93% (108) • 21 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Effingham
Bella Vita Private Resort
1. Bella Vita Private Resort
93%
(40)
36mi from Effingham · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Bella Vita Resort and Glamping 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 with partial and full hookups, providing the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. If you prefer luxury tent camping, you will love our glamping tents. Our regular tent 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$30
/ night
Serenity Fields Farm
2. Serenity Fields Farm
95%
(165)
46mi from Effingham · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
We are open to family reunions & parties, large gatherings of friends etc! We are happy to have a group that can party and consume adult beverages without driving or worrying about making noise. Sites 2 & 3 can accommodate big groups and vehicles. If you want the farm to yourself, book all three sites! Message me to discuss possibilities.
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 zip line, log or bridge to cross the creek.
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.
BATHROOM: If you are looking at the house from the street, the bathroom is on the right of the house, attached to the house. It is a small shed looking building and is pictured. It has a toilet and running hot and cold water.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$24
/ night
Hidden Springs State Forest
3. Hidden Springs State Forest
State forest 15mi from Effingham · 28 sites
Thirsty for adventure? Hidden Springs is guaranteed to quench your craving. The name is an ode to the seven springs that were used for drinking water by early settlers. Terrain varies from flat bottomland areas along Richland Creek to steep hillsides. If you’re a native tree nut (no pun intended), you’ll be in heaven at Hidden Springs, with plenty of species to ID. Timber management practices strive to keep the forest healthy, accessible and productive. Plenty of hiking trails traverse the forest’s rolling hills. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for songbirds, flowers and mushrooms on your jaunt. Hankering for some catfish? There’s five stocked fishing ponds within the forest. Tent campsites are available and equipped with pedestal stoves⸺perfect for cooking up your catch or just toasting your tootsies.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area
4. Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 24mi from Effingham · 10 sites
Sam Parr is a scenic park located in the quaint city of Newton. Its central point is unarguably the 183-acre gem of a lake that is surrounded by rolling hills speckled with timber. This shimmering beauty is home to some killer fishing game, including bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Skim out on the glassy waters by canoe or kayak or kick back on the sandy shorelines for some much needed chillaxing.Explorations can easily be had for avid hikers and riders, with miles of foot and equestrian trails stretching throughout the park. Sing songs around the campfire and sip that cold beer in the fading sunlight next to the lake—the camp vibes are truly overflowing at this mellow spot.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Shelbyville
5. Lake Shelbyville
100%
(4)
Park 24mi from Effingham · 322 sites
Discover all the fuss behind this lake in central Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wolf Creek State Park
6. Wolf Creek State Park
State park 26mi from Effingham · 148 sites
Reserve the 30-person Lost Shelter picnic area, an isolated, secluded site that overlooks the lake.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
7. Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
State park 30mi from Effingham · 55 sites
Land your limit of largemouth bass, bluegill or crappie at this well-stocked, beautiful lake.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Carlyle Lake
8. Carlyle Lake
100%
(1)
Park 55mi from Effingham · 310 sites
This vast lake with an abundance of wind is prime real estate for sailing, fishing and birding.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lincoln Trail State Park
9. Lincoln Trail State Park
State park 47mi from Effingham · 204 sites
The focus of Lincoln Trail State Park is the lovely Lincoln Trail Lake. It’s thickly-wooded shoreline and myriad of small coves and inlets, makes it a great lake for exploration and wildlife viewing. Around the lake, you’ll discover rare wildflowers, ancient forests, and shady ravines and valleys.Small boats with small motors (or, better yet, no motors) are perfect for serene explorations. Try your skill at hooking largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and channel catfish. Then head over to one of two secluded campgrounds to set up your home away from home and fry up your catch. The pace is slow at Lincoln Trail State Park, and that’s just the way we like it.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
93% (108) • 21 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Effingham
Bella Vita Private Resort
1. Bella Vita Private Resort
93%
(40)
36mi from Effingham · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Bella Vita Resort and Glamping 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 with partial and full hookups, providing the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. If you prefer luxury tent camping, you will love our glamping tents. Our regular tent 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$30
/ night
Serenity Fields Farm
2. Serenity Fields Farm
95%
(165)
46mi from Effingham · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
We are open to family reunions & parties, large gatherings of friends etc! We are happy to have a group that can party and consume adult beverages without driving or worrying about making noise. Sites 2 & 3 can accommodate big groups and vehicles. If you want the farm to yourself, book all three sites! Message me to discuss possibilities.
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 zip line, log or bridge to cross the creek.
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.
BATHROOM: If you are looking at the house from the street, the bathroom is on the right of the house, attached to the house. It is a small shed looking building and is pictured. It has a toilet and running hot and cold water.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$24
/ night
Hidden Springs State Forest
3. Hidden Springs State Forest
State forest 15mi from Effingham · 28 sites
Thirsty for adventure? Hidden Springs is guaranteed to quench your craving. The name is an ode to the seven springs that were used for drinking water by early settlers. Terrain varies from flat bottomland areas along Richland Creek to steep hillsides. If you’re a native tree nut (no pun intended), you’ll be in heaven at Hidden Springs, with plenty of species to ID. Timber management practices strive to keep the forest healthy, accessible and productive. Plenty of hiking trails traverse the forest’s rolling hills. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for songbirds, flowers and mushrooms on your jaunt. Hankering for some catfish? There’s five stocked fishing ponds within the forest. Tent campsites are available and equipped with pedestal stoves⸺perfect for cooking up your catch or just toasting your tootsies.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area
4. Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area
State park 24mi from Effingham · 10 sites
Sam Parr is a scenic park located in the quaint city of Newton. Its central point is unarguably the 183-acre gem of a lake that is surrounded by rolling hills speckled with timber. This shimmering beauty is home to some killer fishing game, including bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Skim out on the glassy waters by canoe or kayak or kick back on the sandy shorelines for some much needed chillaxing.Explorations can easily be had for avid hikers and riders, with miles of foot and equestrian trails stretching throughout the park. Sing songs around the campfire and sip that cold beer in the fading sunlight next to the lake—the camp vibes are truly overflowing at this mellow spot.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Shelbyville
5. Lake Shelbyville
100%
(4)
Park 24mi from Effingham · 322 sites
Discover all the fuss behind this lake in central Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wolf Creek State Park
6. Wolf Creek State Park
State park 26mi from Effingham · 148 sites
Reserve the 30-person Lost Shelter picnic area, an isolated, secluded site that overlooks the lake.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
7. Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
State park 30mi from Effingham · 55 sites
Land your limit of largemouth bass, bluegill or crappie at this well-stocked, beautiful lake.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Carlyle Lake
8. Carlyle Lake
100%
(1)
Park 55mi from Effingham · 310 sites
This vast lake with an abundance of wind is prime real estate for sailing, fishing and birding.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lincoln Trail State Park
9. Lincoln Trail State Park
State park 47mi from Effingham · 204 sites
The focus of Lincoln Trail State Park is the lovely Lincoln Trail Lake. It’s thickly-wooded shoreline and myriad of small coves and inlets, makes it a great lake for exploration and wildlife viewing. Around the lake, you’ll discover rare wildflowers, ancient forests, and shady ravines and valleys.Small boats with small motors (or, better yet, no motors) are perfect for serene explorations. Try your skill at hooking largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and channel catfish. Then head over to one of two secluded campgrounds to set up your home away from home and fry up your catch. The pace is slow at Lincoln Trail State Park, and that’s just the way we like it.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jennifer
November 2025
Tent
With pets
It’s always an amazing stay here! Victor and Cam are great hosts. I was the only camper here, they delivered firewood and checked up on me the next day. I love this place!!
See more
H
Heather
September 2025
Tent
With kids
What a great place for families! We stayed at the creek-side camp and loved the privacy. It was perfect with our 5 and 7 year old as they were able to head to the playground alone with walkie talkies. For younger kids, the site closer to the playground may be a better fit. Julie was kind and helpful with every question we had! The property is also close to town, should you need anything at all - like we did!
See moreC
Christian
September 2025
Tent
For central Illinois this place was amazing! The site itself was unique and secluded with a cool zip line within it. All the animals on the farm were fun to check out and interact with. Most of all Julie and her family were wonderful and thoughtful people to interact with.
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P
Patsy
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Literally had such a great time tent camping on Julie's Farm! From the spaced out nature of every site, the zip lines all over, and the activities for the children to do! To the responsiveness of Julie and her family 💖 We had our space but we also could nearly always find someone to ask questions or just chat 💖
The herbs and vegetables and flowers and variety of animals 💖
Julie also allowed us to have an impromptu birthday party for my daughter and she enjoyed the farm so much, she cried as we were leaving. Best private camping we've found so far! 👏👏 thanks again Julie and Serenity Farms
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Cecile
August 2025
13 ft pop-up camper
Great place to relax and recharge on our road trip. Very nice welcoming and charming property.
See moreJ
Jeff
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Julie and her family were very welcoming! Our family, including our 8 year old son, loved our stay at the farm. From a zip line at our site, to kittens to play with and even a horse ride, we had a great day and night. Highly recommended!
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J
Jennifer
July 2025
Tent
The staff are wonderful, the property is well maintained, just a beautiful place to stay! I keep coming back!
See more
K
Kelsey
July 2025
16 ft pop-up camper
With pets
My boyfriend and I really enjoyed staying at Bella Vita Resort! It’s an up and coming spot so it wasn't crowded, At one point we had the entire lake to ourselves which was amazing. If you’re looking to fish, swim and relax then this place is perfect. We’ll definitely be back!
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P
Paulina
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful site to camp at! It was really the weekend I went, but was able to get through it. It was so nice to be able to camp with the animals. Such a unique experience and I am so grateful that Julie can provide this experience.
See moreM
Mel
July 2025
Tent
Group trip
if you love animals this is the campsite for you they are everywhere!! and so much fun things for kids to do. Would come again!
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J
John
June 2025
Tent
I loved cooling off in the lake after a hot day of motorcycle riding.
See moreB
Brian
June 2025
Tent
With kids
Our family loved tent camping on Julie's land. The land was beautiful and the feel was private even though you were close to the home. The directions were easy to follow. The pets were super friendly (especially Daisy)!
For our first time using hipcamp it was a great experience.
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A
Allison
June 2025
16 ft car
This spot was very nice and the staff was wonderful. We really enjoyed our stay.
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Douglas
June 2025
Tent
With kids
Took my son here for a weekend fishing trip right next to the dock on the island campsites. Very peaceful place to camp for a few days. Rented a boat for the lake one of the days and spent time fishing on the lake. There are plenty fish to be seen but we unfortunately did not catch any. But they are there. Although we were there on a Sunday to Tues they were closed to the public but still made sure to take care of us if we needed anything which was cool. They opened up mini golf so me and my son could get in a game of mini golf together which was nice. It was nice having the place to ourselves those few days aside of an occasional fisher.
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M
Michelle
June 2025
Tent
With pets
What a surprisingly lovely place to stay!! The campgrounds were so clean and well maintained. And the staff was amazing and very friendly. Such a peaceful and calm site to stay at. I highly recommend the space and plan on staying again in the future!
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K
Kelly
June 2025
Tent
It was so beautiful to be surrounded by water, great tent camping experience!
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E
Eric
May 2025
16 ft travel trailer
With pets
We had a great experience at Serenity Farms! Lots of animals to see, gardens to explore and property to walk about. The host was very responsive. We had a very relaxing time.
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Rainey
May 2025
Tent
With kids
Took my boys camping for their first time here. We all had a very good time. We really enjoyed the doggies that hung out with us, one of them slept with my Autistic son all night he was so excited about it. We plan to be back
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t
tammy
May 2025
36 ft fifth wheel
Brandi and Michael were so kind. Their hospitality was amazing. 10/10 recommend this spot. It was a quick 1 hour drive down scenic 6 to the National Park.
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