The best lakeside camping near Paris

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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) 28 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Paris

Happy Campers Campground

1. Happy Campers Campground

99%
(191)
37mi from Paris · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We look forward to hosting you at Happy Campers Campground! We have 5 full hook up RV sites 50 and 30 amp, free wifi, fishing, swimming and an 1.5 acre pond. Our property also has fire rings and picnic tables available for our campers. We have a dry cabin also available. We have trash bens available. Seasonal shower house and porta pottys. Please specify RV or tent site when you are booking! Open now.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Bella Vita Private Resort

2. Bella Vita Private Resort

93%
(40)
23mi from Paris · 53 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$30
 / night
Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

3. Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

100%
(57)
12mi from Paris · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$32
 / night
Lincoln Trail State Park

4. Lincoln Trail State Park

204 sites · Marshall, Illinois
The focus of Lincoln Trail State Park is the lovely Lincoln Trail Lake. It’s thickly-wooded shoreline and myriad of small coves and inlets, makes it a great lake for exploration and wildlife viewing. Around the lake, you’ll discover rare wildflowers, ancient forests, and shady ravines and valleys.Small boats with small motors (or, better yet, no motors) are perfect for serene explorations. Try your skill at hooking largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and channel catfish. Then head over to one of two secluded campgrounds to set up your home away from home and fry up your catch. The pace is slow at Lincoln Trail State Park, and that’s just the way we like it.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Walnut Point State Park

5. Walnut Point State Park

100%
(1)
55 sites · Oakland, Illinois
Combine water, woods, and wildlife at this state park in east-central Illinois.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stone of Hope Campground

6. Stone of Hope Campground

100%
(1)
30mi from Paris · 2 sites · Tents
A private lake nestled in the woods with trails throughout Peaceful, wild life - a real opportunity to experience nature at its best
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$30
 / night
Bird Watch at Pine Lake

7. Bird Watch at Pine Lake

95%
(11)
25mi from Paris · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$25
 / night
Fox Ridge State Park

8. Fox Ridge State Park

44 sites · Charleston, Illinois
Your lazy Sunday just got a bit more action-packed! At Fox Ridge State Park, turn your lazy into relaxation: stroll through the rolling hills, causally boat around the lake, and picnic under a shady tree. Hike the trails and bring a camera to catch a snapshot of all the creatures and plants you’ll see! Nearby is the awesome Lincoln Log Historic Site, a definite must-see for historians and patriots alike.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kickapoo State Recreation Area

9. Kickapoo State Recreation Area

100%
(1)
184 sites · Oakwood, Illinois
A hodge-podge of deep-water ponds await you in eastern Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Shakamak State Park

10. Shakamak State Park

100%
(1)
207 sites · Coalmont, Indiana
Discover Shakamak State Park's serene lakes and lush campgrounds.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Lake Shelbyville

11. Lake Shelbyville

100%
(4)
322 sites · Shelbyville, Illinois
Discover all the fuss behind this lake in central Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

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) 28 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Paris

Happy Campers Campground

1. Happy Campers Campground

99%
(191)
37mi from Paris · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We look forward to hosting you at Happy Campers Campground! We have 5 full hook up RV sites 50 and 30 amp, free wifi, fishing, swimming and an 1.5 acre pond. Our property also has fire rings and picnic tables available for our campers. We have a dry cabin also available. We have trash bens available. Seasonal shower house and porta pottys. Please specify RV or tent site when you are booking! Open now.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Bella Vita Private Resort

2. Bella Vita Private Resort

93%
(40)
23mi from Paris · 53 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$30
 / night
Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

3. Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

100%
(57)
12mi from Paris · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$32
 / night
Lincoln Trail State Park

4. Lincoln Trail State Park

204 sites · Marshall, Illinois
The focus of Lincoln Trail State Park is the lovely Lincoln Trail Lake. It’s thickly-wooded shoreline and myriad of small coves and inlets, makes it a great lake for exploration and wildlife viewing. Around the lake, you’ll discover rare wildflowers, ancient forests, and shady ravines and valleys.Small boats with small motors (or, better yet, no motors) are perfect for serene explorations. Try your skill at hooking largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and channel catfish. Then head over to one of two secluded campgrounds to set up your home away from home and fry up your catch. The pace is slow at Lincoln Trail State Park, and that’s just the way we like it.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Walnut Point State Park

5. Walnut Point State Park

100%
(1)
55 sites · Oakland, Illinois
Combine water, woods, and wildlife at this state park in east-central Illinois.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stone of Hope Campground

6. Stone of Hope Campground

100%
(1)
30mi from Paris · 2 sites · Tents
A private lake nestled in the woods with trails throughout Peaceful, wild life - a real opportunity to experience nature at its best
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$30
 / night
Bird Watch at Pine Lake

7. Bird Watch at Pine Lake

95%
(11)
25mi from Paris · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$25
 / night
Fox Ridge State Park

8. Fox Ridge State Park

44 sites · Charleston, Illinois
Your lazy Sunday just got a bit more action-packed! At Fox Ridge State Park, turn your lazy into relaxation: stroll through the rolling hills, causally boat around the lake, and picnic under a shady tree. Hike the trails and bring a camera to catch a snapshot of all the creatures and plants you’ll see! Nearby is the awesome Lincoln Log Historic Site, a definite must-see for historians and patriots alike.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kickapoo State Recreation Area

9. Kickapoo State Recreation Area

100%
(1)
184 sites · Oakwood, Illinois
A hodge-podge of deep-water ponds await you in eastern Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Shakamak State Park

10. Shakamak State Park

100%
(1)
207 sites · Coalmont, Indiana
Discover Shakamak State Park's serene lakes and lush campgrounds.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Lake Shelbyville

11. Lake Shelbyville

100%
(4)
322 sites · Shelbyville, Illinois
Discover all the fuss behind this lake in central Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field