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Best Campgrounds near Mount Vernon, IL

371 Reviews

The area around Mount Vernon, Illinois, has several good camping options for people who like spending time outdoors. Giant City State Park Campground has many trails where you can hike through the woods. Harmonie State Park Campground comes with picnic areas, playgrounds for kids, and a boat ramp. Spring and fall bring mild weather that works well for camping trips near Mount Vernon. The summer gets crowded at most campgrounds, so you'll want to book early if you're planning a trip then. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park has big camping spots near Rend Lake where fishing and boating are common activities. Just know that some camping areas don't have water or electric hookups, which matters for planning what to bring. Getting to certain campgrounds means driving on rough roads that might be challenging for some vehicles. Winter camping is limited since many places shut down during colder months - always check if places are open before heading out. If you need an RV spot with full hookups, Archway RV Park works well and puts you close to things to do in town. The weather can change quickly in spring and fall, so pack for different conditions. Bring what you need since stores aren't always nearby. Mount Vernon camping gives you options for hiking, fishing, or just relaxing at your campsite.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mount Vernon, Illinois (73)

    1. Archway RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Mount Vernon, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 244-0399

    $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."

    2. Gun Creek

    20 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $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."

    3. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 629-2320

    "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."

    4. South Sandusky Campground

    19 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $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."

    5. South Marcum Campground

    16 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $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."

    6. Whittington Woods Campground

    11 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 435-3401

    "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."

    7. Rend Lake

    5 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    14 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Benton KOA

    12 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 439-4860

    "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."

    9. North Sandusky Campground

    5 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $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"

    10. COE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mount Vernon, IL

48 Photos of 73 Mount Vernon Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mount Vernon, IL

371 Reviews of 73 Mount Vernon Campgrounds

Guide to Mount Vernon

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter." Another camper noted, "We found several short but gorgeous hiking trails, which was perfect for our young children."
  • Fishing: Head to Gun Creek for some fishing fun. A reviewer shared, "Clean facilities. Self check-in. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food." This spot is great for those looking to cast a line.
  • Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic at Harmonie State Park Campground. One camper said, "In addition to the campground with at least 2 playgrounds, there are trails, picnic areas and a boat ramp."

What campers like:

  • Cleanliness: Campers appreciate well-maintained facilities. A visitor at Shawnee Forest Campground said, "The camp was clean and well maintained." Another camper echoed this sentiment, stating, "Everything was well kept and clean."
  • Friendly staff: Many campers have praised the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Eldon Hazlet State Park mentioned, "Wonderful hosts checked us in." This friendly atmosphere makes for a pleasant stay.
  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs said, "Fantastic hiking right from the entrance to the campground."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jackson Falls, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "The bathroom was stocked with tp but you will want to bring hand sanitizer or water."
  • Busy weekends: Popular spots can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Harmonie State Park Campground advised, "Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday."
  • Road conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A camper at Jackson Falls mentioned, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Harmonie State Park Campground has at least two playgrounds, making it a great choice for families.
  • Safety: Choose campgrounds that feel safe and welcoming. A parent at South Sandusky Campground said, "It was very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."
  • Activities: Find campgrounds with various activities. One family at Eldon Hazlet State Park enjoyed, "There are three playground areas, a basketball court, sand volleyball and a pool during summer months."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site levels: Some sites may not be level, so check reviews before booking. A visitor at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "Not all sites are very level."
  • Electric hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Gun Creek noted, "Not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water."
  • Plan for noise: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can lead to noise. A reviewer at Gun Creek said, "Only reason for not 5 star was it is a little too close to the interstate."

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

Which is the most popular campground near Mount Vernon, IL?

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.

What parks are near Mount Vernon, IL?

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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