- Waterside Camping
The best waterside camping near Springfield
97% (718) • 7 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Springfield
Serenity Fields Farm
1. Serenity Fields Farm
95%
(165)
44mi from Springfield · 4 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
Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
2. Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
100%
(1)
State park 41mi from Springfield · 100 sites
Bring your binoculars to Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area; this place is a birder’s paradise. Swell up with patriotic pride when you spot a bald eagle or two in the winter, and gawk at the huge number of white pelicans that gather here each spring as they head north during migration. If birding’s not your thing and you can’t tell a pelican from a bald eagle, then 1) you might need to get your eyes checked, and 2) no worries—there’s plenty else to do besides ogle at our feathery friends here.Take advantage of the park’s two public boat ramps and tour the lake via your vessel. Cast a line for crappie, bluegill, bass, and more (the fishing’s especially good in early spring). Hunting for deer, rabbit, quail, and duck are also popular pastimes. And if all else fails, simply take in the beauty of a sparkling lake surrounded by silver maple, cottonwood, and lovely willow trees. That’s what the “great outdoors” is all about!
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Beaver Dam State Park
3. Beaver Dam State Park
100%
(1)
State park 44mi from Springfield · 76 sites
With such different ecosystems (we’re talking farmland, open fields, woodlands, lake, and a marsh) wrapped up in one park, Beaver Dam is the place to go see a vast variety of plants and animals. Hike any of the trails and have fun trying to keep count of all the creatures you see! Bring your bow and arrows to the archery range, or spend your time hunting the area. Getting the winter blues? Beaver Dam is open and ready for ice skaters or cross country skiers. Don’t just take our word for it, get down here!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
4. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
State park 48mi from Springfield · 81 sites
You may catch some crappie, but your time at Spring Lake will be totally rad. Overlooked by a large sandstone bluff, Spring Lake is a long, narrow lake born from a meander of the Illinois River. It’s actually divided into two separate lakes, making it a fishing frenzy. The north has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie, channel catfish, sunfish, bullheads, and carp. The south has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, northern pike, sunfish, and carp. Forgot your boat? Not to worry! Rentals are available near the south boat ramp. And if you’re yearning for the whole livin’ off the land experience, the park houses three campgrounds.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
97% (718) • 7 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Springfield
Serenity Fields Farm
1. Serenity Fields Farm
95%
(165)
44mi from Springfield · 4 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
Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
2. Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
100%
(1)
State park 41mi from Springfield · 100 sites
Bring your binoculars to Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area; this place is a birder’s paradise. Swell up with patriotic pride when you spot a bald eagle or two in the winter, and gawk at the huge number of white pelicans that gather here each spring as they head north during migration. If birding’s not your thing and you can’t tell a pelican from a bald eagle, then 1) you might need to get your eyes checked, and 2) no worries—there’s plenty else to do besides ogle at our feathery friends here.Take advantage of the park’s two public boat ramps and tour the lake via your vessel. Cast a line for crappie, bluegill, bass, and more (the fishing’s especially good in early spring). Hunting for deer, rabbit, quail, and duck are also popular pastimes. And if all else fails, simply take in the beauty of a sparkling lake surrounded by silver maple, cottonwood, and lovely willow trees. That’s what the “great outdoors” is all about!
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Beaver Dam State Park
3. Beaver Dam State Park
100%
(1)
State park 44mi from Springfield · 76 sites
With such different ecosystems (we’re talking farmland, open fields, woodlands, lake, and a marsh) wrapped up in one park, Beaver Dam is the place to go see a vast variety of plants and animals. Hike any of the trails and have fun trying to keep count of all the creatures you see! Bring your bow and arrows to the archery range, or spend your time hunting the area. Getting the winter blues? Beaver Dam is open and ready for ice skaters or cross country skiers. Don’t just take our word for it, get down here!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
4. Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
State park 48mi from Springfield · 81 sites
You may catch some crappie, but your time at Spring Lake will be totally rad. Overlooked by a large sandstone bluff, Spring Lake is a long, narrow lake born from a meander of the Illinois River. It’s actually divided into two separate lakes, making it a fishing frenzy. The north has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie, channel catfish, sunfish, bullheads, and carp. The south has largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, northern pike, sunfish, and carp. Forgot your boat? Not to worry! Rentals are available near the south boat ramp. And if you’re yearning for the whole livin’ off the land experience, the park houses three campgrounds.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
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.
See more
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!
See more
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!
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.
See more
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.
See more
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
See more
The best waterside camping near Springfield guide
Where to go
Springfield Surrounds
You'd be remiss to visit the Illinois state capital without stopping by at least one of the many Lincoln-related sites. Lovers of the outdoors might consider the Lincoln Memorial Garden & Nature Center with its miles of walking trails and beautifully maintained gardens. Washington Park also has hiking trails, playgrounds, and botanical gardens. If you're a fan of fishing, Lake Springfield is a fantastic destination. You can rent boats and fishing equipment or bring your own. Finally, for a unique experience, head to the Henson Robinson Zoo to see various animals in their natural habitats.
Lake Shelbyville
Looking for a day trip from Springfield? Head southeast along Route 29 for 75 minutes to Lake Shelbyville. This popular outdoor spot offers 11,000 acres of water and miles of shoreline to explore. Start at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center to learn about the area's history, and wildlife. The lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming, with several marinas providing boat rentals and other equipment. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the Eagle Creek State Recreation Area's trails with lovely lake views. At the same time, golfers can tee off at the scenic Eagle Creek Golf Course.
Mississippi River & Illinois River
If you head southwest for two hours, you'll reach the confluence of the Mississippi and the 273-mile-long tributary that flows through central Illinois. With miles of wooded trails, cycling routes along river bluffs, and serene horseback riding trails through the forest, the 8,000-acre Pere Marquette State Park is the largest of its kind in Illinois. Don’t miss the breathtaking views of the river and surrounding bluffs, where bald eagles and other birds soar overhead.
Wildlife Prairie Park
Located outside Peoria, visit this 2,000-acre wildlife sanctuary to experience the Illinois Prairie as it once was. Head north along I-55 and I-155 across the Illinois River to reach the park, where you can hike or bike its winding trails or take a guided tour on a tram or train. Observe more than 60 species of animals like elk, otters, wolves, bears, and cougars, in their natural habitats. Additionally, the park hosts nature walks, educational workshops, and family events year-round.
When to go
Springfield's peak outdoor season runs from April to October, with the most comfortable temperatures occurring in spring and autumn. The area's fall foliage is particularly colorful from mid-October through November. Summers can be hot and humid, but access to so many water activities can provide lots of relief. Winter months are chilly, with occasional snowfall. Ultimately, the best time to visit Springfield depends on your preferences and favorite outdoor activities.