Tent camping near Neoga, Illinois centers around Lake Shelbyville and the Kaskaskia River watershed. The area sits at approximately 640 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and cold winters. Camping season typically runs April through October, with July temperatures averaging 86°F and occasional thunderstorms requiring adequate tent rainfly protection.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Kaskaskia River below Lake Shelbyville offers excellent fishing access. At Spillway, campers can enjoy both river and dam fishing. One visitor notes, "The fishing here and at the Spillway across the road are very good," making this location particularly valuable for anglers seeking multiple fishing environments.
Water recreation: Canoe and tube rentals are available directly from Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort, providing convenient access to Lake Shelbyville. The marina serves as a starting point for water activities with boat launch facilities and equipment rentals available seasonally.
Hiking and biking: Trails connect many camping areas to larger regional trail networks. One camper at Spillway mentioned the location is "next to water to fish and bike trails," making it suitable for multi-activity outings. The connecting trails provide access to both wooded areas and shoreline paths without requiring vehicle transportation between activities.
What campers like
Year-round accessibility: Some locations maintain operations beyond peak summer months. A Spillway visitor reported, "I camped here in October and it was pretty empty, so even though you are close to town it is peaceful," highlighting the advantage of off-season camping for those seeking solitude.
River access: The unique position of certain campgrounds provides special water access. According to one camper, Spillway campground "is the only one with full access to the river after it leaves Lake Shelbyville," offering a distinctive camping location for water enthusiasts.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area generally maintain good sanitation standards. At Spitler Woods State Natural Area, visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds, with one camper stating, "Great sites. Plenty to do. Favorite place to camp in Illinois," indicating consistent upkeep that enhances the camping experience.
What you should know
Gate hours: Some campgrounds enforce strict entry policies. Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort implements after-hours procedures: "After 10 PM you have to call to get in the gates. They're very nice about it, though! Just try to arrive early." This affects late arrivals and visitors planning evening outings.
Campground populations: Several campgrounds host permanent or semi-permanent residents. At Kaskaskia River Camp, primitive tent sites exist alongside more established sites. Spillway includes "a few cabins and trailers that are full time residents," creating a mixed camping environment different from traditional state park settings.
Fee structure: Tent camping costs remain relatively affordable. Spillway offers "16 full hookup and about 20 overnight primitive campsites at $10 a night," providing budget-friendly options for tent campers seeking basic amenities and water access.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple activity options: Look for campgrounds with diverse recreation opportunities. At Spillway, families can take advantage of "a boat ramp, rental canoe's and tubes, a bait shop" all within the campground boundaries, minimizing travel between activities.
Proximity to conveniences: Many tent camping locations near Neoga offer a balance between natural settings and nearby services. Shady Grove Campground in Hidden Springs State Forest provides a more secluded forest experience while remaining within 15 minutes of essential services in Strasburg.
Seasonal planning: Summer weekends fill quickly at most tent camping locations. Spillway campsites, particularly those with river views, should be secured well in advance during peak season, though one visitor noted that during October "it was pretty empty," suggesting shoulder seasons offer more flexibility.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Even at campgrounds that accommodate tents and RVs, full-service sites remain limited. When tent camping at Spillway, be aware that the campground has only "16 full hookup" sites, which are often reserved by RVers, while tent campers typically use the "20 overnight primitive campsites."
Site selection considerations: For tent campers using primitive sites, choose locations with natural drainage. Sites near Lake Shelbyville may experience ground saturation following heavy rains, affecting tent placement and comfort during wet periods.
