Beth M.
Scout
ScoutCamp A While
Good overnighter
Pros: Full hookups. I had a long pull through site. Lots of shade. Wifi was good for tv streaming. Cons: No bathrooms, shower, etc. Fairly busy and noisy road just a outside camp area.
Camping near Chatham, IL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Chatham, Illinois range from full-service RV parks to primitive tent sites, with several options within a 20-mile radius of town. The Double J Campground and RV Park offers full hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections, while Sangchris Lake State Park Campground provides both developed sites and more rustic camping experiences. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Springfield KOA and Sangchris Lake also offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from April through October or early November. The Illinois State Fair Campground operates seasonally from April 1 to October 31, while Sangchris Lake State Park remains open from April through mid-January. Summer months bring higher temperatures and occasional thunderstorms, making spring and fall particularly pleasant for camping. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during weekends and holidays. Water and electric hookups are common at established sites, though primitive camping areas may have limited facilities. A visitor noted, "Sangchris Lake State Park Campground has spacious sites and well-kept grounds. Restrooms were clean. Lots of trails, and Lake Sangchris is very close by for fishing and kayaking."
Campers consistently mention the proximity to Springfield attractions as a significant advantage when staying near Chatham. The area provides convenient access to historical sites, including Abraham Lincoln-related destinations that are approximately 20 minutes away. Several reviews highlight the quality of facilities at local campgrounds, with clean bathrooms and showers frequently mentioned as positive features. Road noise can be an issue at some locations closer to highways, particularly at The Double J Campground which sits near Interstate access. A camper wrote, "We stayed here in order to visit Springfield, Illinois, and we really enjoyed this spot. The sites are a good size, the campground is easily accessible from the highway, and there are nice amenities." Many campgrounds in the region feature fishing opportunities, with Sangchris Lake being particularly popular for anglers and boaters seeking recreational activities beyond camping.
Best Campgrounds near Chatham (42)
1. The Double J Campground and RV Park
"One advantage of being so close to the interstate is that it is very handy for travelers passing through needing a place to crash for a night or two. In fact, we saw a lot of that during our stay."
"We stayed here in order to visit Springfield, Illinois, and we really enjoyed this spot."
2. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
"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."
3. Springfield KOA
"Nice and quiet campground, we stay there during the Illinois State Fair every August and it is about 20 mins away from the fairgrounds."
"The tent site is down a little gravel path, and near the woods."
4. Illinois State Fair Campground
"Not too close to your neighbor. Take time to walk around the fairgrounds as they are pretty. The 4H building has a lovely garden out front."
"20 per night for a a pull behind RV on an electric/water site. $30 for a full hookup. Large clean bathrooms, dated but useable."
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
"The primitive sites were perfectly quiet and away from others. Toilet was close and so was parking. I kind of miss tent camping!!!"
"Bathrooms are basic and in the front of the camp loops so you have a walk if you stay in the back like I did. Also, water is in the center of the loop so not very convenient. "
6. Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
"As mentioned, only well water available on the campgrounds here, however you still have access to amenities available at hickory point just a short drive away."
"The showers are at the Hickory Point campground (just a minute or two drive) and available for use with the Deer Run camp sites as well."
7. Riverside Park
"All RV/ camper sites are close to the bath and shower houses. We had electricity and water hookups and a picnic table available."
"Lots of fun trails with great views! Most trails are accessible from the parking area. Good for pictures at sunrise and sunset!"
from $20 - $50 / night
8. Waverly Lake City Park
9. The Kampground
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability10. Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
"Like the quite agricultural Illinois environment but suggest shopping for your needs prior to leaving larger cities as most of the few small towns are limited to a Bar and Dollar store."
"From our cabin we walked grassy paths to a lovely bridge. Around the pond's perimeter are dispersed sites for tent-camping or possibly day-use."
from $6 / night
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Drive Time
- 8 min from Springfield, IL
- 48 min from Decatur, IL
- 1 hr 8 min from Bloomington, IL
- 1 hr 15 min from Peoria, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Chatham, IL
20 Photos of 42 Chatham Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Springfield KOA
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State ParkC
Illinois State Fair CampgroundR
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Waverly Lake City Park
Hidden RidgeT
Country Bend CampgroundK
Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
Lazy Days RV Park & Campground
Beaver Dam State Park Campground
Rustic Acres Jellystone
Recent Reviews near Chatham, IL
191 Reviews of 42 Chatham Campgrounds
Matthew H.ScoutSangchris Lake State Park Campground
Lakeside View
Campground host is super cool. Best campground in the Springfield area, in my opinion!
- JJack G.Scout
The Double J Campground and RV Park
Greta stop
Great stop for Route 66 we sorted it all online late at night. Lovely and quiet with amazing facilities that are worth the price
- IIrene M.
GuideLake Taylorville City Campground
In the middle of long-term campers
Challenge to find the assigned camping site, which turned out to be on a slope with a picnic table in the middle of it, which I was unable to move, so I took another spot that was somewhat flatter. There are only 12 overnight campsites at this campground which do have concrete slabs however they are all very slanted and the electric box is a ways away. In addition, the bathhouse is no where near these sites.
Cha M.ScoutSangchris Lake State Park Campground
Common smaller campground with great views
This is the bigger campground between hickory point and deer run options. The shower house, snack shop, and city water are onsite. There are vault toilets near the primitive camping, as well as another water spigot. Playground, pavillion, and sand volleyball court give options to entertain kids, with plenty of fishing, trails, and lake views to entertain the adults. We primitive camped here at the closest site to the parking. #57 is the closest, with the rest of the primitive sites being more of a trek to the site. However, the privacy, quietness, and views are 100% worth the trek to us. We did camp with a doggo, who does bark at passerby’s that are “too close” in her opinion but otherwise doesn’t. All the campers during our stay except for one very disruptive couple, did not complain at all and many came to give her loves or treats to help prevent further barking when they passed by. And honestly, the couple that did make the comment, clearly need to be at different campgrounds because the host had to come break them up after quiet hours began and they didn’t respect that rule. We also then were woken up by the same couple as they were packing up the next morning due to them yelling at each other. The hosts did try to make sure they slowed down while passing this site though, and I do believe if we had made some sort of complaint to them, they would have handled it immediately. We love this campground, and honestly we feel as if anywhere there are rvs allowed, you will likely have someone make a comment about the dog. It’s never been other tent campers, even the ones on electric sites. The snack shop has ice (currently $3 even a bag, with hosts including tax in the $3 to make it easier for campers), firewood bundles (not sure on price) as well as many smaller campground necessities including snacks and drinks, some fishing tackle, and some other camping things such as bug spray and sunblock. I did not check any prices on those. There is technically a bait shop also nearby, though between two longer stays here and at deer run, we’ve only seen him open once. And according to one of the hosts, he doesn’t seem to have “regular hours” other than he’s for sure closed Sundays and Mondays. The following Tuesday after learning this, he was also closed all day. So I’m not sure about anything there. He does also have an ice machine outside though.
- Cha M.Scout
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
Small, quiet, state park camping
Couple camping here, spent multiple nights in a row in primitive camping here. As mentioned, only well water available on the campgrounds here, however you still have access to amenities available at hickory point just a short drive away. Shower house and city water available that way. Playground for kiddos on site. Lots of people bring pets, including equestrian for those campsite. Those do include the post to tie up on at each site. The hosts (bob and dawn were really checking in on us that stay, including being able to help when we accidentally killed our car battery. They also made thorough and consistent rounds which we appreciated. Also had Lynn, one of the idnr guys here, come back at the end of his shift to make sure we had learned about the storms coming in. He even checked in again the next chance he got to make sure we were okay still. We did end up leaving early, to which there is not refunds (I think this is state parks in general) however at $6 a night for primitive, we took that loss especially during an extreme heat warning (for multiple days). If you want a quieter campsite, I would recommend this one over hickory point as hickory point seems to be more RVers instead of the more primitive style of camping tends to be.
- WWilliam M.
TravelerSherwood Forest
Great spot by lake
This place was amazing other than the humidity (mid july). Showed up and the hosts were super nice and helped me to my spot. They have lots of camper spots, most seemed like long term campers. I used a tent and had a great spot near the lake. No other tent campers around. They have a good open spot for tents that you just find a spot and set up. Campers seemed nice and we re quiet.
- IIndia J.Traveler
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
Great campground, private and quiet primitive sites!
We've stayed at Hickory Point before, but this was our first time at Deer Run. It has not disappointed! The primitive sites (there are 5 with no electric or water hookups) are off set in the back of the campground, providing privacy and quiet, which is what we were going for this time. The primitive sites without electric or water are $6 a night, and you can for pay up to 14 nights at a time. There are electric and water hook up sites for $8 a night, they just aren't as private but still lovely! The showers are at the Hickory Point campground (just a minute or two drive) and available for use with the Deer Run camp sites as well. There are well water spigots at Dee Run and Hickory Point, but the city water spigot is at Hickory Point only. It rained quite a bit our first two nights here, but there are so many trees covering the primitive sites you couldn't really feel it until it was thunder storming. We stayed nice and dry inside the tent. There are a LOT of sassy raccoons who will still your food - and the containers that never had food in them in fact- as well waking up to crows cawing every morning- may not be everyone's thing, but I sure enjoy that aspect. The hosts are fantastic and make rounds every 2-3 hours each day, anything we've needed they e been able to help with or point us in the direction to go next. Great campground to stay at, whether for a night or a week, no complaints here thus far!
Chris G.ScoutCamp A While
Quiet and small - great for overnight stop
Called last minute and owner was helpful and clear. Price was great and we got water & electric we needed. Very quiet place and away from busy highways but convenient. If traveling through the area would definitely consider again. We had a class C so was easy, but may be more challenging for a larger rig. Owner's dog was older, slow and very friendly. Opposite of our two small puppies :)
If looking for a quick overnight that allows you to rest for the next day this is a good option.
Guide to Chatham
Camping options near Chatham, Illinois include primitive tent sites, full hookup areas, and everything in between within a 25-mile radius. The region experiences warm summers with average July temperatures around 86°F, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions in the 60-75°F range. Seasonal campgrounds typically operate from April through October, with a few extending into early winter.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Sangchris Lake State Park Campground, anglers can access multiple fishing docks directly from the campground. "We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from. Spotty reception but it's great to unplug," notes camper Kaitlin D. The lake is particularly known for bass fishing.
Historical exploration: The Illinois State Fair Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring Lincoln-related historical sites. A visitor mentioned, "1 mile from Lincoln's Tomb. Short drive 2.5 miles to Lincoln home." Camping here provides convenient access to numerous historic attractions without requiring lengthy drives.
Nature trails: Hiking paths around Waverly Lake City Park offer scenic views with minimal crowds. "Lots of fun trails with great views! Most trails are accessible from the parking area. Good for pictures at sunrise and sunset!" according to camper Layton F. The lake area remains relatively undeveloped, providing a more natural experience.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance at The Double J Campground and RV Park. "Honestly amazed by how clean and well maintained this campground is. River rock driveways (not gravel) and sites- well packed down and regularly grated," wrote Jessica T. The campground features regularly maintained roads and sites that hold up well even after rain.
Family-friendly amenities: The Springfield KOA features numerous recreational options for families. One camper noted, "The campground is very nice, a lot of amenities for families like pool, little bikes, miniature golf and horseshoes." These facilities make the campsite near Chatham, Illinois particularly suitable for families with children who need entertainment options.
Spacious sites: Deer Run Campground at Sangchris Lake offers generous camping areas, especially in the primitive section. "The sites were large and the primitive sites at the back were incredibly beautiful! The prices were very low," reports Colin H. The campground balances accessibility with a feeling of seclusion.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Wind can be significant at certain campgrounds near Chatham. At Prairie Lake Campground, a camper observed, "This is a really nice campground but the only downside is that it can be pretty windy." Several reviews mention wind as a factor, particularly at newer campgrounds with limited tree cover.
Reservation requirements: While some campgrounds require advance bookings, others operate on a first-come basis. At Sangchris Lake, one visitor noted, "They are first come, first served, and a short walk from the parking spots. There are tons of RV sites also, although the host said most all are reservable and only a handful are firstcome, first served."
Site conditions: The terrain at camping areas varies significantly. At Riverside Park, a camper reported, "Firepit was overgrown with grass and the stone ring was broken but that was an easy fix. Plus they do let you bring in your own firewood so that's always nice." Preparing for possible site maintenance issues ensures a better camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many campsites near Chatham include play areas for children. At Sangchris Lake State Park, a camper mentioned, "It does have a great play area but nothing else for kids. Good shower houses. Surrounded by nothing but trees and stars." For families, selecting a campground with dedicated children's facilities can make a significant difference.
Insect preparation: Be ready for seasonal insect activity in the area. One camper at Waverly Lake warned, "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." Bringing appropriate repellents and protective clothing is essential.
Educational opportunities: The proximity to Springfield provides educational day trips for families. From the Illinois State Fair Campground, a visitor noted, "Lots of walkers that use the fairgrounds. Felt safe and very close to the sights." The campground serves as an affordable base for exploring historical attractions with children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifics: The Illinois State Fair Campground offers various camping setups. "One row of full hookups, like a parking lot layout. Not much space between campers however if you don't need full hookups lots of elec only spots. Two large parking lots for RVs and lots of grass spots," explains a reviewer. Knowing exactly what hookups are available helps RVers plan appropriately.
Site surfaces: At The Double J Campground, the construction of sites receives particular attention. A camper noted, "River rock driveways (not gravel) and sites- well packed down and regularly grated." This type of surface holds up better in wet conditions compared to standard gravel, making it easier to level RVs.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds in the area have seasonal operating schedules that affect RV camping. At Sangchris Lake, the season runs "April 1 to January 16," providing a longer window than many other local options that close by early November. Winter RV camping options are limited in the Chatham area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Chatham, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Chatham, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chatham, IL is The Double J Campground and RV Park with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.
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