Boating Campgrounds in Illinois

Boating Campgrounds in Illinois

Discover the best boating campgrounds across Illinois. Launch your adventure from campgrounds with direct water access. Boat launches, marinas, and paddling opportunities await.

20+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: Spring through Fall (April-October)
Find Illinois CampgroundsSet Availability Alert

Boating Campgrounds in Other States

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMontanaNebraskaNew HampshireNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
View all Boating Campgrounds nationwide →

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Sullivan Marina And Campground
Star
4.7
(97)
Sullivan Marina And Campground
ShelbyvilleLake Shelbyville

Highest sentiment score (4.73) with perfect greenbook status (vibe: 100). Direct marina access on Lake Shelbyville provides premier boating facilities. Reviews explicitly mention swimming, fishing, and boating as primary activities with on-site restaurant and annual fireworks show.

Tents
RVs
2
Forrest W. Bo Wood
Star
4.6
(1168)
Forrest W. Bo Wood
ShelbyvilleLake Shelbyville

Excellent sentiment (4.64) with strong greenbook status (vibe: 91.2). Over 140 campsites on Lake Shelbyville's northern shore. Boating description emphasizes fishing and boating popularity with boat ramp access. Reviews praise proximity to lake and water recreation.

Tents
RVs
3
Thomson Causeway
Star
4.6
(879)
Thomson Causeway
ThomsonMississippi River - Pools 11-22

Strong sentiment (4.63) with good greenbook status (vibe: 87.26). Unique Mississippi River island camping experience. Boating description highlights river recreation with extensive water access. Reviews praise river proximity and water-based activities.

Tents
RVs

About Boating Campgrounds in Illinois

Boating camping Illinois offers exceptional water recreation across three major lake systems and the mighty Mississippi River, creating diverse experiences from peaceful cove anchorages to wide-open sailing waters. Lake Shelbyville in Central Illinois anchors the state's premier boating destinations with over 11,000 surface acres and 172 miles of shoreline, while Southern Illinois' Rend Lake and Carlyle Lake provide additional world-class boating opportunities.

Best Time

Peak boating season runs May through September when water temperatures reach comfortable levels and all facilities operate at full capacity, with July and August offering the warmest conditions but also the largest crowds at popular destinations like Sullivan Marina and Forrest W. Bo Wood.

Activity Highlights

  • Boat ramps and launches
  • Marina access and dock space
  • Kayak and canoe rentals nearby
  • Calm water for paddling
Staunton River Campground
Asher Creek Campground
San Elijo State Beach Campground

Explore Boating Campgrounds in Illinois

Browse 30 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.

Interactive MapAdvanced Filters30+ boating campgrounds

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Powerboating and water skiingSailing and windsurfingFishing for bass, crappie, and catfishKayaking and canoeing in protected covesSwimming at designated beachesPontoon boat cruising

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve waterfront sites at Sullivan Marina, Forrest W.
  • 2Bo Wood, and Dam West Spillway at least three months ahead for summer weekends, as these premium locations fill quickly through Recreation.gov.
  • 3Bring multiple anchor systems for overnight boat camping, as Lake Shelbyville's rocky bottom and Carlyle Lake's wind can challenge single-anchor setups.
  • 4Check current water levels before tripping to Rend Lake and Carlyle Lake, as late summer drawdowns can expose ramps and create navigation hazards—Corps of Engineers websites provide real-time lake levels.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Boating Campgrounds in Illinois

Boating Campgrounds in Illinois FAQ

We've ranked 20+ boating campgrounds in Illinois based on boat launch access, marina facilities, water conditions, and user reviews. Top options include campgrounds with boat ramps, dock space, and calm waters.
Many campgrounds in Illinois offer boat ramps, docks, and marina access. Some also have kayak and canoe rentals. Check individual campground amenities for specific watercraft access and any size restrictions.
Spring through Fall (April-October) is ideal for boating camping in Illinois. Water levels and weather conditions vary by season—spring often brings higher water levels, while summer offers the warmest weather for water activities.
Availability Alerts

Popular Illinois Campgrounds Book Fast

The best boating campgrounds in Illinois book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

Checks every 2 min
SMS, email, push
150,000+ campsites

Outdoorithm

Just now

🎉 Site opened up!

Sullivan Marina And Campground
Your preferred dates

Quick! This site typically books within hours.

Outdoorithm

Find Your Perfect Illinois Campground

Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.

  • Search 20+ boating campgrounds in Illinois
  • Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
  • Get personalized recommendations for your trip
  • Compare campground amenities
  • Check weather forecasts
Create Free AccountBrowse First

No credit card required. Every feature is free to use.