Best Tent Camping near Cisco, IL
Searching for a tent campsite near Cisco? Find the best tent camping sites near Cisco. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Cisco's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Cisco, IL (8)
2. Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort
Sullivan, Illinois1 Review•5 SavesThis recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville
- Tents
- Drinking Water
3. Spillway (IL)
Shelbyville, Illinois3 Reviews•3 Photos•4 SavesOverview
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
5. Dam West (Day Use)
Be the first to review!Shelbyville, IllinoisOverview
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
6. Dam East (Day Use)
Be the first to review!Shelbyville, IllinoisOverview
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
7. Kaskaskia River Camp
Be the first to review!Shelbyville, Illinois•1 SaveTent camping. Limited electric and water. Canoe and boat rentals, bait and showers. On river bank.
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Showers
- Drinking Water
8. Shady Grove Campground — Hidden Springs State Forest
Be the first to review!Mode, IllinoisShady 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
Recent Tent Reviews in Cisco
308 Reviews of 8 Cisco Campgrounds
Sarah S.
Legend
Comlara County Park
Convenient campground right off of the highway
We were looking for a quick place to spend the night, like a Walmart or gas station when we found this gem. It is only a few miles off the highway, making it super convenient for a quick overnight stop. The campground is very big with lots of sites and since we were there at the end of October, there were not many other people around. We got a beautiful spot right on the lake.
The campground has nice bathrooms and hookups.
Laurie L.
Scout
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.
Aaron B.
Guide
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Lakeside Relaxation
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. About half the sites were filled by the second day we were there. We settled on 62, which is spacious and provides access to the path from the front and behind where you can walk into site 64 as well. A parking area with a single spot for each camp site is well marked and by two vault toilets. Park staff and host were great. A decent fishing spot is just in front of site 64. $8 for IL residents is hard to beat, if you don't need an RV spot with electric. A water source is also by the parking spots. The weekend we were there the weather had cooled some and a great breeze was coming off the lake. Springfield being so close is a bonus.
The only negative is like any spot and how previous people leave the camp looking before you are there. Some garbage in the fire pit and random spots are par for the course in any state park. Pick up the trash and dump it in the dumpster by the parking lot. Leave the site better than you found it is our motto.
- DDaveScout
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!
Linda N.
Traveler
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
Memorabe trip
One of our favorite camping trips so far!
We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on.
Sites were somewhat open but there were tons of trees and grass behind each spot so it didn’t feel so exposed. We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole.
We heard the toilets and shower house were brought a portable toilet since we have small kids who might not make it to the outhouse so we never used the campground toilet/facilities.
Definitely our vibe of being more secluded and on the water.
SteveScout
Prairie Pines Campground
Comfortable campground
People are very nice and the campgrounds are clean. Plenty of site room and clean and updated shower and washing machines. Rates have gone up to $40 per night
MickandKarla W.LegendPrairie Pines Campground
Nice Campground
Our Garmin RV GPS’ conflicted with our new Ford RV navigation, wanting to take us a more direct route and Garmin through town to this city park. Either route would have worked but suggest you locate the campground(CG) on the map and verify the route with Google Maps or Waze. Check-in was at the camp host site near where you enter the campground near the shower house building in the center of the CG. After a quick check-in we were escorted to site 13 with FHUs. This site is technically a back-in but our host brought us around by the swing set to make it an easy pull-through. The utilities worked well and we got 3 bars on Verizon. There are a lot of mature trees. They have a nice shower house complete with laundry. This CG was well kept and a great choice for an overnight stay as we headed to our home base near St. Louis, MO.
Sara W.Traveler
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.
- LLinda N.Scout
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
Great visit with the family
We had a fantastic time here. We came during Fourth of July and never felt like it was overly crowded. Sites were spacious but wasn’t much privacy, which didn’t bother us because it allowed for our kids to play with the other kids easily. Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole. We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests. We did not use the toilets or showers, although it looked like they were in working order as others were using then. We had a cloudless night and the stars were spectacular.
Nick W.Guide
Kentuckiana Campground
Great family atmosphere
Great place for kids. Decent little parks. Huge slide in the holler. Spots are kind of cramped and close together, one of our favorite places though!
Betty D.Scout
Spillway (IL)
Great
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Stuart K.LegendComlara County Park
Lakefront Camping Bliss Albeit Sans Privacy
Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site. One moment you’ll be driving down the well-paved country road with golden tassles of corn popping up on either side of you and the very next, you’ll turn into a wooded sanctuary that is punctuated by the marvelous Evergreen Lake, which was built in 1970 and is some 925 acres in size with an average depth of nearly 20 feet and 50 feet at its deepest.
It is this fresh body of water that really makes Comlara County Park stand-out from just about anything else in the surrounding area. It has not one but two outstanding boat launches as well as a separate launch for canoes and kayaks. There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in – which you will predominantly find largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, saugeye, muskellunge and crappie – as well as a small individual isle called Deer Island, although when we explored the small land mass, no deer were to be found. There’s boat rentals and a bait shop that is available on the weekends only as well as a proper beach head with swimming available 7 days a week during the summertime (Memorial Day – Labor Day).
As far as the campground(s) are concerned – if you look closely, there's actually not 1, not 2, not even 3, but actually 4 to choose from – but if you add up all of the 144 campsites (apart from the primitive camping options) collectively, they are spaced a little too close to comfort for my taste, which when you add on top of that there isn’t much brush or anything separating you from your neighbors camping alongside of you. This is likely my biggest complaint: privacy. If that doesn’t matter to you and you enjoying being in a large wide open space chock full with other tents, RVs and 5th wheelers, then Comlara County Park is a great choice for you.
I would first begin by pointing out that the entire Comlara Park is very well organized, kept impeccably clean and very easy to navigate with relatively good roads and decent signage. It feels as though whether you are looking for a trail to hike, a spot to launch your kayak, biking trails to navigate or finding a fishing hole to cast a line, everything seems as though it is in very close reach and just a short walk away. All of the 144 campsites are made available on a first-come, first served basis, with 94 including 30 / 50 amp electric while 23 are non-electric sites, with the 11 remaining devoid of any hook-ups.
For my tent-pitching primitive bredren, there’s 16 walk-in sites in the main recreation area (I guess that is situated amongst or in-between the other 3 campgrounds that exist here), but there is a completely separate whole other area (oh, and located completely in a different county altogether), which is technically a completely different campground in a completely separate physical location with these 16 primitive campsites.
With amenities in mind, aside from the greatest asset being Evergreen Lake itself and beyond the associated amenities that have already been highlighted (e.g. boat launch, beach, canoe / boat rental, bait shop) there’s 3 kid’s playground, at least 5 large shelters by my count, at least 3 his / her bathroom and shower facilities as well as scattered in-ground fire rings, water spigots (basically planted every 3rd or 4th site) stand-up BBQ grills as well as the prerequisite picnic tables, all of which were in very condition during our stay. There’s only one dump station, which seemed odd considering that there’s at least 3 campgrounds if not 4 here and 144 sites collecting garbage at a single time. There is firewood, ice and fishing worms available at the visitors center and campground station in the main area.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If like me you are a primitive tent camper and on the look out for some pretty amazing, not-so-EZ places on earth to really feel like you are out enjoying pristine, undisturbed nature, then you’ll want to have a very close look at the primitive camping areas west of Evergreen Lake over near White Oak. There’s 16 or so simply excellent lakefront sites over here along with your own boat dock; (2) Should you be ‘herd camping’ with a much larger group, there’s actually a simply fantastic hidden group camping oasis over here in White Oaks as well that you can get away from it all; (3) In the event that you grow weary of cooking up franks & beans again for dinner, you’ll have a decent drive to either El Paso, where there’s a Monical’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, Casey’s, El Paso Mexican or, upgrade yourself to The Local Tap, which is a craft kitchen and alehouse serving up some excellent fare. Of course, you could head into Bloomington, of which you will find everything, but that’s a bit of a hike unless, like me, you would make that drive to either have some of the best deep dish pizza Chicago has to offer, Giordano’s, or one of the greatest sausage and Italian beef joints in the world, Portillo’s.
Happy Camping!
Anne W.Guide
Harry L Swartz Campground
Beautiful campground but very busy (and noisy)
This is a really lovely spot! There’s 2 bars of Verizon service, a shower house with warm water and flush toilets, as well as pit toilets. There are a few hiking trails that leave from the campground as well. My only problem was that it was extremely busy when I visited and some of my neighbors were quite loud (although they quieted down by quiet hours).
Matt M.TravelerHarry L Swartz Campground
It Was Alright
I wrote out a 4 paragraph review and somehow it was just completley erased. Will update later.
Brandi M.Guide
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.
- JJareth C.
RangerSangchris Lake State Park Campground
Beautiful views
Came here in winter and it’s really beautiful. Lots of amenities and big spots, will come again
- KKayla G.Scout
Eagle Creek State Park Campground
Wonderful Experience :)
The views were incredible and it wasn’t too busy.
Kathie M.LegendComlara County Park
Site 18
Beautiful lake view site. Steep drop to water so not good for those w/little kids. Great trees for hammock-overlooking lake! Pad level. Water very close. Outhouse close walk. Kayak launch close walk. Boat dock close. Shower house short walk
- Kathie M.Legend
Comlara County Park
Site 107 non-electric
Very large non electric site near water. Quieter area of campground. Site level. Water close by. Pit toilets close.
- Kathie M.Legend
Comlara County Park
Site 31
Site 31 is for those who want more privacy. It has woods on 2 sides with a trail thru woods to outhouse. Nice shade, site is level and on cul-de-sac so way less traffic. Water spigot very close. Very short walk to lake/dock and shower house. Park kept clean and very friendly staff.
- Kathie M.Legend
Comlara County Park
Site 28
Site 28 unlevel. Requires several lifts. Site is very large however. Does have nice shade.
- Beau C.Traveler
Hickory Lane Campground
👍
Small. Quiet. Pretty. Two small lakes with fountains. You can hear the fountains at night, it's nice. Excellent price for tent camping.
- CColin H.Traveler
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
Beautiful, affordable and friendly
The camp host was super friendly, the sites were large and the primitive sites at the back were incredibly beautiful! The prices were very low.
- Kathie M.Legend
Comlara County Park
County Campground w/nice lake
Campground with nice no wake lake. Sites are fairly large although many of them with wide open area and thus little privacy. Site 31 nice site backed by woods. Could use a second dump station-only has one. Camp staff very friendly.
Katherine T.Guide
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.
JASON L.GuideSangchris Lake State Park Campground
Hickory Point Heaven
There's really no way to describe this campground except for: Accommodating. Beautiful. Clean. Convenient. Peaceful. Relaxing. We have spent many weekends here and have never had a bad experience. Tony and Danielle and the rest of the entire campground host staff and crew do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!!! We appreciate them and this wonderful campground. Our favorite sites are 13, 18, 23. Please visit and enjoy!
Rick G.LegendComlara County Park
Nice County Park near Bloomington
Needed a couple nights stay near Bloomington and chose site #29 sight unseen. Ended up having to grab a different site since #29 was too unlevel. The campground office was very accommodating. Park is very well maintained with small lake access and lots of open space. Enjoyed peace and quiet with only one other camper in our loop. Filled the fresh water tank on the way end and used the easy access dump on the way out. Verizon signal was minimal, but worked. Recommend the McLean County History Museum in downtown Bloomington. Located in the old courthouse building and extremely well done.
Guide to Cisco
Tent camping near Cisco, Illinois offers a variety of scenic spots perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Affordable Tent Camping Options
- Prices for tent camping can range from $10 to $20 per night, making it an economical choice for families and solo adventurers alike.
- At the Spillway (IL), you can enjoy primitive campsites with full access to the river for just $10 a night.
- The Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort offers a well-maintained environment, although it has strict entry hours.
Activities for Outdoor Lovers
- Fishing and biking trails are easily accessible at the Spillway (IL), making it a great spot for those who enjoy water activities and cycling.
- The Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area is perfect for families looking to explore nature and enjoy a day of fishing.
- For a peaceful retreat, the Spitler Woods State Natural Area offers a serene environment with plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
Essential Amenities for Campers
- The Spillway (IL) features essential amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and picnic tables for a comfortable camping experience.
- At the Kaskaskia River Camp, campers can enjoy facilities such as showers and toilets, ensuring a convenient stay.
- The Shady Grove Campground — Hidden Springs State Forest allows pets and has fire pits, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a campfire with their furry friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cisco, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cisco, IL is Spitler Woods State Natural Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cisco, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Cisco, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.