Looking for the best campgrounds near Mount Vernon, IL? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Illinois camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Mount Vernon, reviewed by campers like you.
$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."
$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 - $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."
"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 - $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."
"Hundreds of campsites, marinas with boat rentals, beaches and stores nearby in case you need something. This area is truly a southern Illinois gem!"
"Large spacious sites, close to swimming beaches, although not walking distance. Tree covered and offer some privacy. Great place to meet with family and friends."
"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."
$18 - $26 / night
"North Sandusky Campground is a gem in Southern Illinois. Many of the sites are backed up to Rend lake and the others back up to the woods.
The sites all seem to be fairly well maintained and roomy."
"has a great view of the lake from almost every camp site. close to southern IL. great leasure campsite to take the kids"
$30 / night
"We have had deer playing on an adjacent site to us. Fun place to camp with family and friends. Never want to leave."
"This campground has a great view of the lake. It’s well-kept and the site has nice spacing in between. The shower house and rest rooms were clean and well-kept."
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.
GuideClean well kept grounds. Decent spacing and sites look mostly level. Water not at many sites. Showers are great separate toilets/shower rooms.
TravelerLots of interstate noise. Many sites are very off level. CHECK carefully
TravelerCamping is wonderful here. Lots of watersports and a Marina.
ScoutI've been coming to this campground since 1968 with my family. It's by far my favorite. Large shower house supposedly replaced over this winter. Marina available for fuel and a few supplies. Firewood available up the road. Campsites are large with plenty of room for camper and vehicles.
GuideWe went on Labor Day weekend and there were a number of sites open. 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.
The showers and bathrooms are centrally located, so they are a bit of a hike. They are clean and not too busy.
GuideWe camped right on the lake with a great view. This site and the site next to it are the best sites in the campground with a pull through layout for a great setup for a lake view from the side of your camper. There was not any shade on the site, so you will be dependent on an awning. Keep in mind that strong winds can sweep across the lake and pick things up if not secured.
TravelerWhat a beautiful campground, it’s our second time here. Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them
ScoutBe free camp sites listings for state parks
Camping near Mount Vernon, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Camping around Mount Vernon, Illinois, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there’s a spot for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Vernon, IL is Archway RV Park with a 3.9-star rating from 15 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Mount Vernon, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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