Best Tent Camping near Litchfield, IL

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Litchfield, look no further. Finding a place to camp in Illinois with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Litchfield, Illinois's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Litchfield, IL (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape

    2. Countryside Escape

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    19 Saves
    Edwardsville, Illinois

    Pick from a variety of spots from the lakeside, to secluded forest, to open field for pitching your tent on this orchard land! This property is open to dispersed camping wherever you prefer. Equipped with fire pits, pond for viewing water fowl, and bathrooms with showers inside the house. This is a great spot to spend the night on your way to or from St. Louis, Chicago or Indianapolis. Close to St Louis and all the fun there! Great biking in the area, hiking at Pere Marquette State Park, and swimming and water sports at Horseshoe Lake State Park. Firewood can be bought on site, grocery, convenience stores, restaurants, fast food and gas stations easy drive of 10-15 min.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $15 - $16 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area

    3. Keyesport Rec. Area

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    3 Saves
    Keyesport, Illinois

    Overview

    Keyesport Recreation Area is situated on the western shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of small towns combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.

    Recreation

    The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is an on-site playground as well as a swimming beach. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

    Facilities

    Keyesport provides one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. Boaters have the convenience of a marina, boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Families can enjoy a nice swimming beach and playground.

    Natural Features

    Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)

    5. 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
    • No image available

      7. Sandstone Spring & Camp

      Be the first to review!
      7 Saves
      Swansea, Illinois

      Tent only camping. Deep in 300 million years old Carboniverous sandstone spring bed valley with fossils. Place to relax & take in the nature of this hidden gem in the city of Belleville, IL. No restrooms. No showers. Swimming in areas of spring is limited to shallow pools. But it is enough to cool you off.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents

      $28 - $38 / night

      • No image available

        8. 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

          9. Dam West (Day Use)

          Be the first to review!
          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

            10. Dam East (Day Use)

            Be the first to review!
            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
          Show More
          Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in Litchfield

          275 Reviews of 10 Litchfield Campgrounds


          • Ben T.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
            Sep. 30, 2024

            Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

            Wonderful campground

            Right next to a huge reserve for fishing and boating. Campsites are very spaced out. We had 30 amp electric but no water on the campsite. Wasn't a problem for us we just filled our water tank. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Look forward to coming back

          • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
            Sep. 29, 2024

            Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

            Nice sites on Carlyle Lake- great host

            Our site was on the shore and had good spacing from others. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry all close by. Good hot water in the showers. The host was friendly and helpful. I’d go back again!

          • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
            Sep. 28, 2024

            Dam East - Mcnair Campground

            Location Great for Travel

            McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

            (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

            Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

          • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
            Sep. 28, 2024

            Dam East Recreation Area

            GREAT LOCATION for STOPOVER

            East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
            (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

            (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

            Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.

          • John H.
            Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
            Sep. 12, 2024

            Waverly Lake City Park

            Nice little lake and camp ground

            I've stayed here a couple times now. Each time there has only been one other person. 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. There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit.

          • 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.

          • Molly B.
            Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
            Jun. 30, 2024

            Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

            Great Community camp not too far off the highway

            My sister and I stopped here on our way to wisconsin, We were surprised how lovely it was! Birds everywhere and the lake was so huge. The camp sites were big and many of them, the bathrooms were always clean and had AC!

          • 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.

          • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
            Jun. 21, 2024

            Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

            A beautiful little spot !

            First off, a bang for you buck compared to some surrounding camp sites. They have PLENTY of sites, most with some view of the water. They have a boat launch, bathrooms, and showers. We stayed here 3 nights. The shores are quite rocky so it can be difficult to access the water just to swim. Overall, it was great. My only complaint is there is only one trash located in the beginning on the park & it was full, full, full!!!

          • 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!

          • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
            May. 30, 2024

            Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

            Wonderful surprise

            Arrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….

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

            Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

            Great

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          • K
            Camper-submitted photo from Hillbillie Ranch
            May. 18, 2024

            Hillbillie Ranch

            Hillbillie Ranch is not there anymore

            They are no longer a campground. Bought out now private property.

          • 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!

          • 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.

          • 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.

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

            Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

            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!

          • Aloha M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Carlyle lake
            Jul. 26, 2023

            Carlyle lake

            Illini campground 7/23

            Awesome campground, fill hoses available for your rig, 30 amp power. Fun little trails, boat rentals and a swimming “beach” . On-site store and nicely groomed campgrounds.



          Guide to Litchfield

          Tent camping near Litchfield, Illinois offers a variety of unique experiences, from serene lakeside spots to private retreats. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of options to explore.

          Tips for tent camping near Litchfield

          • Countryside Escape provides a unique camping experience where you can enjoy the sounds of nature, including croaking frogs, while being close to a pond.
          • Waverly Lake City Park is a well-reviewed spot that offers a quiet atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature without the hustle and bustle.
          • Spillway (IL) features a small campground next to water, ideal for fishing and biking, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

          Local activities to enjoy while camping

          • At Keyesport Rec. Area, you can take a refreshing dip in the man-made lake, perfect for cooling off on hot days.
          • Hidden Ridge offers a boat-in access, allowing you to explore the surrounding waters and enjoy a unique camping experience.
          • Dam East (Day Use) provides electric hookups and is a great spot for picnicking and enjoying the scenic views of Lake Shelbyville.

          Features that enhance your camping experience

          • Kaskaskia River Camp includes amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay while you enjoy the great outdoors.
          • Sandstone Spring & Camp offers electric hookups and firewood, making it easy to set up camp and enjoy evenings around the fire.
          • Rainey Park is a quiet spot with a paved lot, perfect for a peaceful night under the stars, although tent camping is not allowed.

          Frequently Asked Questions

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

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Litchfield, IL is Waverly Lake City Park with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

            TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Litchfield, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.