Best Tent Camping near Vandalia, IL

Looking for tent camping near Vandalia? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Vandalia. 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 Vandalia, IL (5)

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

      3. 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

      • No image available

        4. Shady Grove Campground — Hidden Springs State Forest

        Be the first to review!
        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
        • No image available

          5. Kaskaskia River Camp

          Be the first to review!
          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
        Show More
        Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews in Vandalia

        345 Reviews of 5 Vandalia Campgrounds


        • Cody S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Campground
          Jan. 5, 2025

          Dam West Campground

          Lakeside Escape

          We camped right on the lake with a great view.  This site and the site next to it are the best sites in the campground with a pull through layout for a great setup for a lake view from the side of your camper.  There was not any shade on the site, so you will be dependent on an awning.  Keep in mind that strong winds can sweep across the lake and pick things up if not secured.

        • Carlos G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Percival Springs RV Campground
          Nov. 3, 2024

          Percival Springs RV Campground

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        • Ben T.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
          Sep. 30, 2024

          Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

          Wonderful campground

          Right next to a huge reserve for fishing and boating. Campsites are very spaced out. We had 30 amp electric but no water on the campsite. Wasn't a problem for us we just filled our water tank. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Look forward to coming back

        • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
          Sep. 29, 2024

          Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

          Nice sites on Carlyle Lake- great host

          Our site was on the shore and had good spacing from others. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry all close by. Good hot water in the showers. The host was friendly and helpful. I’d go back again!

        • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
          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
          Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
          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.

        • 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.

        • Charles K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
          Sep. 1, 2024

          Spring Creek Campground

          Great little quiet camp ground

          Far enough away from the interstate you don't hear the traffic. No nearby trains either. The grounds were neat and clean. The fishing pond is great and beautiful. Big rig friendly. Bob showed up as I pulled in and made sure I was all set for the night. This place is going in my saved list for sure.

        • 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!

        • Rach W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
          Jul. 29, 2024

          Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area

          Enjoyable time

          Campground was quiet and well kept. Foliage was well trimmed. There was a spot from previous campers that needed cleaned up, but that's more of a reflection of the previous campers and less the camp ground, in my opinion, as it was not an overall theme.

        • Molly B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
          Jun. 30, 2024

          Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

          Great Community camp not too far off the highway

          My sister and I stopped here on our way to wisconsin, We were surprised how lovely it was! Birds everywhere and the lake was so huge. The camp sites were big and many of them, the bathrooms were always clean and had AC!

        • 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.

        • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
          Jun. 21, 2024

          Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

          A beautiful little spot !

          First off, a bang for you buck compared to some surrounding camp sites. They have PLENTY of sites, most with some view of the water. They have a boat launch, bathrooms, and showers. We stayed here 3 nights. The shores are quite rocky so it can be difficult to access the water just to swim. Overall, it was great. My only complaint is there is only one trash located in the beginning on the park & it was full, full, full!!!

        • 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!

        • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
          May. 30, 2024

          Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

          Wonderful surprise

          Arrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….

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

          Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

          Great

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        • Matt M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
          May. 20, 2024

          Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

          Nice State Park Campground

          We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.

          There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
          May. 8, 2024

          Archway RV Park

          Great campground

          Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.

        • 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


        Drive Time


        Guide to Vandalia

        Tent camping near Vandalia, Illinois offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature while having access to essential amenities. From scenic lakes to well-reviewed facilities, there's something for everyone.

        Tent campers appreciate these amenities

        • Keyesport Rec. Area provides electric hookups and picnic tables, making it a comfortable spot for a relaxing getaway.
        • At Spillway (IL), campers can enjoy drinking water, showers, and toilets, ensuring a pleasant camping experience.
        • Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort features clean facilities, although it has strict access hours, which adds a unique twist to your stay.

        Tent campers like these nearby activities

        • Enjoy a refreshing swim at Keyesport Rec. Area, where visitors rave about the man-made lake perfect for cooling off on hot days.
        • Fishing and biking trails are popular at Spillway (IL), making it an ideal spot for those looking to combine camping with outdoor adventures.
        • For a unique experience, Countryside Escape offers a tranquil setting near a pond, where you can enjoy the sounds of nature and relax in a peaceful environment.

        Explore local attractions

        Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Vandalia, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.