Best Tent Camping near Salem, IL

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Salem, look no further. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Salem, IL (3)

    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

    1. Keyesport Rec. Area

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    3 Saves
    Keyesport, Illinois

    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.

    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 the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is an on-site playground as well as a swimming beach. 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.

    Natural Features

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

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from North Marcum Day Use Area

    2. North Marcum Day Use Area

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    11 Saves
    Rend Lake, Illinois

    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
    • Fires
    • 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

    3. Spillway Group Area

    Be the first to review!
    8 Photos
    Benton, 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, 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

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Showing results 1-3 of 3 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Salem

324 Reviews of 3 Salem Campgrounds


  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Nov. 8, 2024

    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

  • Carlos G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Percival Springs RV Campground
    Nov. 3, 2024

    Percival Springs RV Campground

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  • 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 .

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
    Sep. 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.

  • Charles K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Campground
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Spring Creek Campground

    Great little quiet camp ground

    Far enough away from the interstate you don't hear the traffic. No nearby trains either. The grounds were neat and clean. The fishing pond is great and beautiful. Big rig friendly. Bob showed up as I pulled in and made sure I was all set for the night. This place is going in my saved list for sure.

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

  • 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!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Trails Campground
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Timber Trails Campground

    Wonderful layover and family friendly

    Timber Trails Campground is a easy layover off of I-70, offering a family-friendly environment. The park provided us an easy in and out, pull-through site that was level and convenient. The campground had a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and recreation. Our experience was hassle-free and enjoyable.

  • 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!!!

  • S.celeste
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Lakewood
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Camp Lakewood

    Very pretty

    Tent campsites are a decent size but still pretty close together, and our site had water and eletric hookup. Cute lake, very family friendly, lots of amenities, amazingly clean.

  • 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….

  • Olivia L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    May. 27, 2024

    Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    Great

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  • Matt M.
    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.

  • 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.

  • Brenda W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Lakewood
    Apr. 22, 2024

    Camp Lakewood

    We think this is a nice relaxing place to spend some well deserved time away from home

    Nice friendly clean



Guide to Salem

Tent camping near Salem, Illinois offers a refreshing escape into nature, with several well-reviewed spots that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Salem

  • For a great day of swimming and relaxation, visit the Keyesport Rec. Area, where you can enjoy a dip in a man-made lake while surrounded by scenic views.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40

  • The North Marcum Day Use Area provides a variety of amenities, including electric hookups and showers, making it a comfortable choice for campers.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At the Spillway Group Area, you’ll find essential features like picnic tables and electric hookups, perfect for a convenient camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Salem, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Salem, IL is Keyesport Rec. Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Salem, IL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Salem, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.