Best Camping near Cutler, IL

Join the fun near Cutler. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Cutler is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Cutler. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Cutler, IL (89)

    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground

    2. Hawn State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    129 Photos
    166 Saves
    Farmington, Missouri
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground

    3. South Sandusky Campground

    18 Reviews
    52 Photos
    101 Saves
    Sesser, 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, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change througout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the 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.

    Natural Features

    South Sandusky Campground is situated around Sandusky cove on Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With nicely spaced campsites and plenty of activities easily accessible from the campground, South Sandusky is an excellent destination for camping at Rend Lake. Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

    Nearby Attractions

    South Sandusky Beach Rend Lake Visitors Center Rend Lake Project Office

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

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground

    4. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    165 Photos
    137 Saves
    Makanda, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Randolph County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Randolph County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Randolph County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Randolph County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Randolph County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Randolph County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground

    6. Turkey Bayou Campground

    12 Reviews
    19 Photos
    168 Saves
    Gorham, Illinois

    Turkey Bayou Campground​

    Located in Oakwood Bottoms, Turkey Bayou Campground is a great location outdoor activities including waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, trapping, fishing, nature watching and bird watching. The campground is next to a 20-acre lake on the Big Muddy River with close proximity to the Big Muddy boat launch and the Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir. There is no charge for camping at Turkey Bayou, but there is a 14-day maximum stay. The campground does not have water or toilets. The site frequently floods during heavy rain periods.

    Our partner, Friends of Turkey Bayou helps maintain Turkey Bayou Campground.

    A favorite with waterfowl hunters, Oakwood Bottoms offers so much more from excellent bird watching to fishing opportunities and primitive camping at Turkey Bayou Campground. Picnic with your family or youth group at Oakwood Bottoms picnic site and take a short walk into the bottoms on the wooden boardwalk trail that loops back to the picnic area. The site also has a large picnic shelter next to a large pond, where you can enjoy watching ducks and other birds visit the pond in search of food.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek

    7. Gun Creek

    20 Reviews
    66 Photos
    90 Saves
    Whittington, 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, opossum, 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 in the 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.

    Natural Features

    Gun Creek sits along the Eastern banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Nearby Attractions

    Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restuarant, and lodge.

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

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney

    9. Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney

    11 Reviews
    9 Photos
    54 Saves
    Perryville, Missouri

    Who says you can’t have fun in a small midwestern town? In Perryville, MO, there’s plenty of history to experience and fun to be had. You can expect no less at Perryville RV Resort by R Journey. Located off Lake Drive on KOA Lane, our resort park is accessible via Interstate 55 to the south and Highway T to the north. Get ready to make memories and reconnect with family and friends with our selection of family-friendly activities and events. If you’ve been pining for a midwestern getaway, look no further than Perryville RV Resort.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground

    10. South Marcum Campground

    15 Reviews
    31 Photos
    64 Saves
    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 in the 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.

    Natural Features

    South Marcum Campground sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With plenty of unobstructed views of the water, campers are able to take in scenic sunsets as well as enjoy activities such as bank fishing, right from the campground.

    Nearby Attractions

    Rend Lake Dam

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

    $26 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 89 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Cutler

Recent Reviews in Cutler

487 Reviews of 89 Cutler 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.

  • 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!!!

  • 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….

  • 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

  • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    May. 9, 2024

    Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    Probably nice in a big rig, sucks otherwise

    This campground was essentially an RV park. Only big rigs, some sites well spaced physically but no privacy in between so feels like everyone staring at each other. Some of the waterfront sites okay privacy-wise, but not most. Hookups work well, but bathrooms in terrible condition - especially showers.

    The whole place also smells like dead fish. We saw a raccoon go right through our campsite so be careful what you leave out, also tons of geese and saw two baby copperheads.

    The lake is at least really pretty and there’s a small beach area.

  • 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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Forest
    Apr. 6, 2024

    Trail of Tears State Forest

    Not free but worth the $8/night

    Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others. Potable water and camper registration (but had a boil water warning but that was not normal). 30 min into Cape Girardeau and 15 min to Anna. Nice picnic table and raised fire ring/ grill.

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Saline Creek RV Park and Campground
    Apr. 6, 2024

    Saline Creek RV Park and Campground

    Sweet RV campground! Very clean, quiet, and beautiful.

    We found this Rv campground while cruising through MO on to FL. We enjoyed this place! Beautiful, and quiet. New sites, tables, and a beautiful creek. A couple of pony’s too. We will definitely be stopping in again!



Guide to Cutler

Camping near Cutler, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter," making it a great spot year-round.
  • Fishing: Head to Gun Creek for some fishing fun. A reviewer noted, "Excellent park but many sights aren’t flat. Not all have water, septic," so be prepared for some site variations.
  • Wineries: Enjoy a day of wine tasting near South Sandusky Campground. One visitor shared, "There are many wineries within a short drive of the camp, which made for a fun afternoon."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Washington County State Recreation Area. One review stated, "Friendly campers and hosts. Pit toilets. Spotty Verizon," highlighting the welcoming atmosphere.
  • Spacious sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at South Marcum Campground. A camper remarked, "We love this campground as it is on the water, quiet and the people... are very friendly."
  • Family-friendly activities: Benton KOA is noted for its kid-friendly environment. A visitor mentioned, "Great store. Decorated for Halloween and very kid friendly."

What you should know:

  • Reservation systems: Some campgrounds, like Crab Orchard Lake Campground, require reservations through recreation.gov. One camper shared, "The online experience with recreation.gov was not pleasant, impossible in fact."
  • Noise levels: Campers at Benton KOA have noted noise issues. One reviewer said, "1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud," so choose your site wisely.
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially at Crab Orchard Lake Campground. A camper warned, "We saw a raccoon go right through our campsite... tons of geese and saw two baby copperheads."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like South Sandusky Campground. A family shared, "It was very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."
  • Short trails: Choose campgrounds with easy hiking trails for kids, such as Giant City State Park Campground. One parent noted, "We found several short but gorgeous hiking trails, which was perfect for our young children."
  • Kid-friendly dining: Plan meals at nearby lodges or restaurants. A family enjoyed, "We ate a great dinner at the lodge, which has beautiful panoramic views and the food was tasty too."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level sites: Check for level sites at campgrounds like Gun Creek. A reviewer mentioned, "Not all sites are very level. We got a great water view site, but lacked afternoon shade."
  • Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, such as South Marcum Campground. One camper said, "Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing."
  • Dump stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station, like Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "There is a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking."

Camping near Cutler, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Cutler, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Cutler, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Cutler, IL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Cutler, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cutler, IL is Washington County State Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 13 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cutler, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Cutler, IL.

  • What parks are near Cutler, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Cutler, IL that allow camping, notably Rend Lake and Carlyle Lake.