Best Tent Camping near Charleston, IL

Looking for the best Charleston tent camping? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Charleston with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Illinois camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Charleston, IL (7)

    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)

      2. Spillway (IL)

      3 Reviews
      3 Photos
      4 Saves
      Shelbyville, Illinois

      Overview

      Spillway is a day use area on the shore of the Kaskaskia River just below the Lake Shelbyville dam.

      Situated in the heart of central Illinois, the river, lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, picnicking and simply relaxing by the water.

      Natural Features:

      This facility is mostly open with some wooded areas. Oak and hickory are the dominant tree species.

      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.

      Recreation:

      Spillway is a fun place to relax along the river. It has plenty of open space and a playground for children.

      Lake Shelbyville and the Kaskaskia River also offer a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. For those without boats, there are also several ponds with farmed fish 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:

      This facility has a reservable picnic shelter that can accommodate 50 people. Six picnic tables, a playground, volleyball courts, fish cleaning station, flush toilets and spigots for drinking water are provided.

      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
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Market
      • No image available
        • No image available

          4. Shady Grove Campground — Hidden Springs State Forest

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          Mode, Illinois

          Shady Grove Campground accommodates groups by reservation only. Ground fires are allowed only in the fire rings provided.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Phone Service
          • Reservable
          • ADA Access
          • Tents
          • No image available

            5. Dam East (Day Use)

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            Shelbyville, Illinois

            Overview

            Dam East Day Use Area sits above the 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, picnicking and simply relaxing by the water.

            Natural Features:

            This facility sits above the lake with a steep descent to the shoreline. Oak and hickory trees dominate the landscape.

            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.

            Recreation:

            With a playground, volleyball court and horseshoe pit, Dam East Day Use is a fun place for families to relax along the lake.

            Within a short drive, Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. For those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake.

            Nearby hunting areas offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

            Facilities:

            This facility offers one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 people. Six picnic tables, a large grill, flush toilets and electric hookups are provided.

            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
            • Electric Hookups
            • Reservable
            • Tents
            • Group
            • No image available

              6. Dam West (Day Use)

              Be the first to review!
              Shelbyville, Illinois

              Overview

              Dam West Day Use Area offers reservable group picnic shelters on the 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. Boaters have year-round access to the lake, even during high lake elevations.

              Natural Features:

              This facility is mostly open with a clear view of the lake. About half of the land around the lake is forested, with oak and hickory as the dominant species. 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.

              Recreation:

              Boaters have access to a multi-lane boat ramp and courtesy dock, and hikers can explore the shore using a number of trails. The General Dacey Trail begins at Dam West Recreation Area and makes its way through Shelbyvilles Forrest Park.

              Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. For those without a boat, several managed ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake.

              Hunting areas, located a short drive away, offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

              Facilities:

              Dam West Day Use Area has four group picnic shelters; three can accommodate about 50 people each, while one can host up to 100. The shelters each have six picnic tables, and the facility provides volleyball courts, a large public beach with showers and a playground.

              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
              • Electric Hookups
              • Reservable
              • Tents
              • Group
              • No image available

                7. Kaskaskia River Camp

                Be the first to review!
                1 Save
                Shelbyville, Illinois

                Tent camping. Limited electric and water. Canoe and boat rentals, bait and showers. On river bank.

                • Fires
                • Tents
                • Trash
                • Picnic Table
                • Showers
                • Drinking Water
              Show More
              Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

              Recent Tent Reviews in Charleston

              238 Reviews of 7 Charleston Campgrounds


              • Carlos G.
                Camper-submitted photo from Percival Springs RV Campground
                Nov. 3, 2024

                Percival Springs RV Campground

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              • Nalu N.
                Camper-submitted photo from Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
                Nov. 2, 2024

                Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area

                Cool

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              • Sara W.
                Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Creek
                Oct. 4, 2024

                Prairie Creek

                Prairie creek

                Men's and women's shower house playground few trails rv tent and camper electric a few primitive sites 2 sites r 50 Amp I think the rest r 30 Amp water gets wonderfully hot Verizon works can have door dash and amazon delivered

              • SThe Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Plainview Campground — Lincoln Trail State Park
                Sep. 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

              • Laurie L.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from D & W Lake RV Park
                Sep. 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.

              • Simon I.
                Camper-submitted photo from Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
                Sep. 12, 2024

                Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area

                nice

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              • Charles K.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
                Sep. 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.

              • D
                Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
                Aug. 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!

              • Andriy
                Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollar Campground
                Aug. 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.

              • R
                Camper-submitted photo from Fairview Park Campground
                Aug. 23, 2024

                Fairview Park Campground

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              • Sara W.
                Camper-submitted photo from Friends Creek Campground
                Jul. 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.

              • S.celeste
                Camper-submitted photo from Camp Lakewood
                Jun. 20, 2024

                Camp Lakewood

                Very pretty

                Tent campsites are a decent size but still pretty close together, and our site had water and eletric hookup. Cute lake, very family friendly, lots of amenities, amazingly clean.

              • KingDredd The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Fowler County Park
                Jun. 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.

              • Sandie R.
                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.

              • Brenda W.
                Camper-submitted photo from Camp Lakewood
                Apr. 22, 2024

                Camp Lakewood

                We think this is a nice relaxing place to spend some well deserved time away from home

                Nice friendly clean

              • Brandi M.
                Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Point State Park Campground
                Apr. 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.

              • Andrew D.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollar Campground
                Apr. 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.

              • Anna O.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Fowler County Park
                Oct. 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

              • Anna O.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Creek
                Oct. 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.

              • steve T.
                Camper-submitted photo from Casey KOA
                Sep. 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.



              Guide to Charleston

              Discovering tent camping near Charleston, Illinois, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several options to consider.

              Tent campers appreciate these amenities

              • Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort provides a clean environment, though it lacks electric hookups and showers, making it ideal for those who prefer a more rustic experience.
              • Spillway (IL) features drinking water, electric hookups, and picnic tables, catering to campers who enjoy a few comforts while still being close to nature.
              • Kaskaskia River Camp offers essential amenities like showers and toilets, ensuring a more convenient stay for tent campers.

              Tips for tent camping near Charleston

              Tent campers like these nearby activities

              Frequently Asked Questions

              • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Charleston, IL?

                According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Charleston, IL is Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

              • What is the best site to find tent camping near Charleston, IL?

                TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Charleston, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.