🌝 2024 Solar eclipse: Book now for 4/8

The best camping near Rend Lake

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

100% (1 reviews)
100% (1 reviews)

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Rend Lake

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Rend Lake

Booked 53 times

The Back 20

121 sites ¡ Tents20 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, off-road trails, and the allure of a breathtaking eclipse 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 water and a shower are available at the old ranch house less than a mile away. Water is readily available on-site, ensuring your basic needs are met as you embark on a rustic and adventurous camping journey. 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!
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$35
 / night
100%
(22)

Community of Faith Church-Eclipse

82 sites ¡ RVs15 acres ¡ Marion, IL
Our church sits on approximtely 15 acres of open property. Community of Faith is a non-denominational protestant church. Services are held on Sunday at 10am in the Sanctuary. The church's Boy Scout troop is in charge of the camping and will be there to assist guests as needed. The property has large open grassy areas with access to 3 outdoor flushing restroom facilities, a pavilion and a fire pit. Campers are welcome to camp right on the property, vehicles allowed at camp site (subject to ground moisture levels) otherwise parking areas are very close by. Plenty of room for campers to spread out and enjoy their own space. Campers would need to bring their own equipment, tables, chairs, etc. Property is located at the intersection of Rt 148 and Rt 13 on the outskirts of Marion IL. It is minutes away from numerous shopping and food conveniences.
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$40
 / night
Booked 43 times

Pond Ridge Adventure

50 sites ¡ Tents50 acres ¡ Murphysboro, IL
We have 50 acres located in Southern Illinois 4 miles south of Murphysboro connected to 100 acres of Shawnee National forest.We set up a small family primitive campground for our family to enjoy every evening we ride our utv over from our house and watch the wildlife there are deer turkeys bobcats and many other small animal.Learn more about this land:Mostly suitable for Rv with generators and self contained units
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$50
 / night
100%
(1)

Ruff Neck Campsite

30 sites ¡ TentsCarbondale , IL
Located in Southern Illinois, home to the Saluki. Ruff Neck Campsite offers a great location just 2 miles from Walker's Bluff, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (Shawnee Forest), and town amenities. The campsite is a great place to see the wildlife and if you are lucky, catch a glimps of the Bald Eagle 🦅Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent at the Ruff Neck Campsite. Located 2 miles from Walker's Bluff, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, and town with eateries.
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$150
 / night
Booked 5 times

Solar Eclipse 2024 Campsites

98 sites ¡ RVs, Tents30 acres ¡ Ava, IL
Front and Outback Spots available- RV, campers, and tents are welcome First come, first serve 30 X 60 Camp Spots for Campers and RV's - $125 per night 30 X 30 Camp Spots for Tents- $100 per night. ( Send a message and we'll give you discount code) Available in fenced in and gated area 1 mile away from town in country setting 24/7 surveillance Beautiful sunset view 5 acre pond- No swimming, No fishing No hook up (No water, electric, or sewer) Dumpster is available for garbage Water on premise, provide own holding tank Porta Potty available Very accommodating Bring your gators to drive to town to eat at crazy Joe's fish house, or have fun at Kinkaid Lake, or go back roading, the options are endless. Half a mile from Sharp Rock Falls Campground, with a 150 permanent campers year around
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$125
 / night
Booked 3 times

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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$42
 / night
100%
(439)

Wine Trail Wilderness

11 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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$30
 / night
100%
(1)

Big Muddy Brewing

22 sites ¡ RVs, Tents3 acres ¡ Murphysboro, IL
Big Muddy Brewing - Dead Center For 2024 Total Eclipse "The Great Gig In The Sky". Camping that week includes Free Shuttle Bus to Pond Ridge Adventure Campground (Eclipse Overflow Camping) plus local restaurants and attractions, Friday Night: Adlar Planetarium Presentations including Star Gazing , Music Saturday & Sunday By The Ivas John Band & The Monolithic Pink Floyd Night Show. Big Muddy's 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 Flatbread pizzas, Chicago dogs, Italian beef subs, Bavarian pretzels & more. Check our Facebook page for a schedule of events.
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$25
 / night
Booked 1 time

Wild Honeysuckle Farm

20 sites ¡ Tents40 acres ¡ Dahlgren, IL
Welcome to our yard, the prime location for observing the 2024 solar eclipse! Situated directly in the path for the 3-4 minute mark of this extraordinary event, our space promises an unparalleled view of nature's majestic spectacle. We offer tent camping accommodations for those bringing their own tents, or you can bring your own blankets for those who prefer to lay out under the vast open sky. Please note that access to our home or buildings is not available, ensuring an authentic outdoor experience. For your convenience, we provide an outdoor faucet for basic needs. However, kindly note that we do not permit RVs or campers on the premises. Not suitable for children under 5 years of age. Only 2 campers per campsite. Must send ID and be pre-approved prior to booking. Prepare to be awestruck as you witness the breathtaking beauty of the solar eclipse from our tranquil yard. Secure your front-row seat to this celestial phenomenon by booking your stay now!
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$40
 / night
100%
(2)

Harmony Hill Acres

46 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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$15
 / night
100%
(2)

Crystal Springs

1 site ¡ RV10 acres ¡ De Soto, IL
Learn more about this land: This is the premiere swimming hole in S Il. We have a rope swing, and high dive. We have friends from Idaho who have come back to visit. You won't know until you've seen it. No hook-ups just a place to park for the RV. Large enough for class A. Plenty of turn around room. Very quiet and private.
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$25
 / night
Booked 29 times

Tall Tree Lake

38 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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$32
 / night

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.

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