Best Tent Camping near McLeansboro, IL

Searching for a tent camping spot near McLeansboro? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near McLeansboro. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near McLeansboro, IL (13)

    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from North Marcum Day Use Area

      2. North Marcum Day Use Area

      2 Reviews
      1 Photo
      11 Saves
      Rend Lake, Illinois

      Overview

      Congratulations! Youve just discovered 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. Whether youre looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, youll find it here.

      Natural Features:

      North Marcum Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Plenty of shade and a large sandy boat in are, make this day use area desirable for a day on scenic Rend Lake. Rend Lake is made up of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.

      Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

      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 youll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

      Facilities:

      North Marcum Day Use Area features two large picnic shelters with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelters can accommodate up to 75 guests each, and the area has a boat ramp, playground, and dock all within walking distance.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      3. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      16 Reviews
      47 Photos
      9 Saves
      Goreville, Illinois

      Turkey Ridge is for campers who want a serene outdoor experience. It is a Class C walk-in campground that includes camp pads, picnic tables, cooking grills and showers. Drinking water and toilets are located near the parking lots.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Trash

      $18 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Saline County State Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Saline County State Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Saline County State Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Saline County State Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Saline County State Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Saline County State Conservation Area

      4. Saline County State Conservation Area

      2 Reviews
      15 Photos
      63 Saves
      Equality, Illinois
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)

      $8 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Cadiz Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Cadiz Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Cadiz Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Cadiz Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Cadiz Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Cadiz Campground

      5. Camp Cadiz Campground

      6 Reviews
      22 Photos
      64 Saves
      Karbers Ridge, Illinois

      This campground is the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp. Somewhat off the beaten path Camp Cadiz is usually quiet and rarely do the campsites fill up; with the exception of turkey and deer hunting seasons. The campsites are level and each has a fire ring with grill and picnic table. __Equestrian camping is allowed.__Recreation Area brochure/map

      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Equestrian
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Trash
      Camper-submitted photo from Tower Rock Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Tower Rock Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Tower Rock Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Tower Rock Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Tower Rock Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Tower Rock Campground

      6. Tower Rock Campground

      6 Reviews
      28 Photos
      47 Saves
      Cave-In-Rock, Illinois

      Located along the banks of the Ohio River, Tower Rock Campground offers beautiful scenery and close proximity to water activities like fishing and boating. The 1/4 mile trail can be accessed near the boat launch. Be aware this area is prone to flooding when river levels fluctuate.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      8. Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      3 Reviews
      10 Photos
      2 Saves
      Goreville, Illinois

      Backpackers enjoying their commune with nature will appreciate the solitude of the individual campsites in the Class C Backpack campground. Located a half-mile from the Turkey Ridge primitive campground parking lot, these woodland sites have cooking grills, toilets and showers. Water and trash receptacles are available at the Turkey Ridge parking lot. You're reminded to be careful with your fires and to pack out what you pack in.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Drinking Water
      Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area

      10. Spillway Group Area

      Be the first to review!
      8 Photos
      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 int he 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.

      Facilities

      Spillway Group Area offers 10 acres for company picnics, weddings, church gatherings, family reunions and many other outdoor events. The area includes a large shelter (250 capacity) with electricity and overhead lighting, an amphitheater (250 capacity), and a small gazebo (30 capacity), a swingset, and direct access to the Rend Lake Bike Trail. The area also offers picnic tables, flush toilets, and drinking water in order to provide a comfortable experience for guests.

      Natural Features

      Spillway Group Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Situated to the North East side of the spillway, the spillway group area has one of the best views at Rend Lake. Rend Lake is made up of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.

      Nearby Attractions

      Rend Lake Dam Rend Lake Visitors Center Rend Lake Project Office

      contact_info

      For facility specific information, please call (618) 724-2493.

      • Electric Hookups
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Picnic Table

      $150 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in McLeansboro

    507 Reviews of 13 McLeansboro 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

    • 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

    • Rach W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
      Jul. 29, 2024

      Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area

      Enjoyable time

      Campground was quiet and well kept. Foliage was well trimmed. There was a spot from previous campers that needed cleaned up, but that's more of a reflection of the previous campers and less the camp ground, in my opinion, as it was not an overall theme.

    • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point - Lake Glendale
      Jul. 24, 2024

      Oak Point - Lake Glendale

      Stellar Illinois

      This is a little gem of a refuge within the Shawnee NF - about 30min from Marion, down a beautiful country road before nestling among the trees around the lake. The drive is paved/gravel the whole way, so very easily drivable for anyone in anything. Plenty of camp sites, both with electric and non-electric, double and single. Bring bug spray - horseflies and ticks. Beautiful lake, beautiful biking trails, etc. Firepits w/ grates are spacious and nice, fees are online. 1 bar verizon at camp, can get up to 3 bars within the area.

    • Kenda A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Beall Woods State Park Campground
      Jul. 22, 2024

      Beall Woods State Park Campground

      Great park

      We had a great experience with the park itself. The grounds were very well maintained with trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. We were there on a Sunday night and were the only campers in the park.

      The star I knocked off was for the pit toilets. They had not been limed in a while as evidenced by the bugs swarming inside the pits and larva swimming in the bottom. If I didn’t have a portable travel potty of my own, I would have not given even four stars. I may not have camped here.

    • 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.

    • JASON L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Grayville KOA Grayville IL
      Jul. 15, 2024

      Grayville KOA Grayville IL

      Excellent KOA in Grayville I-64

      We stayed here on the way to and on the way home from The Kentucky Bourbon Trail. 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. We want to go back and stay at a patio lot with a swing. Staff is friendly and helpful. Nearby services, fuel, farm store, etc.

    • EThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
      Jun. 16, 2024

      Shawnee Forest Campground

      Great place to camp!

      We stayed 4 days and had a great time. The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to offer places to visit in the area, places to eat and provide assistance as needed. The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk (twice around the lake from our site was 3 miles). :) We plan to visit again!

    • 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

    • Denton T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Union County Fair
      May. 22, 2024

      Union County Fair

      Kentucky Bike Ralley

      I stayed here and camped for a bike rally. I think you can only camp during an event. And cost is different from each event. Nice place

    • Matt M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
      May. 20, 2024

      Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

      Nice State Park Campground

      We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.

      There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.

    • 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.

    • Dante V.
      Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point - Lake Glendale
      May. 9, 2024

      Oak Point - Lake Glendale

      Solar Eclipse Crossroads

      We camped here during the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse and it was also the overflow site which at that time was the side of the camp entrance road. Fast forward to April 7,8 & 9 2024 We are again on overflow campground where this time was their group camping site which was much better than the side of the road. The overflow site has 4 unisex bathrooms but no showers (showers are at the main campground) there is dining (open) pavilion with a fireplace and a filtered well water system. We had a blast watching the Total Solar Eclipse.

    • 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.

    • Jon H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point Campground
      May. 6, 2024

      Oak Point Campground

      Nice national park campground

      Location is everything and this is well in the middle of a great area in Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the gods, Bell Smith springs, Ferne State park, and on and on. You can spend a week here and not see everything.
      There are primitive and electric (with water) sites. There are no sites with sewer hookup. There is a dump station at the entrance.

      Sites are generally level and well kept. Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front. There are some lake front spots that can be had. Sites are first come and there are no reservations taken. During the week, no problem. Weekends would be iffy.

      Large lake with swimming, fishing, kayaking. Also has a bike trail around it - maybe 2 miles.

      Shower houses are kept clean, but as of this posting, they need some maintenance work.

      All in all, this is a must stop if you want to enjoy what the area has to offer.

    • 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.

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Burdette Park
      Apr. 8, 2024

      Burdette Park

      Older campground

      Smaller campground with many older run down campers that are likely full time living here. All sites are pull through, and within 2 feet of the drive. Good spacing between sites, I didn’t feel like I was right up on my neighbors



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near McLeansboro, IL?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near McLeansboro, IL is Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near McLeansboro, IL?

      TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near McLeansboro, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.