Top Tent Camping near Bonnie, IL

Searching for a tent camping spot near Bonnie? Find the best information on tent camping near Bonnie, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Bonnie, Illinois's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Bonnie, IL (13)

    Camper-submitted photo from North Marcum Day Use Area

    1. North Marcum Day Use Area

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    11 Saves

    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
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Showers
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls

    2. Jackson Falls

    20 Reviews
    66 Photos
    418 Saves

    Jackson Falls offers many opportunities for technical climbing and is a beautiful scenic area of the Shawnee National Forest. It is in the general forest area located east of the small town of Ozark, IL. This non-developed area has a small trailhead with a vault toilet. A short trail leads from the trailhead to the top of Jackson Falls. There are high dangerous bluffs in the area, visitors should be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Camping is allowed here at no cost, since this is part of the general forest area and not a developed campground. Access: A narrow gravel road leads to the Jackson Falls Trailhead, but then the road becomes dirt and deadends past the trailhead.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    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

    3. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    47 Photos
    9 Saves

    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

    • No image available
      • No image available

        5. Blue Heron Campground & Marina

        1 Review
        8 Saves
        • Electric Hookups
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Showers
        • Toilets

        $15 - $20 / 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

        6. Spillway Group Area

        Be the first to review!
        8 Photos

        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:

        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.

        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:

        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), an amphitheater (250 capacity), and a small shelter (30 capacity), a playground, and direct access to the Rend Lake Bike Trail. Electric hookups are provided, and the area offers a playground, picnic tables, flush toilets, and drinking water in order to provide a comfortable experience for guests.

        • Electric Hookups
        • Reservable
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Group
        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

        7. Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

        3 Reviews
        10 Photos
        2 Saves

        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 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

        8. Saline County State Conservation Area

        2 Reviews
        15 Photos
        62 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)

        $8 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge  -  Lake Of Egypt

        9. Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt

        2 Reviews
        1 Photo
        8 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Trash
        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

        10. Dutchman Lake Camp

        3 Reviews
        6 Photos
        44 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Dispersed
      Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews In Bonnie

      409 Reviews of 13 Bonnie Campgrounds


      • 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.

      • 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 .

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

        Sam Dale Lake 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.

      • 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.

      • JASON L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Grayville KOA Grayville IL
        Jul. 15, 2024

        Grayville KOA Grayville IL

        Excellent KOA in Grayville I-64

        We stayed here on the way to and on the way home from The Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It is a fairly new KOA with so many enjoyable amenities, family fun, food, ice cream, mini golf, full hookups and shady spots if you ask for one. We want to go back and stay at a patio lot with a swing. Staff is friendly and helpful. Nearby services, fuel, farm store, etc.

      • 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!!!

      • 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 Park
        May. 20, 2024

        Stephen A. Forbes State Park

        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.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
        May. 13, 2024

        South Marcum Campground

        Great Campground

        Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing. Cell service for AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE. Only issue that I have is that site 49 is very hard to get level in, make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
        May. 8, 2024

        Archway RV Park

        Great campground

        Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.

      • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
        Apr. 30, 2024

        Gun Creek

        Blue Jay #49 Water site

        Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

      • Steve G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
        Apr. 24, 2024

        Crab Orchard Lake Campground

        Excellent Lakeside Campgrouind

        Getting there: Easy access off Illinois 13 East of Carbondale 

        Check in and staff: Campground is now under the egis of recreation.gov& reservations through them are a must. This is new& when planning the trip the website said“first come first serve” so we arrived on a Friday evening(4pm) with no reservation. The sign said RV sites all taken. The host was wonderful! He has been here 9 years and steered us to a nice site for the one night we will be here. The online experience with recreation.gov was not pleasant, impossible in fact. So I had to call. This took quite awhile. Once I got a real live person it was great, and we got our site with no problems. 

        Amenities: Bathrooms: clean, paper towels& air dryers. 

        Site: A-35. In the middle of the A loop and therefore not on the water. Still, very nice. After all, beggars can’t be choosers! Sites are somewhat spacious, but not terribly private.

      • Michelle K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sharp Rock Falls Recreation
        Apr. 4, 2024

        Sharp Rock Falls Recreation

        Longbranch Shooting House And Saloon

        You're welcome to at longbranch! Please make your reservations.
        Only 16 spots left!

        Ava Illinois +1 618-318-6734 Text your name and number of people on your campsite to reserve your spot.

        The Solar Eclipse Event "PARK @ THE MOON"

        Extended or early arrivals welcome. Just simply request more information in the text. We will get ahold of asap with a more information and a confirmation number.

        #ShareThisPost #solareclipse2024

      • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park
        Feb. 23, 2024

        Giant City State Park

        Great trails and well kept campsites

        We stayed at Giant City in February on a very cold weekend. It was still a fantastic trip! The campsites, fire pits and pit toilets were well maintained. The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter. The Lodge also had excellent food and a very cozy feel. Definitely visit the Lodge!!

      • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Park
        Feb. 4, 2024

        Pyramid State Park

        Nice campsites and lots of lakes

        We stayed at the campground on the north end of Pyramid. The campsites were close together but we visited in February so we were the only campers. The fire pits were a little run down but the sites were nice and level with a table. No lantern posts. Pit toilets that were decent. The park office is a pretty long drive from the north end campground. The hiking is limited but the campground was peaceful and close to the lakes. Probably covered in bugs in the summer. Overall pretty nice stay

      • David F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
        Nov. 30, 2023

        Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

        Southern Illinois getaway

        Great campground away from roads and noise. Goreville is small local town with grocery store and service station for supplies. South LOOP sites 1-23 are first come sites. NORTH LOOP SITES 24 - 59 Reservable at https://camp.exploremoreil.com/ Some 50 amp sites (4, 6, 18, 32, 36, 38, 47, 48) rest have 30 amp. See map in photos. WATER potable at Dump Station also 5 hydrants scattered amongst camp sites. TENT and Equestrian camps take road to the south west of lake.

      • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
        Nov. 14, 2023

        Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

        Quiet in November

        We do most of our RV travel in the early spring and late fall.  Ferne Clyffe does not take reservations after November 1, so its first come first served.  Payment is deposited in a kiosk near the black water dump site.  This was not well explained on the signage or websites, but, at least in mid-November, there were enough experienced campers around to explain things. 

        Otherwise, Ferne Clyffe is gorgeous. Great for star-gazing. Lots of mature oak and sycamore trees that I'm sure provide nice shade in summer.  In mid-November, there's lots of deer hunters, which means it gets quiet early in the evening.  Spaces are of moderate size on the interior, and are more spread out on the perimteter.



      Guide to Bonnie

      Camping near Bonnie, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

      What to do:

      • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Coles Creek Recreation Area, are right by the water. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is a prime fishing and boating lake, and is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes."
      • Biking: Trails are available for biking enthusiasts. A camper at Gun Creek noted, "Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride."
      • Hiking: Explore nature trails at places like South Marcum Campground. One reviewer shared, "Nice trails through the woods to hike."

      What campers like:

      • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Washington County State Recreation Area said, "Bathrooms were clean, paper towels & air dryers."
      • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A camper at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are well spaced apart."
      • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. One reviewer at Archway RV Park noted, "The staff was great."

      What you should know:

      • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or facilities. A camper at Benton KOA warned, "1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud."
      • Reservation systems: Campgrounds like Crab Orchard Lake Campground require reservations, especially during peak times. One visitor shared, "Reservations through them are a must."
      • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "Not all sites have water/sewer, but many water points available throughout camp."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and safe areas for kids. A parent at South Marcum Campground said, "It was very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."
      • Plan for activities: Bring bikes and fishing gear to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Gun Creek noted, "Lots of bike paths to ride."
      • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make outings easier. One family at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground appreciated the convenience of nearby amenities.

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check site levels: Some sites may not be level, so bring leveling blocks. A reviewer at South Marcum Campground advised, "Make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible."
      • Use a booster for cell service: If you need to stay connected, consider a cell booster. A camper at Archway RV Park mentioned, "T-Mobile worked well."
      • Explore different loops: Campgrounds like Benton KOA have different areas that may offer better experiences. A visitor noted, "This morning thought as I was taking photos... it is a totally different area. Quiet newer."

      Camping near Bonnie, Illinois, has a lot to offer, from beautiful scenery to friendly communities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

      Frequently Asked Questions

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

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bonnie, IL is North Marcum Day Use Area with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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