SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Lincoln, IL

59 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates
    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    The Lincoln, Illinois area features several established campgrounds ranging from basic to full-service facilities. Deer Creek Campground and Camp A While provide primary options for overnight stays, with Camp A While offering year-round accessibility. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with sites like Kentuckiana Campground and Clinton Lake State Recreation Area providing more extensive amenities including electric hookups, shower facilities, and water access.

    Seasonal considerations affect campground availability near Lincoln, with several facilities operating only from spring through fall. Illinois State Fair Campground in Springfield, approximately 30 miles southwest, maintains a limited season from April through October. Reservations are recommended at most established campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. The flat terrain throughout the region makes access straightforward for most vehicles, though some secondary roads may become difficult after heavy rainfall. As one camper noted about Camp A While, "Owner was very friendly and helpful. Good for an overnight stop. Quiet at night. Close enough to Lincoln for supplies without the noise."

    Campground experiences in the Lincoln area generally receive positive reviews for their peaceful atmosphere and convenient locations. Water features represent a significant draw at several sites, with Clinton Lake State Recreation Area providing boat access and shoreline camping. Family-friendly amenities are highlighted at Kentuckiana Campground, where visitors appreciate the playgrounds and fishing ponds. "Great place for kids. Decent little parks. Huge slide in the holler. Spots are kind of cramped and close together, one of our favorite places though!" shared one reviewer. Most campgrounds near Lincoln offer basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings, though privacy between sites varies considerably. Wildlife encounters are common at certain locations, with raccoons specifically mentioned as problematic at Weldon Springs State Park, approximately 20 miles east of Lincoln.

    Connectivity Maps

    Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
    Map showing cell service coverage and campground pins
    Try Connectivity Maps

    Best Campgrounds near Lincoln (59)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Deer Creek Campground

      5.0(3)4mi from LincolnRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Near the back you can camp right alongside the river. Amenities are minimal, there are just port-a-potties for restrooms but they are very clean."

      Check Availability

      2. Camp A While

      4.0(3)2mi from LincolnRVs

      "Close enough to Lincoln for supplies without the noise. Have put it on my list to go back to"

      "Very quiet place and away from busy highways but convenient.   If traveling through the area would definitely consider again. "

      Check Availability

      3. Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area

      4.0(1)2mi from LincolnTents
      Check Availability

      4. Hickory Lane Campground

      5.0(1)11mi from LincolnRVs, Tents

      "Two small lakes with fountains. You can hear the fountains at night, it's nice. Excellent price for tent camping."

      5. Weldon Springs State Park Campground

      4.0(16)24mi from LincolnRVs, Tents

      "It’s a nice Illinois state park. Very quiet. Clean bathrooms, the consecution stand is closed. So can’t rent boat etc. but a nice lake to paddle canoe/kayak ."

      "Good fishing near by with walking trail surrounding pond. Plenty of wildlife friendly locals."

      Check Availability

      6. Kentuckiana Campground

      4.7(7)22mi from LincolnRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "When Unhitching if there is anyone waiting to drive by, you feel kind of rushed. Don’t let it make you forget wheel chocks or something important. They have a nice pond."

      "We stayed here last year and will likely stay there again this year when we are back in Illinois. The park has two sides, one side closer to the stage."

      Check Availability

      7. Illinois State Fair Campground

      4.3(12)26mi from LincolnRVs, Tents

      "Short drive 2.5 miles to Lincoln home. 1 mile from Lincoln's Tomb. 

      Somebody stole our outdoor carpet/rug which we left to mark our site when we went

       to visit the Lincoln sites."

      "Great place to spend a night or even longer to see Lincoln historical sites!"

      from $20 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

      4.1(19)30mi from LincolnRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach."

      "Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole."

      from $10 - $30 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Kentuckiana Kampground and Country Opry

      4.5(4)22mi from LincolnRVs, Tents
      Check Availability

      10. WalCamp Family Campground

      Be the first to review4mi from LincolnRVs, Tents, Cabins
      Check Availability
    View all 59 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Lincoln Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Lincoln, IL

    56 Photos of 59 Lincoln Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Lincoln, IL

    346 Reviews of 59 Lincoln Campgrounds

    • IThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 23, 2026

      Lake Taylorville City Campground

      In the middle of long-term campers

      Challenge to find the assigned camping site, which turned out to be on a slope with a picnic table in the middle of it, which I was unable to move, so I took another spot that was somewhat flatter. There are only 12 overnight campsites at this campground which do have concrete slabs however they are all very slanted and the electric box is a ways away. In addition, the bathhouse is no where near these sites.

    • Cha M.
      Jul. 19, 2026

      Sangchris 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.
      Jul. 19, 2026

      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.

    • I
      Jun. 28, 2026

      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!

    • Chris G.
      Jun. 23, 2026

      Camp A While

      Quiet and small - great for overnight stop

      Called last minute and owner was helpful and clear.  Price was great and we got water & electric we needed.  Very quiet place and away from busy highways but convenient.   If traveling through the area would definitely consider again.  We had a class C so was easy, but may be more challenging for a larger rig.  Owner's dog was older, slow and very friendly.  Opposite of our two small puppies :)

      If looking for a quick overnight that allows you to rest for the next day this is a good option.

    • Kelly S.
      Jun. 15, 2026

      Millpoint Park

      Staff was Superior

      We arrived as a storm was blowing in. Tornado watch, severe thunderstorms and torrential rains. Despite the in conditions, when learning it was our first night ever in an RV, our host went above and beyond to meet our needs. Although we reserved a 30 amp site, our site only had 50. She ventured out in the pouring rain to bring us an adapter. The next morning, our site had flooded and she rode out to our site to assess the situation. She was incredibly responsive by call and text. We were baptized by fire on our first night of RV life, but because of her, we made it!

    • G
      Jun. 15, 2026

      The Double J Campground and RV Park

      Perfect campground, unless…

      This campground was highly recommended to us by a few friends who have been there before, which speaks volumes to begin with. It is just off of interstate 55, which means there is constant road noise. However, we found ourselves acclimated to it fairly quickly, most likely BECAUSE it’s constant. Other than that, the campground is very quiet and peaceful, especially considering the number of campers we saw come and go and that were there at any given time. One advantage of being so close to the interstate is that it is very handy for travelers passing through needing a place to crash for a night or two. In fact, we saw a lot of that during our stay. There is a general store on site and it is within easy driving distance from Chatham and Springfield in case you need something. Of course Springfield is also a great place to sight see. The owners and staff are very friendly and accommodating. The grounds and facilities are clean and well maintained. There is a pool, miniature golf, pedal carts and some other games to keep you entertained, especially if you have children. The sites are fairly close to one another. Not sardines close, but close enough. To be very clear, this is a GREAT place if you don’t mind the “closeness” of the community-type environment. However, it just isn’t for us and, for that reason alone, we probably won’t be back unless we’re just passing through.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 4, 2026

      Springfield KOA

      Favorite KOA so far

      This was the first out of two campground of america/KOAs I visited on my roadtrip. It's nice, has all the amenities of a campground of america. I purchased wood, there is a shower and laundry. The tent site is down a little gravel path, and near the woods. It's my favorite campground of america so far, mostly since it's far enough from the highway so you arent disturbed by freeway noise at night. Temp at night in april 2026 felt like high 40Fs

    • Carole I.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 29, 2026

      Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867

      Loves rv stop

      No trees but iris off the highway. Quiet enough considering it’s off highway. Nice , clean.

    Guide to Lincoln

    Campground sites near Lincoln, Illinois typically feature open prairie landscapes with minimal elevation changes across the region. The flat terrain allows for easy navigation between camping areas, though some secondary access roads may become problematic after heavy rains, particularly in spring. Most Lincoln-area campgrounds experience seasonal closures between November and March, with temperatures ranging from summer highs near 90°F to winter lows below freezing.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: Hickory Lane Campground features two small lakes with fountains where campers can enjoy fishing in a peaceful setting. "Small. Quiet. Pretty. Two small lakes with fountains. You can hear the fountains at night, it's nice," notes Beau C., highlighting the tranquil water features.

    Paddle sports: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers unusually warm lake waters due to the nearby nuclear plant discharge, making it ideal for boating and paddling even in cooler weather. "The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach. The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake," shares Melissa B., describing the unique water temperature benefit.

    Hiking trails: Weldon Springs State Park Campground provides walking paths around its pond and through wooded areas. "Trails are well kept & new fishing decks are wonderful," mentions Traci W., noting the maintained pathway system for day hikes from camp.

    What campers like

    Quiet camping atmosphere: Deer Creek Campground receives praise for its peaceful environment. "Large, quiet campsites that are not too crowded. Near the back you can camp right alongside the river. Amenities are minimal, there are just port-a-potties for restrooms but they are very clean," explains Kate M.

    Budget-friendly options: Illinois State Fair Campground provides affordable camping near historical sites. "An excellent, budget friendly, overnight spot," mentions Nathan H., while Jeffrey F. adds, "Short drive 2.5 miles to Lincoln home. 1 mile from Lincoln's Tomb."

    Secluded sites: Weldon Springs State Park Campground offers more private camping areas for those seeking solitude. "I loved how the tent sites (especially as you go further back like to sites 6-10) just had a secluded woodsy feeling to them," describes Priscilla J., contrasting with the more open RV camping areas.

    What you should know

    Site privacy varies: Campground density differs significantly across the Lincoln area. "The seclusion is definitely better than the RV sites that we saw in the main big loop of the campground," notes a Weldon Springs visitor about the tent camping area.

    Cell service limitations: Kentuckiana Kampground and Country Opry has connectivity challenges. "We did not have any cell phone service here at all and from talking to some of the other campers they did not either so that eliminates at least Sprint and Verizon cell phone signal," warns Ryan L.

    Water access: Many camping spots near Lincoln, Illinois feature water access, but facilities vary widely. At Deer Creek Campground, "There are not a lot of stores in the area (closest is about ~15 minutes) so pack all of your stuff," advises Kate M.

    Seasonal considerations: During peak summer months and holidays, campgrounds fill quickly. "It's a nice campground but it's usually insanely busy. Holidays are crazy," cautions Bree C. about Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground options: Several camping locations provide dedicated children's play areas. "Very clean and family oriented. My family camped here in a RV for 21 years till my step dad passed away. My friends and I camp here in a tent occasionally," shares Amy V. about Kentuckiana Campground.

    Swimming opportunities: Water activities keep children entertained during summer months. Clinton Lake offers a designated beach area for $2 entry from 10am-7pm daily according to Abdul Basith Asim M., who rates the beach a 3 out of 5.

    Kid-friendly campground layouts: Camp A While provides a quieter family camping experience without overwhelming crowds. "Owner was very friendly and helpful. Good for an overnight stop. Quiet at night. Close enough to Lincoln for supplies without the noise," notes Nick C.

    Tips from RVers

    Full hookup availability: Electric hookups are common at most Lincoln-area campgrounds, but full hookups are limited. "We have only stayed in the electric only sites as the full hookup sites are hard to come by," explains Tim F. regarding Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.

    Pull-through accessibility: Many RV sites offer pull-through options for easier parking. "Spaces are tight. Most are pull-though but there isn't a lot of room between campers so don't expect much privacy," advises Jamie G. about Kentuckiana Campground.

    Site spacing considerations: When planning RV camping trips, consider the spacing between sites. At Illinois State Fair Campground, "Shaded camping on grass, only paved sites are the parking lot (no shade)," explains Jeffrey F., highlighting the trade-off between surface type and shade availability.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Lincoln, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Lincoln, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 59 campgrounds and RV parks near Lincoln, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

    Which is the most popular campground near Lincoln, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lincoln, IL is Deer Creek Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lincoln, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Lincoln, IL.

    Keep Exploring

    3. View all Illinois cities for camping