Best Tent Camping near Benton, IL

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Benton and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best information on tent camping near Benton, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Benton's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Benton, IL (13)

    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    1. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    47 Photos
    9 Saves
    Goreville, Illinois

    Turkey Ridge is for campers who want a serene outdoor experience. It is a Class C walk-in campground that includes camp pads, picnic tables, cooking grills and showers. Drinking water and toilets are located near the parking lots.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from North Marcum Day Use Area

    2. North Marcum Day Use Area

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    11 Saves
    Rend Lake, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! Youve just discovered the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Whether youre looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, youll find it here.

    Natural Features:

    North Marcum Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Plenty of shade and a large sandy boat in are, make this day use area desirable for a day on scenic Rend Lake. Rend Lake is made up of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.

    Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

    Recreation:

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away youll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Facilities:

    North Marcum Day Use Area features two large picnic shelters with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelters can accommodate up to 75 guests each, and the area has a boat ramp, playground, and dock all within walking distance.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      4. Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      3 Reviews
      10 Photos
      2 Saves
      Goreville, Illinois

      Backpackers enjoying their commune with nature will appreciate the solitude of the individual campsites in the Class C Backpack campground. Located a half-mile from the Turkey Ridge primitive campground parking lot, these woodland sites have cooking grills, toilets and showers. Water and trash receptacles are available at the Turkey Ridge parking lot. You're reminded to be careful with your fires and to pack out what you pack in.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Drinking Water
      Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt
      Camper-submitted photo from Saline County State Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Saline County State Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Saline County State Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Saline County State Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Saline County State Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Saline County State Conservation Area

      7. Saline County State Conservation Area

      2 Reviews
      15 Photos
      63 Saves
      Equality, Illinois
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)

      $8 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area

      8. Spillway Group Area

      Be the first to review!
      8 Photos
      Benton, Illinois

      Overview

      Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossu, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here int he heart of Southern Illinois..

      Recreation

      Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

      Facilities

      Spillway Group Area offers 10 acres for company picnics, weddings, church gatherings, family reunions and many other outdoor events. The area includes a large shelter (250 capacity) with electricity and overhead lighting, an amphitheater (250 capacity), and a small gazebo (30 capacity), a swingset, and direct access to the Rend Lake Bike Trail. The area also offers picnic tables, flush toilets, and drinking water in order to provide a comfortable experience for guests.

      Natural Features

      Spillway Group Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Situated to the North East side of the spillway, the spillway group area has one of the best views at Rend Lake. Rend Lake is made up of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.

      Nearby Attractions

      Rend Lake Dam Rend Lake Visitors Center Rend Lake Project Office

      contact_info

      For facility specific information, please call (618) 724-2493.

      • Electric Hookups
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Picnic Table

      $150 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Cadiz Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Cadiz Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Cadiz Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Cadiz Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Cadiz Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Cadiz Campground

      10. Camp Cadiz Campground

      6 Reviews
      22 Photos
      64 Saves
      Karbers Ridge, Illinois

      This campground is the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp. Somewhat off the beaten path Camp Cadiz is usually quiet and rarely do the campsites fill up; with the exception of turkey and deer hunting seasons. The campsites are level and each has a fire ring with grill and picnic table. __Equestrian camping is allowed.__Recreation Area brochure/map

      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Equestrian
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Trash
    Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Benton

    595 Reviews of 13 Benton Campgrounds


    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
      Nov. 8, 2024

      Gun Creek

      Beautiful Sunsets over the Lake

      What a beautiful campground, it’s our second time here. Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them

    • Tabitha R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Johnson Creek
      Oct. 12, 2024

      Johnson Creek

      Nice!

      This campground provides large spots, drinking water, vault toliets, dumpsters, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and contactless check in. I also appreciate the value of these sites. It really is a reasonable rate for forest camping.

    • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
      Oct. 4, 2024

      Hilltop Campground

      Decent overnight stop

      Hosts were friendly, but didn’t brief us on information such as where is the trash bin, what is the WiFi password. Restroom was old but relatively clean. There’s only one valve in the showers so all you get is lukewarm water. Not good on a cool or cold day. Some of the long term people have too many dogs, one had 6 little yippers, kind of annoying. And I’m not against dogs

    • Ben T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
      Sep. 30, 2024

      Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

      Wonderful campground

      Right next to a huge reserve for fishing and boating. Campsites are very spaced out. We had 30 amp electric but no water on the campsite. Wasn't a problem for us we just filled our water tank. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Look forward to coming back

    • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
      Sep. 29, 2024

      Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

      Nice sites on Carlyle Lake- great host

      Our site was on the shore and had good spacing from others. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry all close by. Good hot water in the showers. The host was friendly and helpful. I’d go back again!

    • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
      Sep. 28, 2024

      Dam East - Mcnair Campground

      Location Great for Travel

      McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

      (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

      Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

    • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
      Sep. 28, 2024

      Dam East Recreation Area

      GREAT LOCATION for STOPOVER

      East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
      (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

      (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

      Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.

    • Cecilia
      Camper-submitted photo from Pine Hills
      Aug. 15, 2024

      Pine Hills

      Very nice

      Very quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied.

    • Rach W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
      Jul. 29, 2024

      Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area

      Enjoyable time

      Campground was quiet and well kept. Foliage was well trimmed. There was a spot from previous campers that needed cleaned up, but that's more of a reflection of the previous campers and less the camp ground, in my opinion, as it was not an overall theme.

    • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point - Lake Glendale
      Jul. 24, 2024

      Oak Point - Lake Glendale

      Stellar Illinois

      This is a little gem of a refuge within the Shawnee NF - about 30min from Marion, down a beautiful country road before nestling among the trees around the lake. The drive is paved/gravel the whole way, so very easily drivable for anyone in anything. Plenty of camp sites, both with electric and non-electric, double and single. Bring bug spray - horseflies and ticks. Beautiful lake, beautiful biking trails, etc. Firepits w/ grates are spacious and nice, fees are online. 1 bar verizon at camp, can get up to 3 bars within the area.

    • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
      Jul. 22, 2024

      Hilltop Campground

      Nice stop

      Stopped here for the night driving through the area. Nice campground, clean, safe, and right off the interstate.

    • Molly B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

      Great Community camp not too far off the highway

      My sister and I stopped here on our way to wisconsin, We were surprised how lovely it was! Birds everywhere and the lake was so huge. The camp sites were big and many of them, the bathrooms were always clean and had AC!

    • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
      Jun. 21, 2024

      Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

      A beautiful little spot !

      First off, a bang for you buck compared to some surrounding camp sites. They have PLENTY of sites, most with some view of the water. They have a boat launch, bathrooms, and showers. We stayed here 3 nights. The shores are quite rocky so it can be difficult to access the water just to swim. Overall, it was great. My only complaint is there is only one trash located in the beginning on the park & it was full, full, full!!!

    • EThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
      Jun. 16, 2024

      Shawnee Forest Campground

      Great place to camp!

      We stayed 4 days and had a great time. The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to offer places to visit in the area, places to eat and provide assistance as needed. The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk (twice around the lake from our site was 3 miles). :) We plan to visit again!

    • Wil V.
      Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
      May. 30, 2024

      Benton KOA

      Loud

      1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud, the other is in between the sewer treatment plant and municipal airport. If you're a light sleeper might want to stay away Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/QpuNpA7UVZI

    • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
      May. 30, 2024

      Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

      Wonderful surprise

      Arrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….

    • Matt M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
      May. 20, 2024

      Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

      Nice State Park Campground

      We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.

      There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Benton, IL?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Benton, IL is Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Benton, IL?

      TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Benton, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.