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.
"There are portable toilets that are kept clean. There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit."
"It one of just a few free campgrounds in the area but it got a lake im not sure how many camping spots but quit a fee from what I seen no showers but port-a-potties spears out"
from $15 - $16 / night
"This campground is located behind the Spillway Motel across the highway from the Lake Shelbyville Dam."
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.
ScoutThis campground is primarily for RVs and people with boats, given the lake nearby. There are five tent sites set back into the trees a bit. They are nicely laid out. There are a couple of picnic sites on the lake that are pleasant. What it needs for TLC is give the pit toilets a rehab. The one I used was filthy and the throne was almost completely unbolted. The water pump by the tent sites is inoperative and there seems to be only one location where one works, so you have to use your car to get water. It doesn't have showers but you can use one at a nearby campground if you really need. Bottom line: fix the toilets and water and I'd give this a four.
ScoutThis is such a peaceful and great place to camp.
ScoutBeautiful level campsites! Well kept! Beautiful surroundings! Clean! One of the nicest level sites we have stayed in. Bathrooms are clean and showers are great!
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.
RangerOur campsite was the best! At the end of the road with lake frontage, it was quiet, private and relaxing. Cell service with AT&T was weak with 1 bar. Vault toilet nearby with very clean showers about 500 yds away. Great host!
TravelerThe office staff is very nice and accommodating. The campground is clean and has great amenities. I will stay here again.
Tent camping near Hillsboro, Illinois offers locations within the rolling prairie landscapes of central Illinois, where elevations range from 600-650 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and spring bringing frequent rainfall. Most tent campgrounds in the area lie within 25 miles of Hillsboro, creating convenient access to both water recreation and wooded terrain.
Fishing opportunities: At Spillway, campers can access the Kaskaskia River for excellent fishing spots. According to a visitor, "This campground is located behind the Spillway Motel across the highway from the Lake Shelbyville Dam. There are a few cabins and trailers that are full time residents, a boat ramp, rental canoe's and tubes, a bait shop, 16 full hookup and about 20 overnight primitive campsites at $10 a night."
Canoe and tube rentals: The Kaskaskia River flowing from Lake Shelbyville provides calm waters perfect for tubing and canoeing trips. A camper at Spillway noted, "you can have fun here with the canoe's and river fishing."
Biking trails: The area offers access to scenic biking routes suitable for casual riders. One visitor commented on Spillway's location, mentioning it's a "Small campground next to water to fish and bike trails. Great all year."
Peaceful atmosphere: Waverly Lake City Park provides a tranquil camping experience with minimal crowds. A camper reported, "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."
Site spacing: Most tent sites at Waverly Lake provide good separation between campers. A visitor noted, "My wife and I had a pleasant and fairly private experience. Each site is spread out and fairly well."
Year-round accessibility: Several campgrounds in the Hillsboro area remain open throughout different seasons, allowing for camping beyond summer months. One camper mentioned Spillway is "Great all year."
Stay limits: Waverly Lake City Park enforces strict camping duration policies. A reviewer pointed out, "There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit."
Wildlife considerations: Be prepared for various wildlife encounters around Waverly Lake City Park. One camper warned, "Be mindful of field roaches and raccoons at night, as we had to learn the hard way the morning after our first night. Oh, and the mosquitoes are BRUTAL. Come prepared."
Water availability: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. A Waverly Lake camper mentioned, "As far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean."
Bring extra water containers: Since some sites like Waverly Lake lack running water, families should pack additional water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Pack insect protection: According to camper experiences at Hidden Ridge, mosquito repellent is essential, especially during summer months when insects are most active near water features.
Plan for limited activities: Some camping areas offer fewer structured activities. A Waverly Lake visitor noted the area is "quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do," suggesting families should bring their own games and activities.
Limited hookups available: Most tent camping areas near Hillsboro offer minimal or no RV hookups. Shady Grove Campground in Hidden Springs State Forest provides basic tent sites without electrical connections.
Consider primitive camping gear: Since many sites lack full amenities, RVers converting to tent camping should bring solar chargers, portable toiletries, and sufficient water storage.
Check site conditions: Tent pads vary in quality throughout the Hillsboro area. Some campsites may have uneven ground or rocky surfaces, making proper tent selection important.
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 Waverly Lake City Park with a 4.4-star rating from 5 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.
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