The Johnston City region features multiple camping options situated around local lakes with direct water access. Most campgrounds operate from spring through late fall, closing during winter months except for Benton KOA and Marion Campground which remain open year-round. The relatively flat terrain provides accessible camping throughout the region, with campsites typically positioned on gravel or grass surfaces.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Gun Creek, waterfront sites offer direct lake access. "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... lots of sites on the lake or with lake views," notes one visitor who appreciates the fishing access.
Walking trails: The lake at Arrowhead Lake Campground features a maintained walking path around the water. "The campground was nice and clean, has a beautiful walking trail, the camp host was nice," reports a camper who enjoyed the outdoor exercise options.
Boating access: Rend Lake provides multiple boat launch options near campsites. A Gun Creek camper notes, "Gun Creek is a great campground with many waterfront sites! It is nicely wooded, with a great boat ramp and boat parking area and close to a nice bike trail!"
What campers like
Spacious sites: Crab Orchard Lake Campground receives praise for generous camping spaces. "Spacious sites with many right on the water. Gravel lots were level and plenty big for our 38' Class A motorhome + Jeep. We stayed at site B8, which had a massive yard right and on the lake," writes one reviewer.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained restrooms at Johnston City area campgrounds. At Arrowhead Lake Campground, a visitor states, "The restrooms and showers were super clean. Enjoyed our stay will definitely be back."
Wildlife viewing: Local campgrounds offer opportunities to observe birds and animals. One camper at Crab Orchard notes, "It was a quiet, lovely place with great sunsets over the water, as well as herons, geese, turtles, and deer."
What you should know
Site leveling: Some campgrounds in the region require equipment for leveling. At Gun Creek, "Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline, which seems ok for Smaller rigs."
Highway noise: Marion Campground & RV Park and several other locations experience traffic noise. "Right off the freeway with very tight spots, even for the pull-through sites. Loud freeway noise," reports one reviewer, adding that it's "certainly not a 'destination' or a spot to spend time in."
Cell service: Mobile coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "We have AT&T and had full bars (we have a booster, which may have contributed to strong signal)," notes a Crab Orchard visitor, while connectivity at other sites may be limited.
Site privacy: Many campgrounds feature closely positioned sites. At Gun Creek, "each was fairly small, on top of each other, and lacking the privacy I like when tent camping." Expect to be visible to neighboring campers at most local RV parks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Archway RV Park provides family-friendly facilities. "There is a nice playground and dog park as well as a pond at the location. Great place to stop traveling through or for a weekend," writes one parent.
Swimming options: Crab Orchard Lake Campground offers water recreation for children. "The lake is at least really pretty and there's a small beach area," notes a visitor who appreciates the family swimming opportunity.
Wildlife awareness: Families should prepare for local wildlife encounters. "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," warns a Crab Orchard camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Benton KOA, location within the campground matters significantly. "There is another portion of this campground across the road you come in on... Quiet newer, some money spent on that side. A pond nice sites even pull through and tent sites. My thought was how much more do I have to pay to get on that side."
Utility connections: Several campgrounds offer full hookups but require adapters. At Archway RV Park, "Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter."
Late arrival planning: Some campgrounds accommodate after-hours check-ins. An Archway RV visitor reports, "We booked this on the road, and even though the office was closed, a site had been reserved and marked for us. Owner came out early the next morning to check on us."
