Top Tent Camping near Lincoln, IL

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Lincoln? We've got you covered. Find the best tent camping sites near Lincoln. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Lincoln, IL (5)


Recent Tent Reviews In Lincoln

287 Reviews of 5 Lincoln Campgrounds


  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Millpoint Park
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Millpoint Park

    Beautiful and spacious!

    Met up with family to fit in one last night of tent camping for the year. They didn’t really take reservations and the pricing shifted on us (quoted $75 for 6 adults 4 kids over email, then $10 per person when we actually showed up) so that was a bit weird but I’m not too concerned bc it was still a great deal. This is basic campground—flush toilets/showers and 3 cabins available but no other amenities unless you include water/electric hookups. I couldnt tell where the primitive tent sites were bc the map online doesn’t quite line up with what we saw there. You’d come here to relax around the fire, play some outdoor games, maybe do a little walking, and that’s about it. It was just what we were looking for. Some people looked like they were going to try to fish but the water in the fishing area was low which makes me wonder if it gets really buggy in the summer. We were on 2 huge pull-thru sites with just our 2 tents and we were the only tent campers I saw—maybe 1/3 of other sites had RVs. Some seemed to be permanent so not sure if that is common? Views of the river were great, kindling was plentiful, and it was SO QUIET and peaceful at night! I usually don’t sleep the first night of camping because my brain has to tune in to the new noises but we got some good rest even with temps dipping down to 45. Would love to come back in the summer for longer.

  • Aaron B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Point - Sangchris Lake State Park
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Hickory Point - Sangchris Lake State Park

    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.

  • David F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jim Edgar Panther Creek - Family Campground
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Jim Edgar Panther Creek - Family Campground

    JIM Edgar Panther Creek S.P.

    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. Primitive Camp has seven three-sided shelters to camp near or in for a fee of $6 per night 3. Group camp area. A separate location has the equestrian campground, Questing Hills, with 51 electric sites.

  • Linda N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    Memorabe trip

    One of our favorite camping trips so far!

    We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on.

    Sites were somewhat open but there were tons of trees and grass behind each spot so it didn’t feel so exposed. We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole.

    We heard the toilets and shower house were brought a portable toilet since we have small kids who might not make it to the outhouse so we never used the campground toilet/facilities.

    Definitely our vibe of being more secluded and on the water.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Evening Star Camping Resort
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Evening Star Camping Resort

    Campers Are Like Family

    Love to swim in the pool, play in the bags tournaments, enjoy the fundraiser in July for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, mini golf, basketball and theme weekends. My favorite is the chili cook off and Halloween weekends are a blast!!

  • 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.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    Great visit with the family

    We had a fantastic time here. We came during Fourth of July and never felt like it was overly crowded. Sites were spacious but wasn’t much privacy, which didn’t bother us because it allowed for our kids to play with the other kids easily. Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole. We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests. We did not use the toilets or showers, although it looked like they were in working order as others were using then. We had a cloudless night and the stars were spectacular.

  • Melissa C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Millpoint Park
    Jun. 28, 2024

    Millpoint Park

    Peaceful, Clean, Beautiful River Views

    Peaceful campground, well maintained, beautiful views of the Upper Peoria Lake/Illinois River. We enjoyed a nice pull-through full hookup site that required minimal leveling. Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird.

  • Nick W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kentuckiana Campground
    May. 16, 2024

    Kentuckiana Campground

    Great family atmosphere

    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!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
    May. 6, 2024

    Comlara County Park

    Lakefront Camping Bliss Albeit Sans Privacy

    Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site. One moment you’ll be driving down the well-paved country road with golden tassles of corn popping up on either side of you and the very next, you’ll turn into a wooded sanctuary that is punctuated by the marvelous Evergreen Lake, which was built in 1970 and is some 925 acres in size with an average depth of nearly 20 feet and 50 feet at its deepest.

    It is this fresh body of water that really makes Comlara County Park stand-out from just about anything else in the surrounding area. It has not one but two outstanding boat launches as well as a separate launch for canoes and kayaks. There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in – which you will predominantly find largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, saugeye, muskellunge and crappie – as well as a small individual isle called Deer Island, although when we explored the small land mass, no deer were to be found. There’s boat rentals and a bait shop that is available on the weekends only as well as a proper beach head with swimming available 7 days a week during the summertime (Memorial Day – Labor Day).

    As far as the campground(s) are concerned – if you look closely, there's actually not 1, not 2, not even 3, but actually 4 to choose from – but if you add up all of the 144 campsites (apart from the primitive camping options) collectively, they are spaced a little too close to comfort for my taste, which when you add on top of that there isn’t much brush or anything separating you from your neighbors camping alongside of you. This is likely my biggest complaint: privacy. If that doesn’t matter to you and you enjoying being in a large wide open space chock full with other tents, RVs and 5th wheelers, then Comlara County Park is a great choice for you.

    I would first begin by pointing out that the entire Comlara Park is very well organized, kept impeccably clean and very easy to navigate with relatively good roads and decent signage. It feels as though whether you are looking for a trail to hike, a spot to launch your kayak, biking trails to navigate or finding a fishing hole to cast a line, everything seems as though it is in very close reach and just a short walk away. All of the 144 campsites are made available on a first-come, first served basis, with 94 including 30 / 50 amp electric while 23 are non-electric sites, with the 11 remaining devoid of any hook-ups.

    For my tent-pitching primitive bredren, there’s 16 walk-in sites in the main recreation area (I guess that is situated amongst or in-between the other 3 campgrounds that exist here), but there is a completely separate whole other area (oh, and located completely in a different county altogether), which is technically a completely different campground in a completely separate physical location with these 16 primitive campsites.

    With amenities in mind, aside from the greatest asset being Evergreen Lake itself and beyond the associated amenities that have already been highlighted (e.g. boat launch, beach, canoe / boat rental, bait shop) there’s 3 kid’s playground, at least 5 large shelters by my count, at least 3 his / her bathroom and shower facilities as well as scattered in-ground fire rings, water spigots (basically planted every 3rd or 4th site) stand-up BBQ grills as well as the prerequisite picnic tables, all of which were in very condition during our stay. There’s only one dump station, which seemed odd considering that there’s at least 3 campgrounds if not 4 here and 144 sites collecting garbage at a single time. There is firewood, ice and fishing worms available at the visitors center and campground station in the main area.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If like me you are a primitive tent camper and on the look out for some pretty amazing, not-so-EZ places on earth to really feel like you are out enjoying pristine, undisturbed nature, then you’ll want to have a very close look at the primitive camping areas west of Evergreen Lake over near White Oak. There’s 16 or so simply excellent lakefront sites over here along with your own boat dock; (2) Should you be ‘herd camping’ with a much larger group, there’s actually a simply fantastic hidden group camping oasis over here in White Oaks as well that you can get away from it all; (3) In the event that you grow weary of cooking up franks & beans again for dinner, you’ll have a decent drive to either El Paso, where there’s a Monical’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, Casey’s, El Paso Mexican or, upgrade yourself to The Local Tap, which is a craft kitchen and alehouse serving up some excellent fare. Of course, you could head into Bloomington, of which you will find everything, but that’s a bit of a hike unless, like me, you would make that drive to either have some of the best deep dish pizza Chicago has to offer, Giordano’s, or one of the greatest sausage and Italian beef joints in the world, Portillo’s.

    Happy Camping!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Anderson Lake SFWA
    Apr. 6, 2024

    Anderson Lake SFWA

    Simple yet beautiful & peaceful.

    We have been here 3 Xs over the pas years as a stop over while traveling. They only have vault toilets, but clean. This time no water due to water break.issue. just a nice place on a beautiful lake. Nice for bird watching.

  • David F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
    Nov. 30, 2023

    Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

    State Park away from busier Illinois

    https://camp.exploremoreil.com/ 84 electric RV sites all reservable except 21 First Come sites. 18 sites are full hookup. Several 50 amp sites but majority are 30 amp. Modern Shower house and 7 Vault toilet buildings. Newer Campground so Shade Trees are smaller still. Have camped here 4 times past 3 years. 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.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Illinois State Fair Campground
    Oct. 17, 2023

    Illinois State Fair Campground

    Large campground, good location, good value

    On the state fairgrounds just off gate 10 or 11. Very large number of spaces…older bathrooms/ showers but very clean. All spaces seem to have electricity and water.

  • Kathie M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
    Oct. 16, 2023

    Comlara County Park

    Site 18

    Beautiful lake view site. Steep drop to water so not good for those w/little kids. Great trees for hammock-overlooking lake! Pad level. Water very close. Outhouse close walk. Kayak launch close walk. Boat dock close. Shower house short walk

  • Kathie M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
    Oct. 12, 2023

    Comlara County Park

    Site 107 non-electric

    Very large non electric site near water. Quieter area of campground. Site level. Water close by. Pit toilets close.

  • Kathie M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
    Sep. 30, 2023

    Comlara County Park

    Site 31

    Site 31 is for those who want more privacy. It has woods on 2 sides with a trail thru woods to outhouse. Nice shade, site is level and on cul-de-sac so way less traffic. Water spigot very close. Very short walk to lake/dock and shower house. Park kept clean and very friendly staff.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Illinois State Fair Campground
    Sep. 28, 2023

    Illinois State Fair Campground

    Clean, beautiful urban camp

    We always leave late on the first day of a trip and get stressed. This was an easy 3/4 day trip from our house and a great place to relax. Great thick grass carpet spots if you want.Great level paved pads if you want.Friendly checking , friendly security driving around all night. Lots of showers, mine was good and hot. Some traffic noise All kinds of open spots if it isn’t fair week. Don’t just show up fair week.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Run Campground
    Aug. 31, 2023

    Deer Run Campground

    Beautiful, affordable and friendly

    The camp host was super friendly, the sites were large and the primitive sites at the back were incredibly beautiful! The prices were very low.

  • Kathie M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Comlara County Park

    County Campground w/nice lake

    Campground with nice no wake lake. Sites are fairly large although many of them with wide open area and thus little privacy. Site 31 nice site backed by woods. Could use a second dump station-only has one. Camp staff very friendly.

  • JASON L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Point - Sangchris Lake State Park
    Jul. 28, 2023

    Hickory Point - Sangchris Lake State Park

    Hickory Point Heaven

    There's really no way to describe this campground except for: Accommodating. Beautiful. Clean. Convenient. Peaceful. Relaxing. We have spent many weekends here and have never had a bad experience. Tony and Danielle and the rest of the entire campground host staff and crew do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!!! We appreciate them and this wonderful campground. Our favorite sites are 13, 18, 23. Please visit and enjoy!

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Millpoint Park
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Millpoint Park

    Excellent campground and value

    Beautiful views. Great sites. Excellent communication from the manager. We got a pull-through site in the middle. We brought our two dogs and they loved this place. Our kids did too. No there's no playground, but our 7 and 8 year old girls loved this place. No there's no pool. It was very quiet and peaceful. Every day the manager and his crew were working on maintaining the grounds. The only complaint - there's no sign on the bathroom/shower house! Please put up a sign! (It's right next to the office, but you cannot tell it's a bath house because it looks just like the cabins next to it. There's no signs to tell you where the dumpster is either. Ask Don - he's very friendly and accommodating. Oh, the water. Like the other reviewers stated, the water is not for drinking. Bring cases of bottled water. But the water is fine for showering or other things. Even with water filters, it is still brown. I'm guessing that is because of the river. Good luck finding a site with no shade. There's mature trees everywhere! Also, it was very quiet and peaceful. The showers and bathrooms are amazing! Very clean. We'll be back!

  • Rick G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Comlara County Park
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Comlara County Park

    Nice County Park near Bloomington

    Needed a couple nights stay near Bloomington and chose site #29 sight unseen. Ended up having to grab a different site since #29 was too unlevel. The campground office was very accommodating. Park is very well maintained with small lake access and lots of open space. Enjoyed peace and quiet with only one other camper in our loop. Filled the fresh water tank on the way end and used the easy access dump on the way out. Verizon signal was minimal, but worked. Recommend the McLean County History Museum in downtown Bloomington. Located in the old courthouse building and extremely well done.



Guide to Lincoln

Camping near Lincoln, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Comlara County Park, have great fishing spots. One reviewer mentioned, "There are simply tons of little nooks and crannies all around the lake to get some decent fishing in."
  • Hiking: Trails are available at places like Moraine View State Recreational Area. A visitor noted, "The nature trails are nicely groomed and mowed," making it perfect for a family hike.
  • Swimming: If you're looking to cool off, Clinton Lake State Recreation Area has a beach area. One family shared, "We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Double J Campground and RV Park stated, "The bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A visitor at Coon Creek mentioned, "The sites at the campground are kind of hit or miss as lots are very slopy, but we had a full hookup site that was pull through."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One review for Sangchris Lake State Park Campground said, "Tony and Danielle and the rest of the entire campground host staff do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!"

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds, like Comlara County Park, have sites that are close together. A camper noted, "They are spaced a little too close for comfort for my taste."
  • Water Quality: Be cautious about the water quality at certain campgrounds. A visitor at Millpoint Park mentioned, "The water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird."
  • Wildlife: Raccoons can be a nuisance at some sites. A review for Weldon Springs State Park Campground warned, "The couple a few sites down had their tent destroyed."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. One family at Moraine View State Recreational Area said, "The swimming beach is apparently only open on the weekends but there are plenty of places to get in the water."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or sports equipment. A camper at Jubilee College State Park Campground suggested, "Bring your own corn hole bags and badminton."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A visitor at Coon Creek mentioned, "You could buy ice, filtered water, beer, groceries, bait, firewood, and lots of other items!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your site. A review for Clinton Lake State Recreation Area noted, "A 40-foot site might only be 20 feet."
  • Bring Extra Water: Many campgrounds have questionable drinking water. A visitor at Millpoint Park advised, "Bring cases of bottled water."
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are spacious and campground is quiet and leisurely during the week."

Camping around Lincoln, IL, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lincoln, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lincoln, IL is Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Lincoln, IL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Lincoln, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.