Best Tent Camping near Mount Vernon, IL

Looking for tent camping near Mount Vernon? Finding a place to camp in Illinois with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Mount Vernon, Illinois's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Mount Vernon, IL (4)

    Camper-submitted photo from North Marcum Day Use Area

    1. 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
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area

      3. Keyesport Rec. Area

      1 Review
      6 Photos
      3 Saves
      Keyesport, Illinois

      Overview

      Keyesport Recreation Area is situated on the western shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of small towns combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.

      Recreation

      The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is an on-site playground as well as a swimming beach. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

      Facilities

      Keyesport provides one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. Boaters have the convenience of a marina, boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Families can enjoy a nice swimming beach and playground.

      Natural Features

      Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

      contact_info

      For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.

      Nearby Attractions

      The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Picnic Table

      $30 / night

      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

      4. 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


    Recent Tent Reviews in Mount Vernon

    339 Reviews of 4 Mount Vernon 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

    • Tabitha R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Johnson Creek
      Oct. 12, 2024

      Johnson Creek

      Nice!

      This campground provides large spots, drinking water, vault toliets, dumpsters, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and contactless check in. I also appreciate the value of these sites. It really is a reasonable rate for forest camping.

    • Ben T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
      Sep. 30, 2024

      Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

      Wonderful campground

      Right next to a huge reserve for fishing and boating. Campsites are very spaced out. We had 30 amp electric but no water on the campsite. Wasn't a problem for us we just filled our water tank. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Look forward to coming back

    • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
      Sep. 29, 2024

      Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

      Nice sites on Carlyle Lake- great host

      Our site was on the shore and had good spacing from others. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry all close by. Good hot water in the showers. The host was friendly and helpful. I’d go back again!

    • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
      Sep. 28, 2024

      Dam East - Mcnair Campground

      Location Great for Travel

      McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

      (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

      Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

    • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
      Sep. 28, 2024

      Dam East Recreation Area

      GREAT LOCATION for STOPOVER

      East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
      (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

      (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

      Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Molly B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

      Great Community camp not too far off the highway

      My sister and I stopped here on our way to wisconsin, We were surprised how lovely it was! Birds everywhere and the lake was so huge. The camp sites were big and many of them, the bathrooms were always clean and had AC!

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Timber Trails Campground
      Jun. 25, 2024

      Timber Trails Campground

      Wonderful layover and family friendly

      Timber Trails Campground is a easy layover off of I-70, offering a family-friendly environment. The park provided us an easy in and out, pull-through site that was level and convenient. The campground had a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and recreation. Our experience was hassle-free and enjoyable.

    • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
      Jun. 21, 2024

      Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

      A beautiful little spot !

      First off, a bang for you buck compared to some surrounding camp sites. They have PLENTY of sites, most with some view of the water. They have a boat launch, bathrooms, and showers. We stayed here 3 nights. The shores are quite rocky so it can be difficult to access the water just to swim. Overall, it was great. My only complaint is there is only one trash located in the beginning on the park & it was full, full, full!!!

    • Dawn W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
      Jun. 10, 2024

      Okaw Valley Kampground

      Nice clean and convenient

      Family owned with a nice little fishing area (no license required catch and release) paddle boats and camp store. A nice pool with a big covered pavilion, clean restrooms and showers with hot water. We had a level pull thru gravel site with a picnic table and small fire ring and didn’t have to unhook for our overnight. Walking/hiking wooded trails 2 cabins available- several seasonal folks. We were there on a Sunday evening and didn’t really see anyone. Little bit of road noise but so convenient! Thanks Barb!

    • 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

    • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
      May. 30, 2024

      Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

      Wonderful surprise

      Arrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Michelle K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sharp Rock Falls Recreation
      Apr. 4, 2024

      Sharp Rock Falls Recreation

      Longbranch Shooting House And Saloon

      You're welcome to at longbranch! Please make your reservations.
      Only 16 spots left!

      Ava Illinois +1 618-318-6734 Text your name and number of people on your campsite to reserve your spot.

      The Solar Eclipse Event "PARK @ THE MOON"

      Extended or early arrivals welcome. Just simply request more information in the text. We will get ahold of asap with a more information and a confirmation number.

      #ShareThisPost #solareclipse2024

    • Logan W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
      Feb. 4, 2024

      Pyramid State Recreation Area

      Nice campsites and lots of lakes

      We stayed at the campground on the north end of Pyramid. The campsites were close together but we visited in February so we were the only campers. The fire pits were a little run down but the sites were nice and level with a table. No lantern posts. Pit toilets that were decent. The park office is a pretty long drive from the north end campground. The hiking is limited but the campground was peaceful and close to the lakes. Probably covered in bugs in the summer. Overall pretty nice stay



    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Vernon, IL is North Marcum Day Use Area with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Mount Vernon, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.