Best Tent Camping near Monticello, IL
Tent campsites around Monticello, Illinois include several options across the central part of the state. Spitler Woods State Natural Area offers tent camping in a forested setting, while Spillway provides tent sites along the Kaskaskia River near Lake Shelbyville. Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort and Shady Grove Campground at Hidden Springs State Forest provide additional tent camping alternatives within driving distance of Monticello.
Tent sites at these campgrounds feature varying levels of amenities. Spillway offers more developed camping with electric hookups, picnic tables, showers, and toilets, making it suitable for tent campers who prefer some conveniences. Most sites in the region provide drinking water, though campers at Spitler Woods and Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area should bring their own water supplies. Fire regulations also differ between locations, with fires permitted at Spillway and Kaskaskia River Camp but potentially restricted at other sites during dry conditions.
The tent camping experience near Monticello offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. Spillway provides access to both the Kaskaskia River and Lake Shelbyville, with rental canoes and tubes available for water recreation. Walk-in tent sites are available at Spillway, offering a more secluded experience for those willing to carry their gear a short distance. The campgrounds remain relatively peaceful, particularly during weekdays and non-summer months. One camper described Spillway as "located behind the Spillway Motel across the highway from the Lake Shelbyville Dam" with "very good" fishing at both the campground and the spillway across the road. During off-peak seasons like October, these tent sites offer solitude despite their proximity to towns.