Camping near Charleston with wildlife watching

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94% (113 reviews)

United States
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Illinois
—
Charleston

94% (113 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Charleston

Star Hosts in Charleston

Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · 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.

Havenwood Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · 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.

Coop Dreams Farm

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · 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.

Bird Watch at Pine Lake

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · 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.

Available this weekend

Bird Watch at Pine Lake

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · 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.

Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · 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.

Havenwood Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · 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.

Serenity Fields Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dalton City, IL

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! 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 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.

Coop Dreams Farm

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · 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.

6 top campgrounds near Charleston with wildlife watching

Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · 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.

Coop Dreams Farm

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · 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.

Bird Watch at Pine Lake

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · 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.

Cooking equipment

Serenity Fields Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dalton City, IL

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! 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 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.

Havenwood Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · 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.

Coal Creek Land and Cattle

13 sites · RVs, Tents205 acres · West Terre Haute, IN

Learn more about this land: Visit our secluded cattle and farming operation. All while enjoying the wildlife! Fishing, kayaking, hiking, swimming and relaxing! 30 and 50 Amp RV sites available. Primitive Tent Sites Available. Nearby Attractions: Sycamore Winery Exotic Feline Rescue Parke County Covered Bridges Turkey Run State Park Indiana State University St. Mary of The Woods College & Equine Center Candles Holocaust Museum Terre Haute Children's Museum Wabash Valley Railroad Museum Dining Nearby: Tecumseh Tavern New Goshen Pub Country Store Lots of Dining Options in Terre Haute

Cooking equipment

Dog-friendly getaways

Coop Dreams Farm

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · 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.

Serenity Fields Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dalton City, IL

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! 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 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.

Bird Watch at Pine Lake

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · 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.

Havenwood Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · 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.

Coal Creek Land and Cattle

13 sites · RVs, Tents205 acres · West Terre Haute, IN

Learn more about this land: Visit our secluded cattle and farming operation. All while enjoying the wildlife! Fishing, kayaking, hiking, swimming and relaxing! 30 and 50 Amp RV sites available. Primitive Tent Sites Available. Nearby Attractions: Sycamore Winery Exotic Feline Rescue Parke County Covered Bridges Turkey Run State Park Indiana State University St. Mary of The Woods College & Equine Center Candles Holocaust Museum Terre Haute Children's Museum Wabash Valley Railroad Museum Dining Nearby: Tecumseh Tavern New Goshen Pub Country Store Lots of Dining Options in Terre Haute

Under $50

Coop Dreams Farm

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · 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.

Havenwood Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · 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.

Bird Watch at Pine Lake

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · 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.

Serenity Fields Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dalton City, IL

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! 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 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.

Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · 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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Lake Shelbyville

Lake Shelbyville

Shelbyville, Illinois

Walnut Point State Park

Walnut Point State Park

Oakland, Illinois

Eagle Creek State Recreation Area

Eagle Creek State Recreation Area

Findlay, Illinois

Hidden Springs State Forest

Hidden Springs State Forest

Strasburg, Illinois

Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area

Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area

Newton, Illinois

Value Prop

Value Prop

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Charleston with wildlife watching guide

Overview

If you're looking for a camping experience near Charleston, Illinois, Hipcamp has got you covered. With over 112 options in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. And with prices as low as $15 per night and an average price of $40 per night, you can find something that fits your budget. For the top-rated campsites, check out Shalamar Farm (53 reviews), The Old Rugged Barn (51 reviews), and Apple acres (46 reviews). These popular campsites offer amenities like showers, trash, and toilets. And if you're into snow sports, off-roading (OHV), or biking, you'll find plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Popular Charleston trips

Forest a-frames

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Top parks near Charleston

Shawnee National Forest

Mounds State Park

Brown County State Park

Starved Rock State Park

Muskegon State Park

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Daniel Boone National Forest

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

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