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Best Tent Camping near Weldon, IL

279 Reviews

Central Illinois offers several tent camping areas near Weldon, with options ranging from primitive sites to established campgrounds. Spitler Woods State Natural Area provides tent campsites in a natural setting, while Spillway Campground offers more developed sites along the Kaskaskia River. Hickory Hill Campground in nearby Secor also accommodates tent campers, though it primarily serves RV users.

Most tent campgrounds in the Weldon area have basic amenities, with variations in services. Spillway Campground provides drinking water, electric hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, and access to toilets and showers at $10 per night for primitive sites. Spitler Woods offers a more rustic experience with fewer amenities. Both locations have drive-in access, though Spillway also offers walk-in tent sites for those seeking more seclusion. Seasonal availability varies, with Hickory Hill Campground operating from April 1 to October 31.

Tent camping experiences near Weldon provide access to various outdoor activities. The Spillway location offers excellent fishing opportunities with full access to the Kaskaskia River after it leaves Lake Shelbyville. The campground includes a boat ramp and rental canoes for water recreation. While relatively close to town, the sites remain peaceful, especially during weekdays and non-summer months. According to one visitor, "This campground is located behind the Spillway Motel across the highway from the Lake Shelbyville Dam. The fishing here and at the Spillway across the road are very good." Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area offers another option for tent campers interested in fishing and wildlife observation. These tent campgrounds serve as good base camps for exploring the natural areas around Weldon, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

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Best Tent Sites Near Weldon, Illinois (6)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Weldon, IL

279 Reviews of 6 Weldon Campgrounds

  • Aaron B.
    Jun. 16, 2019

    Eagle Creek State Park Campground

    Wooded Solitude / Family Friendly

    Review of Drive In Tent Camping Site 2. Showed up on a Thursday night and had our pick of all the drive in and walk in sites. We decided on site 2 in the drive in area. Previous reviews and a book by John Schirle on Tent Camping in Illinois helped us with this decision as well. Decent maintained sites with some older picnic tables and fire rings, but let's be honest this stuff sits outside 24/7. Site 2 seemed to sit back the farthest with site 1 a close second. Both wooded sites that made for great shade and helped some when it was raining. Any two families looking for two sites could certainly set up and share the experience. Nice little cove behind them to try fishing. Just watch the hike down the path or ravine. Dog friendly, fresh water supply (hint put the handle all the way up and wait a few seconds), ability to store stuff in the car close by, outhouse toilets visible at the walk in parking lot, and helpful host for easy check in who even sells fire wood made for a great few days ($5 a bundle). Rated B/S site at a cost of $10 a night.

  • Michael M.
    Oct. 2, 2017

    Eagle Creek State Park Campground

    Great Lakeside Camping

    I have camped here in the past and enjoy primitive tent camping so I stayed Friday September 29th and Saturday September 30th in the tent camping drive up site #2. There is also a tent camping walk in area with 2 lake front sites that are about 150 yards from the parking area and about eight other sites in between. There is a building with men's and women's flush toilets here for both primitive campgrounds. These are cheaper campsites than in the RV area where you have the shower house, nicer bathrooms and electric hookups. There are lots of nice shaded sites in these campgrounds and all have fire ring grates, lantern posts, picnic tables and some have pole mounted campstove tables as well. The camp hosts do a great job keeping this place clean, maintaining a quiet campground and supplying firewood for the campers. The park has a boat ramp, playground areas, the Chief Illini trail plus a couple short trails. There is a golf course and a run down lodge / hotel that has been closed for several years. There is tons of deer and other animals to watch and watch out that they don't steal your food while you are sleeping. The wild life is great for photography and makes for some good fireside stories.

    This is my second favorite place to camp on the lake, although not as peaceful as Lone Point it does have the Chief Illini trailhead here and makes for nice round trip hiking camping adventures.

    This park is open year round so the fantastic camping in spring and fall are available. You should watch out for hunters in the area when bow season starts October 1st.

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    Busy Central Illinois Campground on a lake

    This is our go-to campground when visiting the U of I. It is a large campground with well spaced campsites for tents and rvs. Almost every site has plenty of shade with lots of tree cover. This also means in the dog days of summer the breeze is blocked by the trees so get an electric site even with a tent and bring a fan. They have a beach and a boat launch. The loops that allow alcohol can get a bit rowdy with weekend partiers, but the alcohol restricted loops can get loud from all the families. However, with full hook-up options there is no generator noise. The showers/bathrooms are kept up well given the massive amount of people served. If you own a boat and camp, this place is ideal for central Illinois.

  • Priscilla J.
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Weldon Springs State Park Campground

    Loved the Hike-in Sites

    We came on Memorial Day weekend so the campground was very full. It didn't feel too crowded though except when playing on the playground there were lots of kids and its not a very big play area. But it was fun for the kids to play with other kids. 

    While I wish the tent are and comfort station were closer to one another, the walk really wasn't all that bad from our campsite. I loved that the tent sites (especially as you go further back (like to sites 6-10 probably) just had a secluded woodsy feeling to them. I loved how convenient our site was though being right by our car and the road to the restrooms. 

    Some of the tent sites are close together with some having a little more seclusion. There are a  lot of trees and plants with it being in the woods so this does help. But with the trail running right down the middle that cuts out a little of your privacy. But the seclusion is definitely better than the RV sites that we saw in the main big loop of the campground. 

    We walked a couple trails and they were lots of fun for us and the kids/dogs. 

    There is a STRICT no alcohol rule in the tent sites. A sign said coolers are subject to inspection, but from our experience and the vibe of the place, I don't see this really being an issue unless your group gets kind of rowdy ;) 

    All in all a great experience.

  • Michael M.
    Oct. 20, 2017

    Coon Creek (IL)

    Big Campground with great lake access

    I have camped here in a motorhome with full hookups and tent camped as well.

    The camp sites are divided into many loops and have side pullin sites and backin sites. The RV and tent sites are grouped in the same loops and there are many that have trails from the site right to the lake and people leave the boat near the campsite but still on the water. The restrooms and shower houses are clean as all the Lake Shelbyville campgrounds are maintained by the Corps of Engineers. This campground is very busy in the prime camping season, but if you are camping with a group and have a boat this is the place to go. There are several buddy sites here that are set up very well for groups of RV's and tents camping together. There are a few isolated sites on corners of loops, but most are fairly close together. There is a swimming beach here and lots of boat traffic, but quiet hours are observed, so you can get a good night's sleep before an action packed day on the lake. The fishing is good if you have a boat, but there is very little bank fishing areas available. Part of the campground is open after Labor Day, but the main season is Memorial day to Labor day.

  • S
    Oct. 1, 2020

    Harry L Swartz Campground

    Pretty spot/small gravel campsites

    Il start this by saying: we prefer tent camping/primitive/atleast semi isolated spots. If you’re looking for RV camping, this is probably a decent spot so read no further!

    We drove in to the Middle Fork Forest Preserve looking for a place to camp same day on our way down to Giant City. We weren’t able to make a reservation less than 5 days in advance online so we tried to call. No one in the office except Th-Sunday and it was Wednesday so we couldn’t get in touch. All good. It happens and it did say that clearly on their website and on voicemail. We needed a place for the night so decided to risk driving over from I57 S. Rolled in around 5 and all the campsites were marked reserved but there were about 3 people set up to camp there. We didn’t end up camping the night 1. Because we didn’t want to be jerks about the reservations although it seemed like no one else would be arriving until at the earliest the next day and 2. All of the campsites were pretty tight together and surfaced with gravel. That’s a personal preference thing. We always look for primitive/walk-in/hike in sites to set up tents/hammocks. This spot was mostly set up for RVs.

    The hiking looked pretty lovely and the grounds/facilities looked well kept! Just maybe not our preference.

  • Michael M.
    Oct. 16, 2017

    Bo Wood

    Campground with all the comforts

    The Forest Bo Wood Recreation area has grown each year since I first camped there in 1979.

    In 2017 it has 150 camping sites, a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, several picnic areas and a bait shop at the entrance on Illinois Route 32 4 miles South of Sullivan. The camp sites all have parking space for a big rig and one vehicle. There are some tent only sites but most have been converted to at least 30 amp electric sites with water hookups near the site. Many lake side sites are available, some years back there was a problem with the bank, but that has been dealt with.

    Bath rooms and shower houses are very clean and there is good bank fishing near the pavilion at the turn around at the west end of the area. There is a marina just 1 mile South and across the bridge another ½ mile is the Sullivan beach. Just 1 more mile South is a Rosatti's pizza located in a gas station with a liquor store. Rossati's delivers pizza's to the 2 campgrounds that are this close to the business. People that love the comforts of home while camping love this campground, so it fills up in the spring and summer months.

    All sites are spacious and include a picnic table, lantern stand, fire pit with grill grate and some have added camp stove stands. I find that October camping at Bo Woods most agreeable with less people tent camping and less boat traffic on the lake. The fishing this time of year is also very good.

  • S
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    Beautiful/Quiet during week!

    We stopped in to Wolf Creek State Park later in the day on a Wednesday after trying to stop at a different campground that was closed. We were worried about finding a spot as the sun was going down so we called even though no one usually answers phones at state parks (esp during COVID). The woman that answered was SO nice and I was so happy to hear a voice on the other end. So that’s a huge plus. You can reserve spots online in advance but clearly we did not because we didn’t know we’d be headed there. Same day is first come first serve. We are tent people and love primitive camping in spots where we can really be away from everyone and at least pretend like we’re alone. Rolling in in the dark, we weren’t motivated to checkout the walk-in campsites. And it wasn’t necessary because the area - which if full would’ve been pretty cramped for our taste- was absolutely empty. So we were happy. Many many spots for RVs all next to one another but there was tree cover for some and the possibility of a little bit of privacy but not much in that area.

    We had an almost full moon, but otherwise I think the stars would’ve been pretty awesome. The next morning we woke up and took a little hike down to Shelby Resevoir to see what was around. We were at campsite 18 and it was about 10 min hike down over there. Beautiful and big! Maybe good swimming I would assume? Too late in the year for us.

    We will definitely be back to checkout more of the primitive/walk-in/hike in sites! Hiking trails look interesting and fun and Eagle Creek State Park is just across the water (that’s the bigger one). The 4 stars was because the sites are pretty close together which- even with RVs- I think people mind- but maybe not? We love to be back in the woods ans I do think there is an option for that. We just didn’t have time to check it out. Will update!

  • Michael M.
    Aug. 30, 2017

    Lone Point

    Lakeside wonder

    I tent camped in a large tent, car camping, Friday and Saturday night.

    I have camped here as well as all the Lake Shelbyville campgrounds many times before. Lone Point campground is actually 14 miles from my rural home in Shelbyville, IL. and is my favorite Lake Shelbyville campground.

    There are many nice sites here along the lake and in the wooded areas around the lake. The sites have electricity and water near by. Fire rings with grates, lantern posts, picnic tables and level parking areas. Some sites have limited level areas for tents, but there are lots of sites to choose from. I like camping here because it is the least visited campground on the lake, so it can be quiet and you can get a site with a view. The bathrooms are clean and there is a shower house. There is a 12 mile trail from Lone Point to Eagle creek along the lake shore line, this trail is moderate to difficult hiking. I recommend this campground over all the others on Lake Shelbyville. The campgrounds and park are maintained by the US Army corps of engineers and reservations can be made online through recreation.gov.

    The main campground closes on Labor Day however there is a small section near the boat ramp open year round and this has nice sites in it with camp stove stands as well as grills and awesome fire pits. The trail Chief Illini trailhead is located in the parking area and the trail is fairly well maintained during the regular campground open season. The trail is open year round and can be hiked from one end to the other spending a night at either campground for return trip the next day.

    GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):

    39.45222, -88.74028

    39°27'8"N, 88°44'25"W

Guide to Weldon

Tent camping options near Weldon, Illinois concentrate around several waterways including the Kaskaskia River and Lake Shelbyville. The region's central Illinois landscape features gently rolling terrain at approximately 650-700 feet above sea level, with a four-season climate that makes camping most comfortable from late spring through early fall. While summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s, thunderstorms can develop quickly, requiring campers to secure their sites properly.

What to do

Fishing excursions: Sullivan Marina and Campgrounds Resort provides easy lake access with strict entrance policies. "This was a great campground with clean facilities. But they have very strict hours, and after 10 PM you have to call to get in the gates. They're very nice about it, though! Just try to arrive early," reports camper ShayLin E.

Canoe rentals: Spillway Campground offers rental canoes and tubes for river recreation. According to Jan G., the location is "Small campground next to water to fish and bike trails. Great all year."

Wildlife viewing: Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area offers bird watching and nature observation opportunities in a more secluded setting. Camper Sarra W. shares her experience: "Would take my family back!" The area includes trails through prairie and woodland habitats ideal for spotting local wildlife.

What campers like

Peaceful weekday camping: During non-peak times, many campgrounds in the area become particularly tranquil. "I camped here in October and it was pretty empty, so even though you are close to town it is peaceful," notes a camper about Spillway Campground.

Quality fishing spots: The waterways near Weldon offer productive fishing. "The campground is the only one with full access to the river after it leaves Lake Shelbyville," explains one visitor about the fishing advantages at Spillway.

Variety of sites: Hickory Hill Campground offers numerous camping options. "We called in the afternoon and got a full hook up, pull through spot. Lots of nice amenities for families," shares camper Deb B., highlighting the campground's accessibility.

What you should know

Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area have limited seasons. Hickory Hill Campground operates from April 1 to October 31, requiring advance planning for spring and fall visits.

Site privacy concerns: Some campgrounds have closely positioned sites. Bill P. notes about Hickory Hill, "The sites are kind of tight. Gravel sites but mostly level."

Isolation factor: Some campgrounds are quite remote. "This campground is pretty isolated, clear out in the boondocks just northwest of the major college town of Bloomington," warns one camper about Hickory Hill Campground, suggesting campers bring all necessary supplies.

Tips for camping with families

Activity options: Family-friendly amenities enhance the best tent camping near Weldon. Kevin T. says about Hickory Hill, "Very nice place. Great for a weekend getaway. Clean, quiet, and plenty of shade. Friendly staff and other campers."

Swimming opportunities: Spitler Woods State Natural Area offers a more natural camping experience. One visitor calls it a "Great sites. Plenty to do. Favorite place to camp in Illinois."

Meal planning: Limited food options near campsites mean families should pack sufficient food supplies. The nearest grocery stores are in larger towns, requiring advance meal planning for multi-day stays.

Tips from RVers

Limited tent options: RV campers dominate some areas. "This place is a massive RV enclave with various different neighborhoods and haunts to choose from... if you're a tent camper, you will be hard-pressed at this location to find a suitable spot," notes Stuart K. about Hickory Hill Campground.

Amenity considerations: Campgrounds vary widely in available hookups. "We called in the afternoon and got a full hook up, pull through spot," reports one RVer about their experience at Hickory Hill, indicating that last-minute availability is sometimes possible even for larger rigs.

Community atmosphere: Long-term campers create a distinct environment at some sites. "This seems to be more of a full time camping location. Lots of buildings and I was offered a lot for sale. Golf carts seem to be the most common mode of travel as there are plentiful," observes Bill P. about the social environment at certain campgrounds near Weldon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Weldon, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Weldon, IL is Spitler Woods State Natural Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Weldon, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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