The best camping near Rend Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Rend Lake adventure.

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Enjoy lake access, forests, and family-friendly camping at this classic Southern Illinois getaway.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Rend Lake

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Rend Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Rend Lake

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Wine Trail Wilderness

16 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Pomona, IL

The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa". Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest. It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy. Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes. We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit. We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience.

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Sonny Hills

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents70 acres · Eddyville, IL

70 secluded acres adjoining the Shawnee National Forest area with some hiking opportunities, woods and water activities. Close to Garden of the Gods (10 min), RimRock, Pounds Hollow, Belle Smith Springs, Lusk Creek and other trails. We are in the middle of the Shawnee surrounded by trees, our own lake, you can hike around and walk the land in solitude, yet, we are only 25 minutes to Harrisburg. The closest grocery/merchandise store is only 5 minutes away. Cabin-2BR -1 Q, 1 K/1BA sleeps 4- possible 5, Completely modernized, with Heating/ac, full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator, coffee pot, grill, laundry, NO INTERNET. Kitchen is fully equipped with all cooking utensils, crock pot, toasters, dual flex brew coffeemaker, plates and all utensils, as well as with coffee, creamer, sugar, cooking oil, aluminum foil, and condiments. Large great room, with native sandstone fireplace, that has been converted to gas for easy lighting. Hot Tub on the large back deck with nice views of private lake and hills. Enjoy the large front porch that adjoins the deck and wraps around 3/4 of the cabin. Secluded, private, Fire pit. Free firewood. $115.00 per night for two people, Discount for weekday stay. 2 night minimum. Tent and RV camping sites available. RV pads for self-contained campers. One Electric space available. Water available from spigot and hose. No sewer. Porta-Potty on premises. No showers. No Internet. It is suggested that campers arrive at or before sunset. The drive is not lit, and the camp area also has no lights. Shade or sunny areas. Pets and service dogs welcome with notice. Must be dog friendly (owner has 5 Irish Wolfhounds, and one small mix breed that runs the place). Dogs must have proof of vaccinations. Creeks, hills, hiking trails, and private pond full of bluegill and bass. Kayaks, paddleboards, canoe and boat. NO lifeguard on duty. Life preservers/jackets must be worn when around the pond. All above activities are done at your own risk, children must be supervised.

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Big Muddy Brewing

42 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Murphysboro, IL

Big Muddy Brewing is a production craft brewery and taproom offering over 25 beers on tap. Our taproom has beer tastings, pints and growlers as well as wine and craft spirits. We also have plenty of packaged beer to go. Our kitchen has Bavarian pretzels, Flatbread pizzas and more. Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, minutes from the Shawnee National Forest, Kinkaid Lake, Murphysboro State Park & Southern Illinois University. Check our Facebook page for schedule of music and events.

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Tall Tree Lake

62 sites · RVs, Tents220 acres · Buncombe, IL

We are a 220 acre family owned and operated campground in the middle of the Shawnee National forest. We love providing a safe, beautiful, peaceful, and central location for people to enjoy our beautiful area. Fishing and hiking are welcomed for all of our guests! Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Close proximity to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, and only a 10 minute drive from I-24.

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Harmony Hill Acres

35 sites · RVs, Tents18 acres · Centralia, IL

Ranch lands of a prior Horse Ranch at the edge of town is conveniently located. Most of the property is pasture area but plenty of yard for tent camping and LOTS of space for those who want to pitch a tent in the pastures. We have small goats, chickens, and turkeys on-site (please do not enter barn or animal pens). There are no hookups for water or power, but we can accommodate some use of water from our spigots. We live about 2 miles from our local lake, which has boat access and paddling access. The beautiful view of sunsets and sunrises are spectacular more times than not. We host large herd of deer traveling and sometimes bedding down in our pastures, so be sure to watch early mornings for them to be on the move. We are very close to town, but the 18-acre site brings a serene aspect to the grounds. ***WE ARE BRINGING IN A PORTA-POTTY OR 2 FOR THE TENT CAMPERS OVER THE WEEKEND OF 4/6/24 SOLAR ECLIPSE. WE ALSO HAVE A COTTAGE KITCHEN AND WILL HAVE A FEW BREAKFAST ITEMS, BREADS, AND SWEET BREADS FOR ORDER.

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Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents65 acres · Eddyville, IL

Experience unparalleled privacy, seclusion, and the soothing sounds of nature during your stay in this expansive and distinctive retreat. Unlike any other private property in the vicinity, our land boasts an array of natural features including ponds, waterfalls, cliffs, bluffs, fields, forests, trails, and creeks scattered throughout. With several trails branching out in all directions into the Shawnee National Forest, exploration opportunities abound. Each of our spacious campsites is thoughtfully designed to afford maximum privacy, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed retreat into nature. Just a short 5-10 minute drive down the road, Burden Falls awaits, offering a scenic natural wonder to explore. The Garden of the Gods, another iconic attraction, is a mere 15-20 minute drive away, inviting you to marvel at its breathtaking rock formations and panoramic vistas. For added convenience and indulgence, homemade breakfast and lunch sandwiches are available upon request, allowing you to savor delicious meals without the hassle of preparation. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and indulge in the ultimate retreat experience at our unique property.

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Rock Hole Meadow

4 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Stonefort, IL

Nestled on an 8-acre rural property, we are in the process of transforming into a permanent primitive campground. New to Hipcamp and hosting, Committed to environmental stewardship, we prioritize eco-conscious practices such as reusing, recycling, and promoting the growth of native plant species. Each visit to our campground contributes to our mission of preserving this land for future generations. Our property boasts a spacious meadow, ideal for star gazing, along with wooded campsites or meadow camping. Accessible via a short walk from the designated parking area, the wooded campsites are clearly marked for your convenience. Please note that the meadow may become muddy during spring and winter season, so exercise caution when selecting your camping area. Additionally, a communal fire pit is available for those camping. Facilities include a porta-potty with no running water, with plans for future construction of bathrooms and showers. Conveniently located just 5 minutes from Carrier Mills, Illinois, you can easily stock up on any necessities during your stay.

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Bubba J's RV Park

13 sites · RVs3 acres · Nason, IL

Welcome to Bubba J's RV Park. 85' + Pull Throughs with FULL hookups - 20/30/50 Amp Electric - year-round water (bring a pressure regulator, our water pressure is great!)- 4" sewer. Huge clean restrooms (sorry, no showers). Each site has a picnic table and fire pit (firewood NOT provided so please bring your own).

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Shooting House 2

3 sites · Lodging, RVs70 acres · Mount Vernon, IL

Peacefully secluded and nestled in a private wooded setting with fully graveled spots and available power this location has several miles of atv and hiking trails and is loaded with wildlife. If fishing is your thing don't forget your fishing poles! This is also a fantastic spot for finding old bottles and jars. For an additional fee there will also be horse and buggy rides to show you some key historical points along the Goshen Trail.

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Camp Ondessonk

9 sites · Tents983 acres · Ozark, IL

Operating since 1959, Camp Ondessonk is a non-profit youth camp on 983 acres of beautiful wooded property adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest. Guests have access to several miles of paved road for walking and cycling, 15 miles of on-site hiking and biking trails, and access to a huge network of public Shawnee National Forest trails including the River-to-River Trail. Our property is home to the tallest free-falling waterfall in Illinois, Cedar Falls, as well as rock bottom creeks, canyons, prairies, forests, and hills. Detailed trail maps of our property and the surrounding area are available. Guests are welcome to stroll the grounds, observe our horses grazing in the pastures, enjoy views of our lakes and forests, or relax by the campfire. Stop by the Camp Store at the Trading Post to purchase Ondessonk apparel, souvenirs, or essential items. To schedule a guided hike, boating, archery, or horseback riding program, or test yourself on our high challenge course or climbing wall, contact Ondessonk staff for program availability and more information. The Camp Kitchen can prepare certain meals for you; contact us for meal availability and more information.

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Barbara W.’s Land

26 sites · Tents25 acres · Tunnel Hill, IL

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The Back 20

128 sites · Tents2 acres · Mount Vernon, IL

Discover the beauty of nature on our 20-acre property, where primitive tent sites await your peaceful retreat. Embrace the simplicity of a camping experience with contained fires and the companionship of your pets, all while enjoying the serene rural setting. For those who enjoy fishing, hiking trails, and being away from city lights, our location offers the perfect backdrop. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside and make lasting memories surrounded by the beauty of nature. There is no running water at this site but fresh running is available approximately one mile away. We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable stay, and if you have any further questions or inquiries, please feel free to reach out. Your peaceful and scenic escape awaits!

The best camping near Rend Lake guide

Overview

About

Between Rend Lake reservoir and its surrounding woods, this vast U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park contains almost 19,000 acres of water and 20,000 of land to explore. Though many come to paddle, boat, or fish on the lake, the park also offers great hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife watching, and stargazing. Rend Lake's 750-plus campsites are distributed across five campgrounds, many with full hookups, hot showers, and dump stations. Other park facilities include a marina and boat launches, playgrounds, a swimming area, and a disc golf course, making it an especially family-friendly camping destination.

Notable campgrounds

Best for families: South Sandusky Campground
Best for disc huckers: North Sandusky Campground is close to the park’s disc golf course.
Best for golfers: Gun Creek Campground is right near the park’s golf complex.

Tips for snagging a campsite

All Rend Lake campsites are reservable six months in advance.
Book early, especially for peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), as spots at Rend Lake can fill up quickly.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations to snag a last-minute reservation.
Reservations can be made online or by calling 877-444-6777.
If Rend Lake’s sites are full, you may also find camping at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, which is also on the lake.

When to go

Rend Lake’s campgrounds are seasonal and typically open in mid-March. Various loops and campgrounds close for the season between September and November. Summers are the busiest times at Rend Lake due to great weather, long days, and summer break. To avoid crowds, shoot for spring or fall and bring cold-weather camping gear. Winter is less ideal due to cooler conditions and some facility closures. For the current season’s dates, call the park’s Visitor Center at 618-724-2493.

Know before you go

Just off Rend Lake’s south shore, Benton is the closest city to the park. It has a variety of stores, restaurants, and outdoor supply shops.
Check the latest weather and local updates before your trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Be aware of any temporary area closures, especially during hunting seasons or maintenance periods.
Rend Lake has six paddling trails, and kayak rentals are available in Benton. The park visitor center can provide kayak trail information and resources.
Visitor Center hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, for any assistance or information.
If you’re looking for another park to explore as a day trip from this area, check out the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in the Shawnee National Forest.
Rend Lake is also home to the Rend Lake Golf Complex, which has a lodge, cabins, and condominiums in addition to a 27-hole golf course.