Best Camping in and near Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

See what Rend Lake is all about at this state park in southern Illinois.

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Stay at a public campground in Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

Wayne Fitzgerrell Campground

33 sites · RVs, Tents In Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

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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

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

70 acres adjoining the Shawnee National Forest area with hiking trails and water activities. Close to Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Pounds Hollow, Belle Smith Springs, Lusk Creek and other trails. Cabin-2BR -1 Q, 1 K/1BA sleeps 4- possible 5, with Heating/ac, full kitchen with microwave and refrigerator, coffee pot, grill, laundry, NO INTERNET. Kitchen is stocked with coffee, creamer, sugar, cooking oil. Large great room, with native sandstone fireplace and nice views of private lake and hills.. Fire pit. Free firewood. $85.00 per night, $60.00 cleaning fee Primitive tent camping sites available. RV pads for self-contained campers . One Electric space available with notice. Water available from spigot and hose. No sewer. Porta-Potty on premises. No showers. Shade or sunny areas. Pets and service dogs welcome with reservations. 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, crappie, 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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MC Lodging

15 sites · RVs15 acres · Vernon, IL

MC Lodging is located on 15 acres. We have 29 sites with full hookup at each site. We are open year round. Our campground has a nice pond with some nice size fish. We have a pavilion with a laundromat and a shower house. We also have a playground for kids.if you’re looking for a nice secluded getaway, you have found it ❤️

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Mud Creek RV/Camper Parking

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Marissa, IL

Welcome to our rural farm oasis, where two shaded RV/Camper spots await for you to park and enjoy yourself in nature and the fresh country air! Each spot features concrete pads and is shaded by majestic trees, providing a comfortable and serene setting for your stay. Please note that spots are available for parking only; camper/RV is not included. Enjoy convenient access to electric hookups, including 50 amp, 30 amp, and 110v options. Additionally, a sewer drop is located within 15 feet of each spot, along with a water hookup for your convenience. Both spots are situated in close proximity to our farm and two other Airbnb homes (please be aware that one home is currently under construction). When booked, you have access to the lake and a small pond down the lane. Please stay to the right of the Y and head across the dam. **No access permitted after dark.** These spots are great for fishing and/or having a picnic enjoying a private wooded area. Just a short 5-minute drive away, is the Prairie State Power Plant if you're in the area for work. Sparta, IL is about 12 minutes away for any supplies you would need or Marissa, IL is about a 7 minute drive. Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and rural charm at our shaded RV/Camper spots, where the beauty of nature meets modern comfort.

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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!

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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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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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Barbara W.’s Land

26 sites · Tents25 acres · Tunnel Hill, IL

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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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Pond Ridge Adventure

35 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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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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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.

The best camping near Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Upgrade your outdoor game at 19,000-acre Rend Lake reservoir. This well-developed area has plenty for everyone who passes through southern Illinois' biggest outdoor playground. Anglers, in particular, love the copious amounts of fish.

Cast your line from the park itself, because three-fourths of it has a shoreline along Rend Lake. Prepare for catching bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. Two state fishing records have been set here thanks to large bowfin and black crappie. You'll be smiling when you reach your limit by the end of the day.

Pack your shotgun for a unique Illinois experience. Seasonal pheasant hunts are popular here. Up to 120 hunters per day can take pheasants during designated times. As such, the park is also a training ground for sporting dogs. Many beagles, retrievers, and bird dogs learn the tricks of their trade near the lake.

243 modern campsites have full hook-ups. Seventeen tent sites provide a rustic experience. Each campsite is first-come, first served.