Top Tent Camping near Mount Vernon, IL

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Mount Vernon, look no further. 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 (5)

    Camper-submitted photo from North Marcum Day Use Area

    1. North Marcum Day Use Area

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    11 Saves

    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
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Showers
    • 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

      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.

      Natural Features:

      Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nations 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.

      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 white bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, flathead catfish and walleye can be found in abundance.

      There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play in, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. 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.

      Nearby Attractions:

      Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information, a gift shop and nature exhibits, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish and a display featuring a live massasauga rattlesnake.

      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      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

      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:

      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.

      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:

      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), an amphitheater (250 capacity), and a small shelter (30 capacity), a playground, and direct access to the Rend Lake Bike Trail. Electric hookups are provided, and the area offers a playground, picnic tables, flush toilets, and drinking water in order to provide a comfortable experience for guests.

      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group
      • No image available

        5. Blue Heron Campground & Marina

        1 Review
        8 Saves
        • Electric Hookups
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Showers
        • Toilets

        $15 - $20 / night


      Recent Tent Reviews In Mount Vernon

      327 Reviews of 5 Mount Vernon Campgrounds


      • 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 .

      • Rach W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area
        Jul. 29, 2024

        Sam Dale Lake 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!

      • 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 Park
        May. 20, 2024

        Stephen A. Forbes State Park

        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

      • 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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Park
        Feb. 4, 2024

        Pyramid State Park

        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

      • Matthew L.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Grassy Lake Campground
        Oct. 5, 2023

        Little Grassy Lake Campground

        Great location, good facilities, a little cramped

        We loved the location of this campground. It's really close to Giant City State Park and other local attractions. It's not even too far from Cave-in-Rock State Park and Garden of the Gods. I agree with the other reviewer who said this is a great base camp for exploring the area.

        The restrooms and showers are pretty centrally located. They were clean but basic. No complaints, but not exactly a standout in that regard.

        The sites are kind of close together in my opinion, and most don't have trees or other dividing features between them. Not so great if you want privacy, but fantastic if you like a sense of community.

        The staff was very friendly and helpful. Boat rentals are available on site, along with other items in a small general store at the camp office.

        We're planning to come back in April of 2024 for the eclipse. Hoping for clear skies and a great view!

      • S F.
        Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
        Sep. 17, 2023

        Crab Orchard Lake Campground

        LOVED!

        Visited crab orchard campground for the first time ever for labor day weekend. We had a pretty good size spot with a few trees where we hung our hammocks! We did a tent site right on the water. It was absolutely gorgeous. Very quiet area too. Quiet time starts at 10 or 11pm but actually you don't hear anything after 830pm. Very friendly. Bathrooms and shower were decent for what it was. It was nice to have it then not. Only 1 spider in the shower otherwise clean and good water. If you hate bugs I reccomend bringing an electric bug zapper as there is ALOT. Esp being by the water. Also keep in mind there's many spiders if you pick a spot with trees. But they're only out from 2am-5am.

      • KThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
        Aug. 23, 2023

        Benton KOA

        Good experience

        T-Mobile worked well- issues connecting to site Wi-Fi- staff pleasant- clean- didn’t use showers- small camp store available

      • Aloha M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Carlyle lake
        Jul. 26, 2023

        Carlyle lake

        Illini campground 7/23

        Awesome campground, fill hoses available for your rig, 30 amp power. Fun little trails, boat rentals and a swimming “beach” . On-site store and nicely groomed 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 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 5 tent camping locations near Mount Vernon, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.