Best Camping 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, IL (68)

    Camper-submitted photo from Fox Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fox Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fox Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fox Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fox Ridge State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fox Ridge State Park Campground

    1. Fox Ridge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    12 Photos
    41 Saves
    Charleston, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Point State Park Campground

    2. Walnut Point State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    17 Photos
    44 Saves
    Oakland, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground

    3. Spring Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    43 Photos
    48 Saves
    Neoga, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)

    4. Coon Creek (IL)

    18 Reviews
    76 Photos
    122 Saves
    Shelbyville, Illinois

    Overview

    Coon Creek is a large campground that sits on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. Families enjoy the playground, swimming area and shaded campsites within the facility. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing. Click Here for the Lake Shelbyville Virtual Tour

    Recreation

    Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. Coon Creek provides a boat ramp, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake. Hunting areas within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock. Visitors can also explore the lake shore on foot via a 0.7-mile nature trail within the facility.

    Facilities

    Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. Coon Creek provides a boat ramp, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake. Hunting areas within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock. Visitors can also explore the lake shore on foot via a 0.7-mile nature trail within the facility.

    Natural Features

    This facility overlooks the lake shore and is heavily forested with plenty of shade. Oak and hickory are the lake region's dominant tree species, and foliage turns a variety of red, orange, purple and yellow each fall, while prairie flowers dot the landscape in spring and summer. Numerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors inhabit the lake area, as do mammals such as cottontail rabbit, white-tail deer, gray and fox squirrel, muskrat and mink.

    Nearby Attractions

    Wolf Creek State Park, Woods Lake Waterfowl Refuge and Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex are popular locations for wildlife watching, birding and hunting near Lake Shelbyville.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 / night

  • 5. Camp Lakewood

    15 Reviews
    27 Photos
    22 Saves
    Effingham, Illinois

    We are your premier Effingham, Illinois Campground family owned and operated by Kiefer Campgrounds. We are an RV Park and Campground ideally located on the north shores of Lake Pauline in scenic South Central Illinois. If you are searching for a quiet and peaceful setting within 1 mile of I-70 and I-57, call or book online today!

    Camp Lakewood Campground is open year round

    **Hours of Operation: **

    All Kiefer Campgrounds are open 24 hours a day. Our registration office and store hours vary depending on season. Site deliveries will be made only during open office/store hours. Night check-in is available anytime the office is closed and you can reserve online 24 hours a day.

    Campground Policies:

    1. Parents and visitors are responsible for the conduct of their children while on the premises. Children must be at their campsite during quiet hours which are 10pm to 7am. An adult must accompany small children when using the restrooms or while in the game room.
    2. Use existing campfire rings only. Do not move fire rings. Do not burn or put trash in fire rings. No outside wood is allowed inside the campground.
    3. There are no tents allowed on RV sites.
    4. There is only one tent allowed per tent site.
    5. Please place all garbage in the trash dumpster located across the parking lot from the office.
    6. No dirt bikes, ATV’s, or mini-bikes ridden in the campground.
    7. RV/vehicle washing is not permitted in the campground.
    8. Our campground is not responsible for accidents resulting in injury to guests and/or damages to their property, or for the loss of valuables of any kind.
    9. Do not run generators in the park.
    10. Internet access is provided as a free service to our guests; however, we are not responsible for any damages to files, hardware, or any other problems that may occur as a result of your usage. Outages can and do occur. In the event of an outage, every attempt will be made to restore internet service as quickly as possible.
    11. Do not damage trees in any way.
    12. No lines stretched between trees or across camp sites.
    13. Anyone not abiding by the campground rules will be asked to leave with no refund.
    14. The office reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.
    15. All campsites will be paid for in advance at the time of registration.

    Pool Policy:

    The pool is open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9:00 a.m. to dusk. There is no lifeguard on duty. State law requires that anyone (15) fifteen years old or younger be accompanied by a guardian of (21) twenty-one years of age or older while in and/or around a pool area. Therefore, we will ask any children swimming without an appropriate guardian to leave the pool and pool area. We put your child’s safety above all else, and we hope you agree with us. We also must stipulate the following while in the pool area: NO smoking, NO pets, NO food nor drinks, and NO diving and/or running for safety purposes.

    Golf Cart Policy:

    We now allow privately owned golf carts on our properties! All drivers must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. All drivers must sign a liability waiver before using their cart on property. The owner of the cart is financially responsible for any damage caused by their cart to the campground property or any other camper’s property on the grounds.

    Pet Policy:

    We love pets! We welcome all non-aggressive pets that visit us on a leash with their owner attached. Please remember that others walk where you and your pet walk, so please pick up what they leave behind. If we all do our part, no one will be stepping into anything unpleasant. Please keep your pets feeling safe at all times. Pets often do not like being left alone in a strange place or around strange humans and may need your assistance and reassurance.

    Check In/Check Out Policy:

    All campsites will be paid for in advance (at check-in). Check-in time begins at 1:00 p.m. Check-out time is 12:00 p.m. for campsites and 11:00 a.m. for cottages and cabins. If you need a late check-out, please make arrangements with the office.

    **Campsite Policy: **

    We allow only one (1) camping unit and six people per site. Additional charges will occur for more than two adults per site. Only one passenger vehicle allowed per site. All others are asked to park in the visitors parking. If you have concerns with this guideline, please contact the office.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $35 - $999 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Casey KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Casey KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Casey KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Casey KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Casey KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Casey KOA

    6. Casey KOA

    6 Reviews
    9 Photos
    8 Saves
    Charleston, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood

    7. Forrest W. Bo Wood

    8 Reviews
    15 Photos
    23 Saves
    Sullivan, Illinois

    Overview

    Forrest W. ''Bo'' Wood Recreation Area has a large campground on the northern shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing. Click here for a virtual tour of the Lake Shelbyville area.

    Recreation

    Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the water, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake. Hunting areas located within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

    Facilities

    Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the water, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake. Hunting areas located within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

    Natural Features

    This facility lies on the shoreline with a steep descent down to the water. Oak and hickory forests offer plenty of shade. Foliage turns a variety of red, orange, purple and yellow each fall, while prairie flowers dot the landscape in spring and summer. Numerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors inhabit the lake area, as do mammals such as cottontail rabbit, white-tail deer, gray and fox squirrel, muskrat and mink.

    Nearby Attractions

    Wolf Creek State Park, Woods Lake Waterfowl Refuge and Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex are popular locations for wildlife watching, birding and hunting near Lake Shelbyville.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Bo Wood

    8. Bo Wood

    7 Reviews
    33 Photos
    32 Saves
    Sullivan, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $18 - $48 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    9. Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    17 Photos
    58 Saves
    Findlay, Illinois

    This recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Creek State Park Campground

    10. Eagle Creek State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    21 Photos
    58 Saves
    Findlay, Illinois

    This recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 68 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Charleston

Recent Reviews In Charleston

219 Reviews of 68 Charleston Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Plainview Campground — Lincoln Trail State Park
    September 20, 2024

    Plainview Campground — Lincoln Trail State Park

    Dog poop in the site and loud neighbors

    I was not a fan. I was tenting and there was not a great spot for the tent and there was dog poop everywhere (tracked some in the tent when setting up so I wasn't pleased). Also a bunch of large Widowmakers in the trees above was nerve-wracking. The people around me were LOUD! One dude listening to a college football game until past 10 and a guy and his kid playing glow Frisbee right in from of my tent past 10 as well. As I was on a road trip and wanted to get to sleep, this was not appreciated.. On th e good side, the bathrooms were very clean. I would NOT stay here again

  • Camper-submitted photo from D & W Lake RV Park
    September 19, 2024

    D & W Lake RV Park

    Lovely campground

    Lovely little campground with its own little lake. Well maintained. Clean laundry. Friendly and helpful owner. Visible presence throughout campground checking that all is well.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
    September 12, 2024

    Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area

    nice

    I enjoyed playing here in Australia. cocoacasino.live , I found a great way to play and earn money online, all thanks to this online site, it's really easy to win and I definitely like it, you can also try it and I guarantee you won't regret your choice because it's incredibly cool to play here!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    September 1, 2024

    Spring Creek Campground

    Great little quiet camp ground

    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. Bob showed up as I pulled in and made sure I was all set for the night. This place is going in my saved list for sure.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
    August 29, 2024

    Coon Creek (IL)

    Unfriendly park attendants

    Check in crabby park attendants. Tried to change to another site that was available, I was told they only check people in and out, that was it! I was told to flag down a Ranger for help. My family will never come here again!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollar Campground
    August 29, 2024

    Hickory Hollar Campground

    alexseen

    Scrolling through my phone, I decided to try something different, and that’s when I found lucky star. The site’s design is simple but nice, and it’s easy to find your way around. I played a few games on lucky star, and they were actually pretty fun and not too complicated, even for someone like me who’s new to this. The bonuses make it feel like you’re getting a little something extra each time, which keeps it exciting. I didn’t expect much going in, but it turned out to be a really good time. I’ll definitely be back when I need a break from everything else.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fairview Park Campground
    August 23, 2024

    Fairview Park Campground

    If you're planning a camping trip

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  • Camper-submitted photo from Friends Creek Campground
    July 7, 2024

    Friends Creek Campground

    Clean, spacious sites, nice amenities

    Friends Creek is a small campground with nice spacious sites and super clean bathhouses and pit toilets. The fire pits are well kept and the camp host was very kind! He came around with suckers for the kids and just to check in. We hiked a bit on the trails and played in the creek. Highly recommend.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fowler County Park
    June 2, 2024

    Fowler County Park

    Amazing view and fishing

    Got in late after a spurratic decision to camp. Got here and found that point 5 was open and we tried it. Beautiful view, nice people, and great lake access. Mossy but we casted over it no problem and never had any issues.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oblong Park and Lake
    May 31, 2024

    Oblong Park and Lake

    Beautiful, well maintained

    Beautifully maintained, would like to see a small concession stand for soft drinks and ice cream for the kiddos.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Point State Park Campground
    April 14, 2024

    Walnut Point State Park Campground

    Loved our stay!

    This is a lovely campground with large dispersed camp sites. There is an on-site restaurant that has stayed busy, and we are here the second weekend of April. Cafe also sells firewood when in stock and rents out boats and kayaks. John, the host is very sweet! Electric only with a dump station. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained, I like that size of the showers. Fishing is good. A beautiful weekend for our first time here.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollar Campground
    April 8, 2024

    Hickory Hollar Campground

    Nice short term camp

    Very friendly and helpful owners. Very accommodating. We were here for the eclipse and was fantastic for that. Some of the facilities such as kayaking etc not open yet due to time of year.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fowler County Park
    October 19, 2023

    Fowler County Park

    Beautiful lake

    This is our family favorite camp park in Terre Haute! Has great hiking trails, a covered bridge with historical log cabins for festivals. They have 1 cabin you can rent out. Bring your fishing gear, they stock the lake. There's and boat ramp and bank access to kayak. They have some pull through for your big riggs and some sand beds for your tent camping

  • Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Creek
    October 19, 2023

    Prairie Creek

    Woody with plenty of space

    Lots of trees and wild life with hiking trails. Nice little pond to fish or watch the geese. Spacious camp site at a good price.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Casey KOA
    September 25, 2023

    Casey KOA

    Owner is not good with people

    When asked why I couldn't put up a small fence for my dogs he went to great details to tell me why dogs had a bad rep in his park. When I said it wasn't on the website he got extremely angry, came close to attacking me and thru me out of his park and called the police. Don't stay there if you have pets.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fowler County Park
    September 18, 2023

    Fowler County Park

    Flower Park

    Stayed at River Birch 15. Site has a pretty severe grade as the site goes back. If you have a 20+ travel trailer I would be inclined to choose another space. Site mostly level left to right. On the corner next to the road but minimal traffic and close walk to the dumpsters and bath house. Nice shade. River Birch is definitely the more popular loop and was full Thursday night versus barely any campers at the other 2 loops.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    September 10, 2023

    Spring Creek Campground

    Fair

    Campground with mostly electric only sites. The bathroom is not very clean and needs attention. Sites are gravel, with some kind of level and some not.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Campground
    September 6, 2023

    Arrowhead Campground

    Ignore the long description!

    BEWARE: The super long narrative has absolutely NOTHING to do with this campground! Had it been written by the owner, I would have given it zero stars. This lengthy description might describe the general area but not this facility. It’s a nice, very tiny campground right next to the road into town on which some locals apparently enjoy ‘rolling coal’ at 90 miles an hour. Walking a dog is a bit risky. Good place for a quick overnight though. Power was good but let the water run a bit because it’s brown when first turned on.  Payment CASH ONLY.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Creek
    August 24, 2023

    Prairie Creek

    Hottest part of the year

    We were one of the only groups camping, quiet pretty clean, would have given 5 stars if not for the dogs that ran off waking us up one morning and the lawn mowers waking us the next. Great fishing don’t forget to get a license!! Clean showers & restrooms! Easy to reserve online and plenty of spots for travel trailers.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    July 31, 2023

    Forrest W. Bo Wood

    Not a lot of privacy for tent camping

    This was a quick overnight in a tent on a road trip for me. Site 75 was what was available when I booked last minute. It's level with grass to pitch a tent but definitely in a loop of the park better suited to travel trailers/RVs etc. Not much privacy between sites but backs up to woods. The bathrooms were clean with good hot showers. Would return again if I could snag a tent loop site.



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.

  • What parks are near Charleston, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Charleston, IL that allow camping, notably Lake Shelbyville and Cecil M. Harden Lake.