Tent camping near Litchfield, Illinois offers varied terrain across the central Illinois prairie landscape, with most sites situated within 30 miles of the city. The region features moderate summer temperatures averaging 85°F from June through August, with higher humidity making proper ventilation essential for tent campers. Winter camping requires cold-weather gear as temperatures regularly drop below freezing between November and March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Waverly Lake City Park provides access to a quiet lake where anglers can catch bass, bluegill and catfish. According to one camper, "It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do," making it ideal for those specifically focused on fishing and relaxation.
River activities: Spillway campground offers unique water recreation on the Kaskaskia River with boat launches and equipment rentals. A visitor notes, "There are rental canoes and tubes, a bait shop, 16 full hookup and about 20 overnight primitive campsites at $10 a night." The campground provides the only full river access downstream from Lake Shelbyville Dam.
Biking trails: The area around Spillway connects to multiple cycling paths. One reviewer mentioned the campground is "Small campground next to water to fish and bike trails," highlighting the dual recreation options available year-round.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent sites at Waverly Lake City Park offer good separation between camping areas. A recent visitor shared, "Each site is spread out and fairly well," creating a more secluded experience despite being at an established campground.
Budget-friendly options: Most tent camping locations maintain affordable rates for overnight stays. At Spillway, a camper noted the area has "about 20 overnight primitive campsites at $10 a night," providing economical accommodations for budget-conscious travelers.
Year-round accessibility: Unlike some seasonal operations, certain campgrounds remain open throughout winter. One Spillway camper specifically mentioned it's "Great all year," allowing for camping experiences beyond the typical summer season.
What you should know
Water availability: Many tent sites require campers to bring their own water supply. At Rainey Park, amenities are minimal, and at Waverly Lake, a camper reported, "As far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean."
Camping restrictions: Several locations limit the duration of stays. Waverly Lake enforces "a 4 consecutive day per month limit," preventing extended camping at this location.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for active nocturnal wildlife near tent sites. One Waverly Lake camper warned, "Be mindful of field roaches and raccoons at night, as we had to learn the hard way the morning after our first night. Oh, and the mosquitoes are BRUTAL. Come prepared."
Tips for camping with families
Insect protection: Pack ample insect repellent during warmer months. A Waverly Lake camper emphasized the severity of insects, particularly noting the mosquitoes are "BRUTAL," suggesting families with children should bring appropriate protection.
Food storage: Secure provisions from wildlife, especially at night. A camper at Waverly Lake City Park learned about raccoon activity "the hard way," indicating proper food storage containers are essential for family camping trips.
Activity planning: Some locations offer limited recreation options. One camper at Waverly Lake mentioned, "there's not much to do," suggesting families should bring their own games and activities or plan day trips to nearby attractions.
Tips from RVers
Site type verification: Confirm camping regulations before arrival. At Rainey Park (now Wright Park), a visitor discovered, "No tent camping allowed," noting it's primarily for RV overnight parking.
Local verification: When camping in less-developed areas, check with local authorities about camping regulations. One RVer at Rainey Park reported, "I called the police to verify parking is still allowed and they said no problem," demonstrating the importance of confirming local rules.
Full hookup availability: For RVers needing complete services, options exist but are limited. At Spillway, a camper noted they have "16 full hookup" sites available, though these may fill quickly during peak season.
