Best Tent Camping near Hillsboro, IL
Tent campers visiting Hillsboro, Illinois have several established campgrounds to consider within a 25-mile radius. Spillway, located near Lake Shelbyville Dam, offers tent sites with basic amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and picnic tables. Waverly Lake City Park provides a more primitive tent camping experience on the shores of a small lake, while Hidden Ridge and Shady Grove Campground in Hidden Springs State Forest offer additional tent camping options in the region.
Most tent sites in the Hillsboro area feature dirt or gravel pads with variable spacing between campsites. Facilities differ significantly between locations, with Spillway providing more amenities such as showers, toilets, and access to a market, while Waverly Lake offers only portable toilets and trash disposal. Fire rings are common at most sites, though campers should check current fire restrictions before arrival. Several locations enforce a limited stay policy, with Waverly Lake specifically restricting camping to four consecutive days per month.
The tent camping experience near Hillsboro provides a mix of waterfront and forested settings. Spillway offers unique access to the Kaskaskia River after it leaves Lake Shelbyville, making it popular for fishing enthusiasts. According to a visitor review, "This 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." Waverly Lake provides a quieter atmosphere with sites spaced for privacy, though campers should prepare for wildlife encounters and mosquitoes. A camper noted that "Each site is spread out and fairly well. Be mindful of field roaches and raccoons at night, as we had to learn the hard way." Outside peak summer months, many of these campgrounds remain peaceful with minimal occupancy.
