Illinois dispersed camping

Dispersed camping in Illinois

Browse HTML spot links for dispersed camping in Illinois, then use the full map when you want to compare more public-land options, road access notes, and current restrictions.

11 published spotsCheck local rules before camping. Conditions and restrictions can change.
What this state page helps with

Use this page as a cleaner state-level crawl and browse entry than a map-only route.

  • Open real spot pages for rules, access notes, and nearby alternatives.
  • Compare Illinois public-land camping options before moving into the full map.
  • Keep conservative expectations around fees, closures, and overnight rules.
Last updated Jun 13, 2026Check local rules before camping. Conditions and restrictions can change.

Road conditions are user-reported and may change quickly.

GoSpotCamp combines official sources and user-reported conditions. Review the methodology before relying on a route or overnight plan.

Top dispersed camping pages in Illinois

These Illinois spot pages already provide real public details, internal links, and current caution language.

Boulder Campground

Campground · Unknown manager · Illinois

Check feesOvernight allowedNot reported

Overview Boulder Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest manmade lake. Recreation Boul

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Camp Cadiz Campground

Campground · Unknown manager · Illinois

Check feesOvernight allowedNot reported

This campground is the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp. Somewhat off the beaten path Camp Cadiz is usually quiet and rarely do the campsites fill up; with the exception of turkey and deer hunting seasons. The campsites are level and each has a fire ring with grill and picnic table. Equestr

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Coles Creek Campground

Campground · Unknown manager · Illinois

Check feesOvernight allowedNot reported

Overview Coles Creek Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis and a few miles from the town of Carlyle, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest

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COON CREEK (IL)

Campground · Federal agency · Illinois

Check feesOvernight allowedNot reported

Overview Coon Creek is a large campground that sits on the western shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. Families enjoy the playground, swimming area and shaded campsites within the facility. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishi

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DAM EAST REC. AREA (DAY USE)

Campground · Unknown manager · Illinois

Check feesOvernight allowedNot reported

Overview Dam East Recreation Area 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 peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake. Recreation The

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DAM EAST SPILLWAY (DAY USE)

Campground · Unknown manager · Illinois

Check feesOvernight allowedNot reported

Overview Dam East Spillway Day Use Area 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 peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake. Recreation

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Dam West Campground

Campground · Unknown manager · Illinois

Check feesOvernight allowedNot reported

Overview Dam West Campground is a recreation area 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 peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake. Re

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FORREST W. BO WOOD

Campground · Federal agency · Illinois

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Overview Forrest W. ''Bo'' Wood Recreation Area has a large campground on the northern shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing. Visit the Lake

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KEYESPORT REC. AREA

Campground · Unknown manager · Illinois

Check feesOvernight allowedNot reported

Overview Keyesport Recreation Area is situated on the western shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of small towns combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake. Recreation The a

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THOMSON CAUSEWAY

Campground · Unknown manager · Illinois

Check feesOvernight allowedNot reported

Overview Thomson Causeway provides the unique experience of island camping on the great Mississippi River and it's well worth a try! The western edge of the recreation area offers visitors an unobstructed view of the widest spot on the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 3.5 miles from shore-to-shore. He

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WILBORN CREEK (GROUP CAMP)

Campground · Federal agency · Illinois

Check feesOvernight allowedNot reported

Overview Wilborn Creek Group Camp sits on the northern shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. The lake and surrounding land offer outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing. Visit the Lake Shelbyville, U.S. Army Co

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