Camping options near McLeansboro, Illinois cluster primarily around Rend Lake and other smaller lakes in the region. The area sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level in the Till Plains section of the Central Lowland Province. Sites vary considerably in elevation change, with some lakefront locations requiring equipment leveling while others offer more naturally level terrain.
What to do
Fishing at Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area: This campsite near McLeansboro offers year-round lake fishing with specific motor restrictions. "We have a family history & many memories camping here. Very well kept. Great fishing, 15hp motors allowed on the lake," notes camper Rc C.
Swimming at South Marcum Campground: The beach area provides lake access for cooling off during summer months. "We are looking forward to a return trip to do some more exploring around the lake," mentions CHris B., while Kelly B. explains the appeal: "My family & i enjoy the lake for fishing, boating, swimming & beach time!"
Wildlife viewing at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park: The park supports substantial deer populations visible throughout the day. "Never been to a CG with such abundant wildlife! Can sit at your spot and watch deer throughout the day," according to Lucas T. Another camper, Tina J., confirms: "Abundant Wildlife" in the campground.
Hiking at Garden of the Gods: The recreation area features remarkable rock formations approximately 40 miles southeast of McLeansboro. "The rock formations are surreal and shoulder season is so quiet! We will be back as the hiking is awesome," reports a visitor named Ellen.
What campers like
Shade coverage at Whittington Woods Campground: The extensive tree canopy provides natural temperature regulation during hot months. "Beautiful campground with mature trees providing lots of shade on the 100F weekend we were there," notes Jan S., who adds there's "a lot of common ground, shaded, picnic shelters."
Waterfront sites at South Sandusky Campground: Many campers appreciate the direct lake access from select sites. "Plenty of trees, lots of sites directly on the water. Very clean, nice shower houses, playgrounds, picnic tables, fire pits," says Ed H. Gina J. adds: "We love tent camping at South Sandusky. Many of the sites are right on the lake and the sunrise and sunsets are always gorgeous."
Spacious camping areas: Rend Lake campgrounds generally provide well-separated sites. According to Cody S. at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park: "The sites have a lot of room to enjoy a relaxing weekend or set up yard games." Similarly, Matthew B. observed: "Sites are well spaced apart."
Moderate crowds: Even during holiday weekends, some campgrounds maintain availability. "We went on Labor Day weekend and there were a number of sites open. Many of the sites are walk up only," notes a visitor to Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park.
What you should know
Reservations vs. first-come sites: Some campgrounds use mixed reservation systems. At Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, Blake M. explains: "People show up and throw a cooler or tent onto a site to claim it and then leave. They have to pay for the spot by 8pm. And people can stay as long as they want as long as they pay for the next day by then."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require equipment for leveling RVs. "CHECK carefully," warns Kennon H. about Wayne Fitzgerrell, noting "Many sites are very off level." At Gun Creek, another camper advises: "Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline."
Bathroom facilities vary: Conditions differ significantly between campgrounds and seasons. At Wayne Fitzgerrell, one camper reports: "Bathrooms are pretty disgusting buggy and dirty," while South Sandusky maintains "clean shower houses" according to multiple reviews.
Traffic noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience highway noise. At Benton KOA, a visitor notes: "Very convenient off the interstate, but also noisy due to the interstate being right there." A different camper elaborates: "If you plan for a good nights rest, you better keep your windows closed, bring ear plugs, and plan for cover noise."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play equipment for children. At South Marcum, campers note "a playground in the Whispering Pines loop" and South Sandusky features multiple playground areas throughout the campground.
Swimming options for children: Harmonie State Park provides structured swimming facilities. "They have a nature center in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer... Olympic size pool open during summer-has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning," explains Olivia S.
Halloween camping events: Several campgrounds host special fall activities. "We stayed the weekend before Halloween. We missed reserving the weekend they have the campground trick or treating, which was the weekend before, but this was just as fun," shares Nichole M. about Harmonie State Park Campground, adding "There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making smore's at the bonfire."
Wildlife awareness: Animals regularly visit campsites in this region. "There was also a little skunk walking around this morning," mentions Brennan M. about Gun Creek, while at Harmonie State Park, Barbie G. reports: "Our only problem was 1 or more raccoons kept coming into our site. We shooed them away but they kept coming back."
Tips from RVers
Power connections: Check availability of appropriate electrical hookups. Several campgrounds offer varied power options. At South Marcum, Kent F. notes: "Great camp ground.. 50 amp service, some with water and some with Full hookup."
RV dump stations: Facilities for waste disposal are available at most established campgrounds. Joel R. reports South Sandusky has "a dump station, flush toilets, showers, and drinking [water]." At South Marcum, Kent F. adds: "Dump stations are EZ access on the way out."
Easy access transit stops: For RVers passing through the region, Archway RV Park offers convenient highway access. "Quick overnight stay on our way West. Staff was friendly and welcoming on check in. Easy on and off Interstate 64," reports Angie R. Another traveler, Robert T., confirms: "We travel between Charleston, SC and Omaha, NE several times a year and always stay here on return trip... Just far enough from Interstate so noise isn't an issue."
Adapter requirements: Some campgrounds have limited power connection options. James N. notes 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."
