Best Tent Camping near Patoka, IL

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Patoka, IL has a lot to offer. Patoka is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Patoka, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Tent Sites Near Patoka, Illinois (5)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Patoka, IL

320 Reviews of 5 Patoka Campgrounds


  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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
    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.

  • AC
    May. 16, 2021

    Washington County State Recreation Area

    Shady Rest campground

    Really great campground. Good mix of tents and RVs. Bath house was very well kept and clean. Showers ran cold at first but after a few mins it gets warmer! There were plenty of pit toliets through out the campground and trash cans. My tent site was clean, good flat spot for tent, picnic table and fire pit with attached grill.

    The Concession building in the park is closing. No boat rentals, selling everything he has on the shelf.

    Caught a few bass and and good amount of hiking. Large trail around the whole lake, smaller trails lead to sites around the different campgrounds.

  • Dawn W.
    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!

  • Phil W.
    Apr. 12, 2021

    COE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area

    Nice site with a great view

    This campground has a great view of the lake. It’s well-kept and the site has nice spacing in between. The shower house and rest rooms were clean and well-kept. There’s a biking trail the we also used as a walking trail. Beautiful scenery along the way. Most sites are level but ours (#90) had a drop off between the drive way and the picnic table/fire ring. We had to use blocks so our camper stairs would reach the ground. We suggested they build that up.

  • heather S.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Dam West Spillway

    Great for Families

    Big, spacious campsites with really pretty, big trees for lots of shade. The bathroom and shower facilities are FABULOUS, and super clean. They smell like the laundry facilities as well, so great all around there. Rangers are walking/driving around, and really friendly. Marina and beach are close, and the most of the drive up sites are concrete or at least rocked. Fire rings/grates are provided and next to the picnic table.

  • C
    Oct. 6, 2019

    Gun Creek

    So beautiful

    There’s not a bad campsite here. There are sites with electric, water, and sewer. Several sites are right on Rend Lake. Most sites have concrete picnic tables and fire rings. The bath houses are really nice, they are individual shower houses that are clean and well lit. The grounds are very well maintained. The park was full while we stayed there, but was really quiet. You can tent camp or use a camper.

  • J
    Jul. 27, 2019

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    Wonderful location

    Stayed at site 6. Had full hookups, plenty of space, lots of shade, and a wonderful view. The site is level and also has a picnic table and fire ring. Overlooks the marina so you can watch boats come and go. Would definitely stay again.

  • Debra G.
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Rend Lake

    Swimming

    Large spacious sites, close to swimming beaches, although not walking distance. Tree covered and offer some privacy. Great place to meet with family and friends.


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.