Tent camping near Greenville, Illinois provides several options within driving distance, with most established campgrounds located within 30-60 miles of town. Spillway Campground, situated along the Kaskaskia River below Lake Shelbyville Dam, offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with river access. Shady Grove Campground in Hidden Springs State Forest provides primitive tent camping in a forested setting. While Countryside Escape appears in listings, camper reviews indicate it may be a private residence rather than an actual campground.
Tent campsites at Spillway feature basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets and showers. The campground offers approximately 20 primitive tent sites priced at $10 per night, alongside full hookup sites. Walk-in tent sites provide more seclusion for tent campers seeking privacy. At Shady Grove Campground, tent camping areas include drinking water access, fire rings, and vault toilets, though electric hookups are not available at primitive tent sites. Most tent campgrounds in the region are open year-round, though spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable temperatures for tent camping.
The backcountry tent camping experience near Greenville centers primarily around water access. Hidden Ridge offers boat-in tent camping, allowing paddlers to access more remote tent sites. Spillway Campground provides unique access to the Kaskaskia River with opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and tubing directly from camp. According to reviews, Spillway offers a peaceful tent camping experience despite its proximity to town. One camper noted, "I camped here in October and it was pretty empty. Even though you are close to town, it is peaceful." The campground's location provides tent campers with river access for fishing and water recreation, with rental canoes available on-site. For tent campers seeking year-round options, Jan G. reports that Spillway is "great all year" with access to fishing spots and nearby bike trails.
TravelerCamp Host is very friendly and brought firewood to our site. Bath/shower house was clean. We were in the equestrian campground due to our 73 foot overall length. It was a great stay for visiting family. There are a lot of outdoor activities at the lake area, but no pool.
TravelerThe campsite is nice plenty of spaces spaced out nicely, but there’s absolutely no signage. took us forever to decide where we could park and what to do. tiny little sign on the Rangers house. Led us to a website and then charged us $50. Not what we were expecting. Plan ahead on this one.
GuideThis was a beautiful place to spend an evening on our cross country trip. We were able to secure site B7 -a nice level and shady spot on a beautiful tree lined lake. The site was dusty but there was a picnic table and electricity. It was 90 degrees in early October so I can imagine the open spots are really hot during the heat of the summer. Signs tell you to check in with camp host before parking but there was no one at their camper. I called the phone number and a helpful gentleman explained that the sites were first come, first served and someone would be around to collect our $20 fee. One large bathhouse for the campground was a good walk away but was spotless. I would have given this campground a 5 rating but after walking around, we realized that most of the sites by the lake were hard packed dirt, small and not level. However there is a new section I that has 10 long back in gravel pads with electric & water. They are away from the water but close to the shower house. Finally, google coordinates directed us to a private residence just short of the marina. Follow directions to the marina and find the road to the campground at the end of the parking lot.
TravelerJody, the hostess, is friendly and responsive. We stayed one night in the fall so the many permanent RVs were not occupied. The park is large and surrounded by woods and fields. We had a peaceful night near the cornfields where the short-term RV sites are located. Can hear the train horn in the distance. Note that they are tandem, so pull thru for the first person but back in for the second. We would stay here again.
ScoutAwesome place. Showers are small but very clean. Scenery is amazing. People are friendly. And they have a little mini store and a little mini pizzeria.
ScoutIts fine. Nothing snazzy. Its in more of an industrial area so its kind of loud with the trains going by and whatnot. Mostly an RV site. 9 tent sites (first come first serve on spot) and a handful of cabins.
GuideCamping area is closed until further notice. Construction
TravelerBL, the camp could use a Camp Host or Mayor. Stayed 1 night. We used the bathhouse and walked the grounds- so did a lot of other people; especially in the morning up to lunch. Quiet camp -Aircraft noise held off until 08:00 (bonus). Men’s shower side had great water pressure and temp- water fixtures were dated, dirty and temperamental (2 shower heads-1 working) also, cozy up to your multi-legged friends (spider webs and bugs were in competition for our shower space), Laundry is $1.50/wash&dry. I’ve stayed at a good many FamCamps: Lake Martin Rec -AL Uchee Creek-GA Destin Army Inf CTR-FL Robins AFB FamCamp-GA Round Pond -NY Kings Creek-VA Ellsworth AFB-SD Blue Angel Rec-FL Anniston Army Depot-AL Sigsbee-FL That’s my starter list! So, I’d like to see this one level up. It’s in a good area (we come through every couple years) and I think it could get a few more interested in it, if it were managed just a little bit better.
GuideRight off the freeway. We were going to overnight park at Loves but had problems with our generator. 93 degrees at 11 pm so we splurged for a site and paid $71 for full hookups. It’s a small campground, more like a parking lot, so easy in and out. They have a handful of cabins and a wash house.
There are two unisex bathrooms, each with multiple toilets and showers, which is weird because you have to lock the outer door for privacy while using the facilities. Good for a parent with small children, I guess, but I felt like I was hogging the bathroom.
There is a small pond at the back of the grounds and a kid was fishing it. They also have a fenced in dog park. No shade in that area, but nice touch!
Tent camping near Greenville, Illinois requires some travel from town itself, with campgrounds located 30-45 miles away in various directions. The region is characterized by rolling hills, small lakes, and the Kaskaskia River watershed, with elevations averaging 500-600 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer more moderate conditions in the 60-75°F range.
Fishing opportunities: Spillway Campground in Lake Shelbyville provides direct access to the Kaskaskia River for anglers. According to Michael M., "The campground is the only one with full access to the river after it leaves Lake Shelbyville. The fishing here and at the Spillway across the road are very good."
Water recreation: Hidden Ridge offers boat-in tent sites, requiring paddlers to access the campground via water. This creates a more secluded camping experience away from road noise and provides direct water access for swimming, paddling, and fishing.
Biking access: Spillway connects to regional bike trails. Jan G. notes the campground is "Small campground next to water to fish and bike trails," making it convenient for cyclists looking to combine camping with trail riding.
River proximity: Campers appreciate the accessibility to the Kaskaskia River at certain sites. Michael M. notes that Spillway has "rental canoe's and tubes, a bait shop, 16 full hookup and about 20 overnight primitive campsites at $10 a night."
Off-season solitude: Kaskaskia River Camp and similar sites become notably less crowded during fall and winter months. One camper reports, "I camped here in October and it was pretty empty, so even though you are close to town it is peaceful."
Basic amenities: Most primitive tent sites in the region include bare necessities without excess development. Sites typically provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets, while maintaining a natural setting with minimal infrastructure.
Site verification: Some listed campgrounds may not be legitimate. Countryside Escape received multiple reports indicating confusion about its status. Zachary W. stated, "I don't know why this is on the app but it appears to be someone's house," while AC confirms, "Didn't find a campground, only someone's home."
Limited reservations: Most primitive tent sites in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis, especially during weekdays. Weekend camping during summer months can fill quickly at the more established sites.
Seasonal closures: Several tent camping areas close facilities during winter months. While camping may remain permitted year-round, water systems are typically winterized from November through March, requiring campers to bring their own water supply.
Boat rentals: Shady Grove Campground in Hidden Springs State Forest provides access to rental canoes and fishing equipment for families without their own gear. Rentals typically cost $25-35 per day with limited availability on summer weekends.
Wildlife viewing: Morning hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities at forested camping areas. Early risers can spot deer, turkey, and various bird species from tent sites, particularly in less developed camping areas.
Swimming conditions: Water levels at river camping sites fluctuate seasonally, affecting swimming conditions. Spring brings higher, faster currents unsuitable for younger children, while late summer often features lower, calmer water more appropriate for family swimming.
Limited hookups: Most tent camping areas near Greenville limit electric hookups to designated RV sections. Tent campers requiring electricity should verify site amenities when booking, as primitive tent sites typically lack power access.
Site leveling: Kaskaskia River Camp and similar locations feature natural, unimproved tent pads that may require leveling. Campers report bringing additional padding or cots helps with comfort on the sometimes uneven terrain.
Seasonal road access: Dirt and gravel access roads to more remote tent sites can become difficult to navigate during and after heavy rain. Spring camping may require vehicles with higher clearance to reach certain primitive camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Greenville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Greenville, IL is Countryside Escape with a 1-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Greenville, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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