The best campgrounds near Paris, Illinois with wildlife watching

Looking to go camping near Paris, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 228 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your adventure. And the best part? The average price per night is just $41, with options as low as $7! Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews: Heritage Farm Stay Adventure (196 reviews), Hoosier's on the Ridge (70 reviews), Shalamar Farm (53 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as potable water, toilets, and trash facilities. Plus, you can enjoy activities like exploring historic sites, surfing, and horseback riding. Happy camping!

98% (171)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to go camping near Paris, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 228 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your adventure. And the best part? The average price per night is just $41, with options as low as $7! Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews: Heritage Farm Stay Adventure (196 reviews), Hoosier's on the Ridge (70 reviews), Shalamar Farm (53 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as potable water, toilets, and trash facilities. Plus, you can enjoy activities like exploring historic sites, surfing, and horseback riding. Happy camping!

98% (171)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Martin H.’s Land

99%

(57)

38mi from Paris · 2 sites · Tents · Van Bibber Lake, IN

2. Overland Camping at The 1938 Barn

95%

(69)

32mi from Paris · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Rockville, IN

Large secluded cove near our barn and garden. Watch the sun come up from the orchard. There is 1 electrical plug so not all 3 spaces have electric but you can run a cord. There is also a single water spigot to share as well. There are 2 houses somewhat visible through the trees but no direct line of sight and otherwise private. We have 2 dogs, Whiskey and Barb, Whiskey will usually keep her space but bark, if you ignore her she will be friendly, acts mean but never bites. Barbara is a Jack Russell. She will jump in the truck if you don't tell her not to and will happily run off with snacks. We ask you please don't feed them as it will teach them to come for food and some people don't appreciate the dogs.. This is a farm so you may see and smell animals. Depending on when you book you may even be somewhat near animals. Be aware of this and be ready to keep dogs contained. We typically run pigs in the woods around the cove but we move them regularly and keep the smell to a minimum by doing so.

3. Coop Dreams Farm

100%

(18)

16mi from Paris · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Marshall, IL

Currently the Coop Dreams farm from the Coop Dreams TV show. Hiking trails, creeks and woods surround the chicken and goat yard. 5 minutes to quaint little town - 15 minutes to a cool winery - 25 minutes to Terre Haute with restaurants and activities. Indianapolis is about an hour and 15 minutes.

4. Walnut Point State Park

100%

(1)

55 sites · Oakland, Illinois

Combine water, woods, and wildlife at this state park in east-central Illinois.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Turkey Run State Park

94%

(25)

211 sites · Marshall, Indiana

Hike through history at this well-appointed state park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

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.

7. Squatch Hills

100%

(7)

48mi from Paris · 3 sites · Tents · Worthington, IN

Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent ,build yourself a lil fire and enjoy the sounds of nature. You will feel like you're in an extremely secluded place but just minutes from a few small towns. Location is close to both the Eel and White rivers. Plenty of fishing opportunities nearby. Blooomington,Terre Haute and Vincennes all within an hours drive.

8. Havenwood Farm

100%

(3)

29mi from Paris · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Charleston, IL

Our little homestead farm sits out on the Illinois Prairie, in the middle of corn and soybean fields. We are a short drive from Illinois' largest Amish community in the Arcola/Arthur area. We are also just a short drive from Walnut Point State Park, which has fishing and allows small watercraft like canoes and kayaks. Lake Charleston is not far from us and allows small fishing boats, fishing, and there are great hiking and bike trails around the lake. Our farm makes a great base camp for those wishing to explores what East Central Illinois has to offer. We are also a great spot if you are simply looking for a quiet getaway from the noise and lights of the city. We have beautiful sunrises and sunsets, with very little to block your view, and on clear nights the stars are incredibly bright. We have 3 older horses who call our farm home, and currently they are our only livestock. They are too old to be ridden, but are fun to hang out with.

9. Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

100%

(57)

12mi from Paris · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Universal, IN

This was once a self sustaining farm built in the 1950s. The farm raised cattle, pigs, chickens. There was 35 tillable acres which produced corn and oats for the livestock. The farm had its own feed grinder in the old barn. There is an old hand built cooler room where all the meat was stored. There are four wells on the farm one of which is used for watering animals and cooling alpacas on hot summer days. One of our tent sites is in the corner of our alpaca pasture. You'll hear the roosters, goats, donkeys and more than likely, Rose, our Maremma livestock guardian dog, throughout your stay.

10. Kickapoo State Recreation Area

100%

(1)

184 sites · Oakwood, Illinois

A hodge-podge of deep-water ponds await you in eastern Illinois.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

11. Shakamak State Park

100%

(1)

207 sites · Coalmont, Indiana

Discover Shakamak State Park's serene lakes and lush campgrounds.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

12. Shades State Park

94%

(8)

106 sites · Alamo, Indiana

A shady retreat for hikers, campers, and canoeists just outside the city.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

13. Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area

10 sites · Newton, Illinois

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

Potable water

Toilets

14. Greene-Sullivan State Forest

3 sites · Dugger, Indiana

Discover the serene beauty of Greene-Sullivan State Forest and its myriad of lakes.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

15. Owen-Putnam State Forest

69 sites · Spencer, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Owen-Putnam State Forest.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

16. Lake Shelbyville

100%

(4)

322 sites · Shelbyville, Illinois

Discover all the fuss behind this lake in central Illinois.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Camper favorites near Paris

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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.

Squatch Hills

100%

(7)

48mi from Paris · 3 sites · Tents · Worthington, IN

Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent ,build yourself a lil fire and enjoy the sounds of nature. You will feel like you're in an extremely secluded place but just minutes from a few small towns. Location is close to both the Eel and White rivers. Plenty of fishing opportunities nearby. Blooomington,Terre Haute and Vincennes all within an hours drive.

Havenwood Farm

100%

(3)

29mi from Paris · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Charleston, IL

Our little homestead farm sits out on the Illinois Prairie, in the middle of corn and soybean fields. We are a short drive from Illinois' largest Amish community in the Arcola/Arthur area. We are also just a short drive from Walnut Point State Park, which has fishing and allows small watercraft like canoes and kayaks. Lake Charleston is not far from us and allows small fishing boats, fishing, and there are great hiking and bike trails around the lake. Our farm makes a great base camp for those wishing to explores what East Central Illinois has to offer. We are also a great spot if you are simply looking for a quiet getaway from the noise and lights of the city. We have beautiful sunrises and sunsets, with very little to block your view, and on clear nights the stars are incredibly bright. We have 3 older horses who call our farm home, and currently they are our only livestock. They are too old to be ridden, but are fun to hang out with.

Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

100%

(57)

12mi from Paris · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Universal, IN

This was once a self sustaining farm built in the 1950s. The farm raised cattle, pigs, chickens. There was 35 tillable acres which produced corn and oats for the livestock. The farm had its own feed grinder in the old barn. There is an old hand built cooler room where all the meat was stored. There are four wells on the farm one of which is used for watering animals and cooling alpacas on hot summer days. One of our tent sites is in the corner of our alpaca pasture. You'll hear the roosters, goats, donkeys and more than likely, Rose, our Maremma livestock guardian dog, throughout your stay.

Public campgrounds near Paris

100%

(1)

Walnut Point Campground

19mi from Paris · 55 sites · Tents, RVs · in Walnut Point State Park

94%

(25)

Turkey Run Campground

32mi from Paris · 211 sites · Tents, RVs · in Turkey Run State Park

Brian Plawer Campground

36mi from Paris · 92 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kickapoo State Recreation Area

100%

(1)

Redear Campground

36mi from Paris · 92 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kickapoo State Recreation Area

100%

(1)

Shakamak Campground

39mi from Paris · 207 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shakamak State Park

94%

(8)

Shades Campground

39mi from Paris · 106 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shades State Park

Sam Parr Campground

47mi from Paris · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area

Greene-Sullivan Campground

47mi from Paris · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Greene-Sullivan State Forest

Horse Campground

48mi from Paris · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Owen-Putnam State Forest

100%

(1)

Forrest W. Bo Wood Campground

50mi from Paris · 141 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Shelbyville

Stories from the community

Ian

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Martin H.’s Land

Peaceful property. Easy to communicate with. Would camp here again!

A

Amber

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Overland Camping at The 1938 Barn

This hipcamp was great!!! Beautiful property it was exactly as described. We met the owners they were super friendly! Baby pigs were born while we were there adding an even better experience. Also in a perfect spot to visit the covered bridge festival! Definitely recommend

A

Ashley

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Martin H.’s Land

Incredible spot, I forgot the magic of camping under full trees. While it’s been a dry summer with no rain, the waterfall wasn’t active but a gorgeous place. This also meant no mosquitos and hardly any other bugs. Peaceful.

A

Alexander

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Overland Camping at The 1938 Barn

A good place, quiet, spacious, very beautiful turkeys

A

Alexander

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Overland Camping at The 1938 Barn

Good place , a pretty quiet place , we recommend it!!

Walnut campsite at the edge of the field.

T

Tim

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

The site was very private and on the night we stayed the clear skies allowed for amazing stargazing! Sounds of wildlife like frogs and insects were very relaxing. Restroom wasn't too far either and was well kept. Overall a great place to set up the tent for the evening.

Sarah

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

This was an A+ experience. Tracy‘s farm is very unique and wonderful and she herself is a very welcoming, accommodating host. Even though this was my first time solo camping EVER, I felt very safe and comfortable and enjoyed every minute of it. I was on a road trip on the last leg home so didn’t spend much time at her farm, but plan on returning there just to enjoy the space and land and I will be recommending Tracy‘s farm to all people I personally know who enjoy camping near and far.

rosalyn

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Martin H.’s Land

The site really is out in the woods and secluded, we loved it! Hiking the grounds you will want full length pants and hiking boots, it is very rugged but the waterfall and creek area are close to the site and great to see! We went to nearby Depauw nature park and Fern Cliff nature preserve, both within 15ish minutes away and beautiful places. Martin and Jennifer were very helpful and friendly with directions. I would recommend this site, especially as a good option for hiking the dozens of nearby parks without staying in a crowded campground.

A

Andrew

June 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bird Watch at Pine Lake

We took our small RV down these country roads to camp. The trees and pond sheltered from the road by farm buildings was so peaceful. Bullfrogs, raccoons, deer, and barn swallows greeted us as we sat around the fire pit. It may be tight for a larger RV and you’ll put your levelers to task. But we’ll definitely be back. Town with Walmart and fast food is close by. Lake Charleston is 10 mins away.

J

John

June 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

We had a wonderful time. We made up our campsite and got settled in. Then shortly after we walked back up to the farm and we were greeted by Tracy with food to feed all the farm animals. My son particularly liked feeding all the goats. After that we went back to camp and were greeted to a symphony of bullfrogs and countless lightning bugs to watch as we settled down. The only thing I would change was I would’ve held off the rain from coming the morning after so we could’ve stayed longer.

Katte

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Martin H.’s Land

Always a wonderful time here. Great location. The only thing that's not so good is the dogs barking all night. Other than that it's peaceful and relaxing.

D

David

May 2025

4 nights at Bird Watch at Pine Lake

Had a great time camping here. The hostess was great and accommodating. Look forward to going back.

J

Janelle

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

We really enjoyed the peaceful evenings listening to the frogs and sitting by the fire. We also loved talking with Tracy about her farm and her animals.

E

Eric

May 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Martin H.’s Land

Perfect camping spot. Secluded, peaceful and quiet. Host is very helpful with directions. We will be going back.

B

Becky

May 2025

10 ft Class B

1 night at Bird Watch at Pine Lake

Wonderful, friendly, and caring hosts. Very quiet and comfortable site.

M

Miles

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Martin H.’s Land

I loved this little spot. Nice and secluded. Will keep in mind for next time I am in the area and need a spot.

Kimberly

April 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Martin H.’s Land

Ive been eyeing this spot for awhile and was so happy to finally visit. Such a beautiful and private spot. You can hear the waterfall trickle from your tent. I took a beautiful walk down into it and it was just stunning! We were there in bad weather, a lot of rain, and the. Drive was very muddy but we managed. Wouldn’t have been a bad walk if I would have had to park by the road. Also with the bad weather, Martin was always quick to reply. He gave great recommendations for weather stations to watch. It was a great middle point for many parks around! While the drives to Turkey run, shades, McCormicks and cataract falls weren’t bad. I very HIGHLY reccomend checking out Depauw quarry and Fern Cliff in the area. my kids and I enjoyed our stay so much and cannot wait to get back.

t

tom

March 2025

24 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Coop Dreams Farm

Very peaceful, spot back in the valley! Great hosts who answered all of our questions! If you want a peaceful pretty place with a camp fire this is the place