Camping Near Carlinville | 3 Great Campgrounds in Macoupin County

Perfect for autumn leave seekers, we’ve found three great spots for camping near Carlinville this year! Check out both private and state-run campgrounds below to avoid missing out on a serene weekend in the outdoors. While there isn’t any true primitive camping, the county is full of impressive private campgrounds, in addition to our state park winner!

3. Otter Lake Park

Otter Lake is a man-made 765-acre lake that was built to supply water to nearby towns. Otter Lake Park is a great option for camping near Carlinville to be near this magnificent body of water. There are plenty of ways to enjoy your time at Otter Lake. Take a relaxing stroll along the shoreline to admire the lake’s sparkling water or even venture out onto it! Boat ramps are available, and you’re able to rent a kayak or canoe from the campground. While out on the lake, try fishing for hybrid-striped, largemouth, and white bass!

Overnight camping for RVs/trailers and tents is permitted at Otter Lake Park’s campground, and seasonal camping is also available. Overnight campsites either provide electric and water hookups or are considered “primitive” and provide no electricity or water. You can reserve a campsite with a dock for an additional fee. The overnight camping area has restrooms with running water but does not have any showers or shower buildings. Reservations for overnight campsites at Otter Lake Park can be made by calling their office.

2. Gillespie Lakes

Best Private Camping Near Carlinville

Are you looking for some family-friendly outdoor fun? Do you want to feel like a kid again? Visit Gillespie Lakes when you’re camping near Carlinville, IL! Gillespie Lakes is comprised of two lakes, Old Gillespie Lake and New Gillespie Lake. Two lakes provide twice the fun! Bring your boat, kayak, or canoe onto the lakes, and take advantage of being able to go water skiing and tubing in the lake! If your dream day on the lake mostly consists of fishing, there are 14 species of fish available to catch in Gillespie Lakes! Stop by The Country Store to get fishing supplies and a sweet treat!

The campground at Gillespie Lakes consists of 24 RV/trailer lots and 4 tent lots. The RV/trailer campsites come with electricity, and tent campsites come with and without electricity. An RV sewage station is available to use. The campsites are easy to access, flat, and highly shady. They also include picnic tables. Campers have access to indoor showers and indoor bathrooms. The campground has a playground inside of it and is also conveniently located near The Country Store. You can contact Gillespie Lakes through the phone number and email listed on their website.

1. Beaver Dam State Park

Best Camping in Macoupin County

Beaver Dam State Park is the perfect choice for camping near Carlinville, IL if you want to support the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Despite its name, you probably won’t see any beavers on your trip as they are now gone from the area, but this state park did get its name from the beaver dam that created the park’s lake.

Visitors of the park can enjoy the range of outdoor activities the park has to offer. There are over 8 miles of trails to hike where you’ll be able to walk around the lake, past the marsh, and through wooded forests. You’ll love these trails and the incredible scenery you’ll see along the way!

Are you an archer who needs somewhere to hone your skills? Take advantage of Beaver Dam State Park’s free-of-charge archery range! All you have to do is bring your own bow and arrows! The park’s 59-acre lake provides a terrific fishing experience and the opportunity to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and channel catfish. Hunting is permitted at this state park and offers spring turkey, archery deer, and squirrel/furbearer trapping.

You’ll be hungry, thirsty, and fatigued after trying all the different activities at Beaver Dam State Park, but they have you covered! Visit the Plainview Winery Cafe, a full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating along the lakefront. If you want to cook your own food to fill you up, visit the park’s picnic area where you are provided tables and grills. Kids can have fun on the playground that’s also located in the picnic area!

RV/trailer camping and tent camping are allowed at Beaver Dam State Park’s campground. Large oak and hickory trees provide the campsites with shade. The 40 RV/trailer campsites have electricity at each pad and a sanitary dump station. Water is available, but individual campsites do not provide water. A shower building with flushable toilets can also be found in the central area of the RV/trailer section of the campground.

Tent camping is permitted in a separate section of the campground. The tent camping area provides access to restrooms and water. Another separate area of the campground caters to youth groups and comes with restrooms, water, firepits, and picnic tables. There is one cabin available to rent on the campground. Reservations for all campsites and the cabin can be made using the ExploreMoreIL website.

More Options for Camping Near Carlinville

Check out our other campground guides in Illinois or use the buttons below to explore other nearby counties:

Other Nearby Illinois Campgrounds

Sangamon County Camping

About the Author

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Emily

Emily is a Co-Founder and Social Media Manager at Midwest Camping. She is exploring a new love for camping that enables her to bring a fresh passion for finding the best campgrounds in the midwest and answer beginner questions!

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