Best Tent Camping near Shipman, IL

Searching for a tent camping spot near Shipman? Find the best tent camping sites near Shipman. 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 Shipman, IL (7)

    Camper-submitted photo from McCully Heritage Project
    Camper-submitted photo from McCully Heritage Project
    Camper-submitted photo from McCully Heritage Project
    Camper-submitted photo from McCully Heritage Project
    Camper-submitted photo from McCully Heritage Project
    Camper-submitted photo from McCully Heritage Project

    1. McCully Heritage Project

    5 Reviews
    6 Photos
    47 Saves
    Kampsville, Illinois

    Pitch your tent in one of four widely spaced sites. Each site has enough room for multiple tents and includes a fire pit and picnic table. The sites are just a short walk from our shower/restroom facility. The fishing ponds are just a quarter mile walk from the campsites, and access to the numerous trails throughout our 940-acre property is directly from the campsites. While we have four designated sites, it is rare for all to be full, and likely that you'll be the only campers here most days. We are located in a very remote/rural part of Illinois in a county nestled between the Mississippi& Illinois Rivers, but only 75 miles north of downtown St. Louis. We have been included in John Shirle's"The Best in Tent Camping: Illinois."

    The McCully Heritage Project is a 940- acre environmental center located one mile south of Kampsville in beautiful and remote Calhoun County. We are a private non-profit left as the legacy of Howard and Eva McCully.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $20 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape

    2. 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area

    6. Keyesport Rec. Area

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    3 Saves
    Keyesport, Illinois

    Overview

    Keyesport Recreation Area is situated on the western shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of small towns combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.

    Recreation

    The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is an on-site playground as well as a swimming beach. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

    Facilities

    Keyesport provides one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. Boaters have the convenience of a marina, boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Families can enjoy a nice swimming beach and playground.

    Natural Features

    Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $30 / night

    • No image available

      7. Sandstone Spring & Camp

      Be the first to review!
      7 Saves
      Swansea, Illinois

      Tent only camping. Deep in 300 million years old Carboniverous sandstone spring bed valley with fossils. Place to relax & take in the nature of this hidden gem in the city of Belleville, IL. No restrooms. No showers. Swimming in areas of spring is limited to shallow pools. But it is enough to cool you off.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents

      $28 - $38 / night

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    Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Shipman

    265 Reviews of 7 Shipman Campgrounds


    • John H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
      Sep. 12, 2024

      Waverly Lake City Park

      Nice little lake and camp ground

      I've stayed here a couple times now. Each time there has only been one other person. It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do. As far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean. There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit.

    • Aaron B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
      Sep. 6, 2024

      Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

      Lakeside Relaxation

      These walk in sites check all the boxes.  At the western part of the RV loop, is a peninsula of primitive tent camping spots to choose from.  About half the sites were filled by the second day we were there.  We settled on 62, which is spacious and provides access to the path from the front and behind where you can walk into site 64 as well.  A parking area with a single spot for each camp site is well marked and by two vault toilets.  Park staff and host were great.  A decent fishing spot is just in front of site 64.  $8 for IL residents is hard to beat, if you don't need an RV spot with electric.  A water source is also by the parking spots.  The weekend we were there the weather had cooled some and a great breeze was coming off the lake.  Springfield being so close is a bonus.

      The only negative is like any spot and how previous people leave the camp looking before you are there.  Some garbage in the fire pit and random spots are par for the course in any state park.  Pick up the trash and dump it in the dumpster by the parking lot.  Leave the site better than you found it is our motto.

    • Nathaniel B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
      Aug. 8, 2024

      St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

      Best campsite we've found to explore STL

      Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! We called ahead but didn't need a reservation. It is a city park and had that feel... not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty and the playground was good for the kiddos. Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. I'll

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cherokee Lakes Campground
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Cherokee Lakes Campground

      Secluded and spacious tent camping sites

      I spent a night here camping while on a road trip. The check-in was quick and easy. The host showed me the tent campsites, which are secluded and private from the RV sites. The sites are outfitted with a picnic table and brick fire rings. Some have water spickets. There's a central covered picnic area. Lots of shade and tall trees. You'll want to check them for dead limbs before setting up your site. I didn't ask if hammock camping is allowed. There are at least two sites that would work nicely for a hammock. A portable toilet is available to keep the area sanitary for urgent needs; the flush toilets, laundry, and fitness center at the main entrance are also available for a longer walk or short drive.

    • 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.

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

      Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

      Great

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    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Hillbillie Ranch
      May. 18, 2024

      Hillbillie Ranch

      Hillbillie Ranch is not there anymore

      They are no longer a campground. Bought out now private property.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
      Apr. 19, 2024

      St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

      Good now, and will be really nice when the trees get bigger

      Stayed here most of the several weeks we needed to be in St. Louis for family matters. Definitely our favorite place in the area. The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees. The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake. The staff are kind and helpful. Water and electric worked fine. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Trash and recycling receptacles are huge and convenient. My only complaint is the poorly thought out sink situation in the bathrooms which make it impossible to wash in a sanitary way as you must hold the tap to keep the water flowing and there are no paper towels to that with, only hand dryers. There is boating and archery on site, a dog run, and a small playground.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
      Feb. 1, 2024

      Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

      Clean park, cheap prices. Would definitely come back

      The park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it’s somewhat far from supply stores

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Kamper Kompanion RV Park
      Nov. 6, 2023

      Kamper Kompanion RV Park

      Kamper Companion Family Favy

      We really enjoyed Kamper Companion! We stay there every time we pass through Litchfield. Quiet, family friendly, and great for our dogs. We love the dog yard!

    • JASON L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
      Jul. 28, 2023

      Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

      Hickory Point Heaven

      There's really no way to describe this campground except for: Accommodating. Beautiful. Clean. Convenient. Peaceful. Relaxing. We have spent many weekends here and have never had a bad experience. Tony and Danielle and the rest of the entire campground host staff and crew do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!!! We appreciate them and this wonderful campground. Our favorite sites are 13, 18, 23. Please visit and enjoy!

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
      Jul. 26, 2023

      Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

      If I Could Leave Zero Stars I Would

      I have stayed in hundreds of places and hiked many miles and have never experienced a tick infestation like I did at this park. I stopped counting at 20(!!!) pulled off my dogs(yes, they are on prevention meds), myself(yes, I was wearing DEET), and inside my camper in just two days. 0/10 do NOT recommend

    • B
      Camper-submitted photo from Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
      Jun. 30, 2023

      Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

      Good and Simple

      Good spot for a St.Louis stop. Sites are paved and relatively level. $25 for electric only but with a dump and fresh water fill up stations. Hot water showers in bathrooms. Reservations on the website are until 7pm day-of or first-come first-served need to arrive by 9pm before gate closes. Little tags on each site to say which is still available for that night. No pay station so if office is closed can pay in the a.m.

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
      Jun. 22, 2023

      Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

      Huge Spaces- Very Private and Clean!

      We booked this campground because we were spending time in St Louis. It only took about 35 minutes to get from here to downtown. The campground is close to grocery stores and lots of shopping! The sites themselves are very clean and well kept. Our site, 32, was huge and grassy! If you want to be close to the playground and bathrooms, this site was perfect.

    • MGySgt K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Scott AFB FamCamp
      May. 24, 2023

      Scott AFB FamCamp

      Pretty Good

      Most important, if you put Scott FamCamp in google maps, it will take you there, BUT google maps will take you to no longer operational entry gates. It takes you to gates that have been closed for years. So put in Commissary to get on base. Once on base put in FamCamp. Does not have sewer hook up. One dump station that is clean, black water hose provided, but used a lot. Expect to wait your turn. A lot of spots are not level, so come prepared. Some spots are shaded. Some spots are in full sun. Darn the bugs are miserable, miserable, miserable. Showers are 2ea male for almost 30 spots. Sites have water only and 30&50amp plug in at pedestal. You are on the entire opposite side of the base, away from everything, absolutely everything.. You are only kinda close to the golf course which being Illinois the golf course and golf course cafe run seasonally by days and various hours depending on what month of the year. Food is simple pub food, but is great. Be prepared to drive to everything, nothing is walking distance. Even cafe is a couple miles away. It is very quiet even when full. All, i mean all RVers and tent campers we met, were very nice. It is my go to place, since i local to set up and enjoy quiet. They have one soda machine at the camp site. I have never seen it work. Don’t come thirsty. Stayed Aug, Sept, November 2022, May 2023.

    • G
      Camper-submitted photo from Sherwood Forest
      May. 4, 2023

      Sherwood Forest

      Nicest hosts around

      The hosts at this campground were really nice. The bathrooms are clean, the place is quiet, and the nature around this place is a plus. As many people have mentioned, it’s a hidden gem!

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
      Apr. 20, 2023

      St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

      Nice but expensive

      This is a city run camp with like-new amenities. Unfortunately it sits on the wrong side of a levee with not much atmosphere. The water is part of the Missouri river flood control. An overnight site in my opinion.

    • Mike G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
      Apr. 15, 2023

      Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

      Fantastic lakeside camping

      I stayed at the tent sites. They are first come, first served, and a short walk from the parking spots. There are times of RV sites also, although the host said most all are reservable and only a handful are firstcome, first served. There are restrooms and a shower house that are clean.



    Guide to Shipman

    Tent camping near Shipman, Illinois offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local charm, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

    Tent campers appreciate these amenities

    • Enjoy the convenience of drinking water and clean toilets at McCully Heritage Project, making your stay comfortable and hassle-free.
    • At Countryside Escape, you can have a campfire under the stars, with firewood available for purchase.
    • Waverly Lake City Park provides picnic tables for a pleasant outdoor dining experience.

    Local attractions to explore

    • Just a short drive from Keyesport Rec. Area, you can take a refreshing dip in Carlyle Lake, perfect for cooling off on hot days.
    • Visit the scenic trails near McCully Heritage Project for hiking and wildlife watching, ideal for nature lovers.
    • Explore the nearby city of St. Louis, only about 30 minutes from Countryside Escape, where you can enjoy urban attractions after a day of camping.

    Tips for tent camping near Shipman

    • Be prepared for mosquitoes at Countryside Escape; bringing bug spray is essential for a comfortable experience.
    • If you're camping at Waverly Lake City Park, remember that there are no running water facilities, so plan accordingly.
    • For a peaceful night, consider camping at McCully Heritage Project, where sites are well-spread out, providing a sense of privacy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shipman, IL is McCully Heritage Project with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Shipman, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.