Camping Sites Near Marion for a Night Under the Stars

If you want the most out of your Honda SUV, why not use it for camping? Models ranging from the Passport and Pilot to the CR-V are practically begging you to load them up with tents, sleeping bags, and other essential gear. With such a reliable vehicle handy, you’re sure to have a successful camping trip with friends and family.

In more good news, Marion and the surrounding areas are home to plenty of scenic campgrounds. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to camp for the first time or a brand new spot to mix things up, we’ve got you covered. Below, we at Ike Honda shares some of the best local campgrounds that Marion SUV owners frequent.

Marion Campground and RV Park

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With 58 full-service sites and 27 pull-through sites with 50/30 amp options, the Marion Campground and RV Park is a hotspot for recreational vehicles. However, it’s just as popular among SUV owners looking to spend a night under the stars. It offers somewhat of a “glamping” experience thanks to amenities like private showers, washers, and dryers. Grab a slice of pizza and a cold beer or soda from Julie’s Lounge, and relax with your family on the outdoor deck.

Busy business professionals who need to stay in touch with the outside world appreciate the available mail and fax services. There’s also a picnic pavilion and playground that entertains the kids for hours. If you have a dog you don’t want to leave at home, the pet-friendly campground has a specific pet-walking area for your furry friends. With all of these amenities, you don’t have to worry about bringing your whole house to the campground and can save space for what matters most.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is an extensive area where campers of all skill levels can set up their tents. Though no reservations are available, more than 250 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis through the following campgrounds:

• Crab Orchard Campground
• Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina
• Blue Heron Campground and Marina
• Devils Kitchen Campground

You can drive up in your SUV at any point between April 1 and mid-November. Campers can stay for up to 14 consecutive days, and the refuge permits them to return after 48 hours. Regardless of your interests, you’re sure to find something to do at one of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge campgrounds. Visitors can fish, go canoeing or kayaking, have a picnic, or choose a path along several miles of trails. You can also bike or even try your hand at archery, depending on local availability.

RV Park Four Seasons

The RV Park Four Seasons offers a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere that transports you away from the stresses of everyday life. There’s plenty of space to park your SUV and set up your tent in shaded areas. Appreciate the abundant surrounding wildlife as you fish from a stocked onsite pond. If you want to get out on the water, consider making the short drive to the nearby Rend Lake or Lake of Egypt.

You and your family can also take a short walk to Herrin City Park to enjoy the swimming pool, skate park, and volleyball and tennis courts. If you’re looking to elevate your experience even further, consider taking your camping trailer or renting a cabin. Regardless of which cabin you select from the four available types, you’ll be able to take advantage of free internet, satellite TV, and a full kitchen.

Ferne Clyffe State Park

Our final recommendation for a top campground near Marion is Ferne Clyffe State Park. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources manages the park’s several campgrounds to keep them in tip-top shape for visitors. For instance, the Deer Ridge site is a shaded Class A facility with gravel pads, cooking grills, picnic tables, and showers. It also has flush toilets and electricity to make camping even more accessible.

If you want a more rugged experience, the Turkey Ridge or Backpack Class C sites might be a better option as they have limited amenities. The Youth Group site is perfect for youth group leaders and others looking to share the great outdoors with children. There’s even a Class C Equestrian campground for horseback riders to enjoy the trails along with their equestrian best friends.

Find the Perfect Honda SUV for Camping

If you don’t already have a Honda SUV, it’s time to find the perfect model to accompany you on your camping adventures. One of the most popular options is the Honda Passport, which has a 280-horsepower V-6 engine to overcome the elements. You can easily load your belongings thanks to more than 50 cubic feet of cargo space. If you fold down the second row, the cargo volume expands to over 100 cubic feet.

Those who are camping with a big crew might prefer the Honda Pilot, which comes with available seating for up to eight passengers. It also offers an impressive 109 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold down the second and third rows. The Honda CR-V is yet another popular option, as it comes with a 12-volt power outlet for charging your camping equipment and all-season floor mats to protect your vehicle from the muddiest of boots.

If you’re looking for the most affordable Honda SUV for camping, consider the Honda HR-V, which has a starting MSRP of $23,650. It comfortably seats five passengers, has plenty of storage compartments, and offers between 24.4 and 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space depending on how you fold the second row. Regardless of the model you pick, you’ll appreciate an SUV’s ability to conquer rough terrain and convenient features like a hands-free power access tailgate to easily load cargo.

Here at Ike Honda, we’ve helped thousands of customers like you find the vehicle that suits their lifestyle. If this guide has inspired you to explore the great outdoors, feel free to contact us today. Our team is eager to match you with an SUV that you can take on your camping trips and other adventures.