Camping › Illinois
Camping in Illinois
506 places to camp in Illinois: 35 national forest and federal campgrounds, 12 state park campgrounds, 12 free dispersed and primitive spots, 447 private campgrounds and RV parks. The best camping months are Apr–Jun & Aug–Oct, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In August expect highs near 85°F and lows near 63°F.
Best areas to camp
- Around Carbondale79 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Vandalia43 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Barrington Hills35 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Mount Vernon33 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Joliet32 camps in the area within 25 miles
Questions
When is the best time to camp in Illinois?
The best camping months are Apr–Jun & Aug–Oct, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In August expect highs near 85°F and lows near 63°F.
Is there free camping in Illinois?
Yes: 22 free or dispersed spots, mostly on national forest and BLM land.
Will I have cell signal camping in Illinois?
At about 100% of camps, at least one carrier has 4G or better (FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous). Plan for no signal on trails.
Filter by camp type, amenities and activities, fly over any camp in 3D, then plan your trip.
Open Illinois in Find campsThis week's picks
A different handful each week. Tap a camp to see it from above, check the weather and plan the drive.
Thomson CausewayFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalThomson Causeway provides the unique experience of island camping on the great Mississippi River and it's well worth a try!
View camp →- Hidden Springs Ranger DistrictFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
East side of the Shawnee National Forest
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Opossum CreekFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalOpossum Creek Recreation Area has a quiet campground that sits on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor…
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Dam East - Mcnair CampgroundFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalDam East-McNair Campground is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the…
View camp →- Idnr Hazlet State ParkFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
This recreation area is part of [Carlyle Lake](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=1686&agencyCode=130)
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Free camping in Illinois
22 spots cost nothing: dispersed sites on national forest and BLM land and free campgrounds. Most have no water or toilets, and stays are usually limited to 14 days.