Tent campsites near Patoka, Illinois include sites at Hidden Springs State Forest and the Spillway along the Kaskaskia River, with options ranging from primitive tent-only areas to campgrounds with electric hookups and drinking water. 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.
"This is an beautiful little beach on Rend lake. The lake is an important bird habitat making it a great place for my fellow bord watchers to go!"
"This campground is located behind the Spillway Motel across the highway from the Lake Shelbyville Dam."
from $15 - $16 / night
TravelerCamp Host is very friendly and brought firewood to our site. Bath/shower house was clean. We were in the equestrian campground due to our 73 foot overall length. It was a great stay for visiting family. There are a lot of outdoor activities at the lake area, but no pool.
TravelerThe campsite is nice plenty of spaces spaced out nicely, but there’s absolutely no signage. took us forever to decide where we could park and what to do. tiny little sign on the Rangers house. Led us to a website and then charged us $50. Not what we were expecting. Plan ahead on this one.
GuideWhat started as a one-night camping trip quickly turned into a three-night stay—I just didn't want to leave! Most of the campsites feature beautiful lake views and are well-shaded by tall trees. Each spot is equipped with an electric hookup, a fire pit, and a picnic table, plus having access to hot showers made the stay super comfortable. To top it off, our cats loved taking walks with us around the campground!
GuideThis was a beautiful place to spend an evening on our cross country trip. We were able to secure site B7 -a nice level and shady spot on a beautiful tree lined lake. The site was dusty but there was a picnic table and electricity. It was 90 degrees in early October so I can imagine the open spots are really hot during the heat of the summer. Signs tell you to check in with camp host before parking but there was no one at their camper. I called the phone number and a helpful gentleman explained that the sites were first come, first served and someone would be around to collect our $20 fee. One large bathhouse for the campground was a good walk away but was spotless. I would have given this campground a 5 rating but after walking around, we realized that most of the sites by the lake were hard packed dirt, small and not level. However there is a new section I that has 10 long back in gravel pads with electric & water. They are away from the water but close to the shower house. Finally, google coordinates directed us to a private residence just short of the marina. Follow directions to the marina and find the road to the campground at the end of the parking lot.
ScoutRend Lake, in Whittington, Il is just a great place to camp. From primitive to full hook ups they have what you need for a Corps of Engineers campground.
TravelerJody, the hostess, is friendly and responsive. We stayed one night in the fall so the many permanent RVs were not occupied. The park is large and surrounded by woods and fields. We had a peaceful night near the cornfields where the short-term RV sites are located. Can hear the train horn in the distance. Note that they are tandem, so pull thru for the first person but back in for the second. We would stay here again.
GuideWe arrived at 7 picked a spot in the fcfs area and were surprised that it was almost empty. We got a premium site on the water, with no other campers in sight. The website says the reservation areas were full but that was not true, you have to book 4 days in advance. The camp host was great! It will be on my list of places to overnight in the future. But the lake is beautiful and you could spend multiple days there if you wanted!
GuidePaved roads and campsites. Convenient to the interstate but removed enough to be peaceful. Beautiful sunset at the lake. Bathhouse is outdated but functional.
ScoutAwesome place. Showers are small but very clean. Scenery is amazing. People are friendly. And they have a little mini store and a little mini pizzeria.
Tent camping options near Patoka, Illinois include several established campgrounds within a reasonable driving distance. Spillway Campground, located on the Kaskaskia River, provides tent sites with access to fishing and biking trails. Hidden Springs State Forest's Shady Grove Campground offers basic tent camping in a forested setting near Strasburg, approximately 25 miles from Patoka.
Most tent sites in the area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Spillway Campground provides drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings at its tent sites, with both drive-in and walk-in options available. Toilet facilities are common at established campgrounds, with Spillway and North Marcum offering shower facilities as well. Campers should note that while fires are permitted at most sites, some campgrounds like Spillway sell firewood on-site, while others require campers to bring their own supply or gather downed wood where permitted.
Tent campers in the Patoka region often appreciate the riverside settings and natural surroundings. The Spillway Campground offers unique access to the Kaskaskia River after it leaves Lake Shelbyville. One camper noted that "even though you are close to town it is peaceful" when describing the Spillway area. North Marcum, though farther from Patoka near Rend Lake, provides tent campers with beach access and notable bird watching opportunities. Most tent sites in the region remain less crowded than larger recreational areas, particularly during weekdays and shoulder seasons. Campers should verify current conditions and availability before planning trips, as seasonal changes can affect site access and amenities.
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 North Marcum Day Use Area with a 5-star rating from 2 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.
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