Best Tent Camping near Effingham, IL

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Effingham? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Effingham's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Effingham, IL (5)

    Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)

    1. 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

        3. Shady Grove Campground — Hidden Springs State Forest

        Be the first to review!
        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

          4. 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
          • No image available
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          Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in Effingham

          282 Reviews of 5 Effingham 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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          • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
            Sep. 29, 2024

            Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

            Nice sites on Carlyle Lake- great host

            Our site was on the shore and had good spacing from others. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry all close by. Good hot water in the showers. The host was friendly and helpful. I’d go back again!

          • 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

          • 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

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            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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          • Rach W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
            Jul. 29, 2024

            Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area

            Enjoyable time

            Campground was quiet and well kept. Foliage was well trimmed. There was a spot from previous campers that needed cleaned up, but that's more of a reflection of the previous campers and less the camp ground, in my opinion, as it was not an overall theme.

          • Molly B.
            Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
            Jun. 30, 2024

            Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

            Great Community camp not too far off the highway

            My sister and I stopped here on our way to wisconsin, We were surprised how lovely it was! Birds everywhere and the lake was so huge. The camp sites were big and many of them, the bathrooms were always clean and had AC!

          • JThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Timber Trails Campground
            Jun. 25, 2024

            Timber Trails Campground

            Wonderful layover and family friendly

            Timber Trails Campground is a easy layover off of I-70, offering a family-friendly environment. The park provided us an easy in and out, pull-through site that was level and convenient. The campground had a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and recreation. Our experience was hassle-free and enjoyable.

          • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
            Jun. 21, 2024

            Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

            A beautiful little spot !

            First off, a bang for you buck compared to some surrounding camp sites. They have PLENTY of sites, most with some view of the water. They have a boat launch, bathrooms, and showers. We stayed here 3 nights. The shores are quite rocky so it can be difficult to access the water just to swim. Overall, it was great. My only complaint is there is only one trash located in the beginning on the park & it was full, full, full!!!

          • 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.

          • Dawn W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
            Jun. 10, 2024

            Okaw Valley Kampground

            Nice clean and convenient

            Family owned with a nice little fishing area (no license required catch and release) paddle boats and camp store. A nice pool with a big covered pavilion, clean restrooms and showers with hot water. We had a level pull thru gravel site with a picnic table and small fire ring and didn’t have to unhook for our overnight. Walking/hiking wooded trails 2 cabins available- several seasonal folks. We were there on a Sunday evening and didn’t really see anyone. Little bit of road noise but so convenient! Thanks Barb!

          • 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.

          • Olivia L.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
            May. 27, 2024

            Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

            Great

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          • Matt M.
            Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
            May. 20, 2024

            Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

            Nice State Park Campground

            We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.

            There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.

          • 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.


          Drive Time


          Guide to Effingham

          Tent camping near Effingham, Illinois, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy outdoor activities. With well-reviewed campgrounds featuring essential amenities, it's an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

          Tent campers appreciate these amenities

          • Spillway (IL) provides drinking water, electric hookups, and showers, making it a comfortable choice for campers.
          • Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort features clean facilities and a peaceful environment, perfect for those looking to relax.
          • Keyesport Rec. Area offers picnic tables and pet-friendly sites, ensuring a pleasant experience for families and furry friends.

          Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $20

          Local attractions and activities

          • Fishing enthusiasts will love Spillway (IL), which is known for excellent fishing opportunities right by the river.
          • The Dam West (Day Use) area is perfect for picnicking and enjoying the scenic views of Lake Shelbyville.
          • For those who enjoy biking, Spillway (IL) is conveniently located near trails that cater to cyclists of all skill levels.

          Frequently Asked Questions

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

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Effingham, IL is Spillway (IL) with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

            TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Effingham, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.