Best RV Parks near Rend Lake

Looking for the best RV campgrounds near Rend Lake? Finding RV campgrounds in Illinois is easier than ever. These scenic and easy-to-reach Rend Lake campsites are perfect for RV campers.

Best RV Sites Near Rend Lake, IL (80)

    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park

    1. Archway RV Park

    15 Reviews
    17 Photos
    42 Saves
    Mount Vernon, Illinois

    Open year-round, Archway RV Park is easy to get to from the Interstate. Level, full-hookup pull through sites that are big-rig friendly. We love pets. You’ll love that we sell propane. Visit our Amenities page to see photos of our facility. We also have cabins, super fun glamper pods and on-site rental campers. Visit our Lodging page to learn more.

    Come on in, you’re gonna love it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bubba J’s RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bubba J’s RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bubba J’s RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bubba J’s RV Park

    2. Bubba J’s RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    4 Photos
    4 Saves
    Bonnie, Illinois

    13 Full hook-up sites - all are shaded. Nine of the sites are annual with lots of parking. Four are 90' pull throughs with electric (20/30/50), water and sewer.

    Rend Lake is only 5 minutes away - huge recreation lake - Marina, Kayak Trails, Bike Trails etc. Several Golf Courses in the area.

    Bar/Restaurant next door - Bubba Too's

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Trash

    $42 / night

    • No image available

      3. Marion Campground & RV Park

      6 Reviews
      8 Saves
      Johnston City, Illinois
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access

      $40 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Willow Bend Retreat - Temporarily Closed

      4. Willow Bend Retreat - Temporarily Closed

      1 Review
      1 Photo
      1 Save
      Johnston City, Illinois

      Willow Bend Retreat coming Spring 2023! Claim your spot today!

      160 Acre Retreat grounds

      Dry Camping, Glamping, 15 Rv sites incl. Water & Elec

      Bathhouse, Nature Trails, Fishing,

      Rv Dump Station

      Drive-in & Hike-in sites

      FOR INFO/ PRICING/RESERV

      WillowBendRetreat@gmail.com

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • RVs

      $40 - $200 / night

    • 5. Goatey Goat Ranch RV Park & Campground

      3 Reviews
      13 Photos
      25 Saves
      Perryville, Missouri

      Come relax and get away from it all on our spacious 120+ acre farm in Perry County Missouri! At the entrance you will cross the cattle guard then enter a tunnel traveling through dense woods. Continue on a short drive then come out into a field where the massive red barn will appear! Shortly past the barn there is a large gravel lot with full hookup campsites. NO FACILITIES, NOT SUITABLE FOR TENT CAMPING.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs

      $30 - $50 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Hayes Canyon Campground

      6. Hayes Canyon Campground

      1 Review
      1 Photo
      28 Saves
      Eddyville, Illinois

      At Hayes Canyon Campground we have 34 RV campsites available for rent for a day, weekend, week, or longer!

      We offer 2 cabins and 3 rental RVs. There is a rental available for all budgets so book now! They go fast!

      Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons and holiday weekends, when we often are fully booked months in advance.

      We specialize in catering to campers with horses who want to enjoy trail riding on the many scenic trails in the Shawnee National Forest. Other campers, backpackers, hikers, and hunters are always welcome. To view a trail map online . . .

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access

      $15 - $32 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Whittington Woods Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Whittington Woods Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Whittington Woods Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Whittington Woods Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Whittington Woods Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Whittington Woods Campground

      7. Whittington Woods Campground

      11 Reviews
      9 Photos
      26 Saves
      Whittington, Illinois

      We also have a basketball court, propane, dump station and our laundry room has brand new machines. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the park. We have added a new activity/meeting room with central ac/heat, pictures are located on our Facebook page.

      Laundry
      Pull-Thru Sites
      30 & 50 Amp Service
      Big Rig Friendly
      Pet Friendly
      Playground
      Ice
      Clean Restrooms/Hot Showers
      Activity/Meeting Room
      Dump Station
      Pool
      Grocery Store
      Basketball
      Pavilion
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek

      8. Gun Creek

      19 Reviews
      63 Photos
      90 Saves
      Whittington, 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, opossum, 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 in the 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

      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.

      Natural Features

      Gun Creek sits along the Eastern banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.

      Nearby Attractions

      Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restuarant, and lodge.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs

      $30 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground

      9. South Sandusky Campground

      18 Reviews
      52 Photos
      101 Saves
      Sesser, 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, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change througout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the 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

      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.

      Natural Features

      South Sandusky Campground is situated around Sandusky cove on Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With nicely spaced campsites and plenty of activities easily accessible from the campground, South Sandusky is an excellent destination for camping at Rend Lake. Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

      Nearby Attractions

      South Sandusky Beach Rend Lake Visitors Center Rend Lake Project Office

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs

      $18 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
      Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
      Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
      Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
      Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA

      10. Benton KOA

      12 Reviews
      5 Photos
      8 Saves
      Benton, Illinois
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
    Showing results 1-10 of 80 campgrounds

    Recent RV Reviews In Rend Lake

    557 Reviews of 80 Rend Lake Campgrounds


    • Camper-submitted photo from Johnson Creek
      October 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
      October 4, 2024

      Hilltop Campground

      Decent overnight stop

      Hosts were friendly, but didn’t brief us on information such as where is the trash bin, what is the WiFi password. Restroom was old but relatively clean. There’s only one valve in the showers so all you get is lukewarm water. Not good on a cool or cold day. Some of the long term people have too many dogs, one had 6 little yippers, kind of annoying. And I’m not against dogs

    • Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
      September 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

    • Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
      September 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!

    • Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
      September 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 .

    • Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
      September 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Hills
      August 15, 2024

      Pine Hills

      Very nice

      Very quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
      July 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
      July 22, 2024

      Hilltop Campground

      Nice stop

      Stopped here for the night driving through the area. Nice campground, clean, safe, and right off the interstate.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
      June 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!

    • Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
      June 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!!!

    • Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
      June 16, 2024

      Shawnee Forest Campground

      Great place to camp!

      We stayed 4 days and had a great time. The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to offer places to visit in the area, places to eat and provide assistance as needed. The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk (twice around the lake from our site was 3 miles). :) We plan to visit again!

    • 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

    • 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….

    • 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.

    • 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

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point Campground
      May 6, 2024

      Oak Point Campground

      Nice national park campground

      Location is everything and this is well in the middle of a great area in Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the gods, Bell Smith springs, Ferne State park, and on and on. You can spend a week here and not see everything.
      There are primitive and electric (with water) sites. There are no sites with sewer hookup. There is a dump station at the entrance.

      Sites are generally level and well kept. Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front. There are some lake front spots that can be had. Sites are first come and there are no reservations taken. During the week, no problem. Weekends would be iffy.

      Large lake with swimming, fishing, kayaking. Also has a bike trail around it - maybe 2 miles.

      Shower houses are kept clean, but as of this posting, they need some maintenance work.

      All in all, this is a must stop if you want to enjoy what the area has to offer.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
      April 30, 2024

      Gun Creek

      Blue Jay #49 Water site

      Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
      April 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.



    Guide to Rend Lake

    Camping near Rend Lake, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy nature and relax.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter," making it a great spot year-round.
    • Fishing: Head to Gun Creek for some fishing. A reviewer noted, "Excellent park but many sights aren’t flat. Not all have water, septic," indicating the need to choose your spot wisely for fishing access.
    • Wine Tasting: If you enjoy wine, several wineries are a short drive from South Sandusky Campground. One visitor shared, "The campground is good, and camp hosts very friendly and helpful," making it a perfect base for your winery adventures.

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Turkey Ridge Campground. A review stated, "Bathrooms and shower house were all clean!" which is always a plus when camping.
    • Spacious Sites: At South Marcum Campground, visitors enjoy the roomy sites. One camper said, "Sites are well spaced apart," allowing for a more private experience.
    • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff at Archway RV Park. A reviewer mentioned, "The staff was great," which can make a big difference in your camping experience.

    What you should know:

    • Reservation System: Be aware of the reservation system at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The reservation system and finding a spot was overly complicated for a first timer," so plan ahead.
    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crab Orchard Lake Campground, may have limited amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Bathrooms in terrible condition - especially showers," so manage your expectations.
    • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife, especially at Washington County State Recreation Area. One camper shared, "Lots of wildlife," which can be exciting but also requires caution.

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like South Sandusky Campground. A family-friendly review stated, "It was very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."
    • Short Trails: Choose campgrounds with shorter hiking trails, such as Turkey Ridge Campground. A camper noted, "The trails include everything — bluffs from above and below," making it suitable for young kids.
    • Plan for Quiet Time: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. At Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "Quiet camping convenient to I-57," which is great for families needing rest.

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Levels: When booking at Gun Creek, be mindful of site levels. One reviewer said, "Not all sites are very level," so bring leveling blocks if needed.
    • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like South Marcum Campground. A camper mentioned, "Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing."
    • Cell Service: Be aware of cell service availability. A visitor at Archway RV Park noted, "AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE," so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

    Camping near Rend Lake, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing, there's something for every camper to enjoy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular RV campsite near Rend Lake?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Rend Lake is Archway RV Park with a 3.9-star rating from 15 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find RV camping near Rend Lake?

      TheDyrt.com has all 80 RV camping locations near Rend Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.