Best Tent Camping near Vandalia, IL
Tent campsites near Vandalia, Illinois include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and access options. Spillway Campground on the Kaskaskia River offers primitive tent sites for $10 per night, providing access to fishing opportunities directly on the river below Lake Shelbyville Dam. Other tent camping options include Shady Grove Campground in Hidden Springs State Forest near Strasburg and Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort near Shelbyville.
Walk-in tent sites are available at both Spillway and Countryside Escape campgrounds, while most others are drive-in access. Spillway features drinking water, electric hookups, picnic tables, and campfire rings with firewood available for purchase. Most tent campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities such as toilets and trash disposal, though availability varies by location. Shady Grove Campground offers more primitive conditions with drinking water and toilets but lacks showers and electric hookups. Seasonal factors may affect availability, particularly at sites near waterways that might experience flooding during spring.
The tent camping experience near Vandalia offers opportunities for outdoor recreation centered around water activities. The Spillway location provides direct river access with fishing, canoeing, and tubing options. Most tent-only camping areas maintain a natural setting with adequate spacing between sites. According to one visitor, "Spillway Campground is the only one with full access to the river after it leaves Lake Shelbyville. The fishing here and at the Spillway across the road are very good." Another camper noted that despite being close to town, Spillway remains peaceful, especially during fall months when visitation decreases. Walk-in tent locations typically offer more seclusion than drive-in sites, though terrain may be less developed. Sullivan Marina maintains strict operating hours with gates that close at 10 PM, requiring campers to call for entry after hours.
