Best Tent Camping near Highland, IL

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Highland and then fall asleep in your tent? Finding a place to camp in Illinois with your tent has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Illinois tent camping excursion.

Best Tent Sites Near Highland, IL (4)

    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

    1. 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape

    2. Countryside Escape

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    19 Saves
    Edwardsville, Illinois

    Pick from a variety of spots from the lakeside, to secluded forest, to open field for pitching your tent on this orchard land! This property is open to dispersed camping wherever you prefer. Equipped with fire pits, pond for viewing water fowl, and bathrooms with showers inside the house. This is a great spot to spend the night on your way to or from St. Louis, Chicago or Indianapolis. Close to St Louis and all the fun there! Great biking in the area, hiking at Pere Marquette State Park, and swimming and water sports at Horseshoe Lake State Park. Firewood can be bought on site, grocery, convenience stores, restaurants, fast food and gas stations easy drive of 10-15 min.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $15 - $16 / night

    • No image available

      3. Sandstone Spring & Camp

      Be the first to review!
      7 Saves
      Swansea, Illinois

      Tent only camping. Deep in 300 million years old Carboniverous sandstone spring bed valley with fossils. Place to relax & take in the nature of this hidden gem in the city of Belleville, IL. No restrooms. No showers. Swimming in areas of spring is limited to shallow pools. But it is enough to cool you off.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents

      $28 - $38 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
    Show More
    Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Highland

    265 Reviews of 4 Highland Campgrounds


    • Ben T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
      Sep. 30, 2024

      Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

      Wonderful campground

      Right next to a huge reserve for fishing and boating. Campsites are very spaced out. We had 30 amp electric but no water on the campsite. Wasn't a problem for us we just filled our water tank. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Look forward to coming back

    • 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!

    • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
      Sep. 28, 2024

      Dam East - Mcnair Campground

      Location Great for Travel

      McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

      (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

      Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

    • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
      Sep. 28, 2024

      Dam East Recreation Area

      GREAT LOCATION for STOPOVER

      East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
      (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

      (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

      Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.

    • Nathaniel B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
      Aug. 8, 2024

      St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

      Best campsite we've found to explore STL

      Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! We called ahead but didn't need a reservation. It is a city park and had that feel... not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty and the playground was good for the kiddos. Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. I'll

    • 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!!!

    • 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!

    • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
      May. 30, 2024

      Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

      Wonderful surprise

      Arrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….

    • 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.

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Hillbillie Ranch
      May. 18, 2024

      Hillbillie Ranch

      Hillbillie Ranch is not there anymore

      They are no longer a campground. Bought out now private property.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
      May. 8, 2024

      Archway RV Park

      Great campground

      Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
      Apr. 19, 2024

      St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

      Good now, and will be really nice when the trees get bigger

      Stayed here most of the several weeks we needed to be in St. Louis for family matters. Definitely our favorite place in the area. The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees. The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake. The staff are kind and helpful. Water and electric worked fine. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Trash and recycling receptacles are huge and convenient. My only complaint is the poorly thought out sink situation in the bathrooms which make it impossible to wash in a sanitary way as you must hold the tap to keep the water flowing and there are no paper towels to that with, only hand dryers. There is boating and archery on site, a dog run, and a small playground.

    • 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!

    • Aloha M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Carlyle lake
      Jul. 26, 2023

      Carlyle lake

      Illini campground 7/23

      Awesome campground, fill hoses available for your rig, 30 amp power. Fun little trails, boat rentals and a swimming “beach” . On-site store and nicely groomed campgrounds.

    • B
      Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
      Jul. 13, 2023

      Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

      Not too bad and great in a pinch!

      We did not have a reservation it was just a quick stop for the night while passing through.

      This was a good spot for the night.  We didn't get there until after dark and the campgrounds weren't that well marked.  We didn't stay in the spot we originally planned because it was getting late and we couldn't find it and I didn't want to keep hitting the other campers with our headlights.

      The campground was no where near full and it was very quiet so a very nice nights stay.  Only complaint was trying to find the right campsite.

    • Jay B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
      Jul. 5, 2023

      Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

      Illini campground: Huge sites and wonderfully nice hosts 0

      Popped in late on July 4th during a cross-country trip just for the night. Wonderful hosts checked us in (Happy Anniversary!) Absolutely huge site with old growth trees throughout the campground without lots of space between.



    Guide to Highland

    Tent camping near Highland, Illinois offers a variety of unique experiences, from serene settings to engaging activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are options to suit every camper's needs.

    Tent campers like these nearby activities

    • Enjoy a refreshing dip in the man-made lake at Keyesport Rec. Area, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

    Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $20

    • Camping at Countryside Escape can be budget-friendly, with firewood available for just $5 per rick.

    Explore local attractions and amenities

    • Experience the charm of camping around a pond at Countryside Escape, where you can enjoy the sounds of nature and the company of friendly hosts.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Highland, IL is Keyesport Rec. Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Highland, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.