The best forest camping near Centralia

·

Looking to go camping near Centralia, Illinois? Hipcamp has over 480 options for you to choose from! Whether you're into swimming, wind sports, or wildlife watching, there's something for everyone. And with campsites like McCully Heritage Project (150 reviews), Cinco de Mayo Campground (56 reviews), and 1912 Vintage Barn Experience (45 reviews) boasting top-notch amenities like trash, cooking equipment, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a great camping experience. Plus, with an average price per night of $25 and options as low as $5, you'll find something within your budget. Happy camping!

92% (6) 17 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Centralia

Middle Eden

1. Middle Eden

89%
(9)
49mi from Centralia · 2 sites · Tents
Escape to Our 16-Acre Permaculture Paradise Nestled among majestic oaks, pecans, apples, hazelnuts, mulberries, and black/honey locusts, our developing agroforestry biome recreates the breathtaking pre-Columbian oak-hickory savanna. We’re passionate about sharing this regenerative haven with fellow nature lovers. Private Campsites with Thoughtful Amenities Each site features an established campfire ring and complimentary firewood—perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. Sites are a scenic 300–500 ft walk from parking (depending on your chosen spot). Secure Parking Note Parking is on a quiet dead-end road monitored by security cameras. It’s not secluded, so we don’t recommend car camping. Book now and immerse yourself in a living food forest—where camping meets ecological restoration.
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$12
 / night
Whittington Woods Campground

2. Whittington Woods Campground

33mi from Centralia · 127 sites
Experience the charm of our year-round campground, where nature meets comfort and community. Our unique location offers easy access to a variety of local attractions, including antique shopping, the Benton Country Club, the Corner Dance Hall, and the Mitchell Museum, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration. To ensure a seamless stay, please confirm your reservation by phone. Simply provide us with your contact number and a suitable time for us to reach out and finalize your booking. Our campground features a well-stocked store and a newly renovated swimming pool, complete with three spacious concrete steps for easy entry and exit. For larger gatherings, our expansive pavilion is perfect for family reunions, group events, or rallies, equipped with several picnic tables and a cozy fire pit for evening gatherings. Enjoy the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and comfortable amenities at our campground!
Carlyle Lake

3. Carlyle Lake

100%
(1)
310 sites · Carlyle, Illinois
This vast lake with an abundance of wind is prime real estate for sailing, fishing and birding.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

4. Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

100%
(2)
366 sites · Carlyle, Illinois
Visit now because Eldon Hazlet could easily become the next hotspot of Illinois environmental adventure. With its open fields, breezy lakeside views, and expansive collection of wildlife, the largest park in Illinois is no less than a treasure. Partake in your favorite pastimes or try something new! Set sail on the lake, have a romantic picnic, take a dip in the pool: the options are endless! There’s nothing quite so relaxing as breathing in the fresh air at Eldon Hazlet.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Washington County State Recreational Area

5. Washington County State Recreational Area

100%
(1)
39 sites · Nashville, Illinois
Echoed by mourning dove calls that reverberate through the dew-licked pines and dotting the county's sun-kissed hillsides, Washington County State Recreational Area is teeming with fauna. This near-fifteen-hundred-acre ecological oasis is nestled just four miles from Nashville in southern Illinois―a far cry from it’s adjacent concrete jungles, aside from the skyscraper-like pines. And, criss crossed by the area’s two small creeks, Washington County State Recreational Area is inundated with well-populated, stable populations of largemouth bass and other like-sized game fish. Even if you’re not a fan of dancing bobbers, you’ll find situational ecstasy while dining under one of the park’s lake-hugging picnic pavilions, bathed in sunset yellows―and, let's face it, everyone’s a fan of solar acrobatics paired with well-made egg salad.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

6. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

33 sites · Ina, Illinois
See what Rend Lake is all about at this state park in southern Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Rend Lake

7. Rend Lake

100%
(2)
101 sites · West City, Illinois
Enjoy lake access, forests, and family-friendly camping at this classic Southern Illinois getaway.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pyramid State Recreation Area

8. Pyramid State Recreation Area

100%
(4)
68 sites · Pinckneyville, Illinois
Besides the rad name inherited from an old coal mine, Pyramid State Recreation Area’s 19,701 acres makes it the largest state recreation area in all of Illinois. There are also more than 500 acres of lakes on the property, ranging from a meager 0.1 acres to a substantial 276 acres. That bad boy is known as Super Lake and is held in high regard by anglers seeking largemouth bass and bluegill. Lost Lake (a hike-in lake) and some other small lakes contain a hybrid of green sunfish/bluegill. Land lovers can take advantage of 16.5 miles of foot, horse and mountain bike trails where you’re bound to encounter a sampling of the wildlife that includes songbirds, deer, squirrels, beavers, rabbits, turkeys, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, weasels, minks, woodchucks and waterfowl. Future plans are in place to add even more trails to the park.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

9. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

135 sites · Ramsey, Illinois
With its rolling hills and timbered shoreline, Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area has become a popular spot for relaxation and recreation. Visitors enjoy quiet strolls in the forest, secluded picnicking, as well as more energetic activities.Fishing is huge here, so the lake is managed by draw-downs and stocking. Some species found are largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappie. Hit up the concession stand for supplies. Other popular pastimes include hunting (dove, pheasant, quail, deer) and winter sports like fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating. There’s even a 13-mile designated snowmobile trail.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Looking to go camping near Centralia, Illinois? Hipcamp has over 480 options for you to choose from! Whether you're into swimming, wind sports, or wildlife watching, there's something for everyone. And with campsites like McCully Heritage Project (150 reviews), Cinco de Mayo Campground (56 reviews), and 1912 Vintage Barn Experience (45 reviews) boasting top-notch amenities like trash, cooking equipment, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a great camping experience. Plus, with an average price per night of $25 and options as low as $5, you'll find something within your budget. Happy camping!

92% (6) 17 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Centralia

Middle Eden

1. Middle Eden

89%
(9)
49mi from Centralia · 2 sites · Tents
Escape to Our 16-Acre Permaculture Paradise Nestled among majestic oaks, pecans, apples, hazelnuts, mulberries, and black/honey locusts, our developing agroforestry biome recreates the breathtaking pre-Columbian oak-hickory savanna. We’re passionate about sharing this regenerative haven with fellow nature lovers. Private Campsites with Thoughtful Amenities Each site features an established campfire ring and complimentary firewood—perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. Sites are a scenic 300–500 ft walk from parking (depending on your chosen spot). Secure Parking Note Parking is on a quiet dead-end road monitored by security cameras. It’s not secluded, so we don’t recommend car camping. Book now and immerse yourself in a living food forest—where camping meets ecological restoration.
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$12
 / night
Whittington Woods Campground

2. Whittington Woods Campground

33mi from Centralia · 127 sites
Experience the charm of our year-round campground, where nature meets comfort and community. Our unique location offers easy access to a variety of local attractions, including antique shopping, the Benton Country Club, the Corner Dance Hall, and the Mitchell Museum, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration. To ensure a seamless stay, please confirm your reservation by phone. Simply provide us with your contact number and a suitable time for us to reach out and finalize your booking. Our campground features a well-stocked store and a newly renovated swimming pool, complete with three spacious concrete steps for easy entry and exit. For larger gatherings, our expansive pavilion is perfect for family reunions, group events, or rallies, equipped with several picnic tables and a cozy fire pit for evening gatherings. Enjoy the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and comfortable amenities at our campground!
Carlyle Lake

3. Carlyle Lake

100%
(1)
310 sites · Carlyle, Illinois
This vast lake with an abundance of wind is prime real estate for sailing, fishing and birding.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

4. Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

100%
(2)
366 sites · Carlyle, Illinois
Visit now because Eldon Hazlet could easily become the next hotspot of Illinois environmental adventure. With its open fields, breezy lakeside views, and expansive collection of wildlife, the largest park in Illinois is no less than a treasure. Partake in your favorite pastimes or try something new! Set sail on the lake, have a romantic picnic, take a dip in the pool: the options are endless! There’s nothing quite so relaxing as breathing in the fresh air at Eldon Hazlet.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Washington County State Recreational Area

5. Washington County State Recreational Area

100%
(1)
39 sites · Nashville, Illinois
Echoed by mourning dove calls that reverberate through the dew-licked pines and dotting the county's sun-kissed hillsides, Washington County State Recreational Area is teeming with fauna. This near-fifteen-hundred-acre ecological oasis is nestled just four miles from Nashville in southern Illinois―a far cry from it’s adjacent concrete jungles, aside from the skyscraper-like pines. And, criss crossed by the area’s two small creeks, Washington County State Recreational Area is inundated with well-populated, stable populations of largemouth bass and other like-sized game fish. Even if you’re not a fan of dancing bobbers, you’ll find situational ecstasy while dining under one of the park’s lake-hugging picnic pavilions, bathed in sunset yellows―and, let's face it, everyone’s a fan of solar acrobatics paired with well-made egg salad.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

6. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

33 sites · Ina, Illinois
See what Rend Lake is all about at this state park in southern Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Rend Lake

7. Rend Lake

100%
(2)
101 sites · West City, Illinois
Enjoy lake access, forests, and family-friendly camping at this classic Southern Illinois getaway.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pyramid State Recreation Area

8. Pyramid State Recreation Area

100%
(4)
68 sites · Pinckneyville, Illinois
Besides the rad name inherited from an old coal mine, Pyramid State Recreation Area’s 19,701 acres makes it the largest state recreation area in all of Illinois. There are also more than 500 acres of lakes on the property, ranging from a meager 0.1 acres to a substantial 276 acres. That bad boy is known as Super Lake and is held in high regard by anglers seeking largemouth bass and bluegill. Lost Lake (a hike-in lake) and some other small lakes contain a hybrid of green sunfish/bluegill. Land lovers can take advantage of 16.5 miles of foot, horse and mountain bike trails where you’re bound to encounter a sampling of the wildlife that includes songbirds, deer, squirrels, beavers, rabbits, turkeys, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, weasels, minks, woodchucks and waterfowl. Future plans are in place to add even more trails to the park.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

9. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

135 sites · Ramsey, Illinois
With its rolling hills and timbered shoreline, Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area has become a popular spot for relaxation and recreation. Visitors enjoy quiet strolls in the forest, secluded picnicking, as well as more energetic activities.Fishing is huge here, so the lake is managed by draw-downs and stocking. Some species found are largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappie. Hit up the concession stand for supplies. Other popular pastimes include hunting (dove, pheasant, quail, deer) and winter sports like fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating. There’s even a 13-mile designated snowmobile trail.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field