake I would suggest before coming to this place.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    D & W Lake RV Park

    Lovely hideway

    Very nice looking campground. When we drove in, 1st impression, it gave off a "Welcome" feel. Check-in was easy, we were pre-paid, we were taken directly to our pull-thru site. Stayed only 1 night, had planned 2 but had issues had to call and cancel 1 night. Sites level, plenty of space between campers, shade trees, loved the dog run too. Overall it was a very nice well kept campground. I'm glad we made a reservation. We enjoyed our stay.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Robinson City Park

    Nice park

    Very clean only 4 hookups. You can pay at the swimming pool. $25/per night

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2025

    Hawthorn County Park

    Quiet , good stopping point

    We passed through here and stayed the night. Prices are a little high compared to when you receive but the park is beautiful.

    We stayed at site 1 thinking it would be nice for the kids to be next to a park but the park was pretty dull.


Guide to Charleston

Camping near Charleston, IL, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this charming area.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The trails are nice as well. This park is a must for any type of camping." Another camper noted, "Hiked 3 trails all well kept. Trail 3 favorite."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Fowler County Park, you can fish or kayak. A reviewer shared, "They stock the lake. There's a boat ramp and bank access to kayak."
  • Family Activities: Terre Haute Campground is great for kids. One parent said, "Lots of free activities for kids. Friendly and helpful staff."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Kickapoo State Recreation Area. A visitor remarked, "Clean, spacious shower houses."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Okaw Valley Kampground. One camper said, "Big, semiforested plots, which are far enough apart to feel very private."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Camp Lakewood are noted for being welcoming to families. A reviewer mentioned, "Cute lake, very family friendly, lots of amenities, amazingly clean."

What you should know

  • Raccoon Encounters: Be cautious of raccoons at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One camper warned, "They will come right up to you without hesitation, so don’t be alarmed if there’s one next to you while you cook s’mores."
  • Site Sizes Vary: At Weldon Springs State Park Campground, some sites may not be as spacious as advertised. A visitor noted, "A 40-foot site might only be 20 feet."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Coon Creek, may have older facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "The handicap accessible shower/restroom combo... needed a good bleaching."

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with plenty of activities, like Shakamak State Park, which offers hiking, biking, and fishing. One family said, "This park is our absolute favorite State Park!"
  • Check for Kid-Friendly Features: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools, such as Terre Haute Campground. A parent shared, "Clean nice bathrooms."
  • Bring Snacks and Drinks: Stock up on snacks for the kids. One camper at Fowler County Park mentioned, "Mossy but we casted over it no problem and never had any issues."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Accessibility: Before booking, ensure your RV can fit in the site. A reviewer at Terre Haute Campground said, "We liked this site as there are trees but they won’t get in the way of parking maneuvers."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds have tight turns, so be cautious. A visitor at Camp Lakewood noted, "The sites are pretty open and very close together."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Make sure to use the sanitary dump stations available at campgrounds like Okaw Valley Kampground to keep your RV clean and ready for the next adventure.

Camping near Charleston, IL, offers a mix of fun, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you're with family or friends, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Charleston, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Charleston, IL is Fox Ridge State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.