77 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Southern Illinois offers diverse camping opportunities within an hour's drive of Enfield, with campgrounds ranging from developed lakeside sites to primitive forest settings. Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area, located near McLeansboro, provides year-round camping with electric hookups and accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. Approximately 20 miles west, Rend Lake features multiple campgrounds including Gun Creek, South Marcum, and the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground, all offering waterfront sites with various amenity levels. The Shawnee National Forest area, south of Enfield, contains more rustic options including the highly-rated Garden of the Gods Recreation Area with its distinctive sandstone formations and hiking trails.
Camping facilities vary significantly across the region, with most developed sites requiring reservations during peak season from April through October. Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Rend Lake accept America the Beautiful passes for discounted rates, typically charging $10-20 per night for electric sites. As one camper noted, "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." Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the Shawnee National Forest. Weather conditions include hot, humid summers and mild springs and falls, with occasional severe storms possible throughout the camping season.
Lakeside camping dominates the region's offerings, with multiple reviewers highlighting water access as a primary attraction. "Anything you'd ever want to enjoy on the water is at your fingertips at Rend Lake," reports one visitor, noting the "hundreds of campsites, marinas with boat rentals, beaches and stores nearby." Sites at Corps of Engineers campgrounds like North and South Sandusky feature spacious layouts with good separation between campers. More primitive options exist in the Shawnee National Forest, where campers report "dark and quiet" nights ideal for stargazing. Fishing opportunities abound throughout the area, with Rend Lake known for crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. Many campgrounds offer boat ramps and some waterfront sites allow campers to dock boats directly behind their campsites.
"Multiple walking trails and bike trails. Nice shelter houses and picnic areas. Multiple playgrounds. Nature center in the campground. Many events scheduled for summer."
"It was at the back of the campground, but close to the bathrooms/showers and just across from the playground. It was close enough to walk to the Nature Center and grab ice cream."
from $20 - $33 / night
Check Availability"Great fishing, 15hp motors allowed on the lake. Lake side camping spots available. Cabins are nice, FYI No mattress, bring your own."
"Beautiful lake."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The campground round was paved so nice for walking, hilly but nice. I didn’t have kids but I didn’t see activities available."
"This is a stunning but small campground on top of a crazy high ridge surrounded by cliffs. I had no idea landscapes like this existed in Illinois and was pleasantly surprised."
"Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"One of the first campgrounds that you come to at Rend Lake when you get off the highway, this campground has lots of positives and few negatives."
"The lake had the most amazing sunset! Everyone is super friendly and we recommend the blue jay loop for best views and swimming access to the lake."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"It has a restaurant near the office that is open to the public."
"We stayed here on the way to and on the way home from The Kentucky Bourbon Trail."
from $58 - $68 / night
Check Availability"This is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake."
"They're very close to the Illinois state fair grounds. There are tent sites as well as RV sites that are very close to the lake."
from $16 - $44 / night
Check Availability"Wayne Fitzgerald State Park is on Rend Lake, just off I-57 in Southern Illinois. It’s a great place for camping, fishing and bikes."
"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."
"You also have easy access to stores in the surrounding towns."
"Rend Lake is a large COE recreation area with 4 campgrounds, some with full hook ups for $28 a night, two dams, 2 beaches, several boat launches, a marina, golf course and a restaurant. "
from $9 - $28 / night
Check Availability
GuideQuiet clean campground, 8 sites, one water spigot, pit toilets, hiking and biking, 9 miles to Garden of the Gods. Campground is right next to road. Local traffic is minimal, most sites will accommodate 30ft trailer or motor home.
GuideGreat campsite very large easy to get in and additional parking for your truck right next to your trailer
GuideWhat started as a one-night camping trip quickly turned into a three-night stay—I just didn't want to leave! Most of the campsites feature beautiful lake views and are well-shaded by tall trees. Each spot is equipped with an electric hookup, a fire pit, and a picnic table, plus having access to hot showers made the stay super comfortable. To top it off, our cats loved taking walks with us around the campground!
ScoutThe site would not let us book a reservation. I called and spoke to someone in the main office. She said Tent sites were available and since the site was not working to check in with security when we got there. I asked how late they would be there, she said all night. We got there at 5 pm. No one was camping office. Plenty of tent sites available. We called explained the call from earlier. The lady transferred us to the security line. I then reexplained everything. The security officer told us to come back tomorrow when the office opened there was nothing we could do tonight. He told us we couldn’t stay the night even though we were told earlier we could. Very disappointed by the management of this place.
ScoutRend Lake, in Whittington, Il is just a great place to camp. From primitive to full hook ups they have what you need for a Corps of Engineers campground.
GuideVery small, maybe 10-12 sites that are first come first serve. $10 per night as of September 2026. Solid Verizon cell coverage. Very quiet.
TravelerI believe this is one of the best campgrounds I've been to. It is safe friendly, theres laundry, lp fill, close to rend lake, 20 mins from walmart, a great place to relax and visit, vacation, whatever you like.
GuideNice quiet wooded campground. We were only here 1 night, but it was very enjoyable. Very large campground with shaded & sunny spots, mostly level, showers & bathrooms were clean, but no locks on the doors in women's & no doors in the men's, only curtains. Double lane dump station well laid out & good water pressure. We were here 2nd week in September on a Friday so it was not crowded, but I suspect during the summer it would be. The mosquitoes were bad so be prepared. All in all we would stay again.
GuideWe arrived at 7 picked a spot in the fcfs area and were surprised that it was almost empty. We got a premium site on the water, with no other campers in sight. The website says the reservation areas were full but that was not true, you have to book 4 days in advance. The camp host was great! It will be on my list of places to overnight in the future. But the lake is beautiful and you could spend multiple days there if you wanted!
Camping sites near Enfield, Illinois range from lake-adjacent facilities to forest-based camping within the Shawnee National Forest. The area features a rolling terrain with elevations varying between 380-600 feet above sea level, experiencing humid subtropical climate patterns with summer highs typically reaching 90°F. Winter overnight temperatures can drop below freezing, with the primary camping season running April through November when most facilities maintain full services.
Swimming access: Pounds Hollow Recreation Area offers a beach area for swimming during warmer months. "Loved the place. The rustic sites are well spread out so they feel very private... There is a 2 mile loop road that goes around the whole campground and down to a beach access point for a gorgeous lake," notes Charles A.
Fishing opportunities: At Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area, anglers can access the lake directly from some sites. "Great fishing, 15hp motors allowed on the lake. Lake side camping spots available," explains Rc C., highlighting the accessibility for fishing enthusiasts.
Hiking trails: Explore the distinctive geology at Pharaoh Campground with its proximity to rock formations. "Headed here after garden of the gods was full. This place is very close to where you need to be... Very basic campsite for drive up... Great places around to hike," reports Brennan M.
Privacy between sites: Pine Ridge gets high marks for its site separation. "The sites are well maintained and the area is BEAUTIFUL... The sites are fairly well spaced, though not private. Area is split with power and no power," Brian E. explains.
Value for money: Budget-conscious campers appreciate affordability at certain locations. "And it was only $10 a night!!!" exclaims Rick C. about Pine Ridge, adding "The left loop has power 50/30/20 amp hook ups but no water or sewer on the campsite."
Lakefront access: Gun Creek provides highly-rated water access. "Great rates and even better campsites. We got there late and had no problems finding a great campsite right next to the lake," reports Jonathan W., highlighting the campground's lake proximity.
Seasonal maintenance: Be aware of potential maintenance activities. "The website mentioned 'some' construction. But we could not access the lake at all anywhere. Also we were awakened by the Dept of Corrections with their work program for inmates. They arrived clearing all around our site very early in the am!!!" warns Jennifer D. about Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground.
Terrain variation: Site topography varies considerably across the region. "Sites have a fairly good slope to them," notes Jeff F. about South Marcum. Similarly, at Gun Creek, "some spots do have a fairly steep slope to them," which may require additional leveling equipment.
Water access: South Marcum Campground requires planning for water needs. "Campsites are electric only, so you need to fill your water tank before parking," advises Maggie C., a practical consideration for campers expecting hookups.
Playground access: Select sites with recreational facilities. "They have a nature center in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer. There are 3 playgrounds throughout the campground," notes Olivia S. about Harmonie State Park, just across the Indiana border.
Swimming options: Harmonie State Park Campground offers structured water activities. "Olympic size pool open during summer-has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions," explains Olivia S., providing details on family-friendly water facilities.
Holiday activities: Some campgrounds host special events for children. "We stayed the weekend before Halloween... They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot and although there weren't a ton of vehicles, it was definitely enough for the kids to have fun trick or treating," shares Nichole M. about Harmonie State Park.
Pad length: Check site dimensions before booking. "Gun Creek Campground has many sites for all campers. For cheap you get a simple site with electric or for not too much more there are sites with water and sewage dump," advises Dave S. about the varying options.
Leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven terrain. "Nice little campground on Rend Lake. Sites are spread out with long concrete pads. There is a bit of a slope to the pads so you will need to level," cautions Maggie C. about Gun Creek Campground.
Hookup availability: Grayville KOA offers full-service sites. "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," explains Jason L., detailing the comprehensive RV services available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Enfield, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Enfield, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 77 campgrounds and RV parks near Enfield, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Enfield, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Enfield, IL is Harmonie State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Enfield, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Enfield, IL.
What parks are near Enfield, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Enfield, IL that allow camping, notably Rend Lake and Shawnee National Forest.
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