Ronald C.
Guide
GuideSouth Marcum Campground
Large site
Great campsite very large easy to get in and additional parking for your truck right next to your trailer
Tent Camping near Mount Vernon, IL
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Tent campers visiting the Mount Vernon area in southern Illinois will find several established campgrounds with varying amenities. North Marcum Day Use Area at Rend Lake offers developed tent campsites with access to lake activities and bird watching opportunities. The World Shooting and Recreational Complex near Sparta, approximately 40 miles west of Mount Vernon, provides tent camping options with more limited shade but extensive facilities.
Most tent sites in the region feature level surfaces with some offering electrical hookups. North Marcum provides drinking water, showers, and toilet facilities specifically beneficial for tent campers looking for more amenities. Fire rings are available at both North Marcum and the World Shooting Complex, with fires permitted at most locations except Spillway Group Area. During summer months, temperatures can become quite warm with limited natural shade at some locations. Campers should verify seasonal availability as policies may vary across sites, with the World Shooting Complex open year-round.
Tent camping at Rend Lake provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and wildlife observation, particularly for bird watchers. Sites generally offer good spacing between campsites, though privacy varies by location. The waterfront location of North Marcum tent sites creates additional recreational options not typically available at other campgrounds. According to one visitor, "The lake is an important bird habitat making it a great place for bird watchers to go! The beach is also tidy and free of a lot of trash, perfect for youngsters to play in." The World Shooting Complex tent sites offer a more open experience with fewer trees but provide access to a lake for boating, kayaking, and bank fishing. Most walk-in tent sites throughout the region see reduced visitation during weekdays, offering a more secluded camping experience.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Mount Vernon (3)
1. North Marcum Day Use Area
"This is an beautiful little beach on Rend lake. The lake is an important bird habitat making it a great place for my fellow bord watchers to go!"
2. Spillway Group Area
Check Availabilityfrom $150 / night
3. World Shooting and Recreational Complex
Drive Time
- 1 hr 11 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 21 min from Evansville, IN
- 1 hr 23 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 40 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
Tent Camping Reviews near Mount Vernon, IL
383 Reviews of 3 Mount Vernon Campgrounds
Scott M.GuideCOE 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!
- nnancy H.Guide
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.
ScoutGun 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.
- NNathaniel S.
TravelerTimber 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.
- JJay M.Guide
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!
- SSherri B.Guide
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.
Ray D.
RangerShagbark Group Area
Great little spot
Great time, fun place nice crew, clean restrooms
Kimberly L.GuideRend Lake
Nice woodsy place
Met up with some family at this campground had a nice time. Everything was clean. The bathrooms were magnificently clean at the South Sandusky in Rend Lake. The lake was nice. There was lots of trees very very nice campground.
Guide to Mount Vernon
Tent camping near Mount Vernon, Illinois offers year-round opportunities within the southern Illinois landscape. The region features multiple Corps of Engineers facilities with varying levels of shade and waterfront access. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions between 50-75°F for more comfortable camping experiences.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: North Marcum Day Use Area provides direct access to Rend Lake with both shore fishing and boat launch facilities. Bass, crappie, and catfish are common catches throughout the year. According to Jim L., "Just beautiful, the Corp of Engineering's really take care of these camp grounds, very clean, most have new showers."
Shooting sports: The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta offers extensive shooting ranges and hosts major competitions including the American Trap Shooters Association "Grand" Event during early August. Chip notes, "During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full. We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night."
Water recreation: Tent camping Mount Vernon visitors can enjoy boating and paddling at multiple locations. Christi L. reports that the World Shooting Complex has "a lake to boat, kayak or fish from the bank. Quiet but can be dry and hot in the summer."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Corps of Engineers campgrounds near Mount Vernon maintain well-kept shower houses and restrooms. Jim L. appreciates that "most have new showers. Love it here, just wish I could stay all year round."
Seasonal solitude: Off-peak camping provides significantly more privacy at established campgrounds. One visitor to the World Shooting Complex explains, "We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning."
Wildlife viewing: Tent camping around Mount Vernon offers substantial bird watching opportunities across multiple sites. The area serves as habitat for numerous waterfowl and migratory species throughout the year.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: While some facilities like the World Shooting Complex operate year-round, others have limited seasonal availability. Check directly with each campground for current operating schedules and winter accessibility.
Limited shade: Several campgrounds in the region have minimal tree cover. As Christi L. mentions about the Spillway Group Area, it "can be dry and hot in the summer," making spring and fall camping more comfortable for tent campers.
Fire regulations: Fire policies vary between locations. North Marcum permits campfires in designated rings, while Spillway Group Area prohibits open fires entirely. Always verify current fire restrictions before arrival, especially during summer drought conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Several Rend Lake campgrounds provide swimming beaches appropriate for children. Jill R. notes the water is "tidy and free of alot of trash, perfect for the youngsters to play in."
Weekday visits: For families seeking quieter camping experiences near Mount Vernon, scheduling midweek stays significantly reduces crowding at most facilities, particularly outside summer holidays.
Group facilities: The Spillway Group Area accommodates larger family gatherings with electric hookups and picnic tables, though camping is restricted to tents only and pets are not permitted within the group area boundaries.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: RV campers will find complete utility connections at select locations. According to Chip, the World Shooting Complex has "tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue" with "lot's of full hookups" available for larger rigs.
Shower access: While hookup sites are plentiful, shower house availability varies between facilities. One visitor notes, "There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried. I imagine they had some unlocked but I didn't try all the doors."
Big rig accommodation: The World Shooting Complex specifically accommodates larger recreational vehicles with pull-through sites and adequate turning radius for extended rigs, though minimal shade means summer camping may require additional cooling considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Mount Vernon, IL?
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?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mount Vernon, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Mount Vernon, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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