C
Chris_Tammy D.
Scout
ScoutD & W Lake RV Park
Family Favorite
Family has stayed here several times over the years. Three times this year. Staff is outstanding, very helpful and friendly.
Tent Camping near Bismarck, IL
Search destinations
Add dates
Tent campers seeking primitive sites near Bismarck, Illinois can find several options within an hour's drive across the Illinois-Indiana border. Lake Waveland Park in Waveland, Indiana offers extensive tent camping opportunities approximately 45 miles southeast of Bismarck. Attica Family Campground, located about 30 miles northeast in Attica, Indiana, provides additional tent camping options. The Covered Bridge State Forest Retreat, situated in western Indiana, rounds out the regional tent camping landscape with walk-in sites for those seeking a more secluded experience.
Primitive tent camping sites at Lake Waveland Park feature picnic tables and fire rings, though fire rings are not always present at every site. The primitive tent areas remain first-come, first-served with no reservations required. Sites are identified by the presence of picnic tables rather than formal markings or numbers. The campground maintains well-mowed grounds throughout the primitive camping areas. Lake Waveland operates seasonally from May 15 to October 15, with facilities including drinking water, showers, and toilets. Campers report that sites fill quickly, especially on weekends, making early arrival advisable.
The tent-only areas at Lake Waveland Park offer more spacious sites compared to many state parks in the region. According to reviews, "the primitive sites are very secluded and quiet," making them ideal for tent campers seeking solitude. The park's grounds crew "does a very good job keeping the property in order," with "endless opportunities to pitch a tent" throughout the expansive green spaces. Bird watching opportunities abound in the primitive camping areas. The park's location provides convenient access to nearby attractions including Sugar Creek, Turkey Run State Park, and Shades State Park. Fishing is popular on the lake, offering tent campers additional recreational opportunities. Walk-in tent sites provide greater seclusion than the drive-in options, with backcountry tent camping experiences available for those willing to venture farther from developed areas.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Bismarck (3)
1. Attica Family Campground
2. Lake Waveland Park
"Nice clean park in west-central Indiana that has a lake and a large number of camping sites along with restrooms and showers."
"There are dozens of sites here, drive past the shower house where road bends to the left and down hill."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $40 / night
3. Covered Bridge State Forest Retreat
Drive Time
- 48 min from Champaign, IL
- 58 min from Lafayette, IN
- 1 hr 10 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr 18 min from Terre Haute, IN
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bismarck, IL
1 Photos of 3 Bismarck Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Bismarck, IL
375 Reviews of 3 Bismarck Campgrounds
Sharon M.ScoutTurkey Run State Park Campground
Love west loop!
One of our favorite campgrounds! We have stayed several times. The west loop is especially good for tents. Feels more private, esp the sites in the woods 236-252. The comfort station is very nice & clean! Even the latrine is clean, with a full locking door, light, trash can & lid! Road is not very busy. There is an open common area by playground if you want to star gaze. It's pretty dark for a campground. Most sites are large enough & you don't feel crowded. Most have grass & get some sun. The small cul de sac is wooded and so are the sites mentioned above.
The camp store is spare, but adequate. Anything else you need can probably be found across from the campground at the Turkey Run Gas & Grill. The grill is farm to table, so it tastes much better than the usual. Try the tenderloins!! And they have hand scooped ice cream!
Up the Creek is also within walking distance & has many more food options, drinks & treats! They also have a camp store & a large Florida Keys-style outdoor eating area. Two great options for food after hiking in the park!
Kevin M.
GuideOff The Trail Campground
Great place for Jeeping
Spent the weekend at a campground that’s a little different from the places we typically stay, and it was a fun change of pace!
Off the Trail Campground in Attica, Indiana, is located on the same property as Badlands Off Road Park, home to a Jeep Badge of Honor trail. The park offers trails for Jeeps, dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides, with a huge variety of terrain to explore. From a rock quarry and river trails to tight, technical wooded trails and sand dunes, there’s something for just about every off-road enthusiast.
For our stay, we booked a buddy site, which provides a large shared grassy area with a fire pit and multiple picnic tables. Each site has full hookups with 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer. The campground also has a nice office store and a very clean bathhouse with showers.
One thing to keep in mind is that this campground is part of an active off-road park. There’s quite a bit of traffic, and you’ll hear loud vehicles throughout the day and into the evening. If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful camping getaway, this might not be the best fit.
However, if you’re a Jeep or 4x4 enthusiast, you’ll probably love it! It’s a lot of fun watching all the different rigs come and go, and the access to so much off-road terrain makes this campground a unique place to stay.
Overall, it was a different kind of camping experience for us, but one that’s definitely worth considering if you enjoy off-roading!
Jake C.
LegendKickapoo State Recreation Area
We stayed in the Sauk Primitive sites, which was definitely the quietest part of the park. The Miami & Illini loops had a lot more going on with families and big RVs. In October, the park overall was about 60% full, but we got our site as a walk-in. NOTE: No reservations less than 3-days in advance, after that it becomes Fist-come First-serve on available sites. So book Monday if you want to secure a site.
- GGeorgeann M.
TravelerWalnut Point State Park Campground
Small forested campground on fishing lake
This campground is surrounded by farm land and Off the beaten track. I was one of maybe two or three campers. Electricity at RV sights. Water at dump station. Docks to fish from and watch the birds around the lake.
- GGeorgeann M.Traveler
Walnut Point State Park Campground
I used my Starlink mini
Limited Cellular access. I’m the only camper in the camp tonight so I moved close to the camp host since I travel solo. Nice fishing lake.
- Charlie Y.Guide
Prophetstown State Park Campground
Cross country travelers
Last minute late evening online reservation.....Arrived about 900pm...There was still someone at the gate house to check us in.....very nice park staff....clean, safe,secure...elec/water hookup...dump station in park....nice level site although somewhat challenging to back into in the dark. Only downside is the Indiana entrance fee of I think $18(good for a year) on top of site rental....We're from out of state heading back to East coast so it's doubtful we'll be able to use our entrance fee during the next year....nice large sites, hardly any campers near our site. I would camp here again if ever in the area.
- DDaniel T.Guide
Kickapoo State Recreation Area
Water Activities
I enjoyed my stay and loved the various water activities available throughout the park. I had my kayak and had one of the lakes all to myself for an afternoon.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendShades State Park Campground
Nice, but….
Nice halfway point for our road trip to Door County. We stayed here the week after Labor Day. Not sure if park staff had enough time to clean the grounds after the busy holiday weekend… There was a disappointing amount of litter at our site. We had remove the various cans, plastic bottles and ice pack out of our fire ring and the surrounding wooded area was full of more of the same including a full trash bag of garbage. And speaking of full… the pit toilets…There’s a $15 out of state fee above the $25 p/night charge. There’s only one shower for the park so be prepared. The amount of gnats and mosquitoes had us running for cover. The staff we encountered here, we’re cordial and friendly.
Guide to Bismarck
Tent camping near Bismarck, Illinois offers opportunities in the west-central Indiana region, with sites situated in rolling terrain characterized by elevations ranging from 500-700 feet. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak months. Most primitive sites in this area don't require advance reservations, operating on a first-come basis throughout the camping season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Waveland Park provides a significant fishing destination for campers, with largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish available. "If fishing is your way of relaxing, you should have a good time here," notes Randy A. about Lake Waveland Park.
Beach access: The lake at Lake Waveland includes a swimming beach area open during summer months. According to nicole B., "They do have a beach" that provides a cooling option when temperatures rise in July and August.
Seasonal events: Family-oriented holiday activities occur throughout the camping season. As nicole B. mentions, Lake Waveland hosts "Fireworks in July and Halloween for the whole family in October," making it worth planning trips around these special events.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: The tent camping areas provide more room between sites than many other facilities. Randy A. notes that at Lake Waveland Park, "The majority of electric sites are well shaded and there are endless opportunities to pitch a tent."
Wildlife viewing: Primitive camping areas offer excellent bird watching opportunities. William David S. describes Lake Waveland as "a lovely space with lots of birds to observe," making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Maintenance quality: The grounds at Lake Waveland receive regular care. Katie R. simply states the park has "Really well maintained grounds," while Mike V. adds that "the grounds crew does a great job keeping the grass cut."
What you should know
Site identification: Primitive sites at Lake Waveland lack formal markings or numbering systems. William David S. explains that "The sites aren't marked, but are indicated by picnic table and fire ring, though fire rings are not always present."
Facility conditions: Some campgrounds in the area would benefit from updates. William David S. notes about Covered Bridge State Forest Retreat, "Not fancy, some updating of infrastructure is due. I would keep this on list as decent stop."
Arrival timing: Competition for primitive sites can be intense during peak periods. Kevin T. advises, "The site fills up pretty fast so come early. No need to pay because it is first come first serve."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin alternatives: For families seeking shelter options beyond tents, some campgrounds provide cabin rentals. Nicole B. mentions that Lake Waveland has "A few cabins for rent" for those wanting more structured accommodations.
Proximity to attractions: The camping areas provide convenient access to regional recreation spots. Sydni T. notes that Attica Family Campground "is located within close proximity of both Turkey Run and Shades State Park."
Peaceful atmosphere: Smaller campgrounds in the area offer quieter environments suitable for families. Douglas W. describes Lake Waveland as a "Small but peaceful campground. Well worth the time spent here."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: RV campers should be aware of size restrictions at certain campgrounds. Nicole B. observes that Lake Waveland has "lots of pop up size sites" but "they need more spots for those long campers."
Tree management: Overhead branches can cause issues for larger RVs in some camping areas. Nicole B. notes that at Lake Waveland Park, "Trees need cut or maintained," which could present challenges for taller vehicles.
Hookup availability: Many sites offer both water and electrical connections. As nicole B. points out about the modern sites, "the best part is sites include water and electric," providing essential services for RV campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Bismarck, IL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bismarck, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bismarck, IL is Attica Family Campground with a 0.0-star rating from 0 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Bismarck, IL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bismarck, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Bismarck, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring