Top Tent Camping near Mattoon, IL

Looking for the best Mattoon tent camping? 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 Mattoon, 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.

          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
          • No image available

            5.

            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

              6.

              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

                7.

                Kaskaskia River Camp

                Be the first to review!
                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

              Recent Tent Reviews In Mattoon

              217 Reviews of 7 Mattoon Campgrounds


              • Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
                September 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.

              • Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
                August 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!

              • Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollar Campground
                August 29, 2024

                Hickory Hollar Campground

                alexseen

                Scrolling through my phone, I decided to try something different, and that’s when I found lucky star. The site’s design is simple but nice, and it’s easy to find your way around. I played a few games on lucky star, and they were actually pretty fun and not too complicated, even for someone like me who’s new to this. The bonuses make it feel like you’re getting a little something extra each time, which keeps it exciting. I didn’t expect much going in, but it turned out to be a really good time. I’ll definitely be back when I need a break from everything else.

              • Camper-submitted photo from Fairview Park Campground
                August 23, 2024

                Fairview Park Campground

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              • Camper-submitted photo from Friends Creek Campground
                July 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.

              • Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
                June 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!

              • Camper-submitted photo from Oblong Park and Lake
                May 31, 2024

                Oblong Park and Lake

                Beautiful, well maintained

                Beautifully maintained, would like to see a small concession stand for soft drinks and ice cream for the kiddos.

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

                Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

                Great

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              • Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Point State Park Campground
                April 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.

              • Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollar Campground
                April 8, 2024

                Hickory Hollar Campground

                Nice short term camp

                Very friendly and helpful owners. Very accommodating. We were here for the eclipse and was fantastic for that. Some of the facilities such as kayaking etc not open yet due to time of year.

              • Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
                February 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

              • Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Creek
                October 19, 2023

                Prairie Creek

                Woody with plenty of space

                Lots of trees and wild life with hiking trails. Nice little pond to fish or watch the geese. Spacious camp site at a good price.

              • Camper-submitted photo from Casey KOA
                September 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.

              • Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
                September 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.

              • Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Campground
                September 6, 2023

                Arrowhead Campground

                Ignore the long description!

                BEWARE: The super long narrative has absolutely NOTHING to do with this campground! Had it been written by the owner, I would have given it zero stars. This lengthy description might describe the general area but not this facility. It’s a nice, very tiny campground right next to the road into town on which some locals apparently enjoy ‘rolling coal’ at 90 miles an hour. Walking a dog is a bit risky. Good place for a quick overnight though. Power was good but let the water run a bit because it’s brown when first turned on.  Payment CASH ONLY.

              • Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Creek
                August 24, 2023

                Prairie Creek

                Hottest part of the year

                We were one of the only groups camping, quiet pretty clean, would have given 5 stars if not for the dogs that ran off waking us up one morning and the lawn mowers waking us the next. Great fishing don’t forget to get a license!! Clean showers & restrooms! Easy to reserve online and plenty of spots for travel trailers.

              • Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
                July 31, 2023

                Forrest W. Bo Wood

                Not a lot of privacy for tent camping

                This was a quick overnight in a tent on a road trip for me. Site 75 was what was available when I booked last minute. It's level with grass to pitch a tent but definitely in a loop of the park better suited to travel trailers/RVs etc. Not much privacy between sites but backs up to woods. The bathrooms were clean with good hot showers. Would return again if I could snag a tent loop site.

              • Camper-submitted photo from Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort
                July 2, 2023

                Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort

                One of our favorites!

                This is one of our favorites. It’s close to home for us but also, very clean with nice staff and a fun environment. The pool is a huge plus, it’s so incredibly nice. There’s a small game room and little camp store with firewood and ice. The sites are kind of close together but they’re clean and have nice fire pits and tables. The campground is well cared for. We went 4th of July weekend and they even had a golf cart parade and through candy which was so fun for our son. We’ll always visit here.

              • Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
                June 26, 2023

                Forrest W. Bo Wood

                Quiet, clean dites

                It’s crowded near the road but spreads out well at the back of the site. Lots of people here today

              • Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
                April 7, 2023

                Okaw Valley Kampground

                Brownstown, IL…Beautiful place

                Lovely park a with lots of trees and green grass. Site hookups we’re all good. Space was long and wide for our 42’ 5th wheel. Only reason I gave it 4 stars was I really needed to do laundry and it was out of service. I think they are in the process of updating as they just redid the bathroom floors and she indicated that the new appliances hadn’t come in yet for the laundry room.



              Frequently Asked Questions

              Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mattoon, IL?

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

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

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