Best Tent Camping near Taylorville, IL

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Taylorville? We've got you covered. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Taylorville, IL (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)
    Camper-submitted photo from Spillway (IL)

    1. Spillway (IL)

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    4 Saves
    Shelbyville, Illinois

    Overview

    Spillway is a day use area on the shore of the Kaskaskia River just below the Lake Shelbyville dam.

    Situated in the heart of central Illinois, the river, lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, picnicking and simply relaxing by the water.

    Natural Features:

    This facility is mostly open with some wooded areas. Oak and hickory are the dominant tree species.

    Foliage turns a variety of red, orange, purple and yellow each fall, while prairie flowers dot the landscape in spring and summer.

    Numerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors inhabit the lake area, as do mammals such as cottontail rabbit, white-tail deer, gray and fox squirrel, muskrat and mink.

    Recreation:

    Spillway is a fun place to relax along the river. It has plenty of open space and a playground for children.

    Lake Shelbyville and the Kaskaskia River also offer a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. For those without boats, there are also several ponds with farmed fish available around the lake.

    Hunting areas located within a short drive offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

    Facilities:

    This facility has a reservable picnic shelter that can accommodate 50 people. Six picnic tables, a playground, volleyball courts, fish cleaning station, flush toilets and spigots for drinking water are provided.

    Nearby Attractions:

    Wolf Creek State Park, Woods Lake Waterfowl Refuge and Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex are popular locations for wildlife watching, birding and hunting near Lake Shelbyville.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Market
    • No image available
      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
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area
        • No image available

          6. Dam West (Day Use)

          Be the first to review!
          Shelbyville, Illinois

          Overview

          Dam West Day Use Area offers reservable group picnic shelters on the shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois.

          The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing. Boaters have year-round access to the lake, even during high lake elevations.

          Natural Features:

          This facility is mostly open with a clear view of the lake. About half of the land around the lake is forested, with oak and hickory as the dominant species. Foliage turns a variety of red, orange, purple and yellow each fall, while prairie flowers dot the landscape in spring and summer.

          Numerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors inhabit the lake area, as do mammals such as cottontail rabbit, white-tail deer, gray and fox squirrel, muskrat and mink.

          Recreation:

          Boaters have access to a multi-lane boat ramp and courtesy dock, and hikers can explore the shore using a number of trails. The General Dacey Trail begins at Dam West Recreation Area and makes its way through Shelbyvilles Forrest Park.

          Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. For those without a boat, several managed ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake.

          Hunting areas, located a short drive away, offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

          Facilities:

          Dam West Day Use Area has four group picnic shelters; three can accommodate about 50 people each, while one can host up to 100. The shelters each have six picnic tables, and the facility provides volleyball courts, a large public beach with showers and a playground.

          Nearby Attractions:

          Wolf Creek State Park, Woods Lake Waterfowl Refuge and Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex are popular locations for wildlife watching, birding and hunting near Lake Shelbyville.

          • Pets
          • Electric Hookups
          • Reservable
          • Tents
          • Group
          • No image available

            7. Kaskaskia River Camp

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            1 Save
            Shelbyville, Illinois

            Tent camping. Limited electric and water. Canoe and boat rentals, bait and showers. On river bank.

            • Fires
            • Tents
            • Trash
            • Picnic Table
            • Showers
            • Drinking Water
            • No image available

              8. Dam East (Day Use)

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              Shelbyville, Illinois

              Overview

              Dam East Day Use Area sits above the shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois.

              The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, picnicking and simply relaxing by the water.

              Natural Features:

              This facility sits above the lake with a steep descent to the shoreline. Oak and hickory trees dominate the landscape.

              Foliage turns a variety of red, orange, purple and yellow each fall, while prairie flowers dot the landscape in spring and summer.

              Numerous species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors inhabit the lake area, as do mammals such as cottontail rabbit, white-tail deer, gray and fox squirrel, muskrat and mink.

              Recreation:

              With a playground, volleyball court and horseshoe pit, Dam East Day Use is a fun place for families to relax along the lake.

              Within a short drive, Lake Shelbyville offers a multitude of fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass and bluegill. For those without a boat, several ponds with farmed fish are available around the lake.

              Nearby hunting areas offer numerous game species, including quail, rabbit, pheasant, deer, dove, turkey, waterfowl and woodcock.

              Facilities:

              This facility offers one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 people. Six picnic tables, a large grill, flush toilets and electric hookups are provided.

              Nearby Attractions:

              Wolf Creek State Park, Woods Lake Waterfowl Refuge and Okaw Bluff Wetlands Complex are popular locations for wildlife watching, birding and hunting near Lake Shelbyville.

              • Pets
              • Electric Hookups
              • Reservable
              • Tents
              • Group
              Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
              Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
              Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
              • No image available

                10. Shady Grove Campground — Hidden Springs State Forest

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                Mode, Illinois

                Shady Grove Campground accommodates groups by reservation only. Ground fires are allowed only in the fire rings provided.

                • Pets
                • Fires
                • Phone Service
                • Reservable
                • ADA Access
                • Tents

              Recent Tent Reviews in Taylorville

              291 Reviews of 10 Taylorville 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.

              • D
                Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
                Aug. 29, 2024

                Coon Creek (IL)

                Unfriendly park attendants

                Check in crabby park attendants. Tried to change to another site that was available, I was told they only check people in and out, that was it! I was told to flag down a Ranger for help. My family will never come here again!

              • Sara W.
                Camper-submitted photo from Friends Creek Campground
                Jul. 7, 2024

                Friends Creek Campground

                Clean, spacious sites, nice amenities

                Friends Creek is a small campground with nice spacious sites and super clean bathhouses and pit toilets. The fire pits are well kept and the camp host was very kind! He came around with suckers for the kids and just to check in. We hiked a bit on the trails and played in the creek. Highly recommend.

              • 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.

              • S.celeste
                Camper-submitted photo from Camp Lakewood
                Jun. 20, 2024

                Camp Lakewood

                Very pretty

                Tent campsites are a decent size but still pretty close together, and our site had water and eletric hookup. Cute lake, very family friendly, lots of amenities, amazingly clean.

              • Dawn W.The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
                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!

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

                Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

                Great

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              • Brenda W.
                Camper-submitted photo from Camp Lakewood
                Apr. 22, 2024

                Camp Lakewood

                We think this is a nice relaxing place to spend some well deserved time away from home

                Nice friendly clean

              • 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!

              • mThe Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Illinois State Fair Campground
                Oct. 17, 2023

                Illinois State Fair Campground

                Large campground, good location, good value

                On the state fairgrounds just off gate 10 or 11. Very large number of spaces…older bathrooms/ showers but very clean. All spaces seem to have electricity and water.

              • RThe Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Illinois State Fair Campground
                Sep. 28, 2023

                Illinois State Fair Campground

                Clean, beautiful urban camp

                We always leave late on the first day of a trip and get stressed. This was an easy 3/4 day trip from our house and a great place to relax. Great thick grass carpet spots if you want.Great level paved pads if you want.Friendly checking , friendly security driving around all night. Lots of showers, mine was good and hot. Some traffic noise All kinds of open spots if it isn’t fair week. Don’t just show up fair week.

              • Katherine T.
                Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
                Jul. 31, 2023

                Forrest W. Bo Wood

                Not a lot of privacy for tent camping

                This was a quick overnight in a tent on a road trip for me. Site 75 was what was available when I booked last minute. It's level with grass to pitch a tent but definitely in a loop of the park better suited to travel trailers/RVs etc. Not much privacy between sites but backs up to woods. The bathrooms were clean with good hot showers. Would return again if I could snag a tent loop site.

              • 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!

              • Sara W.
                Camper-submitted photo from Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort
                Jul. 2, 2023

                Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort

                One of our favorites!

                This is one of our favorites. It’s close to home for us but also, very clean with nice staff and a fun environment. The pool is a huge plus, it’s so incredibly nice. There’s a small game room and little camp store with firewood and ice. The sites are kind of close together but they’re clean and have nice fire pits and tables. The campground is well cared for. We went 4th of July weekend and they even had a golf cart parade and through candy which was so fun for our son. We’ll always visit here.

              • jThe Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Forrest W. Bo Wood
                Jun. 26, 2023

                Forrest W. Bo Wood

                Quiet, clean dites

                It’s crowded near the road but spreads out well at the back of the site. Lots of people here today

              • Sara W.
                Camper-submitted photo from Weldon Springs State Park Campground
                May. 29, 2023

                Weldon Springs State Park Campground

                Nice campground!

                This was our first visit here, we haven't typically stayed so close to home. It was Memorial Day weekend, and the campground was completely full. The sites are pretty small. But even being small and on top of each other, the campground was quiet and still at night. The bathhouse was only mildly gross but it wasn't unexpected. I didn't use the pit toilet houses. Overall, we were happy there and enjoyed ourselves. It was a fun trip.

              • T
                Camper-submitted photo from Illinois State Fair Campground
                May. 19, 2023

                Illinois State Fair Campground

                Comfortable Place to stay

                The showers were clean. Campsites are close together, but not to busy while I was there. Reasonable. Staff friendly. Security regularly drove around.



              Frequently Asked Questions

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

                According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Taylorville, IL is Spillway (IL) with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

                TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Taylorville, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.