Best Tent Camping near Carlyle, IL

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Carlyle? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Carlyle with tent camping. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Carlyle's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Carlyle, Illinois (4)

    Camper-submitted photo at North Marcum Day Use Area near Rend Lake, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at North Marcum Day Use Area near Rend Lake, IL

    1. North Marcum Day Use Area

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    12 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
    Camper-submitted photo at Countryside Escape near Edwardsville, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Countryside Escape near Edwardsville, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Countryside Escape near Edwardsville, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Countryside Escape near Edwardsville, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Countryside Escape near Edwardsville, IL

    2. Countryside Escape

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    19 Saves
    Edwardsville, Illinois

    Pick from a variety of spots from the lakeside, to secluded forest, to open field for pitching your tent on this orchard land! This property is open to dispersed camping wherever you prefer. Equipped with fire pits, pond for viewing water fowl, and bathrooms with showers inside the house. This is a great spot to spend the night on your way to or from St. Louis, Chicago or Indianapolis. Close to St Louis and all the fun there! Great biking in the area, hiking at Pere Marquette State Park, and swimming and water sports at Horseshoe Lake State Park. Firewood can be bought on site, grocery, convenience stores, restaurants, fast food and gas stations easy drive of 10-15 min.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $15 - $16 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Sandstone Spring & Camp near Swansea, IL

    3. Sandstone Spring & Camp

    Be the first to review!
    7 Saves
    Swansea, Illinois

    Tent only camping. Deep in 300 million years old Carboniverous sandstone spring bed valley with fossils. Place to relax & take in the nature of this hidden gem in the city of Belleville, IL. No restrooms. No showers. Swimming in areas of spring is limited to shallow pools. But it is enough to cool you off.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $28 - $38 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Spillway Group Area near Benton, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Spillway Group Area near Benton, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Spillway Group Area near Benton, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Spillway Group Area near Benton, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Spillway Group Area near Benton, IL
    Camper-submitted photo at Spillway Group Area near Benton, IL

    4. 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

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Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Carlyle, Illinois

336 Reviews of 4 Carlyle Campgrounds


  • Richard R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    Feb. 12, 2025

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    My Home campground

    I've been coming to this campground since 1968 with my family. It's by far my favorite. Large shower house supposedly replaced over this winter. Marina available for fuel and a few supplies. Firewood available up the road. Campsites are large with plenty of room for camper and vehicles.

  • Cody S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    Jan. 5, 2025

    Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    Lake camping with space

    We went on Labor Day weekend and there were a number of sites open.  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.

    The showers and bathrooms are centrally located, so they are a bit of a hike.  They are clean and not too busy.

  • Cody S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam West Campground
    Jan. 5, 2025

    Dam West Campground

    Lakeside Escape

    We camped right on the lake with a great view.  This site and the site next to it are the best sites in the campground with a pull through layout for a great setup for a lake view from the side of your camper.  There was not any shade on the site, so you will be dependent on an awning.  Keep in mind that strong winds can sweep across the lake and pick things up if not secured.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Trails Campground
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Timber Trails Campground

    Wonderful layover and family friendly

    Timber Trails Campground is a easy layover off of I-70, offering a family-friendly environment. The park provided us an easy in and out, pull-through site that was level and convenient. The campground had a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and recreation. Our experience was hassle-free and enjoyable.

  • 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!!!

  • Dawn W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Okaw Valley Kampground

    Nice clean and convenient

    Family owned with a nice little fishing area (no license required catch and release) paddle boats and camp store. A nice pool with a big covered pavilion, clean restrooms and showers with hot water. We had a level pull thru gravel site with a picnic table and small fire ring and didn’t have to unhook for our overnight. Walking/hiking wooded trails 2 cabins available- several seasonal folks. We were there on a Sunday evening and didn’t really see anyone. Little bit of road noise but so convenient! Thanks Barb!

  • 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….

  • Olivia L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    May. 27, 2024

    Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    Great

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  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Logan W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Feb. 4, 2024

    Pyramid State Recreation Area

    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


Guide to Carlyle

Carlyle, Illinois, offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature and local activities.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Keyesport Rec. Area provides electric hookups and picnic tables, making it a comfortable spot for a weekend getaway.
  • At North Marcum Day Use Area, campers can enjoy drinking water, showers, and trash disposal, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
  • The Countryside Escape allows pets and features a fire pit, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.

Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $20

  • Camping at the Keyesport Rec. Area is budget-friendly, with low fees for a relaxing day by the lake.
  • The Countryside Escape offers a unique experience for around $20, where you can camp in a more private setting.
  • For those looking for a well-maintained site, the North Marcum Day Use Area provides excellent amenities for a reasonable price.

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • The North Marcum Day Use Area is perfect for swimming and bird watching, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • At the Keyesport Rec. Area, visitors can take a refreshing dip in the man-made lake, ideal for hot summer days.
  • The Spillway Group Area offers access to scenic views and is a great place for group gatherings, although fires are not allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carlyle, 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 Carlyle, IL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Carlyle, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.