Best Campgrounds near Virginia, IL

Several established campgrounds surround Virginia, Illinois, providing options for tent, RV, and cabin campers. Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area offers multiple camping facilities including a Family Campground with electric and full-hookup sites, a Primitive Campground with three-sided shelters, and Questing Hills Equestrian Campground. Crazy Horse Campground near Ashland and Buena Vista Farms in Chapin expand the camping inventory with additional accommodations including cabins and RV sites with hookups. Anderson Lake State Conservation Area and Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site Campground round out the developed camping options within a 30-mile radius.

The region sees significant camping activity from spring through fall, with most campgrounds operating seasonally. "Nicely kept lake campground. Spots 56-60 overlook the boat docks. Bass fishing is good here," notes one visitor to Jim Edgar Panther Creek. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Campers should prepare for varied weather conditions, as the open terrain can experience significant wind. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities like drinking water, showers, and toilets, though primitive camping areas have more limited facilities. Cell service can be inconsistent throughout the area, with one camper reporting AT&T coverage at "1-2 Bars and speeds between 0.15 to 0.75 MB/s" at Jim Edgar Panther Creek.

Prairie Lake at Jim Edgar Panther Creek emerges as a focal point for recreation, with fishing opportunities and boat docks complementing the camping experience. A visitor mentioned that "the point on the lake was a beautiful setting for a fall wedding." Campground sites vary in shade coverage, with newer facilities typically having smaller trees that provide limited protection from summer heat. Equestrian trails at Questing Hills Campground extend over 26 miles through maintained paths, making the area attractive to horse owners. Wildlife viewing, hiking, and biking are common activities, with the natural setting providing a quiet retreat from urban areas. The region maintains a rural character that appeals to campers seeking a more secluded experience, though this means limited shopping and services in nearby communities.

Best Camping Sites Near Virginia, Illinois (47)

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Recent Reviews near Virginia, IL

199 Reviews of 47 Virginia Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Springfield KOA

    Spacious Green Grounds

    Springfield KOA is actually in Rochester, but it is only about 25 mins into Springfield and all the wonderful Lincoln historic sites. The campground is very nice, a lot of amenities for families like pool, little bikes, miniature golf and horseshoes. Shop has laundry, ice and oropane, there's free wifi. Sites have power and water, you have to go to dump station on the way out as there aren't individual sewers. But there is grass, picnic table and fire ring at every site, trees all around.

  • B
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest

    It's okay

    Stopped here overnight in late August. Only a few other campers on a Sunday so nice and quiet. Typical midwest tent camping on dirt, lots of mosquitoes, pit toilets.

  • John H.
    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.
    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.

  • David F.
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Jim Edgar Panther Creek - Family Campground

    JIM Edgar Panther Creek S.P.

    Praire Lake Campground has 3 facilities on the lake. FAMILY camp for Rv, Tentand cabins. 1. 84 sites with Electric or 19 have FHU. 2. Primitive Camp has seven three-sided shelters to camp near or in for a fee of $6 per night 3. Group camp area. A separate location has the equestrian campground, Questing Hills, with 51 electric sites.

  • Jennifer H.
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Evening Star Camping Resort

    Campers Are Like Family

    Love to swim in the pool, play in the bags tournaments, enjoy the fundraiser in July for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, mini golf, basketball and theme weekends. My favorite is the chili cook off and Halloween weekends are a blast!!

  • Helge Vandel J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Kampsville River Park

    Nice place near the river

    Good value. 25$ for an RV site with water, dump and power. Payment at the village hall.

    Still vacant sites in July.


Guide to Virginia

Camping sites near Virginia, Illinois blend rural serenity with accessible outdoor recreation across the open prairie landscape. The region typically experiences hot summers and cold winters, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping conditions. Wooded sites provide relief from the flat terrain's wind patterns, with several campgrounds reporting consistent wind challenges during certain seasons.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, campers can enjoy quality fishing with convenient access. "Lake has boat dock with about 6 slips," notes Jennifer K., adding that many sites are located right along the water.

Historic immersion: Explore Lincoln's past at Lincolns New Salem Historic Site Campground, where history comes alive. "I enjoy learning about some of our family history. We have relation to the Trent, Graham, and Jackson families from the original area. Their cabins are reconstructed for touring as well as the old school house," shares Jamie T.

Trail exploration: Horse owners appreciate the extensive trail system at Questing Hills Equestrian Campground. "Trails are well marked and maintained over 26 miles of trails," reports Alicia B. These trails wind through varied terrain and offer scenic views throughout Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area.

Water recreation: Multiple campgrounds offer boat access, paddling, and swimming opportunities. At Buena Vista Farms Campground, "They offer kayaks, canoes, and peddle boats free to campers," according to Sarah S., making it ideal for families wanting water activities without additional costs.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. At Anderson Lake State Conservation Area, campers appreciate the "clean facilities, electric and water for tent camping," as mentioned by Barry G.

Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. "My family and I went mid April during quarantine because we needed to get out of house with kids. Campground was a perfect escape from reality for a weekend," writes Manuel R. about Buena Vista Farms.

Weekend activities: Crazy Horse Campground stands out for its regular event schedule. "Every weekend has an event. Bluegrass to crafts," notes Leanne B., adding that the campground is "Really love this Campground! The owners are a young family, with a bunch of kids!"

Quiet settings: Many campers value the peaceful environment. "We love this place, it's quiet and peaceful," writes Brian E. about Schuy-Rush Park, which offers "tent camping, RV and a few cabin rentals, boat docks too where you can bring your boat!"

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Crazy Horse Campground, one camper reported "No Verizon wireless service here or anywhere for about a 45 mile radius," while others mention limited AT&T coverage at various sites.

Wind exposure: The open terrain creates consistently windy conditions at several campgrounds. "This is a really nice campground but the only downside is that it can be pretty windy," notes J K. about Prairie Lake Campground, while Lucas T. describes it as "Always super windy too!"

Shade availability: Tree coverage varies by campground and site location. At Primitive Campground, "Each site is along the tree line with plenty of shade," according to Amanda C., but the main RV campground at Jim Edgar Panther Creek "hasn't been around that long so few trees in the campground proper."

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds see highest occupancy from spring through fall. "We certainly didn't expect the Prairie Lake Campground to be full in late October! Both loops were full," reports Jennifer K., suggesting reservations are important even in shoulder seasons.

Tips for camping with families

Look for free activities: Buena Vista Farms offers multiple free recreation options beyond camping. "There is an open cabin with games, books, and WiFi. Basketball court, play area, and outdoor games," writes Sarah S., providing budget-friendly entertainment.

Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "We rented two cabins for the weekend and loved the place. Cabins were modern and clean overlooking the pond," notes Sarah S. about her Buena Vista Farms experience.

Pack for wind protection: Given the consistent wind reports, families should bring appropriate gear. "Being newer has small trees with little shade. Also has been very windy on the few occasions we have stayed with an open field at entrance," cautions Lucas T. about Prairie Lake Campground.

Check weekend event schedules: Family-oriented events happen regularly at several campgrounds. At Lincoln's New Salem Park, "plays in the outdoor amphitheater in the evenings" provide evening entertainment according to Leah H.

Tips from RVers

Utility access varies: Water and electric hookup configurations differ between campgrounds. At Lincoln's New Salem, "Just electric at sites, no water. Water available at just a few sites," reports Jeffrey F., advising campers to fill tanks before parking.

Site selection matters: Choose sites based on shade and proximity to amenities. "Spots 56-60 overlook the boat docks" at Prairie Lake Campground, offering premium locations for those who book early.

Seasonal weather preparation: RVers should prepare for changing conditions. "Not 5 stars since we had to leave a day early due to weather. Not their fault but sites became a lake and couldn't even step outside," Kaitlin D. reports about Lincoln's New Salem.

Level sites available: Several campgrounds offer suitable terrain for larger RVs. Crazy Horse Campground provides "Level packed gravel sites. We have a 40' class A. Plenty of pull thru sites," according to Leanne B., making it accessible for various RV sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Virginia, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Virginia, IL is Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.