Best Tent Camping near New Athens, IL
Tent camping opportunities near New Athens, Illinois primarily center around the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in nearby Sparta, which offers tent camping options year-round. The complex spans a large area with various camping sites suitable for tent campers seeking a quiet outdoor experience approximately 20 miles west of New Athens. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground, located about 85 miles northwest near St. Louis, provides an alternative tent camping destination with more amenities.
The World Shooting Complex offers basic tent sites with few amenities. Most tent areas have flat gravel or grassy surfaces suitable for pitching tents. The campground allows fires and pets but lacks drinking water sources at the campsites. Campers should bring their own water supply or plan to access water at central locations. The complex maintains sanitary dump stations but does not provide toilets or showers in the tent camping areas, making it suitable for self-contained campers. Sites remain available throughout the year with minimal seasonal restrictions.
Tent campers at the World Shooting Complex can enjoy access to a lake for fishing, boating, and kayaking. The area provides a relatively quiet camping experience, though noise levels can vary depending on shooting events. Sites offer limited shade with few trees surrounding the camping areas. According to one visitor, "It can be dry and hot in summer," so campers should prepare accordingly with shade structures. During peak shooting competitions in early August, the campground fills completely, but outside these times, tent campers can expect significant space and privacy. Another camper noted, "Only one other camper was within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning," highlighting the relative seclusion possible during off-peak periods.
