Best Campgrounds near Benton, IL
Southern Illinois camping options around Benton center on Rend Lake, one of the state's premier water recreation areas. Corps of Engineers campgrounds like South Marcum and South Sandusky offer hundreds of sites with varying amenities, from basic tent pads to full-hookup RV sites. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park provides year-round camping with shower facilities, while the Benton KOA offers private camping with family-friendly amenities including a fishing pond. Whittington Woods Campground, located about 10 miles north of Benton, caters primarily to RV campers and cabin stays. Most campgrounds in the region provide water and electric hookups, with many offering lakefront sites.
Camping seasons typically run from late March through early November at the Corps of Engineers sites, though some private campgrounds and Wayne Fitzgerrell remain open year-round. According to one camper, "South Marcum is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake with hundreds of sites to choose from, some tucked into the woods and others sitting right on the lake." Most campgrounds in the area are accessible via paved roads, with good cell service throughout the region. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and holiday weekends when lakefront sites fill quickly. The America the Beautiful pass provides discounts at federal recreation areas, including the Corps of Engineers campgrounds.
Lakefront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many sites offering direct water access for boating and fishing. Mature trees provide ample shade at most campgrounds, a feature frequently mentioned in positive reviews. Facilities are generally well-maintained, with one visitor noting, "The bathrooms were cleaned every morning before 7 am. Water had great pressure and was always nice and hot." Paved bike trails connect many of the Rend Lake recreation areas, allowing for car-free exploration. While most campgrounds focus on water recreation, the surrounding area offers additional outdoor activities including hiking trails and wildlife viewing. Fishing is particularly popular, with catfish and bass being common catches in the lake and nearby ponds.
