Best Tent Camping near Patoka, IL

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Patoka, look no further. Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Patoka, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Patoka, Illinois's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Patoka, IL (5)

    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
    Camper-submitted photo from North Marcum Day Use Area

    2. North Marcum Day Use Area

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    11 Saves
    Rend Lake, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! Youve just discovered the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Whether youre looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, youll find it here.

    Natural Features:

    North Marcum Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Plenty of shade and a large sandy boat in are, make this day use area desirable for a day on scenic Rend Lake. Rend Lake is made up of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.

    Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

    Recreation:

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away youll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Facilities:

    North Marcum Day Use Area features two large picnic shelters with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelters can accommodate up to 75 guests each, and the area has a boat ramp, playground, and dock all within walking distance.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape

    3. Countryside Escape

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    19 Saves
    Edwardsville, Illinois

    Pick from a variety of spots from the lakeside, to secluded forest, to open field for pitching your tent on this orchard land! This property is open to dispersed camping wherever you prefer. Equipped with fire pits, pond for viewing water fowl, and bathrooms with showers inside the house. This is a great spot to spend the night on your way to or from St. Louis, Chicago or Indianapolis. Close to St Louis and all the fun there! Great biking in the area, hiking at Pere Marquette State Park, and swimming and water sports at Horseshoe Lake State Park. Firewood can be bought on site, grocery, convenience stores, restaurants, fast food and gas stations easy drive of 10-15 min.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $15 - $16 / night

    • No image available

      4. Shady Grove Campground — Hidden Springs State Forest

      Be the first to review!
      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. 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 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Patoka

      304 Reviews of 5 Patoka Campgrounds


      • Cody S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
        Jan. 5, 2025

        Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

        Lake camping with space

        We went on Labor Day weekend and there were a number of sites open.  Many of the sites are walk up only.  The sites have a lot of room to enjoy a relaxing weekend or set up yard games.  Rend lake is a good size lake with numerous areas to explore the water.

        The showers and bathrooms are centrally located, so they are a bit of a hike.  They are clean and not too busy.

      • Cody S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Campground
        Jan. 5, 2025

        Dam West Campground

        Lakeside Escape

        We camped right on the lake with a great view.  This site and the site next to it are the best sites in the campground with a pull through layout for a great setup for a lake view from the side of your camper.  There was not any shade on the site, so you will be dependent on an awning.  Keep in mind that strong winds can sweep across the lake and pick things up if not secured.

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
        Nov. 8, 2024

        Gun Creek

        Beautiful Sunsets over the Lake

        What a beautiful campground, it’s our second time here. Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them

      • Carlos G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Percival Springs RV Campground
        Nov. 3, 2024

        Percival Springs RV Campground

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      • Ben T.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
        Sep. 30, 2024

        Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

        Wonderful campground

        Right next to a huge reserve for fishing and boating. Campsites are very spaced out. We had 30 amp electric but no water on the campsite. Wasn't a problem for us we just filled our water tank. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Look forward to coming back

      • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
        Sep. 29, 2024

        Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

        Nice sites on Carlyle Lake- great host

        Our site was on the shore and had good spacing from others. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry all close by. Good hot water in the showers. The host was friendly and helpful. I’d go back again!

      • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
        Sep. 28, 2024

        Dam East - Mcnair Campground

        Location Great for Travel

        McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

        (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

        Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

      • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
        Sep. 28, 2024

        Dam East Recreation Area

        GREAT LOCATION for STOPOVER

        East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
        (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

        (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

        Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.

      • 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.

      • Rach W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
        Jul. 29, 2024

        Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area

        Enjoyable time

        Campground was quiet and well kept. Foliage was well trimmed. There was a spot from previous campers that needed cleaned up, but that's more of a reflection of the previous campers and less the camp ground, in my opinion, as it was not an overall theme.

      • Molly B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
        Jun. 30, 2024

        Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

        Great Community camp not too far off the highway

        My sister and I stopped here on our way to wisconsin, We were surprised how lovely it was! Birds everywhere and the lake was so huge. The camp sites were big and many of them, the bathrooms were always clean and had AC!

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Timber Trails Campground
        Jun. 25, 2024

        Timber Trails Campground

        Wonderful layover and family friendly

        Timber Trails Campground is a easy layover off of I-70, offering a family-friendly environment. The park provided us an easy in and out, pull-through site that was level and convenient. The campground had a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and recreation. Our experience was hassle-free and enjoyable.

      • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
        Jun. 21, 2024

        Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

        A beautiful little spot !

        First off, a bang for you buck compared to some surrounding camp sites. They have PLENTY of sites, most with some view of the water. They have a boat launch, bathrooms, and showers. We stayed here 3 nights. The shores are quite rocky so it can be difficult to access the water just to swim. Overall, it was great. My only complaint is there is only one trash located in the beginning on the park & it was full, full, full!!!

      • 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.

      • Dawn W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
        Jun. 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!

      • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
        May. 30, 2024

        Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

        Wonderful surprise

        Arrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….

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

        Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

        Great

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      • Matt M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
        May. 20, 2024

        Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

        Nice State Park Campground

        We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.

        There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
        May. 8, 2024

        Archway RV Park

        Great campground

        Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.

      • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
        Apr. 30, 2024

        Gun Creek

        Blue Jay #49 Water site

        Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

      • 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


      Drive Time


      Guide to Patoka

      Tent camping near Patoka, Illinois offers a variety of scenic spots and activities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

      Tent campers like these nearby activities

      • Enjoy a refreshing swim at the Keyesport Rec. Area, where you can escape the heat in a man-made lake.
      • Experience excellent fishing opportunities at the Spillway (IL), known for its access to the Kaskaskia River and nearby boat ramp.
      • Take in the beauty of bird watching and swimming at the North Marcum Day Use Area, a well-maintained spot perfect for family outings.

      Tent campers should check out local attractions

      Unique features of these campgrounds

      • The Spillway (IL) provides amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
      • At the North Marcum Day Use Area, you’ll find well-kept facilities, including toilets and trash disposal, ensuring a pleasant camping experience.
      • The Keyesport Rec. Area allows pets, making it a great option for families who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.

      Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Patoka, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.