Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site Campground

About

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site preserves and recreates the village where a young Abraham Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837, working as a store clerk, postmaster, and surveyor before leaving for Springfield to practice law. The campground occupies a portion of the site's nearly 700 wooded acres along the Sangamon River, providing a quiet base for exploring the reconstructed village and surrounding natural areas. The campground contains 160 sites divided evenly between 80 electric sites and 80 primitive tent sites. Electric sites offer either 30-amp or 50-amp service. Two shower houses with accessible facilities serve the campground, supplemented by vault toilets. Three ADA-accessible campsites are available: site 67 (non-electric), site 57 (50-amp), and site 145 (30-amp), all featuring asphalt pads on level ground. Beyond camping, the site offers approximately 7 miles of hiking trails through the wooded terrain, picnic areas, playground equipment, and a boat ramp on the Sangamon River accessible via Pritchettville Road. The reconstructed village itself features costumed interpreters and historic demonstrations during operating hours.