Best Tent Camping near Rend Lake in Illinois
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Best Tent Sites Near Rend Lake, IL (13)
1. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Goreville, Illinois16 Reviews•47 Photos•9 SavesTurkey Ridge is for campers who want a serene outdoor experience. It is a Class C walk-in campground that includes camp pads, picnic tables, cooking grills and showers. Drinking water and toilets are located near the parking lots.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$18 / night
2. North Marcum Day Use Area
Rend Lake, Illinois2 Reviews•1 Photo•11 SavesOverview
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
3. Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area
Enfield, Illinois3 Reviews•8 Saves- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
4. Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Goreville, Illinois3 Reviews•10 Photos•2 SavesBackpackers enjoying their commune with nature will appreciate the solitude of the individual campsites in the Class C Backpack campground. Located a half-mile from the Turkey Ridge primitive campground parking lot, these woodland sites have cooking grills, toilets and showers. Water and trash receptacles are available at the Turkey Ridge parking lot. You're reminded to be careful with your fires and to pack out what you pack in.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Drinking Water
5. Dutchman Lake Camp
Buncombe, Illinois3 Reviews•6 Photos•45 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
6. Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt
Goreville, Illinois2 Reviews•1 Photo•8 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Trash
7. Spillway Group Area
Be the first to review!Benton, Illinois•8 PhotosOverview
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
9. Saline County State Conservation Area
Equality, Illinois2 Reviews•15 Photos•63 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$8 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Rend Lake
590 Reviews of 13 Rend Lake Campgrounds
MickandKarla W.
Legend
Shawnee Forest Campground
Built on an Old Golf Course
We’d seen signs for Shawnee Forest Campground (CG) many times as we headed out and back from our St. Louis home base and wanted to check this CG out. We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go. We checked in at the little office and were given the choice of pull through sites with FHUs 12 or 21. We chose site 21. The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21. The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice. The water pressure was good around 50 psi. Their WiFi was very good. There are mature trees here and there in the CG, so satellite should not be an issue. We got two bars on Verizon. Each of the bath houses have a washer and dryer. Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps. There are some nice sites in this CG but we were not offered one of the better ones even though there were plenty of sites open in the upper 26- 50 site area. If we come back, we’ll know where to ask for a site. They have a small lake and two ponds for fishing. There's no formal dog area, but there are paved trails around the large CG area, which made it nice to walk our dogs.
- JJeff F.
Traveler
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
- EEthan B.Traveler
Turkey Bayou Campground
Great location
Plenty of space and nicely maintained Porto potty
Scott G.
Scout
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Devil's Kitchen Group Campground
Supposed too
Be free camp sites listings for state parks
Tabitha R.Scout
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.
Rodarius S.Traveler
Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest
Nice spots on the highway
Love this spot! It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway.
Greg D.
Guide
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
- Ben T.Scout
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.Guide
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.Legend
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.Legend
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.
Jonathan H.Scout
Dutchman Lake Camp
Weeke d at the lake
Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing.
CeciliaScoutPine Hills
Very nice
Very quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied.
Rach W.Scout
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.
Twan M.
Ranger
Oak Point - Lake Glendale
Stellar Illinois
This is a little gem of a refuge within the Shawnee NF - about 30min from Marion, down a beautiful country road before nestling among the trees around the lake. The drive is paved/gravel the whole way, so very easily drivable for anyone in anything. Plenty of camp sites, both with electric and non-electric, double and single. Bring bug spray - horseflies and ticks. Beautiful lake, beautiful biking trails, etc. Firepits w/ grates are spacious and nice, fees are online. 1 bar verizon at camp, can get up to 3 bars within the area.
- Jordan A.Guide
Turkey Bayou Campground
Empty
Nobody here. Bring a fishing pole. No services except a porta potty.
Scott B.RangerHilltop Campground
Nice stop
Stopped here for the night driving through the area. Nice campground, clean, safe, and right off the interstate.
- Angie A.Ranger
Washington County State Recreation Area
Nice stop
Easy to find. Affordable overnight stay with electric. Beautiful lake. Friendly campers and hosts. Pit toilets. Spotty Verizon.
Molly B.GuideBoulder 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.GuideBoulder 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!!!
- EEric W.Scout
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!
- KarenGuide
Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground
Great
We were on electric only. Wish we had known we could have gotten a senior discount. Very nice campground.
Kelsey S.GuideIllini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Beautiful secluded location
We stayed for 1 night, had a spot in the back with a perfect view of the lake. Lots of room for dogs.
Matthew Z.TravelerDutchman Lake Camp
Road trip break
Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway
- Wil V.Scout
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.TravelerIllini 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.Traveler
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.
Guide to Rend Lake
Tent camping near Rend Lake in Illinois offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and unwind.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy swimming and bird watching at the beautiful beach of North Marcum Day Use Area, which is known for its clean environment and vibrant wildlife.
- Explore the scenic trails and stunning landscapes at Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park, perfect for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Experience fishing and kayaking at the picturesque Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area, where you can also enjoy lakeside camping spots.
Tips for tent camping near Rend Lake
- Make sure to bring your own firewood, as some campgrounds like Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park have limited availability for firewood.
- If you're camping in the fall, be aware that some campgrounds, such as Turkey Ridge Campground, operate on a first-come, first-served basis after November 1.
- For a more secluded experience, consider the primitive sites at Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park, which offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $30
- Camping at North Marcum Day Use Area typically costs around $20 per night, providing access to various amenities.
- Expect to pay approximately $25 for a night at Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park, which includes showers and picnic tables.
- The Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area offers tent camping for about $30 per night, featuring electric hookups and a beautiful lakeside setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rend Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rend Lake is Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Rend Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Rend Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.