Lake Camping in Decatur, Illinois, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
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Illinois
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Decatur

99% (500 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Decatur

Under $50

Available this weekend

100%

(103)

1912 Vintage Barn Experience

7 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Niantic, IL

The 1912 Barn is a 110 historic post and beam barn that makes a wonderful backdrop for a night out in the country. Located only 25 minutes from Springfield historic sites and 10 minutes from Decatur, IL this location makes it easy to tour during the day and relax by the camp fire in the evening. Decatur has a mini golf course, splash cove water park, children's zoo and museum, a governor's mansion for tours and 3 museums to visit. Milikin University offers local college level sports. Decatur has a great lake for paddle boarding, boating and fishing with canoe trips down the local Sangamon River. Several local breweries and cute market areas makes Decatur a great place to visit. Take a ride on the trolley and learn out our history. Springfield sites are only a hop and skip away with many things to see and learn. Museums offer great programs and the New Salem Park is a fun day trip with the kids to learn about historic living. Lincoln's sites around in several counties are great to see

Serenity Fields Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dalton City, IL

We are originally from Northern California. We are enjoying our expansive farm with all it's fresh air, fresh food, plants, animals, and fun events. We enjoy time relaxing in hammocks and letting the world pass us by. Bring your family out to enjoy all the farm has to offer, or take advantage of the serenity and privacy! Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent near the creek (site 1) in a completely private site (kids can sleep in the truck bed topper or fort if they'd like) or on the field to the side of the house (site 2) for a semi-private spot nearest to the bathroom and with a wood chip drive entrance for larger vehicles or (site 3) a semi- private spot down by the creek and the hay bales to the left of the house. (Or pick a spot of your choosing). Enjoy the farm animals, walk the property, build a fire, and enjoy the outdoors! There are more animals to pet from April through October (typically we have bunnies, chickens, sheep, cats, dogs, alpacas, miniature horses, horses, pig, goat, etc.). In the winter the horses, alpacas, chickens, dogs, cats and sometimes bunnies are available to visit. Firewood bundles available for $10 The creek at times is swimmable, other times it's walkable, and sometimes in the heat of July it's very shallow. There is a state park (Ft. Daniel) less than 5 minutes away and others a bit further (Spitler or Sand Creek) Horseback riding may be available upon request - $25.00 per person or $50.00 per family. There is a large shaded playground in the front yard for the kids with a trampoline, small zip line, ninja line, slack line, silks, climbing dome, hammocks, etc.

Bird Watch at Pine Lake

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Charleston, IL

Our property has a robust migratory bird population. We see Blue Heron, geese, ducks, song birds, birds of prey, including the occasional Bald Eagle visit our property. We have a small wetland area and pond, which attract a lot of wildlife, such as muskrat, deer, fox, frogs, turtles, and other small woodland animals. We have wooded areas as well as meadows, which are perfect for tent camping, and are a short walk from the parking area. Our property makes a great base camp for exploring local areas of interest. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is just a few miles south of Charleston. Lake Charleston is just a few miles away, and boasts several nesting pairs of Bald Eagles. There are also fishing, hiking and bike trails around Lake Charleston. We are very close to Illinois' largest Amish Community in the Arcola/Arthur area, with many Amish shops, bakeries, quilt shops, and more. Aikman's Wildlife Adventures is in nearby Chesterville. There is a very nice bike path just to the west of our property. This bike path takes you through Charleston, past the Coles County Fairgrounds, and into Mattoon.

Bella Vita Private Resort

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Ashmore, IL

Welcome to Bella Vita Resort, where we're dedicated to reviving the timeless joy of family bonding and outdoor adventure. In a world where life moves quickly, we invite you to slow down and savor every moment with your loved ones. Our mission is simple: to provide a wide array of group activities that cater to all ages, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun and create lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor experience, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Bella Vita. For those traveling with RVs, we offer spacious sites with 30/50-amp electric hookups, providing the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. If you prefer tent camping, our sites come equipped with 110 amp electric, allowing you to enjoy a cozy retreat under the stars while still having access to modern amenities. For true nature enthusiasts, we also offer primitive sites situated along the serene lake or river, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or simply taking in the picturesque views, our primitive sites offer a truly immersive camping experience. At Bella Vita Resort, we believe that life is meant to be lived to the fullest. Join us in embracing the simple pleasures of outdoor adventure and family bonding, and rediscovering the joy of living your best life.

5 top lakeside campgrounds near Decatur

100%

(755)

Bear Creek Farm and Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents103 acres · Palmer, IL

We purchased our 45 acre farm in 1997, since then we have operated a sustainable small organic farm. In January of 2018 we purchased 58 more acres that is attached to our land. The property has a greenhouse, high tunnel and about a half acre of field that we raise vegetables & fruit on. We have a 3 acre pond with a naturally sustaining fish population, we swim in the pond, many small pastures and woods with streams running through them. Plenty of wildlife, hiking & mountain biking areas. We have a certified kitchen at the farm and have products raised & made on the farm to purchase. Supposedly the house is haunted and there are a couple of haunted sites within 15 miles of the farm.

Bella Vita Private Resort

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Ashmore, IL

Welcome to Bella Vita Resort, where we're dedicated to reviving the timeless joy of family bonding and outdoor adventure. In a world where life moves quickly, we invite you to slow down and savor every moment with your loved ones. Our mission is simple: to provide a wide array of group activities that cater to all ages, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun and create lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor experience, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Bella Vita. For those traveling with RVs, we offer spacious sites with 30/50-amp electric hookups, providing the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. If you prefer tent camping, our sites come equipped with 110 amp electric, allowing you to enjoy a cozy retreat under the stars while still having access to modern amenities. For true nature enthusiasts, we also offer primitive sites situated along the serene lake or river, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or simply taking in the picturesque views, our primitive sites offer a truly immersive camping experience. At Bella Vita Resort, we believe that life is meant to be lived to the fullest. Join us in embracing the simple pleasures of outdoor adventure and family bonding, and rediscovering the joy of living your best life.

1912 Vintage Barn Experience

7 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Niantic, IL

The 1912 Barn is a 110 historic post and beam barn that makes a wonderful backdrop for a night out in the country. Located only 25 minutes from Springfield historic sites and 10 minutes from Decatur, IL this location makes it easy to tour during the day and relax by the camp fire in the evening. Decatur has a mini golf course, splash cove water park, children's zoo and museum, a governor's mansion for tours and 3 museums to visit. Milikin University offers local college level sports. Decatur has a great lake for paddle boarding, boating and fishing with canoe trips down the local Sangamon River. Several local breweries and cute market areas makes Decatur a great place to visit. Take a ride on the trolley and learn out our history. Springfield sites are only a hop and skip away with many things to see and learn. Museums offer great programs and the New Salem Park is a fun day trip with the kids to learn about historic living. Lincoln's sites around in several counties are great to see

Serenity Fields Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dalton City, IL

We are originally from Northern California. We are enjoying our expansive farm with all it's fresh air, fresh food, plants, animals, and fun events. We enjoy time relaxing in hammocks and letting the world pass us by. Bring your family out to enjoy all the farm has to offer, or take advantage of the serenity and privacy! Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent near the creek (site 1) in a completely private site (kids can sleep in the truck bed topper or fort if they'd like) or on the field to the side of the house (site 2) for a semi-private spot nearest to the bathroom and with a wood chip drive entrance for larger vehicles or (site 3) a semi- private spot down by the creek and the hay bales to the left of the house. (Or pick a spot of your choosing). Enjoy the farm animals, walk the property, build a fire, and enjoy the outdoors! There are more animals to pet from April through October (typically we have bunnies, chickens, sheep, cats, dogs, alpacas, miniature horses, horses, pig, goat, etc.). In the winter the horses, alpacas, chickens, dogs, cats and sometimes bunnies are available to visit. Firewood bundles available for $10 The creek at times is swimmable, other times it's walkable, and sometimes in the heat of July it's very shallow. There is a state park (Ft. Daniel) less than 5 minutes away and others a bit further (Spitler or Sand Creek) Horseback riding may be available upon request - $25.00 per person or $50.00 per family. There is a large shaded playground in the front yard for the kids with a trampoline, small zip line, ninja line, slack line, silks, climbing dome, hammocks, etc.

Bird Watch at Pine Lake

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Charleston, IL

Our property has a robust migratory bird population. We see Blue Heron, geese, ducks, song birds, birds of prey, including the occasional Bald Eagle visit our property. We have a small wetland area and pond, which attract a lot of wildlife, such as muskrat, deer, fox, frogs, turtles, and other small woodland animals. We have wooded areas as well as meadows, which are perfect for tent camping, and are a short walk from the parking area. Our property makes a great base camp for exploring local areas of interest. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is just a few miles south of Charleston. Lake Charleston is just a few miles away, and boasts several nesting pairs of Bald Eagles. There are also fishing, hiking and bike trails around Lake Charleston. We are very close to Illinois' largest Amish Community in the Arcola/Arthur area, with many Amish shops, bakeries, quilt shops, and more. Aikman's Wildlife Adventures is in nearby Chesterville. There is a very nice bike path just to the west of our property. This bike path takes you through Charleston, past the Coles County Fairgrounds, and into Mattoon.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(4)

Lake Shelbyville

Shelbyville, Illinois

100%

(3)

Moraine View State Recreation Area

Ellsworth, Illinois

100%

(1)

Walnut Point State Park

Oakland, Illinois

Eagle Creek State Recreation Area

Findlay, Illinois

Weldon Springs State Park

Clinton, Illinois

Wolf Creek State Park

Findlay, Illinois

Sangchris Lake State Park

Tovey, Illinois

Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

Ramsey, Illinois

Lakeside camping near Decatur guide

Overview

Looking to camp near Decatur, Illinois and have a love for lakes? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 78 options in the area that cater to lake lovers, you'll find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the water. Whether you're looking for a rustic lakeside cabin or prefer pitching your own tent by the shore, there's something for everyone. And with average prices starting at just $33 per night, camping by the lake has never been more affordable. Looking for recommendations? Check out the top-rated campsites like Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), Grove On Top Possum Hill (95 reviews), and Serenity Fields Farm (48 reviews). Plus, enjoy popular amenities like pet-friendly locations, toilets, and campfires. And if you're up for some adventure, you can also enjoy fishing, whitewater paddling, and even surfing in the area. Start planning your lakeside camping trip today!