Jennifer C.
Scout
ScoutPine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Sand Ridge
Beautiful, clean primitive place! Peaceful. The night sky is majestic.
Camping near Ashland, IL
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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. Waverly Lake City Park
"It one of just a few free campgrounds in the area but it got a lake im not sure how many camping spots but quit a fee from what I seen no showers but port-a-potties spears out"
10. 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 Availability
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 • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife AreaA
Illinois State Fair CampgroundR
Waverly Lake City Park
Springfield KOA
Hidden RidgeT
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State ParkC
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Horseman's Park — Sand Ridge State Forest
Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Pittsfield City LakeN
Beaver Dam State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Ashland, IL
217 Reviews of 46 Ashland Campgrounds
Chris L.ScoutDeer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
With a little TLC could be very good
This campground is primarily for RVs and people with boats, given the lake nearby. There are five tent sites set back into the trees a bit. They are nicely laid out. There are a couple of picnic sites on the lake that are pleasant. What it needs for TLC is give the pit toilets a rehab. The one I used was filthy and the throne was almost completely unbolted. The water pump by the tent sites is inoperative and there seems to be only one location where one works, so you have to use your car to get water. It doesn't have showers but you can use one at a nearby campground if you really need. Bottom line: fix the toilets and water and I'd give this a four.
- JJoy C.Scout
Springfield KOA
Springfield KOA
Beautiful level campsites! Well kept! Beautiful surroundings! Clean! One of the nicest level sites we have stayed in. Bathrooms are clean and showers are great!
- SStephanie C.
TravelerThe Double J Campground and RV Park
Nice place
The office staff is very nice and accommodating. The campground is clean and has great amenities. I will stay here again.
- MMichael T.Scout
Waverly Lake City Park
It's nice and quiet during the week
It one of just a few free campgrounds in the area but it got a lake im not sure how many camping spots but quit a fee from what I seen no showers but port-a-potties spears out
Beth M.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.
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.
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.
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