Best Tent Camping near Patoka, IL
Tent campsites near Patoka, Illinois include established sites at Hidden Springs State Forest and the Spillway along the Kaskaskia River. Several primitive tent-friendly campgrounds offer drive-in and walk-in access across the region, with Spillway campground providing a riverside location for tent camping approximately 40 miles from Patoka. Shady Grove Campground in Hidden Springs State Forest offers a tent-only camping experience surrounded by natural forest vegetation.
Most tent sites in the Patoka region feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Spillway campground provides drinking water, electric hookups, and fires are permitted with firewood available on site. Picnic tables and toilet facilities are common at established campgrounds, though some primitive areas have minimal facilities. One camper noted that Spillway campground is "located behind the Spillway Motel across the highway from the Lake Shelbyville Dam" with good access to river fishing. Sites at Shady Grove Campground include toilets and trash disposal but lack electric hookups or water connections, making them suitable for campers seeking a more rustic tent camping experience.
Areas near Patoka offer diverse tent camping experiences with varying levels of seclusion. The Spillway area provides fishing opportunities and access to bike trails, making it popular among tent campers seeking recreational activities. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, the Spillway location offers good fishing both in the river and at the spillway across the road, particularly in fall when the campground becomes less crowded and more peaceful. North Marcum Day Use Area, though farther from Patoka, features tent sites with water hookups and shower facilities, providing a more developed option for tent campers willing to travel. Campers should verify campground status before arrival, as some listings like Countryside Escape have been reported as private residences rather than public campgrounds.
