Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, McLeansboro, IL is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—McLeansboro is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near McLeansboro. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"Great fishing, 15hp motors allowed on the lake. Lake side camping spots available. Cabins are nice, FYI No mattress, bring your own."
"Beautiful lake."
$18 - $30 / night
"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."
"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."
$16 - $44 / night
"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."
"Short drive to Rend Lake, bike trails, kayaks, fishing. Also, a fun winery about 1 mile north! I do recommend this campground!"
"Close to the interstate, but not too close. A good mix of sites, the back in sites are open enough that it’s not too challenging getting in. Nice services and management."
$16 - $26 / night
"North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing."
"Well maintained on beautiful Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Reservations accepted on reservation.gov. Walk ins also welcome."
$10 / night
"Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US."
"We did a lot of hiking all around Shawnee but this is by far favorite spot in Illinois!"
"Not a bad place for a stop between destinations or a couple days at the lake would be fine. Roads and sites were well maintained. The dog park gets muddy quick, it’s mostly moss and dirt."
"We did come in around 8:30pm and it was a little difficult to see site markers but the hosts left us an envelope with a map along with their notes and drawings to get to the site so it was fine."
$20 - $23 / night
"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."
$60 / night
"Long first day drive, but so handy and staff couldn’t be more accommodating to our late arrivals. Just far enough from Interstate so noise isn’t an issue. Lots of services at the same exit."
"This is primarily a RV park near I-64 and on a highway. Noisy!! Bad noisy. Camp site was nice. Grassy, level, near a picnic shelter with tables. Shade trees. But only about 2-3 such sites."
LegendUsing your GPS of choice, you can reach this campground off I-57 via Benton or the IL-154/Sesser exit. The area includes both North Sandusky and South Sandusky COE campgrounds, clearly marked and easy to find. We arrived around 2:00 PM and found the check-in gate closed, but since we had a reservation, we proceeded directly to our back-in site 123 with full hookups. Most sites here offer water and electric (50/30/20 AMP), while the Dogwood loop features several full hookup sites in its upper section. Note that the loop has low-sloping ditches on both sides of the road, so precise backing is needed to land on the asphalt pad. There’s one full hookup pull-through site in the Dogwood loop—a long, slightly curved pad with sewer and power connections on the yard side, and water on the standard side. Both North and South Sandusky COE campgrounds offer a wide variety of site types, including lake views, varying utility setups, and well-spaced sites. Paved bike trails run throughout the area. We've been coming here for years, and this campground remains one of our favorites close to home.
ScoutI’ve been here over two weeks, not once have I gotten a full nights sleep between the locals and the staff. Now I know why there are no other campers. Apparently, when you set up, they also stop mowing around your campsite so the bugs drive you back out. Great place for a day trip, if you have heavy enough bug spray (don’t bring food), but trying to sleep here was definitely a mistake. Will not be back.
ScoutConvenient, clean, trails from Campground.
ScoutWe run a 28ft RV and we’re able to cross the first water wash without problem. We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading.
We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible. The further sights will require crossing several wash outs. The terrain is hard rock and any capable 4x4 should be able to navigate to the furthest sight’s. .
TravelerLots of interstate noise. Many sites are very off level. CHECK carefully
TravelerThis is an amazing spot for free camping! The tent pads are right by the water, offering stunning lake views. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and access to toilets—everything you need for a comfortable stay. Despite its remote feel, Walmart is just a 12-minute drive away for any last-minute supplies. We would have loved to stay longer, but incoming storms cut our trip short. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway! No electricity or showers!
ScoutBacks up to lake. Short walk to clean restrooms. Will come back.
ScoutIt’s a great area with the small beach nearby and garden of the gods so close, the only problem is the drinking water pump is broke so you must bring your own water. You can get firewood from the garden of the gods outpost and some really good shakes and icecream!!
GuideThe rock formations are surreal and shoulder season is so quiet! We will be back as the hiking is awesome.
Camping near McLeansboro, Illinois, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to scenic trails, there’s something for everyone in this area.
Camping near McLeansboro, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, McLeansboro, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 90 campgrounds and RV parks near McLeansboro, IL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McLeansboro, IL is Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near McLeansboro, IL.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near McLeansboro, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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