2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several RV parks surround Mount Vernon, Illinois, providing year-round accommodations for motorhome travelers. Archway RV Park offers full hookups with 50-amp service on gravel sites arranged in a parking lot style that accommodates big rigs. The park features clean facilities, trees, and flowers throughout the property. Bubba J's RV Park, with just 13 sites, provides a more intimate setting while still offering full hookup capabilities including 50-amp electric service. South of Mount Vernon, Gun Creek Campground operates from March through November with electric hookups and 30-amp service on concrete pads. "Gravel sites arranged like a parking lot but large enough for big rigs," noted one Archway RV Park visitor, highlighting the practical layout that prioritizes ease of access over privacy.
Interstate accessibility makes these RV campgrounds convenient stopover points for travelers. Most parks in the region maintain sanitary dump stations, though Marion Campground & RV Park lacks this amenity despite offering full hookups. Cell service varies throughout the area, with AT&T users reporting 2-3 bars at most locations. Pet owners will find accommodations at all mentioned RV parks, with some providing designated dog areas. During peak travel seasons, particularly in fall, advance reservations are recommended as sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds near Mount Vernon offer pull-through sites that eliminate the need for difficult backing maneuvers, particularly valuable for larger motorhomes and fifth wheels. Proximity to I-57 creates convenient access but introduces highway noise at some locations, a consideration when selecting overnight accommodations.
"Gravel sites arranged like a parking lot but large enough for big rigs. Trees and flowers all about. 50 amps only."
"Lots of space, i used 50 amp, full hookup, no problems."
from $60 - $75 / night
from $42 / night
"Long spots, friendly owner, easy access to hardware store across the street, coin laundry available. Downsides is wifi is poor, gravel is unlevel, limited menu on DoorDash."
from $30 / night
"This actually feels like a campground and not a parking lot even though it’s super convenient to the interstate."
"Nice place clean and quiet Water pressure is only about 30 to 35 psi that is a little week. People were very nice and helpful ."
from $40 / night
"I personally use a tent every time I camp but the amenities that were provided here were pretty nice. This place seems like it was made for RV camping."
"I was more than satisfied with the facilities and service. I would highly recommend to others."
from $40 - $200 / night
"This is a nice campground on Rend Lake. The sites themselves are nice and the lake is beautiful! Our only issue is that the sites on not very level."
"RV or tent, book online at Recreation.Gov not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water. Campfire area and picnic table provided."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $30 / night
TravelerThis is a 100 site campground on Rend Lake in Illinois. Lots of trees. Level paved sites unless you book right by the lake. Some are very steep. Bring lots to level with! We are in site 92. Away from the lake but beautiful sunshine.
GuideGreat place easy on off the hyw sites are old so you may need to block up your RV to level it . Some sites only have electric so be careful when you book it. Heard some road noise from the HYW but the campsite had plenty of room
LegendWe 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.
GuideGreat campsite very large easy to get in and additional parking for your truck right next to your trailer
GuideWhat 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!
GuideThis 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.
ScoutRend 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.
TravelerJody, 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.
TravelerI 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.
Camping options near Mount Vernon, Illinois provide convenient access to both local attractions and major highways. The region sits at approximately 480 feet above sea level in Southern Illinois, with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from March through November, though several rv parks in Mount Vernon, Illinois maintain year-round operations.
Fishing opportunities: Gun Creek Campground offers direct access to Rend Lake where visitors catch various fish species. "Great rates and even better campsites. We got there late and had no problems finding a great campsite right next to the lake," noted one camper who appreciated the waterfront access.
Water activities: At South Sandusky Campground, campers enjoy swimming, boating and lake recreation. "There is a dump station, flush toilets, showers, a sand beach, boat ramp, 2 picnic shelters, a paved bike trail, and playgrounds," explains a visitor who documented the amenities available.
Cycling paths: The paved bike trails throughout the Rend Lake area connect multiple campgrounds. A North Sandusky visitor reported, "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."
Lake views: North Sandusky Campground receives praise for its waterfront sites. "Has a great view of the lake from almost every camp site. Close to southern IL. Great leisure campsite to take the kids," shares one reviewer highlighting the scenic advantage.
Clean facilities: At Archway RV Park, guests appreciate the maintenance standards. "Upon arrival I was greeted nicely and checked in quickly. While beginning setup, I noticed an issue with the power at my particular spot and decided to let the staff know of the issue. They offered to move us to another spot and were very nice," explains one satisfied camper.
Convenience: Mount Vernon camping areas provide easy interstate access. "We travel between Charleston, SC and Omaha, NE several times a year and always stay here on return trip. 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," notes an Archway RV Park guest.
Leveling challenges: Many sites throughout the area require leveling equipment. At Gun Creek Campground, a recent visitor observed, "Very well maintained campgrounds. Most sites are pretty sloped but there are some level sites."
Highway noise: Several Mount Vernon area RV parks experience traffic sounds. A Marion Campground & RV Park visitor cautioned, "Pull thru, 50 amp, full hookup. Bar, gaming, laundry, wifi, and showers on site... Graveled Sites are close together. Very loud from constant campers in and out, I57, and a train."
Varying Wi-Fi quality: Internet connectivity differs between campgrounds and specific sites. At Benton KOA, a camper noted, "Internet on this side is non existent and I only have 1 or 2 bars on Verizon. On the other side I did see a few internet towers so they do boost over there."
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "There is a nice playground and dog park as well as a pond at the location. Great place to stop traveling through or for a weekend," mentions an Archway RV Park visitor.
Consider beach access: South Sandusky Campground provides swimming opportunities during summer months. "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! Fun spot!" reports a family who enjoyed the facilities.
Reserve during peak times: Family-friendly sites fill quickly, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. A Gun Creek camper advised, "It was a good view, also pretty RV heavy, but tent friendly. Grassy area, fire pit, stone table. The facilities are outdated and don't feel super clean. Easy to reserve and convenient."
Check site configuration: Campground layouts vary significantly throughout the region. A Kaskaskia Dragon RV Park visitor explained, "Long spots, friendly owner, easy access to hardware store across the street, coin laundry available. Downsides is wifi is poor, gravel is unlevel, limited menu on DoorDash."
Confirm hookup types: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "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," advises an Archway RV Park reviewer.
Consider alternative seasons: Spring and fall camping provides more availability and cooler temperatures. "We've Camped At Gun A Few Times Now And Have Had A Great Experience Every Time!!" shared an experienced regional camper who returns to Gun Creek regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Mount Vernon, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Mount Vernon, IL is Archway RV Park with a 3.9-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Mount Vernon, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 69 RV camping locations near Mount Vernon, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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