Best Tent Camping near Jacksonville, IL
Tent camping options around Jacksonville, Illinois include several established campgrounds offering varied settings for primitive tent setups. Waverly Lake City Park provides tent camping along a small lake about 15 miles southeast of Jacksonville, while McCully Heritage Project in Kampsville offers more developed tent sites within a natural area approximately 40 miles southwest of Jacksonville. Hidden Ridge and Rainey Park (now Wright Park) provide additional tent camping alternatives within a 30-mile radius of Jacksonville.
Most tent camping areas near Jacksonville feature basic amenities appropriate for traditional tent setups. Waverly Lake sites are spread out with portable toilets that are kept clean, though the campground lacks running water. McCully Heritage Project offers more facilities for tent campers, including drinking water, showers, toilets, and picnic tables. Campfire rings are available at most locations where fires are permitted. Tent campers should note the 4-consecutive-day-per-month limit at Waverly Lake and prepare for field insects and wildlife, particularly raccoons, which frequent camping areas. Firewood is available at McCully Heritage Project, which charges an inexpensive $10 per night fee that helps maintain the natural area.
The backcountry tent camping experience varies across these locations. McCully Heritage Project offers hiking trails with lookout points, though some trails could benefit from better markings on newer sections. The project area provides good fishing opportunities and access for paddleboards and kayaks, making it popular for tent campers seeking water recreation. Waverly Lake provides a quiet setting that tent campers appreciate for its peacefulness. Sites at Waverly Lake are well-spaced, offering privacy for primitive tent setups. A camper noted, "It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do." Mosquitoes can be particularly problematic during warmer months, so tent campers should come prepared with appropriate repellent and netting for comfortable overnight stays.