J
Jack G.
Scout
ScoutThe 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
Camping near Ashland, IL
46 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping opportunities surround Ashland, Illinois, with multiple developed campgrounds within a short drive of town. Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, located approximately 15 miles northeast of Ashland, features multiple camping areas including the Family Campground with 84 electric sites and 19 full hookup options. Crazy Horse Campground, situated in Ashland proper, offers tent sites, RV accommodations, cabins and glamping options. The region includes a mix of state-managed recreation areas and privately operated campgrounds, with several offering lakeside access, modern amenities, and seasonal availability between April and October.
Road access to most campgrounds is well-maintained with paved routes leading to the main camping areas. Water access is available at most developed sites, though primitive camping areas may require visitors to carry their own supplies. Cell service can be inconsistent at more remote locations, particularly at Jim Edgar Panther Creek where visitors report "AT&T coverage was inconsistent, generally with 1-2 bars and speeds between 0.15 to 0.75 MB/s." Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from spring through fall, though some private campgrounds remain open year-round. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends and holidays when facilities often reach capacity.
Lakeside camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Ashland area. Prairie Lake at Jim Edgar Panther Creek offers fishing opportunities and boat access, with some campsites positioned along the shoreline. Cabins are available at several campgrounds including Primitive Campground and Crazy Horse Campground, providing alternatives for those without tents or RVs. Many developed campgrounds feature modern amenities including showers, flush toilets, and electric hookups, though primitive options exist for those seeking a more rustic experience. Campers note the relative seclusion of the area as a benefit, with one visitor describing Jim Edgar Panther Creek as "off the beaten path, so be sure to stock up groceries, propane, etc. before arriving." Shade can be limited at newer campgrounds where trees are still maturing, with multiple reviews mentioning the windy conditions that sometimes affect the more exposed camping areas.
Best Campgrounds near Ashland (46)
1. 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
Check Availability2. Crazy Horse Campground
"Right outside of Jacksonville, Ashland, Virginia, and close enough to Springfield. We were there last weekend and will be there again at the end of the month. Happy Camping!"
"If you need a place to get away from city life but don't want to travel far away from town, you can't beat this place."
3. Lincolns New Salem Historic Site Campground
"Not their fault but sites became a lake and couldn’t even step outside. Barely any AT&T service. Couldn’t use phone as hotspot at all."
"I love to walk through all the old buildings and learn about Lincoln's way of life. They even had horses and a bull out in the pastures!"
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availability4. 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. The Double J Campground and RV Park
"We stayed here in order to visit Springfield, Illinois, and we really enjoyed this spot."
"The campground is next to a large corn field that has recently been cut; I suspect during the growing/harvest season there may be dust and noise from equipment, and perhaps overspray from any chemicals"
6. Jim Edgar Panther Creek - Family Campground
"Praire Lake Campground has 3 facilities on the lake. FAMILY camp for Rv, Tentand cabins. 1. 84 sites with Electric or 19 have FHU. 2."
7. Lincoln's New Salem Park IL Historic Preservation Agency
"Nor did we know there were hiking trails! The hiking trails are located on the road up the hill directly across from where you turn off of the highway to drive up to the village."
8. Questing Hills Equestrian Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
"Trails are well marked and maintained over 26 miles of trails."
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Buena Vista Farms Campground
"Had a blast, pond was nice, did some fishing, rode bikes, walked trails. Will definitely go back again."
"You can still here some cars because of the highway but it wasn’t like really crazy. The part is a decent size if you don’t want to hear traffic go further in the back."
from $46 - $121 / night
Check Availability10. Waverly Lake City Park
Drive Time
- 26 min from Springfield, IL
- 1 hr 2 min from Decatur, IL
- 1 hr 17 min from Bloomington, IL
- 1 hr 23 min from Peoria, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Ashland, IL
22 Photos of 46 Ashland Campgrounds
Amanda C.
Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
Richard R.
Illinois State Fair Campground
Darren D.
Waverly Lake City Park
Grace D.
Springfield KOA
Terri W.
Hidden Ridge
Jamie C.
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Colin H.
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
Mike G.
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Joy H.
Horseman's Park — Sand Ridge State Forest
Austin and Natasha S.
Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Nepi W.
Pittsfield City Lake
Katie P.
Beaver Dam State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Ashland, IL
210 Reviews of 46 Ashland Campgrounds
- I
Irene 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.
- IIndia J.
TravelerDeer 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.
- GGary N.Scout
The Double J Campground and RV Park
Perfect campground, unless…
This campground was highly recommended to us by a few friends who have been there before, which speaks volumes to begin with. It is just off of interstate 55, which means there is constant road noise. However, we found ourselves acclimated to it fairly quickly, most likely BECAUSE it’s constant. Other than that, the campground is very quiet and peaceful, especially considering the number of campers we saw come and go and that were there at any given time. 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. There is a general store on site and it is within easy driving distance from Chatham and Springfield in case you need something. Of course Springfield is also a great place to sight see. The owners and staff are very friendly and accommodating. The grounds and facilities are clean and well maintained. There is a pool, miniature golf, pedal carts and some other games to keep you entertained, especially if you have children. The sites are fairly close to one another. Not sardines close, but close enough. To be very clear, this is a GREAT place if you don’t mind the “closeness” of the community-type environment. However, it just isn’t for us and, for that reason alone, we probably won’t be back unless we’re just passing through.
Tobin B.GuideWaverly Lake City Park
Little Cabin Anywhere
Very quiet, clean, nice place. Easy to get to. Clean porta pots. Can stay up to 4 days. Picnic tables. Place for fire. Free camping. First come first serve.
- SSebastian D.Guide
Springfield KOA
Favorite KOA so far
This was the first out of two campground of america/KOAs I visited on my roadtrip. It's nice, has all the amenities of a campground of america. I purchased wood, there is a shower and laundry. The tent site is down a little gravel path, and near the woods. It's my favorite campground of america so far, mostly since it's far enough from the highway so you arent disturbed by freeway noise at night. Temp at night in april 2026 felt like high 40Fs
Guide to Ashland
Prairie Lake at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area forms the recreational centerpiece for campsites near Ashland, Illinois. The area sits on relatively flat terrain with elevations around 600 feet and features a mix of restored prairie and oak-hickory woodlands. Seasonal temperature fluctuations are significant, with summer highs regularly reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing from shore or boat: Prairie Lake at Jim Edgar Panther Creek - Family Campground offers opportunities for anglers of all experience levels. "Prairie Lake Campground has 3 facilities on the lake," notes camper David F., describing the complete setup of camping options alongside the fishing opportunities.
Historic exploration: Campers can visit nearby Lincoln's New Salem Park IL Historic Preservation Agency for immersion in 1830s frontier life. "My husband and I had both previously been to New Salem but our children had not. Nor did we know there were hiking trails!" shares Ashley Y., who discovered more than expected during her visit.
Water recreation: Multiple camping areas provide lake access for swimming, kayaking and canoeing. At Buena Vista Farms Campground, "They offer kayaks, canoes, and peddle boats free to campers," according to Sarah S., making it easy to enjoy time on the water without bringing your own equipment.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently praise the upkeep of bathhouses and common areas. At Primitive Campground, Jennifer K. observed that the "Nice warm bath house had push button showers with locks on the stalls with a dry space to dress inside the stall."
Peaceful camping atmosphere: Most campgrounds in the region maintain quiet, relaxed environments. At Waverly Lake City Park, John H. reports, "I've stayed here a couple times now. Each time there has only been one other person. It's quiet and peaceful."
Diverse camping options: The region offers everything from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals. Crazy Horse Campground provides "Level packed gravel sites. We have a 40' class A. Plenty of pull thru sites. Back in sites are great too. Lots of trees. Good shade. Well kept grounds," according to Leanne B.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor connectivity. Sarah S. notes that at Crazy Horse Campground, there's "No Verizon wireless service here or anywhere for about a 45 mile radius."
Weather considerations: Wind can be an issue at more exposed campgrounds. At Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, Lucas T. mentions it's "Always super windy too!" while another camper notes it's "a nice, well kept campground but being newer has small trees with little shade."
Reservation needs: Sites fill quickly during peak season, especially at popular campgrounds. Jeffrey F. reported that "We certainly didn't expect the Prairie Lake Campground to be full in late October! Both loops were full, but there was just enough space for us to squeeze in for 2 nights!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Ashland, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Ashland, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ashland, IL is Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.
Keep Exploring