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Camping near Mount Vernon, IL

3 campgrounds with availability next weekend

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    Southern Illinois camping options radiate outward from Mount Vernon, with several notable destinations within a 30-minute drive. Rend Lake serves as the recreational centerpiece of the region, featuring multiple Corps of Engineers campgrounds including South Marcum, North Sandusky, and South Sandusky. These established campgrounds accommodate various camping styles from tent sites to full-hookup RV spots. Archway RV Park provides year-round camping directly in Mount Vernon, while Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground offers more than 240 modern campsites with electrical hookups just 20 miles south. The area balances developed facilities with natural settings, as many campgrounds feature wooded sites alongside lakefront locations.

    Reservations are essential during peak season from late spring through early fall, particularly for waterfront sites. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from March through November, though select facilities like Archway RV Park and Whittington Woods remain open year-round. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s with high humidity, while spring brings occasional flooding concerns. Cell service varies by location but remains generally reliable near major campgrounds. According to camper Joel R., "South Sandusky campground is a Corps of Engineers campground on Rend Lake, just off I-57 in Southern Illinois. Most of the sites are wooded with space between them, and many have lake views." America the Beautiful passes provide discounted rates at federal sites, making this an economical destination.

    Lakefront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many sites offering direct water access. Campers frequently mention the spaciousness of sites and quality of facilities at Corps of Engineers campgrounds. Jason A. notes that "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." Fishing opportunities abound, with Rend Lake known for crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish. Mature trees provide ample shade at most campgrounds, though some reviewers mention that certain sites require leveling adjustments. Bathroom and shower facilities vary in quality across locations, with Corps-managed properties generally receiving higher marks for cleanliness and maintenance than some state-operated facilities.

    Best Campgrounds near Mount Vernon (78)

      1. Archway RV Park

      3.9(17)3mi from Mount VernonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $60 - $75 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Gun Creek

      4.7(25)16mi from Mount Vernon100 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      Available next weekend

      from $20 - $30 / night

      3 Sites Available

      3. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

      4.4(15)14mi from Mount VernonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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 Marcum Campground

      4.6(21)19mi from Mount Vernon160 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      Available next weekend

      from $16 - $44 / night

      5 Sites Available

      5. Whittington Woods Campground

      4.3(13)17mi from Mount VernonRVs, Cabins

      "The sewer and electrical connections are near the center of the gravel pad, while the electrical breaker is on the opposite side of site 94."

      "Short drive to Rend Lake, bike trails, kayaks, fishing. Also, a fun winery about 1 mile north! I do recommend this campground!"

      6. South Sandusky Campground

      4.7(19)20mi from Mount Vernon128 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      Campground full next weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $16 - $28 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Rend Lake

      4.7(6)14mi from Mount VernonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

      3.8(13)21mi from Mount VernonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There are mature trees around the seven pull-through sites across the road from the main campground, but Starlink should work in most of them if you're able to position the dish around the trees."

      "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."

      9. North Sandusky Campground

      4.8(6)18mi from Mount Vernon118 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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"

      Campground full next weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $20 - $28 / night

      Check Availability

      10. COE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area

      4.3(6)18mi from Mount VernonRVs, Tents

      "Most of the campsites feature beautiful lake views and are well-shaded by tall trees."

      "We have had deer playing on an adjacent site to us. Fun place to camp with family and friends. Never want to leave."

      from $30 / night

      Check Availability

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    Recent Reviews near Mount Vernon, IL

    414 Reviews of 78 Mount Vernon Campgrounds

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 30, 2026

      Whittington Woods Campground

      Decent Campground

      We had never stayed at Whittington Woods, but several of our camping friends have stayed here over the years while traveling through the area. At a recent RV open house, we talked with the campground (CG) owners and decided to switch our reservation from another private CG to Whittington Woods to check it out. The owners suggested sites 92 or 97, and we were able to reserve back-in site 92 with FHUs for our two-night stay. Site 92 is one of the better sites, with a large yard and good separation from neighboring sites. The CG was easy to find off I-57—follow your GPS or the signs. Check-in was quick, and we were escorted to our site. Unfortunately, one of the CG’s regular guests had set up in our reserved site 92 instead of site 93. After a brief discussion between our owner/escort and the guest, moving him was clearly not going to be a quick process. We were offered a couple of other available sites and decided to take site 93. Site 93 was a significant downgrade, with only a sliver of yard and very little separation from site 94. The sewer and electrical connections are near the center of the gravel pad, while the electrical breaker is on the opposite side of site 94. The water connection is at the very back, requiring more than 30 feet of hose for our rig. The owners were very nice, probably too nice when dealing with their“regulars,” and made the situation more tolerable by giving us a good discount for site 93. We received two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. We normally get good performance from our T-Mobile internet with two bars, but download speed was only 41.2 Mbps. The CG Wi-Fi was better at 69.3 Mbps download. There are a lot of mature trees, so satellite/Starlink reception could be iffy depending on the site. The CG is conveniently located near I-57 and right off IL-37, although there was quite a bit of highway noise that was manageable for us. The property provides plenty of room for walking, especially with a dog, and has a decent-sized dog park. There are quite a few full-timers and regulars, with some keeping their sites well maintained and others not so much. We also saw some of the same latitude given to“regulars” when it came to keeping dogs on a leash and picking up after them. They have 5 pull throughs that are mainly used for overnighters that are handy but close together. We understand why several of our friends regularly stay here for a night or two while traveling to and from Florida. Whittington Woods is conveniently located off I-57 and offers FHUs, making the CG a practical overnight stop. Our home base is only about an hour and a half away, however, and we have better options in the area when we need a final stop to flush tanks before heading home.

    • Ronald C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      South Marcum Campground

      Large site

      Great campsite very large easy to get in and additional parking for your truck right next to your trailer

    • Scott M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 13, 2026

      COE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area

      Excellent campground

      What started as a one-night camping trip quickly turned into a three-night stay—I just didn't want to leave! Most of the campsites feature beautiful lake views and are well-shaded by tall trees. Each spot is equipped with an electric hookup, a fire pit, and a picnic table, plus having access to hot showers made the stay super comfortable. To top it off, our cats loved taking walks with us around the campground!

    • nThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 9, 2026

      Vandalia Lake Camping

      Simple quiet municipal campground on a beautiful lake near I-70

      This was a beautiful place to spend an evening on our cross country trip. We were able to secure site B7 -a nice level and shady spot on a beautiful tree lined lake. The site was dusty but there was a picnic table and electricity. It was 90 degrees in early October so I can imagine the open spots are really hot during the heat of the summer. Signs tell you to check in with camp host before parking but there was no one at their camper. I called the phone number and a helpful gentleman explained that the sites were first come, first served and someone would be around to collect our $20 fee. One large bathhouse for the campground was a good walk away but was spotless. I would have given this campground a 5 rating but after walking around, we realized that most of the sites by the lake were hard packed dirt, small and not level. However there is a new section I that has 10 long back in gravel pads with electric & water. They are away from the water but close to the shower house. Finally, google coordinates directed us to a private residence just short of the marina. Follow directions to the marina and find the road to the campground at the end of the parking lot.

    • Randy H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 27, 2026

      Gun Creek

      Great Digs

      Rend Lake, in Whittington, Il is just a great place to camp. From primitive to full hook ups they have what you need for a Corps of Engineers campground.

    • NThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 25, 2026

      Timber Trails Campground

      Peaceful stopover spot

      Jody, the hostess, is friendly and responsive. We stayed one night in the fall so the many permanent RVs were not occupied. The park is large and surrounded by woods and fields. We had a peaceful night near the cornfields where the short-term RV sites are located. Can hear the train horn in the distance. Note that they are tandem, so pull thru for the first person but back in for the second. We would stay here again.

    • Rodney W.
      Sep. 14, 2026

      Old Bates Campground Llc

      Amazingly quiet and peaceful

      I believe this is one of the best campgrounds I've been to. It is safe friendly, theres laundry, lp fill, close to rend lake, 20 mins from walmart, a great place to relax and visit, vacation, whatever you like.

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 10, 2026

      Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

      Great campground!

      We arrived at 7 picked a spot in the fcfs area and were surprised that it was almost empty. We got a premium site on the water, with no other campers in sight. The website says the reservation areas were full but that was not true, you have to book 4 days in advance. The camp host was great! It will be on my list of places to overnight in the future. But the lake is beautiful and you could spend multiple days there if you wanted!

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 3, 2026

      Gun Creek

      Convenient and scenic

      Paved roads and campsites. Convenient to the interstate but removed enough to be peaceful. Beautiful sunset at the lake. Bathhouse is outdated but functional.

    Guide to Mount Vernon

    Camping spots near Mount Vernon, Illinois cluster around Rend Lake, a 19,000-acre reservoir managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The region features mostly flat terrain with elevations around 400-500 feet above sea level, creating accessible camping conditions for all experience levels. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring camping can be affected by seasonal thunderstorms that sometimes raise lake levels.

    What to do

    Fishing from your campsite: Many lakeside sites at Gun Creek allow direct water access. "Sites are close to the water so you can fish or boat right from your campsite," notes Joel R. about the North Sandusky area, while Jeff F. adds that Gun Creek offers "beautiful sunsets over the lake."

    Disc golf courses: Located near North Sandusky Campground, the course provides recreational options beyond water activities. According to Joel R., the recreation area includes "a boat dock, boat ramp, playground, and disk golf course," making it ideal for active campers seeking variety.

    Biking trails: Paved paths connect multiple campgrounds for scenic rides. Phil W. mentions, "There's a biking trail that we also used as a walking trail. Beautiful scenery along the way," perfect for morning exercise or family outings around the lake.

    What campers like

    Waterfront camping views: Many campsites at South Marcum Campground face directly onto Rend Lake. Eli R. explains, "Spot 56 has a crazy lake view and is on the tip of an outlook with pretty nice privacy!" These premium spots typically book first during peak season.

    Wildlife encounters: The wooded areas attract abundant wildlife. Carol B. shares, "We have had deer playing on an adjacent site to us," while Garrett F. notes there are "lots of deer and turkey" at South Marcum. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

    Spacious campsites: Compared to many state parks, the Corps of Engineers campgrounds offer generous site dimensions. Never Sitting S. observes that Gun Creek has "large campground" amenities that make extended stays comfortable, though they caution to "absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline."

    What you should know

    Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require adjustments for RVs. Phil W. notes about his site at North Sandusky, "Most sites are level but ours (#90) had a drop off between the driveway and the picnic table/fire ring. We had to use blocks so our camper stairs would reach the ground."

    Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from March through early November. Joel R. indicates South Sandusky Campground runs "March 28 to November 2," making winter camping options limited to a few year-round facilities.

    Reservation system complexities: Some campgrounds mix reservable and walk-up sites. Blake M. explains about Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground: "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... We were there for one night and had 5-6 people come to us asking what time we were leaving the next morning."

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. James N. mentions that Archway RV Park has "a nice playground and dog park as well as a pond at the location," providing entertainment options during downtime.

    Designated swimming areas: Beaches offer safer swimming than lakeshores. Missy D. notes, "We love the large beach. The campsites have a nice set up and are a decent size. The kids loved the playground. There were kids everywhere and everyone was very friendly!"

    Shaded sites for summer heat: Trees provide crucial relief during hot months. Jan S. describes Whittington Woods Campground as having "mature trees providing lots of shade on the 100F weekend we were there," which makes summer camping more comfortable with children.

    Tips from RVers

    Full hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying utility options. James N. notes about Archway RV Park: "Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter."

    Easy interstate access: Several campgrounds provide convenient overnight stops. Robert T. describes Archway RV Park as "just far enough from Interstate so noise isn't an issue. Lots of services at the same exit," while Angie R. calls it "easy on and off Interstate 64."

    Dump station locations: Plan for end-of-stay waste disposal. Kent F. mentions that at South Marcum, "Dump stations are EZ access on the way out," which helps streamline departure procedures.

    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 17 reviews.

    What parks are near Mount Vernon, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Mount Vernon, IL that allow camping, notably Rend Lake and Carlyle Lake.