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 (8)

    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

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        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. Dam East (Day Use)

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          Shelbyville, Illinois

          Overview

          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
          • No image available

            5. Kaskaskia River Camp

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            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

              6. Dam West (Day Use)

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              Shelbyville, Illinois

              Overview

              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
              • No image available
                Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
                Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
                Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
                Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
                Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
                Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area

                8. Keyesport Rec. Area

                1 Review
                6 Photos
                3 Saves
                Keyesport, Illinois

                Overview

                Keyesport Recreation Area is situated on the western shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of small towns combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.

                Recreation

                The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is an on-site playground as well as a swimming beach. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

                Facilities

                Keyesport provides one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. Boaters have the convenience of a marina, boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Families can enjoy a nice swimming beach and playground.

                Natural Features

                Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

                contact_info

                For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.

                Nearby Attractions

                The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

                • Pets
                • Electric Hookups
                • Tents
                • Group
                • Picnic Table

                $30 / night


              Recent Tent Reviews in Effingham

              282 Reviews of 8 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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              • 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.



              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 8 tent camping locations near Effingham, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.