Best Tent Camping near Oakland, IL

Looking for tent camping near Oakland? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Oakland campgrounds for you and your tent. 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 Oakland, IL (8)

    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)

      2. 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
        • No image available

          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. Covered Bridge State Forest Retreat

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            Bloomingdale, Indiana

            Covered Bridge Retreat is not accepting reservations at this time.

            • Pets
            • Electric Hookups
            • Reservable
            • Tents
            • Cabins
            • No image available

              6. 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

                7. 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

                  8. 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
                Show More
                Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

                Recent Tent Reviews in Oakland

                356 Reviews of 8 Oakland Campgrounds


                • Nalu N.
                  Camper-submitted photo from Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
                  Nov. 2, 2024

                  Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area

                  Cool

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                • Sara W.
                  Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Creek
                  Oct. 4, 2024

                  Prairie Creek

                  Prairie creek

                  Men's and women's shower house playground few trails rv tent and camper electric a few primitive sites 2 sites r 50 Amp I think the rest r 30 Amp water gets wonderfully hot Verizon works can have door dash and amazon delivered

                • SomadNomad M.
                  Camper-submitted photo from Kickapoo State Recreation Area
                  Sep. 26, 2024

                  Kickapoo State Recreation Area

                  HEY DYRT

                  How about doing a fact che k before giving bad info? It states in the very first section telling about the park that ALL CAMPERS MUST OBTAIN A PERMIT FROM THE CAMP HOST OR RESERVATIONS, but on the pro section you tell us that we don't need a permit. You know hmmmm I just got a warning g ticket from AC DNR for camping without A PERMIT FACT CHECK YO SHIT, DO YOUR JOB

                • SThe Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from Plainview Campground — Lincoln Trail State Park
                  Sep. 20, 2024

                  Plainview Campground — Lincoln Trail State Park

                  Dog poop in the site and loud neighbors

                  I was not a fan. I was tenting and there was not a great spot for the tent and there was dog poop everywhere (tracked some in the tent when setting up so I wasn't pleased). Also a bunch of large Widowmakers in the trees above was nerve-wracking. The people around me were LOUD! One dude listening to a college football game until past 10 and a guy and his kid playing glow Frisbee right in from of my tent past 10 as well. As I was on a road trip and wanted to get to sleep, this was not appreciated.. On th e good side, the bathrooms were very clean. I would NOT stay here again

                • Laurie L.The Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from D & W Lake RV Park
                  Sep. 19, 2024

                  D & W Lake RV Park

                  Lovely campground

                  Lovely little campground with its own little lake. Well maintained. Clean laundry. Friendly and helpful owner. Visible presence throughout campground checking that all is well.

                • Simon I.
                  Camper-submitted photo from Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
                  Sep. 12, 2024

                  Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area

                  nice

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                • Charles K.The Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
                  Sep. 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.

                • D
                  Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
                  Aug. 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!

                • Andriy
                  Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollar Campground
                  Aug. 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.

                • R
                  Camper-submitted photo from Fairview Park Campground
                  Aug. 23, 2024

                  Fairview Park Campground

                  If you're planning a camping trip

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                • Steve
                  Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Pines Campground
                  Aug. 6, 2024

                  Prairie Pines Campground

                  Comfortable campground

                  People are very nice and the campgrounds are clean. Plenty of site room and clean and updated shower and washing machines. Rates have gone up to $40 per night

                • Rose S.The Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from Kickapoo State Recreation Area
                  Jul. 26, 2024

                  Kickapoo State Recreation Area

                  Not free camping

                  My mistake for not researching this place further but it was listed on the dyrt’s free camping sites, but this is a paid/reservation based site. Unfortunately we arrived passed check in (which starts at 3pm) and couldn’t stay here for the night

                • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Pines Campground
                  Jul. 24, 2024

                  Prairie Pines Campground

                  Nice Campground

                  Our Garmin RV GPS’ conflicted with our new Ford RV navigation, wanting to take us a more direct route and Garmin through town to this city park. Either route would have worked but suggest you locate the campground(CG) on the map and verify the route with Google Maps or Waze. Check-in was at the camp host site near where you enter the campground near the shower house building in the center of the CG. After a quick check-in we were escorted to site 13 with FHUs. This site is technically a back-in but our host brought us around by the swing set to make it an easy pull-through. The utilities worked well and we got 3 bars on Verizon. There are a lot of mature trees. They have a nice shower house complete with laundry. This CG was well kept and a great choice for an overnight stay as we headed to our home base near St. Louis, MO.

                • Sara W.
                  Camper-submitted photo from Friends Creek Campground
                  Jul. 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.

                • S.celeste
                  Camper-submitted photo from Camp Lakewood
                  Jun. 20, 2024

                  Camp Lakewood

                  Very pretty

                  Tent campsites are a decent size but still pretty close together, and our site had water and eletric hookup. Cute lake, very family friendly, lots of amenities, amazingly clean.

                • SThe Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from Kickapoo State Recreation Area
                  Jun. 18, 2024

                  Kickapoo State Recreation Area

                  Nice park with activities

                  Camp sites in the middle are on the smaller end but side sites have plenty of room. Drive is paved and pretty level. They have tubes kayaks and cannons

                • c
                  Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park
                  Jun. 7, 2024

                  Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park

                  Fabulous Park, Nice Campground

                  Turkey Run is a fabulous state park with a nice campground. My only complaint about the campground is that many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them. You don’t have a lot of privacy. Two sections of the campground, with the higher numbered sites, are much more wooded. If I go again, I will try to be there!

                  But the campground has two large modern bathrooms that are cleaned regularly. It also has clean well maintained vault toilets throughout the campground. Best of all, from the back of the campground you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave. It’s a peaceful spot.

                  Be advised that a “moderate” hike at Turkey Run can be challenging, with plenty of steps up and down the hillsides. Many of the trails go along stream beds, so you often need to make your way across the rocks to avoid wet feet. Be prepared with hiking boots and sticks.

                  There are two covered bridges on the edges of the park. Be sure to check them out!

                • KingDredd The Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from Fowler County Park
                  Jun. 2, 2024

                  Fowler County Park

                  Amazing view and fishing

                  Got in late after a spurratic decision to camp. Got here and found that point 5 was open and we tried it. Beautiful view, nice people, and great lake access. Mossy but we casted over it no problem and never had any issues.

                • Sandie R.
                  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.

                • Staci W.The Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park
                  May. 30, 2024

                  Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park

                  Pros and Cons you Should Know beforehand

                  Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons.

                  It is definitely designed to accommodate RVs, as the majority of the sites are situated in an open field. There are a few dozen sites that are in “loops” that are situated in shaded areas. Some camp sites have zero privacy while others have a little. Either way, if you’re here on a weekend, you’ll definitely have neighbors close by. You can see the entire campground via google maps street view, just FYI

                  This is a very family friendly campground and you will see lots of kids on bicycles flying around. I’ve stayed here a few times, and no matter the day of the week or the time of year, there are always lots of kids.

                  This campground has a raccoon “problem” due to campers having poor camp etiquette and feeding them. They come out of the woods towards dusk looking for food. They will come right up to you without hesitation, so don’t be alarmed if there’s one next to you while you cook s’mores over your fire (ask me how I know, hah). They will take any food that is left out. Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out.

                  On my last visit to turkey run (I’ve camped here 3 or 4 times) I arrived to my campsite and someone had left dog food out for the raccoons in little piles all over the place which was super disappointing. Additionally, my neighbors didn’t put their campfire out when they packed up and left.

                  Perhaps I’m just used to camping in other areas where you have to worry about bears and burning the forests down…But campers here just aren’t as mindful or respectful of the campground.

                  The restrooms and showers (at least the one I use at this campground) is modernized and cleaned daily but there’s no dish pit/wash room available if you cook. Just be prepared to clean up accordingly and put trash in trash receptacles. There are a few vault toilets in the campground as well.

                  You can hike from the CG into the state park (highly recommend. It’s gorgeous!) just wear shoes that youre willing to get wet.

                  Overall, it’s a beautiful state park with a conveniently located campground. It’s not the best campground ever but for Indiana standards, it’s great. Even with my complaints, I always return because I enjoy visiting and hiking through the state park.

                • Julie H.The Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from Rockville Lake County Park
                  May. 4, 2024

                  Rockville Lake County Park

                  Spring beauty

                  I stayed by the lake, the spaces there are parallel to the road. Which gives you a beautiful view of the lake. I was there early in April when all the flowering trees were in bloom! Full hook up made it even the nicer!

                • Brenda W.
                  Camper-submitted photo from Camp Lakewood
                  Apr. 22, 2024

                  Camp Lakewood

                  We think this is a nice relaxing place to spend some well deserved time away from home

                  Nice friendly clean

                • Brandi M.
                  Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Point State Park Campground
                  Apr. 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.


                Drive Time


                Guide to Oakland

                Tent camping near Oakland, Illinois offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, with several campgrounds providing unique amenities and activities.

                Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $20

                Tent campers should check out the amenities

                • Spillway (IL) features drinking water, electric hookups, and showers, making it a well-equipped choice for campers.
                • At Dam East (Day Use), you can find electric hookups and reservable spots, perfect for those looking for convenience.
                • The Kaskaskia River Camp provides essential amenities like showers and toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay.

                Enjoy local activities like fishing and biking

                • The Spillway (IL) is located near excellent fishing spots and bike trails, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
                • Dam West (Day Use) offers access to scenic areas perfect for picnicking and enjoying nature.
                • At Covered Bridge State Forest Retreat, you can engage in both drive-in and walk-in camping, allowing for a variety of exploration options.

                Frequently Asked Questions

                • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Oakland, IL?

                  According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Oakland, IL is Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

                  TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Oakland, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.