S
Stephanie C.
Traveler
TravelerThe Double J Campground and RV Park
Nice place
The office staff is very nice and accommodating. The campground is clean and has great amenities. I will stay here again.
Camping near Jacksonville, IL
50 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
The Jacksonville, Illinois region includes both established campgrounds and state parks offering a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Crazy Horse Campground provides full-hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections, while Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area offers more primitive options for those seeking a less developed camping experience. Located within an agricultural landscape, many campgrounds feature wooded settings that provide shade during summer months. The Double J Campground and RV Park sits approximately 20 miles east of Jacksonville near Chatham, offering easy highway access for travelers passing through central Illinois.
Most campgrounds in the Jacksonville area operate seasonally, with many open from April through October. Primitive sites at Jim Edgar Panther Creek remain accessible year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. Summer temperatures can reach the high 80s and 90s with considerable humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays, particularly at established campgrounds like Crazy Horse and Buena Vista Farms. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near populated areas and highways. A review noted, "If you're looking just to get away and relax or go explore Jacksonville or Springfield, you can get there in 40 minutes."
Campers report high satisfaction with the diverse camping options around Jacksonville, ranging from shaded RV parks to more rustic state park settings. Many campgrounds provide amenities like shower houses, fire rings, and picnic tables, though the level of development varies significantly. Water features are present at several locations, including fishing ponds at Crazy Horse Campground and lakefront access at Waverly Lake City Park. Proximity to Springfield provides additional attractions within a short drive. A visitor commented, "We stayed here in order to visit Springfield, Illinois, and we really enjoyed this spot. The sites are a good size, the campground is easily accessible from the highway, and there are nice amenities." Road noise can be a factor at campgrounds situated near highways, so selecting sites further from main roads is advisable for those seeking a quieter experience.
Best Campgrounds near Jacksonville (50)
1. Crazy Horse Campground
"Right outside of Jacksonville, Ashland, Virginia, and close enough to Springfield. We were there last weekend and will be there again at the end of the month. Happy Camping!"
"If you need a place to get away from city life but don't want to travel far away from town, you can't beat this place."
2. Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
"Like the quite agricultural Illinois environment but suggest shopping for your needs prior to leaving larger cities as most of the few small towns are limited to a Bar and Dollar store."
"From our cabin we walked grassy paths to a lovely bridge. Around the pond's perimeter are dispersed sites for tent-camping or possibly day-use."
from $6 / night
Check Availability3. Buena Vista Farms Campground
"If your looking just to get way and relax or go explore Jacksonville or Springfield you can get there in 40 minutes."
"Had a blast, pond was nice, did some fishing, rode bikes, walked trails. Will definitely go back again."
from $46 - $121 / night
Check Availability4. Waverly Lake City Park
"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"
5. The Double J Campground and RV Park
"We stayed here in order to visit Springfield, Illinois, and we really enjoyed this spot."
"The campground is next to a large corn field that has recently been cut; I suspect during the growing/harvest season there may be dust and noise from equipment, and perhaps overspray from any chemicals"
6. Jim Edgar Panther Creek - Family Campground
"Praire Lake Campground has 3 facilities on the lake. FAMILY camp for Rv, Tentand cabins. 1. 84 sites with Electric or 19 have FHU. 2."
7. Pittsfield City Lake
"The box was located next to the playground at the end of the loop of campsites. Overall, a nice place to spend the evening, would definitely stay again."
"So resorted to leave the fee in a mailbox near the official's RV. The campground is right above a lovely, which I rode around on my bicycle in about thirty minutes."
from $5 - $15 / night
Check Availability8. Illinois State Fair Campground
"Not too close to your neighbor. Take time to walk around the fairgrounds as they are pretty. The 4H building has a lovely garden out front."
"20 per night for a a pull behind RV on an electric/water site. $30 for a full hookup. Large clean bathrooms, dated but useable."
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Lincolns New Salem Historic Site Campground
"Not their fault but sites became a lake and couldn’t even step outside. Barely any AT&T service. Couldn’t use phone as hotspot at all."
"I love to walk through all the old buildings and learn about Lincoln's way of life. They even had horses and a bull out in the pastures!"
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availability10. Questing Hills Equestrian Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
"Trails are well marked and maintained over 26 miles of trails."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 30 min from Springfield, IL
- 1 hr 11 min from Decatur, IL
- 1 hr 36 min from Peoria, IL
- 1 hr 38 min from St. Louis, MO
Recent Camping Photos near Jacksonville, IL
31 Photos of 50 Jacksonville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Waverly Lake City Park
Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife AreaA
Hidden RidgeT
Pittsfield City LakeN
Illinois State Fair CampgroundR
Springfield KOA
McCully Heritage ProjectE
Beaver Dam State Park Campground
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Siloam Springs State Park Campground
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State ParkC
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Jacksonville, IL
226 Reviews of 50 Jacksonville Campgrounds
- MMichael T.
ScoutWaverly Lake City Park
It's nice and quiet during the week
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
John S.
GuidePharrs Island
Free camping on the river
Big campsites, fire rings, porda pody, boat ramp, and pavement.
Matthew H.ScoutSangchris Lake State Park Campground
Lakeside View
Campground host is super cool. Best campground in the Springfield area, in my opinion!
- JJack G.Scout
The Double J Campground and RV Park
Greta stop
Great stop for Route 66 we sorted it all online late at night. Lovely and quiet with amazing facilities that are worth the price
Cha M.ScoutSangchris Lake State Park Campground
Common smaller campground with great views
This is the bigger campground between hickory point and deer run options. The shower house, snack shop, and city water are onsite. There are vault toilets near the primitive camping, as well as another water spigot. Playground, pavillion, and sand volleyball court give options to entertain kids, with plenty of fishing, trails, and lake views to entertain the adults. We primitive camped here at the closest site to the parking. #57 is the closest, with the rest of the primitive sites being more of a trek to the site. However, the privacy, quietness, and views are 100% worth the trek to us. We did camp with a doggo, who does bark at passerby’s that are “too close” in her opinion but otherwise doesn’t. All the campers during our stay except for one very disruptive couple, did not complain at all and many came to give her loves or treats to help prevent further barking when they passed by. And honestly, the couple that did make the comment, clearly need to be at different campgrounds because the host had to come break them up after quiet hours began and they didn’t respect that rule. We also then were woken up by the same couple as they were packing up the next morning due to them yelling at each other. The hosts did try to make sure they slowed down while passing this site though, and I do believe if we had made some sort of complaint to them, they would have handled it immediately. We love this campground, and honestly we feel as if anywhere there are rvs allowed, you will likely have someone make a comment about the dog. It’s never been other tent campers, even the ones on electric sites. The snack shop has ice (currently $3 even a bag, with hosts including tax in the $3 to make it easier for campers), firewood bundles (not sure on price) as well as many smaller campground necessities including snacks and drinks, some fishing tackle, and some other camping things such as bug spray and sunblock. I did not check any prices on those. There is technically a bait shop also nearby, though between two longer stays here and at deer run, we’ve only seen him open once. And according to one of the hosts, he doesn’t seem to have “regular hours” other than he’s for sure closed Sundays and Mondays. The following Tuesday after learning this, he was also closed all day. So I’m not sure about anything there. He does also have an ice machine outside though.
- Cha M.Scout
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
Small, quiet, state park camping
Couple camping here, spent multiple nights in a row in primitive camping here. As mentioned, only well water available on the campgrounds here, however you still have access to amenities available at hickory point just a short drive away. Shower house and city water available that way. Playground for kiddos on site. Lots of people bring pets, including equestrian for those campsite. Those do include the post to tie up on at each site. The hosts (bob and dawn were really checking in on us that stay, including being able to help when we accidentally killed our car battery. They also made thorough and consistent rounds which we appreciated. Also had Lynn, one of the idnr guys here, come back at the end of his shift to make sure we had learned about the storms coming in. He even checked in again the next chance he got to make sure we were okay still. We did end up leaving early, to which there is not refunds (I think this is state parks in general) however at $6 a night for primitive, we took that loss especially during an extreme heat warning (for multiple days). If you want a quieter campsite, I would recommend this one over hickory point as hickory point seems to be more RVers instead of the more primitive style of camping tends to be.
Rob T.TravelerTwo Rivers Marina and Campground
Amazing Marina/Campground
Came for a day. Stayed for a week! Great tenting sites by the river for $15 per night. Great bath house and laundry. Pool available for use. I can't say enough good about the staff and boaters here. They have made me feel like family for the entirety of my stay.
- IIndia J.Traveler
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
Great campground, private and quiet primitive sites!
We've stayed at Hickory Point before, but this was our first time at Deer Run. It has not disappointed! The primitive sites (there are 5 with no electric or water hookups) are off set in the back of the campground, providing privacy and quiet, which is what we were going for this time. The primitive sites without electric or water are $6 a night, and you can for pay up to 14 nights at a time. There are electric and water hook up sites for $8 a night, they just aren't as private but still lovely! The showers are at the Hickory Point campground (just a minute or two drive) and available for use with the Deer Run camp sites as well. There are well water spigots at Dee Run and Hickory Point, but the city water spigot is at Hickory Point only. It rained quite a bit our first two nights here, but there are so many trees covering the primitive sites you couldn't really feel it until it was thunder storming. We stayed nice and dry inside the tent. There are a LOT of sassy raccoons who will still your food - and the containers that never had food in them in fact- as well waking up to crows cawing every morning- may not be everyone's thing, but I sure enjoy that aspect. The hosts are fantastic and make rounds every 2-3 hours each day, anything we've needed they e been able to help with or point us in the direction to go next. Great campground to stay at, whether for a night or a week, no complaints here thus far!
Guide to Jacksonville
Camping near Jacksonville, Illinois offers visitors a variety of overnight options in a region characterized by rolling agricultural terrain interspersed with wooded areas. The area sits approximately 600 feet above sea level with seasonal temperature fluctuations that can create muddy conditions during spring rains. Most campgrounds remain accessible from Interstate 72, with varying levels of road noise depending on proximity to major highways.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area provides multiple fishing spots at Prairie Lake. A reviewer noted, "Prairie Lake Campground has 3 facilities on the lake," making it convenient to camp near fishing locations without traveling far.
Historical exploration: Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site offers camping with educational opportunities. A visitor shared, "I enjoy learning about some of our family history. We have relation to the Trent, Graham, and Jackson families from the original area. Their cabins are reconstructed for touring as well as the old school house."
Outdoor games: At Buena Vista Farms Campground, campers can enjoy various recreational activities. A reviewer mentioned, "They offer kayaks, canoes, and peddle boats free to campers. There is an open cabin with games, books, and WiFi. Basketball court, play area, and outdoor games."
What campers like
Lake access: Many campers appreciate Waverly Lake City Park for its peaceful waterfront setting. A reviewer commented, "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."
Clean facilities: Double J Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. One visitor observed, "Honestly amazed by how clean and well maintained this campground is. River rock driveways (not gravel) and sites- well packed down and regularly grated."
Weekend activities: Regular events at campgrounds enhance the experience for visitors. A camper at Crazy Horse Campground mentioned, "Every weekend has an event. Bluegrass to crafts. Right outside of Jacksonville, Ashland, Virginia, and close enough to Springfield."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. One camper at Crazy Horse Campground reported, "No Verizon wireless service here or anywhere for about a 45 mile radius," which can be important for those needing to stay connected.
Wind exposure: Several campgrounds in the area experience significant wind due to the open terrain. A camper at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area noted, "Under developed CG. Lots of hunting and fishing opportunities but grounds are years always from being fully grown. Always super windy too!"
Seasonal closures: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Pittsfield City Lake remains open for extended seasons with basic amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Stayed here on Dec. 8, 2021. It was clean and well organized."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Many campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Crazy Horse Campground, a visitor shared, "This is our favorite campground in central Illinios. It is family and pet friendly. The owners are fantastic, friendly and caring."
Consider cabin options: For families wanting more comfort, Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site Campground offers educational value with comfortable accommodations. A visitor mentioned, "We loved this campground. Was all paved sites and roads. Pretty level sites."
Pack for insects: Be prepared for significant bug activity, especially during summer months. One camper at Waverly Lake 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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: At some campgrounds, utility connections may be inconveniently located. A visitor to Pittsfield City Lake noted, "The electric and water hookups on some sites, at least ours, was at the back and on the wrong side. Our electric cord just reached the post."
Road quality: Access roads vary in maintenance. At Illinois State Fair Campground, a visitor appreciated the "Large campground with water and electric. Few sites have sewer. You have the option of paved parking lot or on the grass."
Site spacing: RV campgrounds offer varying degrees of privacy. A camper at Double J Campground reported, "Very clean and quiet. There is a lot of shade in the main part of the park. It has a huge pool, putt-putt golf, and washer and dryers."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Jacksonville, IL?
What camping is available near Jacksonville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Jacksonville, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 50 campgrounds and RV parks near Jacksonville, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Jacksonville, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Jacksonville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jacksonville, IL is Crazy Horse Campground with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jacksonville, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jacksonville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Jacksonville, IL.
Keep Exploring