Best Tent Camping near Lake Shelbyville in Illinois

Looking for tent camping near Lake Shelbyville? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Lake Shelbyville, IL (7)

    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
    • No image available
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          4. Kaskaskia River Camp

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          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

            5. Dam West (Day Use)

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            Shelbyville, Illinois

            Overview

            Dam West Day Use Area offers reservable group picnic shelters on the shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois.

            The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing. Boaters have year-round access to the lake, even during high lake elevations.

            Natural Features:

            This facility is mostly open with a clear view of the lake. About half of the land around the lake is forested, with oak and hickory as the dominant 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:

            Boaters have access to a multi-lane boat ramp and courtesy dock, and hikers can explore the shore using a number of trails. The General Dacey Trail begins at Dam West Recreation Area and makes its way through Shelbyvilles Forrest Park.

            Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. For those without a boat, several managed ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake.

            Hunting areas, located a short drive away, offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

            Facilities:

            Dam West Day Use Area has four group picnic shelters; three can accommodate about 50 people each, while one can host up to 100. The shelters each have six picnic tables, and the facility provides volleyball courts, a large public beach with showers and a playground.

            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
            • Electric Hookups
            • Reservable
            • Tents
            • Group
            • No image available

              6. Dam East (Day Use)

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              Shelbyville, Illinois

              Overview

              Dam East Day Use Area sits above the shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois.

              The 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 sits above the lake with a steep descent to the shoreline. Oak and hickory trees dominate the landscape.

              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:

              With a playground, volleyball court and horseshoe pit, Dam East Day Use is a fun place for families to relax along the lake.

              Within a short drive, Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. For those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake.

              Nearby hunting areas offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

              Facilities:

              This facility offers one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 people. Six picnic tables, a large grill, flush toilets and electric hookups 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
              • Electric Hookups
              • Reservable
              • Tents
              • Group
              • No image available

                7. Shady Grove Campground — Hidden Springs State Forest

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                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 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

              Recent Tent Reviews in Lake Shelbyville

              315 Reviews of 7 Lake Shelbyville Campgrounds


              • Carlos G.
                Camper-submitted photo from Percival Springs RV Campground
                Nov. 3, 2024

                Percival Springs RV Campground

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              • Nalu N.
                Camper-submitted photo from Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
                Nov. 2, 2024

                Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area

                Cool

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              • Simon I.
                Camper-submitted photo from Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
                Sep. 12, 2024

                Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area

                nice

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              • 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.

              • Charles K.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
                Sep. 1, 2024

                Spring Creek Campground

                Great little quiet camp ground

                Far enough away from the interstate you don't hear the traffic. No nearby trains either. The grounds were neat and clean. The fishing pond is great and beautiful. Big rig friendly. Bob showed up as I pulled in and made sure I was all set for the night. This place is going in my saved list for sure.

              • 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!

              • R
                Camper-submitted photo from Fairview Park Campground
                Aug. 23, 2024

                Fairview Park Campground

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              • Sara W.
                Camper-submitted photo from Friends Creek Campground
                Jul. 7, 2024

                Friends Creek Campground

                Clean, spacious sites, nice amenities

                Friends Creek is a small campground with nice spacious sites and super clean bathhouses and pit toilets. The fire pits are well kept and the camp host was very kind! He came around with suckers for the kids and just to check in. We hiked a bit on the trails and played in the creek. Highly recommend.

              • 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.

              • 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!

              • Olivia L.
                Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
                May. 27, 2024

                Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

                Great

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              • Matt M.
                Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
                May. 20, 2024

                Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

                Nice State Park Campground

                We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.

                There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.

              • 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

              • Brandi M.
                Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Point State Park Campground
                Apr. 14, 2024

                Walnut Point State Park Campground

                Loved our stay!

                This is a lovely campground with large dispersed camp sites. There is an on-site restaurant that has stayed busy, and we are here the second weekend of April. Cafe also sells firewood when in stock and rents out boats and kayaks. John, the host is very sweet! Electric only with a dump station. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained, I like that size of the showers. Fishing is good. A beautiful weekend for our first time here.

              • 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!

              • steve T.
                Camper-submitted photo from Casey KOA
                Sep. 25, 2023

                Casey KOA

                Owner is not good with people

                When asked why I couldn't put up a small fence for my dogs he went to great details to tell me why dogs had a bad rep in his park. When I said it wasn't on the website he got extremely angry, came close to attacking me and thru me out of his park and called the police. Don't stay there if you have pets.

              • Larry C.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
                Sep. 10, 2023

                Spring Creek Campground

                Fair

                Campground with mostly electric only sites. The bathroom is not very clean and needs attention. Sites are gravel, with some kind of level and some not.


              Drive Time


              Guide to Lake Shelbyville

              Tent camping near Lake Shelbyville in Illinois offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation.

              Tips for tent camping near Lake Shelbyville

              • Spillway (IL) provides a peaceful atmosphere with easy access to fishing and biking trails, making it a great spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
              • Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort features clean facilities and a friendly atmosphere, though it's wise to arrive early due to strict gate hours.
              • Shady Grove Campground — Hidden Springs State Forest is ideal for campers seeking a quiet retreat, with amenities like drinking water and fire pits available.

              Tent campers appreciate these amenities

              • Spillway (IL) offers essential amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, and showers, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
              • Kaskaskia River Camp allows fires and provides picnic tables, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.
              • Dam West (Day Use) features electric hookups and is pet-friendly, making it a convenient choice for families traveling with pets.

              Local attractions near Lake Shelbyville

              • Spitler Woods State Natural Area is a favorite among campers for its beautiful sites and numerous recreational activities, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration.
              • Dam East (Day Use) is a great spot for those looking to enjoy a day by the water, with reservable spaces available for gatherings.
              • Dam West (Day Use) also offers a scenic environment for picnicking and enjoying the outdoors, making it a popular choice for day trips.

              Frequently Asked Questions

              • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake Shelbyville?

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

              • What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake Shelbyville?

                TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Lake Shelbyville, with real photos and reviews from campers.