Best Camping near Elwin, IL

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Elwin, IL is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Elwin, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Elwin, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Elwin, IL (63)

    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)

    2. Coon Creek (IL)

    18 Reviews
    76 Photos
    122 Saves
    Shelbyville, Illinois

    Overview

    Coon Creek is a large campground that sits on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. Families enjoy the playground, swimming area and shaded campsites within the facility. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing. Click Here for the Lake Shelbyville Virtual Tour

    Recreation

    Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. Coon Creek provides a boat ramp, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake. Hunting areas within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock. Visitors can also explore the lake shore on foot via a 0.7-mile nature trail within the facility.

    Natural Features

    This facility overlooks the lake shore and is heavily forested with plenty of shade. Oak and hickory are the lake region's dominant tree species, and 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.

    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
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Weldon Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Weldon Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Weldon Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Weldon Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Weldon Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Weldon Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    4. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    45 Photos
    137 Saves
    Weldon, Illinois

    There are 17 Class AA campsites, 277 Class A campsites, 9 Class B/S campsites and 5 Class C campsites at Clinton Lake, with most adaptable to either tents, trailers or motor homes. The campground is open year-round with the exception of the full week prior to first firearm deer season. No entry is allowed in the Mascoutin area during that time, for a special firearm deer hunt. Showers and potable water are available from mid-April to November (weather depending). Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Reservations can be made online at the Reserve America website. Camping loops H, I, J and K are alcohol-free. Camp Quest Group Camp, located off Route 54 at Birkbeck, is an area for adults or youth groups and has room for 75. It provides a secluded wooded setting and has a large shelter with electricity, three RV pads with electrical hookups, toilets, tables, grills and water. No shower facilities are present at the group camp area. Portions of the Class AA, A and B/S and the group camp are handicapped accessible.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Creek State Park Campground

    5. Eagle Creek State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    21 Photos
    58 Saves
    Findlay, Illinois

    This recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Tent Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from The Double J Campground and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Double J Campground and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Double J Campground and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Double J Campground and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Double J Campground and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Double J Campground and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lithia Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lithia Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lithia Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lithia Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lithia Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lithia Springs

    7. Lithia Springs

    9 Reviews
    30 Photos
    75 Saves
    Shelbyville, Illinois

    Overview

    Lithia Springs Campground sits on the eastern shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. This facility has a variety of amenities and offers outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing.

    Recreation

    Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. Lithia Springs provides a boat ramp, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake. Hunting areas within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

    Natural Features

    The campground lies in an oak and hickory forest. 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.

    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
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    8. Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    17 Photos
    58 Saves
    Findlay, Illinois

    This recreation area is part of Lake Shelbyville

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood

    10. Forrest W. Bo Wood

    8 Reviews
    15 Photos
    23 Saves
    Sullivan, Illinois

    Overview

    Forrest W. ''Bo'' Wood Recreation Area has a large campground on the northern 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. Click here for a virtual tour of the Lake Shelbyville area.

    Recreation

    Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the water, and for those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are 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.

    Natural Features

    This facility lies on the shoreline with a steep descent down to the water. Oak and hickory forests offer plenty of shade. 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.

    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
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $24 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 63 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Elwin

Recent Reviews in Elwin

315 Reviews of 63 Elwin Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lowe's - Bloominngton
    Nov. 15, 2024

    Lowe's - Bloominngton

    Standard Issue Lowe’s Parking Convenience

    If you’ve been to one Lowe’s, then you’ll appreciate that this particular one isn’t terribly different than many that you’ve experienced before. The lot itself is fairly massive, wide-open and not terribly congested. While not necessarily new, this parking oasis isn’t old, outdated or failing either. The upside is that this lot adjoins a few other nearby retailers, which unlike other parking situations might leave you thinking that this is ‘bumper car heaven’ but actually, given all of the space, it is surprisingly uncongested and therefore, fairly worry-free. What I like most about this specific spot is that it’s close enough to the main Veteran’s Parkway thoroughfare with which to access all of the non-stop amenities you’ll discover, but far enough away where you will truly experience some peace & quiet.

    While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot: 

    Convenience: 3 

    Safety & Security: 4 

    Quality: 3 

    Peace & Quiet: 3 

    Amenities: 4 

    Overall, I scored this location a 3. 

    Happy Overnighting!

  • Laurie L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from D & W Lake RV Park
    Sep. 19, 2024

    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Sep. 6, 2024

    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.

  • 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!

  • Linda N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
    Aug. 10, 2024

    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.

  • Sara W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Friends Creek Campground
    Jul. 7, 2024

    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.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
    Jul. 6, 2024

    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.

  • 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.

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

    Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    Great

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  • 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

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bridgeview park
    Feb. 15, 2024

    Bridgeview park

    Excellent view

    Nice little park, port a potties, water and pavilion with grills and trash receptacles. Great views of the lake. Closes at 10:30

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    Feb. 1, 2024

    Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    Clean park, cheap prices. Would definitely come back

    The park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it’s somewhat far from supply stores

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Kamper Kompanion RV Park
    Nov. 6, 2023

    Kamper Kompanion RV Park

    Kamper Companion Family Favy

    We really enjoyed Kamper Companion! We stay there every time we pass through Litchfield. Quiet, family friendly, and great for our dogs. We love the dog yard!

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Illinois State Fair Campground
    Oct. 17, 2023

    Illinois State Fair Campground

    Large campground, good location, good value

    On the state fairgrounds just off gate 10 or 11. Very large number of spaces…older bathrooms/ showers but very clean. All spaces seem to have electricity and water.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Illinois State Fair Campground
    Sep. 28, 2023

    Illinois State Fair Campground

    Clean, beautiful urban camp

    We always leave late on the first day of a trip and get stressed. This was an easy 3/4 day trip from our house and a great place to relax. Great thick grass carpet spots if you want.Great level paved pads if you want.Friendly checking , friendly security driving around all night. Lots of showers, mine was good and hot. Some traffic noise All kinds of open spots if it isn’t fair week. Don’t just show up fair week.

  • Katherine T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    Jul. 31, 2023

    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Jul. 28, 2023

    Sangchris 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!

  • Sara W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort
    Jul. 2, 2023

    Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort

    One of our favorites!

    This is one of our favorites. It’s close to home for us but also, very clean with nice staff and a fun environment. The pool is a huge plus, it’s so incredibly nice. There’s a small game room and little camp store with firewood and ice. The sites are kind of close together but they’re clean and have nice fire pits and tables. The campground is well cared for. We went 4th of July weekend and they even had a golf cart parade and through candy which was so fun for our son. We’ll always visit here.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Forrest W. Bo Wood

    Quiet, clean dites

    It’s crowded near the road but spreads out well at the back of the site. Lots of people here today



Guide to Elwin

Camping near Elwin, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at places like Sangchris Lake State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, “A decent fishing spot is just in front of site 64,” making it a great choice for anglers.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. A visitor shared, “We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole,” highlighting the area's natural beauty.
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at Eagle Creek State Park Campground. One camper noted, “Really beautiful lake and lookouts and trail down to sandy beach,” perfect for a hot summer day.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Double J Campground and RV Park, a reviewer said, “The bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean,” which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A visitor at Coon Creek (IL) mentioned, “We had a full hookup site that was pull through. Our area was nice and flat and large,” making it great for families.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful hosts. One reviewer at Weldon Springs State Park Campground said, “The camp host was very friendly and fun to chat with,” which adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Crowded on Holidays: Some campgrounds can get busy during peak times. A visitor at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area noted, “We came during Fourth of July and never felt like it was overly crowded,” but it’s still wise to plan ahead.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A camper at Wolf Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The bathrooms were dirty and weren’t cleaned until Friday,” so be prepared for that.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Raccoons can be a nuisance at some sites. One camper at Weldon Springs State Park Campground had to leave due to raccoons causing trouble, so keep food secured.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with playgrounds and activities. At Double J Campground and RV Park, a reviewer said, “Nice pool for the kids or adults if wanted,” making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A family at Eagle Creek State Park Campground enjoyed the “nice walking trail” and “playground,” which kept the kids entertained.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save trips to the store. One camper at Coon Creek (IL) appreciated the “well-stocked store” at the entrance, which made it easy to grab essentials.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Illinois State Fair Campground mentioned, “All spaces seem to have electricity and water,” but it’s good to confirm specifics.
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. At Lithia Springs, a camper noted, “Nice big spots. 30 and 50 amp available,” which is ideal for RVs.
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A visitor at Double J Campground and RV Park mentioned, “You can hear the highway traffic nearby, but it was more like white-noise than anything else,” so keep that in mind when choosing a spot.

Camping near Elwin, Illinois, has a lot to offer, from beautiful lakes to friendly campgrounds. Whether you're tent camping or bringing your RV, there's a spot for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Elwin, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elwin, IL is Sangchris Lake State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 19 reviews.

  • What parks are near Elwin, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Elwin, IL that allow camping, notably Lake Shelbyville and Carlyle Lake.