The best lakeside camping near Paris

·

Set up camp by the water in Paris, where over 900 lakefront spots give you direct access to swimming, fishing, and wildlife-watching. Sites range from simple clearings to well-kept grounds with showers, campfires allowed, and pet-friendly rules. Average nightly rates land around $40, with options dipping as low as $25. For a proven favorite, try Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews), a spot folks return to for its easy lake access and laid-back vibe. Looking for something unique? Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm (32 reviews) lets you wake up to lakeside views and friendly herd neighbours, while Bella Vita Private Resort (28 reviews) offers extra privacy and little touches that make a weekend by the water easy. You’ll find spots where campfires light up the shoreline after sunset and trails lead straight from your tent to the water’s edge. Bring your fishing gear, your swimsuit, and a good appetite for s’mores.

97% (212)

Top-rated campgrounds

Bella Vita Private Resort

1. Bella Vita Private Resort

93%
(40)
23mi from Paris · 53 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ashmore, IL
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Bird Watch at Pine Lake

6. Bird Watch at Pine Lake

95%
(11)
25mi from Paris · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night

Set up camp by the water in Paris, where over 900 lakefront spots give you direct access to swimming, fishing, and wildlife-watching. Sites range from simple clearings to well-kept grounds with showers, campfires allowed, and pet-friendly rules. Average nightly rates land around $40, with options dipping as low as $25. For a proven favorite, try Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews), a spot folks return to for its easy lake access and laid-back vibe. Looking for something unique? Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm (32 reviews) lets you wake up to lakeside views and friendly herd neighbours, while Bella Vita Private Resort (28 reviews) offers extra privacy and little touches that make a weekend by the water easy. You’ll find spots where campfires light up the shoreline after sunset and trails lead straight from your tent to the water’s edge. Bring your fishing gear, your swimsuit, and a good appetite for s’mores.

97% (212)

Top-rated campgrounds

Bella Vita Private Resort

1. Bella Vita Private Resort

93%
(40)
23mi from Paris · 53 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ashmore, IL
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Bird Watch at Pine Lake

6. Bird Watch at Pine Lake

95%
(11)
25mi from Paris · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night

Public campgrounds near Paris

Stories from the 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