J
John S.
Scout
ScoutPere Marquette State Park Campground
Well Maintained
Good showers 10 dollar tenting fire pits and park benches at each site. Dump stations and there are flushing and pit toilets on site
Camping near Woodson, IL
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Central Illinois offers several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Woodson, including Buena Vista Farms Campground and Crazy Horse Campground. These facilities accommodate a range of camping styles from tent and RV sites to cabin rentals and limited glamping options. Waverly Lake City Park provides more basic camping experiences with tent and RV sites featuring picnic tables and vault toilets. Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area offers both primitive camping and more developed sites with electrical hookups in a natural setting popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with many closing between late October and early April. Electrical hookups are common at developed sites, while primitive areas typically provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. "This is a paved lot past the ballfields. The lot is beside private property so I called the police to verify parking is still allowed and they said no problem," noted one visitor about Rainey Park, highlighting the importance of verifying access. Water availability varies significantly between locations, with some campgrounds offering full hookups while others provide only communal water sources. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and occasionally muddy conditions during spring and fall rains.
Fishing opportunities represent a major draw for many campgrounds in the region. Several properties feature ponds or lake access with boating facilities. One camper described Buena Vista Farms as having "a nice pond" where they "did some fishing, rode bikes, walked trails." Highway noise can impact certain locations, particularly those situated closer to major roads. As another visitor noted, "The prairie land is flat which lends itself to easily traveling road noise." Sites set further back from highways generally provide a quieter experience. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regular maintenance, though amenities vary widely from basic vault toilets to full shower houses. Cell service may be limited in some areas, with one review mentioning "No Verizon wireless service here or anywhere for about a 45 mile radius."
Best Campgrounds near Woodson (48)
1. Waverly Lake City Park
"It one of just a few free campgrounds in the area but it got a lake im not sure how many camping spots but quit a fee from what I seen no showers but port-a-potties spears out"
2. Buena Vista Farms Campground
"Had a blast, pond was nice, did some fishing, rode bikes, walked trails. Will definitely go back again."
"You can still here some cars because of the highway but it wasn’t like really crazy. The part is a decent size if you don’t want to hear traffic go further in the back."
from $46 - $121 / night
Check Availability3. Crazy Horse Campground
"If you need a place to get away from city life but don't want to travel far away from town, you can't beat this place."
"Right outside of Jacksonville, Ashland, Virginia, and close enough to Springfield. We were there last weekend and will be there again at the end of the month. Happy Camping!"
4. Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
"Like the quite agricultural Illinois environment but suggest shopping for your needs prior to leaving larger cities as most of the few small towns are limited to a Bar and Dollar store."
"From our cabin we walked grassy paths to a lovely bridge. Around the pond's perimeter are dispersed sites for tent-camping or possibly day-use."
from $6 / night
Check Availability5. The Double J Campground and RV Park
"We stayed here in order to visit Springfield, Illinois, and we really enjoyed this spot."
"The campground is next to a large corn field that has recently been cut; I suspect during the growing/harvest season there may be dust and noise from equipment, and perhaps overspray from any chemicals"
6. Pittsfield City Lake
"The box was located next to the playground at the end of the loop of campsites. Overall, a nice place to spend the evening, would definitely stay again."
"So resorted to leave the fee in a mailbox near the official's RV. The campground is right above a lovely, which I rode around on my bicycle in about thirty minutes."
from $5 - $15 / night
Check Availability7. Beaver Dam State Park Campground
"The trail map is very basic and not totally accurate. The trails are poorly marked but with basic knowledge of your compass points you can figure them out."
"There is a nice walking trail path that goes around the exterior of the lake. The lake has boat access and some good fishing spots. There is also a restaurant and store on the lake."
8. Illinois State Fair Campground
"Not too close to your neighbor. Take time to walk around the fairgrounds as they are pretty. The 4H building has a lovely garden out front."
"20 per night for a a pull behind RV on an electric/water site. $30 for a full hookup. Large clean bathrooms, dated but useable."
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
"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. "
"Lots of trails, Lake Sangchris is very close by for fishing & kayaking. Quiet campground; great place to unwind."
10. Pere Marquette State Park Campground
"Great little campground just outside of Grafton, Illinois, on the Mississippi River. The campground is located in an open grove of old trees. There were owls when we were there."
"Campgrounds close to Pere Marquette Lodge. Is located just north of Grafton that has many food and drink and antique shops. Campground is on the Illinois River with the Mississippi River nearby."
from $10 - $20 / night
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Drive Time
- 30 min from Springfield, IL
- 1 hr 10 min from Decatur, IL
- 1 hr 24 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 37 min from Peoria, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Woodson, IL
34 Photos of 48 Woodson Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Waverly Lake City Park
Hidden RidgeT
Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife AreaA
Pittsfield City LakeN
Beaver Dam State Park Campground
McCully Heritage ProjectE
Illinois State Fair CampgroundR
Springfield KOA
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State ParkC
Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
Country Bend CampgroundK
Recent Reviews near Woodson, IL
236 Reviews of 48 Woodson Campgrounds
- SStephanie C.
TravelerThe Double J Campground and RV Park
Nice place
The office staff is very nice and accommodating. The campground is clean and has great amenities. I will stay here again.
- MMichael T.Scout
Waverly Lake City Park
It's nice and quiet during the week
It one of just a few free campgrounds in the area but it got a lake im not sure how many camping spots but quit a fee from what I seen no showers but port-a-potties spears out
John S.
GuidePharrs Island
Free camping on the river
Big campsites, fire rings, porda pody, boat ramp, and pavement.
Matthew H.ScoutSangchris Lake State Park Campground
Lakeside View
Campground host is super cool. Best campground in the Springfield area, in my opinion!
- JJack G.Scout
The Double J Campground and RV Park
Greta stop
Great stop for Route 66 we sorted it all online late at night. Lovely and quiet with amazing facilities that are worth the price
Cha M.ScoutSangchris Lake State Park Campground
Common smaller campground with great views
This is the bigger campground between hickory point and deer run options. The shower house, snack shop, and city water are onsite. There are vault toilets near the primitive camping, as well as another water spigot. Playground, pavillion, and sand volleyball court give options to entertain kids, with plenty of fishing, trails, and lake views to entertain the adults. We primitive camped here at the closest site to the parking. #57 is the closest, with the rest of the primitive sites being more of a trek to the site. However, the privacy, quietness, and views are 100% worth the trek to us. We did camp with a doggo, who does bark at passerby’s that are “too close” in her opinion but otherwise doesn’t. All the campers during our stay except for one very disruptive couple, did not complain at all and many came to give her loves or treats to help prevent further barking when they passed by. And honestly, the couple that did make the comment, clearly need to be at different campgrounds because the host had to come break them up after quiet hours began and they didn’t respect that rule. We also then were woken up by the same couple as they were packing up the next morning due to them yelling at each other. The hosts did try to make sure they slowed down while passing this site though, and I do believe if we had made some sort of complaint to them, they would have handled it immediately. We love this campground, and honestly we feel as if anywhere there are rvs allowed, you will likely have someone make a comment about the dog. It’s never been other tent campers, even the ones on electric sites. The snack shop has ice (currently $3 even a bag, with hosts including tax in the $3 to make it easier for campers), firewood bundles (not sure on price) as well as many smaller campground necessities including snacks and drinks, some fishing tackle, and some other camping things such as bug spray and sunblock. I did not check any prices on those. There is technically a bait shop also nearby, though between two longer stays here and at deer run, we’ve only seen him open once. And according to one of the hosts, he doesn’t seem to have “regular hours” other than he’s for sure closed Sundays and Mondays. The following Tuesday after learning this, he was also closed all day. So I’m not sure about anything there. He does also have an ice machine outside though.
- Cha M.Scout
Deer Run Campground — Sangchris Lake State Park
Small, quiet, state park camping
Couple camping here, spent multiple nights in a row in primitive camping here. As mentioned, only well water available on the campgrounds here, however you still have access to amenities available at hickory point just a short drive away. Shower house and city water available that way. Playground for kiddos on site. Lots of people bring pets, including equestrian for those campsite. Those do include the post to tie up on at each site. The hosts (bob and dawn were really checking in on us that stay, including being able to help when we accidentally killed our car battery. They also made thorough and consistent rounds which we appreciated. Also had Lynn, one of the idnr guys here, come back at the end of his shift to make sure we had learned about the storms coming in. He even checked in again the next chance he got to make sure we were okay still. We did end up leaving early, to which there is not refunds (I think this is state parks in general) however at $6 a night for primitive, we took that loss especially during an extreme heat warning (for multiple days). If you want a quieter campsite, I would recommend this one over hickory point as hickory point seems to be more RVers instead of the more primitive style of camping tends to be.
Rob T.TravelerTwo Rivers Marina and Campground
Amazing Marina/Campground
Came for a day. Stayed for a week! Great tenting sites by the river for $15 per night. Great bath house and laundry. Pool available for use. I can't say enough good about the staff and boaters here. They have made me feel like family for the entirety of my stay.
Guide to Woodson
Central Illinois camping near Woodson offers visitors a mix of lake-centric parks and secluded woodland campsites with elevations typically between 550-650 feet above sea level. The region's agricultural landscape creates distinct camping microclimates where temperature differences between open prairie sites and shaded forest campgrounds can vary by 5-10 degrees during summer months. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April through late October, with a few select locations providing year-round access.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground provides excellent shoreline access with multiple fishing docks directly in the campground. "All sites at Hickory Point very close to lake. Several fishing docks in campground," notes one visitor. Another camper shares, "We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from."
Water activities: At Buena Vista Farms Campground, campers can enjoy complimentary water equipment. "They offer kayaks, canoes, and peddle boats free to campers," reports one reviewer. The campground also features a pond suitable for beginners and families.
Hiking options: Trail systems vary across the region's parks. One visitor to Waverly Lake City Park mentions, "There's a nice walking trail path that goes around the exterior of the lake," while another notes that at Jim Edgar Panther Creek, trails can be "hard to find but camping is fantastic!"
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Crazy Horse Campground receives high marks for its tranquility. "If you need a place to get away from city life but don't want to travel far away from town, you can't beat this place," writes one camper. Sites are typically more secluded compared to other regional options.
Lakeside locations: Many campers value waterfront access. At Sangchris Lake, one visitor appreciates the "beautiful shoreline lots" while another describes the sunset views as "awesome." Sites directly on water tend to book quickly during summer months.
Clean facilities: The Double J Campground and RV Park stands out for cleanliness. "Honestly amazed by how clean and well maintained this campground is. River rock driveways (not gravel) and sites- well packed down and regularly grated," writes one visitor. Another notes, "Very clean and quiet. There is a lot of shade in the main part of the park."
What you should know
Weather impacts: Open prairie campsites experience significant wind. At Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, a visitor warns, "This is a nice, well kept campground but 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."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds have limited first-come, first-served options. At Sangchris Lake, one camper advises, "If you want a lake spot, make a reservation way in advance." Similarly, primitive sites at Jim Edgar Panther Creek often fill quickly on weekends.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies significantly between locations. At Crazy Horse Campground, a camper notes, "No Verizon wireless service here or anywhere for about a 45 mile radius," while at Buena Vista Farms, "The wifi isn't strong enough to reach back to where we were."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Pittsfield City Lake offers multiple family-friendly amenities beyond camping. "It's a county park, so you have basketball courts, soccer field, disc golf course, and a beautiful reservoir," explains one visitor. Most sites remain within walking distance of play areas.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes present challenges throughout the region. One camper at Waverly Lake warns, "Be mindful of field roaches and raccoons at night, as we had to learn the hard way the morning after our first night. Oh, and the mosquitoes are BRUTAL." Bug spray with at least 25% DEET is recommended during summer months.
Budget-friendly options: Tent camping costs vary widely from $5-20 per night. A visitor to Pittsfield notes, "Real nice campground with bathrooms and showers. Only $5 to tent camp here!" while primitive sites at Jim Edgar Panther Creek cost just "$6 per night" according to another camper.
Tips from RVers
Site surface considerations: The Double J Campground receives praise for its solid parking pads. "River rock driveways (not gravel) and sites- well packed down and regularly grated," notes one RVer. This becomes particularly important during rainy periods when mud can be problematic at less developed campgrounds.
Hookup placement challenges: At Pittsfield City Lake, RVers should prepare for potential hookup issues. "The electric and water hookups on some sites, at least ours, was at the back and on the wrong side. Our electric cord just reached the post," reports one camper. Extension cords of at least 25 feet are recommended.
Dump station availability: While most campgrounds offer dump stations, quality varies. At Sangchris Lake, there's "Electric only but water available and nice dump station," while one visitor to the Illinois State Fair Campground noted, "The dump station does not have hose hook up for water. There is water but you can't hook a hose to it."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Woodson, IL?
What camping is available near Woodson, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Woodson, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 48 campgrounds and RV parks near Woodson, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Woodson, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Woodson, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Woodson, IL is Waverly Lake City Park with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Woodson, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Woodson, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Woodson, IL.
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