Tent camping near Highland, Illinois is limited but available within driving distance, with the nearest tent campsite roughly 45 miles away. The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, approximately 45 miles south, offers tent camping with electric hookups, water, and fire rings. This campground operates year-round and allows pets. Countryside Escape appears in listings but reviews indicate it is actually a private residence and not a legitimate campground option for visitors.
The World Shooting and Recreational Complex provides basic tent camping facilities with electric hookups and water available. Tent sites feature fire rings where campfires are permitted, and firewood can be purchased on site. The campground includes sanitary dump stations and sewer hookups. Sites are drive-in accessible, making them convenient for campers with equipment. The complex lacks dedicated shade structures, with minimal tree cover across most tent sites. During peak shooting events in August, the campground fills completely, while other times offer substantial solitude with few occupied sites.
Late summer tent campers at the World Shooting Complex should prepare for potentially hot and dry conditions with minimal natural shade. The property includes a lake suitable for fishing, boating, and kayaking, providing recreational activities beyond camping. Sites remain well-maintained with clean facilities throughout the camping season. According to one visitor, "Huge campground with a lake to boat, kayak or fish from the bank. Quiet but can be dry and hot in the summer." Tent campers seeking more primitive tent camping areas will need to look beyond Highland, as most nearby options cater primarily to RVs or provide limited amenities. During non-event weekends, particularly in late August and September, tent campers can expect significant privacy with few neighboring campers at the complex.
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.
ScoutMy favorite spot in all of St. Louis! The lady who is the owner and the front desk attendant are wonderful and I have never had a problem here with anything! Free WiFi, laundry, and a public shower and bathroom if needed! There’s also cool walking/biking trails and a park with a children’s playground as well! The gas station is also walking distance for any small necessities
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.
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.
TravelerTrails in the area re nice but facilities for this many sites are limited. Sites are close to each other.
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.
TravelerThis campground is very well taken care of. The kids had plenty of things to do to stay busy and entertained outside.
ScoutIts fine. Nothing snazzy. Its in more of an industrial area so its kind of loud with the trains going by and whatnot. Mostly an RV site. 9 tent sites (first come first serve on spot) and a handful of cabins.
GuideCamping area is closed until further notice. Construction
Tent campsites near Highland, Illinois are limited, with the nearest established options located at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, approximately 45 miles southwest. This public recreation area provides tent camping areas with minimal amenities in a predominantly open setting. While Countryside Escape appears in listings, reviews indicate it is actually a private residence and not a legitimate campground for public use.
The World Shooting and Recreational Complex offers basic tent camping facilities with some amenities. Campsites feature fire rings where fires are permitted, and the complex provides hookups primarily designed for RVs but accessible to tent campers as well. The grounds have few trees, resulting in limited natural shade. During peak shooting events in August, particularly the American Trap Shooters Association "Grand" Event, the campground reaches capacity. Outside these periods, particularly in late summer and fall, the tent camping areas remain largely uncrowded with ample site availability.
Tent campers at the complex have access to a lake suitable for fishing, boating, and kayaking. The surrounding terrain is relatively flat and open, providing minimal natural privacy between sites. Bathroom facilities exist but may have limited accessibility, with some doors reportedly locked during certain periods. According to one visitor, "Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning," highlighting the potential for solitude during off-peak times. When considering primitive tent camping options near Highland, campers should verify site legitimacy before arrival, as database listings may include private properties not actually open to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Highland, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Highland, IL is Countryside Escape with a 1-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Highland, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Highland, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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