Tent camping options near Rend Lake include dispersed sites at Dutchman Lake Camp approximately 30 miles south in the Shawnee National Forest. The area features both established campgrounds with amenities and primitive sites for those seeking solitude. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F during peak camping months, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with overnight temperatures sometimes dropping to the 40s in late October.
What to do
Birdwatching at lakeside sites: North Marcum Day Use Area provides habitat for diverse bird species along Rend Lake shores. "The lake is an important bird habitat making it a great place for my fellow bord watchers to go!" notes reviewer Jill R.
Hiking limestone bluffs: Ferne Clyffe State Park trails range from beginner-friendly to moderate difficulty with unique geological features. Joel R. describes the area as having "several limestone bluffs, great for climbing, naturally forested woodlands, cliff caves, and several small waterfalls."
Fishing at multiple locations: Saline County State Conservation Area offers bank fishing and boat access. Don N. shared that his family enjoyed "fantastic views of the lake" while camping there, making it convenient for fishing throughout their stay.
What campers like
Secluded walk-in sites: The primitive camping area at Ferne Clyffe State Park provides privacy while maintaining basic amenities access. Tye K. noted: "Nice wooded primitive sites with easy access to water and toilets. Had my pups with, and no problems at all."
Well-maintained facilities: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites at North Marcum receive consistent praise for cleanliness. According to Jim L., "the Corp of Engineering's really take care of these camp grounds, very clean, most have new showers."
Diverse camping options: Dutchman Lake Camp offers multiple dispersed sites with varying privacy levels. Michael R. observed: "Plenty of dispersed camping on a well maintained dirt road. There's fire pits all over and no shortage of spots."
What you should know
Vault toilet conditions vary: Some primitive camping areas have basic facilities that may not be regularly maintained. At Turkey Ridge Campground, one camper reported: "There are 'out houses' close by. Although they were pretty bad my buddy said 'storm of flies came shooting out the hole like a tornado.'"
Firewood availability challenges: Some campgrounds don't sell firewood on-site. A camper at Backpack Campground noted: "Only issue I found at all was firewood is surprisingly difficult to come by."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly based on elevation and location. At Saline County State Conservation Area, campers reported: "We were able to get cell signal on the campsites up the hill but not in any down by the water, which is why we stayed up the hill."
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate trails: Ferne Clyffe State Park offers hiking options for different skill levels. Reviewer David H. mentioned: "Rebman trail is good for anyone including little kids."
Beach access for children: North Marcum Day Use Area features kid-friendly swimming areas. Jill R. commented: "The beach is also tidy and free of alot of trash, perfect for the youngsters to play in."
Cave exploration opportunities: Caves at Ferne Clyffe State Park provide natural entertainment for families. Dani B. shared: "Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!"
Tips from RVers
Seasonal site selection: At Turkey Ridge Campground, certain sites offer better privacy and space. David H. advised: "#35 is a nice location. Large yard and not super close to other campers. #53 is smaller but very private."
Electrical issues preparation: Come prepared for occasional power problems at established campgrounds. Debra B. reported: "On arrival, the electric wouldn't work. Apparently a breaker was involved. Camp host fixed it."
Limited full-hookup options: World Shooting and Recreational Complex provides full hookups but minimal shade. A recent camper noted: "Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue... Not many trees."
