Best Campgrounds near Benton, IL

Benton is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Benton is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Benton. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Benton, Illinois (105)

    1. Gun Creek

    20 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $18 - $30 / night

    "One of the first campgrounds that you come to at Rend Lake when you get off the highway, this campground has lots of positives and few negatives."

    "The lake had the most amazing sunset! Everyone is super friendly and we recommend the blue jay loop for best views and swimming access to the lake."

    2. South Sandusky Campground

    19 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $26 / night

    "Using your GPS of choice, you can reach this campground off I-57 via Benton or the IL-154/Sesser exit."

    "North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing."

    3. South Marcum Campground

    15 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $44 / night

    "This is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake."

    "They're very close to the Illinois state fair grounds. There are tent sites as well as RV sites that are very close to the lake."

    4. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 629-2320

    "Wayne Fitzgerald State Park is on Rend Lake, just off I-57 in Southern Illinois. It’s a great place for camping, fishing and bikes."

    "Many of the sites are walk up only.  The sites have a lot of room to enjoy a relaxing weekend or set up yard games.  Rend lake is a good size lake with numerous areas to explore the water."

    5. Whittington Woods Campground

    11 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 435-3401

    "Short drive to Rend Lake, bike trails, kayaks, fishing. Also, a fun winery about 1 mile north! I do recommend this campground!"

    "Close to the interstate, but not too close. A good mix of sites, the back in sites are open enough that it’s not too challenging getting in. Nice services and management."

    6. Benton KOA

    12 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (618) 439-4860

    "Not a bad place for a stop between destinations or a couple days at the lake would be fine. Roads and sites were well maintained. The dog park gets muddy quick, it’s mostly moss and dirt."

    "We did come in around 8:30pm and it was a little difficult to see site markers but the hosts left us an envelope with a map along with their notes and drawings to get to the site so it was fine."

    7. North Sandusky Campground

    5 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $18 - $26 / night

    "North Sandusky Campground is a gem in Southern Illinois. Many of the sites are backed up to Rend lake and the others back up to the woods.

    The sites all seem to be fairly well maintained and roomy."

    "has a great view of the lake from almost every camp site. close to southern IL. great leasure campsite to take the kids"

    8. Rend Lake

    5 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    6 miles
    Website

    "Hundreds of campsites, marinas with boat rentals, beaches and stores nearby in case you need something. This area is truly a southern Illinois gem!"

    "Large spacious sites, close to swimming beaches, although not walking distance. Tree covered and offer some privacy. Great place to meet with family and friends."

    9. COE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $30 / night

    "We have had deer playing on an adjacent site to us. Fun place to camp with family and friends. Never want to leave."

    "This campground has a great view of the lake. It’s well-kept and the site has nice spacing in between. The shower house and rest rooms were clean and well-kept."

    10. South Sandusky Day Use

    4 Reviews
    Rend Lake, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493
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Showing results 1-10 of 105 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Benton, IL

676 Reviews of 105 Benton Campgrounds



Guide to Benton

Camping near Benton, IL, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: Enjoy scenic trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter." Another camper noted, "There are many wineries within a short drive of the camp, which made for a fun afternoon."
  • Fishing: Head to Gun Creek for some fishing. A reviewer said, "Clean facilities. Self check-in. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food." This spot is perfect for those who want to relax by the water.
  • Exploring Nature: Visit Jackson Falls for hiking and rock climbing. One camper shared, "Great hiking around the area," making it a great choice for adventure seekers.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. At Shawnee Forest Campground, one visitor said, "The camp was clean and well maintained." Another camper at Harmonie State Park Campground noted, "Everything was well kept and clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area mentioned, "Wonderful hosts checked us in." This friendly atmosphere makes for a welcoming experience.
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs offer stunning views. One camper said, "The sites are quite spaced out from each other and are probably the biggest I've seen in Illinois."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground, have limited amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There is no potable water on site," so be sure to plan accordingly.
  • Busy Weekends: Popular spots can get crowded. A camper at Harmonie State Park Campground advised, "Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday," to avoid the crowds.
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds, like Jackson Falls, have rough roads. One camper noted, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. At Harmonie State Park Campground, a reviewer said, "In addition to the campground with at least 2 playgrounds, there are trails, picnic areas and a boat ramp."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. One camper at Shawnee Forest Campground mentioned, "The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk."
  • Safety: Ensure the campground feels safe for kids. A visitor at South Sandusky Campground said, "It was very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Not all sites are level. A reviewer at Gun Creek mentioned, "Not all spots are flat." It's wise to check the site details before booking.
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area noted, "Water & electric (30 amp) were convenient & functioned perfectly."
  • Reservations: Make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at South Sandusky Campground said, "All campsites are reservable but reserved campsites are not marked on the post when you arrive."

Camping near Benton, IL, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Benton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Benton, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 105 campgrounds and RV parks near Benton, IL and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Benton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Benton, IL is Gun Creek with a 4.7-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Benton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Benton, IL.

What parks are near Benton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Benton, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.