Best Tent Camping near Hillsboro, IL

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Hillsboro? We've got you covered. Find the best tent camping sites near Hillsboro. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Hillsboro, IL (6)

    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park

    2. Waverly Lake City Park

    3 Reviews
    10 Photos
    6 Saves
    Woodson, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape

    3. 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge

    4. Hidden Ridge

    Be the first to review!
    3 Photos
    9 Saves
    Carlinville, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • No image available

      5. Kaskaskia River Camp

      Be the first to review!
      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. Shady Grove Campground — Hidden Springs State Forest

        Be the first to review!
        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
      Show More
      Showing results 1-6 of 6 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Hillsboro

      355 Reviews of 6 Hillsboro Campgrounds


      • Cody S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Campground
        Jan. 5, 2025

        Dam West Campground

        Lakeside Escape

        We camped right on the lake with a great view.  This site and the site next to it are the best sites in the campground with a pull through layout for a great setup for a lake view from the side of your camper.  There was not any shade on the site, so you will be dependent on an awning.  Keep in mind that strong winds can sweep across the lake and pick things up if not secured.

      • 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.

      • John H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
        Sep. 12, 2024

        Waverly Lake City Park

        Nice little lake and camp ground

        I've stayed here a couple times now. Each time there has only been one other person. It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do. As far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean. There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit.

      • 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!

      • 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!

      • 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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      • 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.

      • 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 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.


      Guide to Hillsboro

      Tent camping near Hillsboro, Illinois offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

      Tips for tent camping near Hillsboro

      • For a peaceful experience, consider camping at Countryside Escape, where you can enjoy the sounds of nature while being close to a pond.
      • Be prepared for mosquitoes and bring bug spray when visiting Waverly Lake City Park, known for its quiet atmosphere and clean portable toilets.
      • If you're looking for a secluded spot, Kaskaskia River Camp provides a tranquil setting with essential amenities like drinking water and picnic tables.

      Tent campers should check out Spillway (IL)

      • Located near Lake Shelbyville, Spillway (IL) is well-reviewed for its fishing opportunities and bike trails, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
      • This campground features drinking water and firewood, ensuring a comfortable stay while you enjoy the scenic views of the river.
      • With a mix of full hookup sites and primitive camping options, Spillway (IL) caters to various camping preferences.

      Explore local attractions while camping

      • Just a short drive from Keyesport Rec. Area, you can take a refreshing dip in Carlyle Lake, perfect for hot summer days.
      • The nearby Dam West (Day Use) area offers electric hookups and is a great spot for picnicking and enjoying the outdoors.
      • For those interested in a unique camping experience, Hidden Ridge allows boat-in access, making it an adventurous choice for tent campers.

      Frequently Asked Questions

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

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hillsboro, IL is Spillway (IL) with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Hillsboro, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.