Campgrounds in Southernmost Illinois

CAMP IN WESTERN SOUTHERNMOST ILLINOIS

CAMP ONDESSONK

Camp Ondessonk is open year round for groups of all kinds. Whether you want a quiet weekend with your family or want to bring 200 sixth graders for a week of environmental education, Camp Ondessonk’s Year Round programming will meet your needs.

DEVIL'S BACKBONE PARK

Nice, quiet campground right on the Mississippi River. We do not take reservations. It is first come first serve. Pet friendly campground with picnic tables, a playground, shower houses, restrooms and running water. Fish and hike your day away!

GIANT CITY STATE PARK

Giant City State Park is an Illinois state park on 4,000 acres in Jackson and Union Counties, Illinois, United States. Illinois acquired more than 1,100 acres in 1927, and dedicated the park as Giant City State Park. A lodge and visitor center welcome state park guests.

HORSESHOE LAKE CONSERVATION AREA

Located in Alexander County, this area is known for its 10,200 acre area that includes a 2,4000 acre shallow lake which includes large stands of tupelo, swamp cottonwood and cypress trees. Also known for its Canadian goose and bald eagle observation vantage point during the fall and winter.

JOHNSON CREEK

Large campsites, hitching posts and highline poles, it is one of the few Forest Service campgrounds that allows equestrians and their stock. Double and triple campsites accommodate larger groups. Equestrian trails lead from the campground and link to the extensive Kinkaid Lake trail system. Sorry there are no boat rentals at Johnson Creek.

KINKAID LAKE

Topography varies from sandstone bluff formations to rolling hills surrounding the lake where oaks and hickories predominate. Numerous flat contours are planted with prairie grasses, cool-season grasses and wildlife food plots.

We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.

KINKAID MARINA CAMPGROUND

Resting on the tranquil southeast shore of Kinkaid Lake, nestled into the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest, Kinkaid Marina has everything you need for that enjoyable lake get away! Full service boat shop, Moody Muskie’s Bar & Grill, general store, boat rentals, boat slip rentals, fuel station, courtesy dock and seasonal RV and tent camping!

LAKE MURPHYSBORO STATE PARK

Beautiful rolling hills and woods surround star-shaped Lake Murphysboro and provide a wonderful backdrop for boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and hiking. Located in Jackson County about 1 mile west of Murphysboro off Route 149, the 1,022-acre state park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.

LITTLE GRASSY LAKE

Located inside Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Little Grassy Lake offers boating and fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Where 1,000 acres of crystal clear water , 4 miles long, 1 mile wide, up to 60 feet deep and 31 miles of wooded rocky shoreline create the most scenic lake in southern Illinois.

MUDLINE CAMPSITES

They are on gravel pads, and have room to park your vehicles and boats. There is room for everybody to spread out and have fun, playing catch with your kids, sitting in the sun, star gaze, telling stories around your campfire, swinging in our swing. We are the perfect place for what camping is all about.

PINE HILLS CAMPGROUND

This campground has level campsites with open grassy areas between campsites. Popular with hunters in the spring and fall, the campground is also ideal for those who like to view nature, go birding, hike or take a scenic drive. Pine Hills Road leads to the top of the bluffs and features panoramic views of the LaRue Swamp and Mississippi River floodplain.

REST IN PEACE

Established in 2001, our campground offers peaceful primitive campsites, located on private property, with on site facilities and grocery stores nearby. Stop by our clubhouse that has a full kitchen and air conditioner for those who require the necessities.

SHARP ROCK FALLS

Located in Ava, Sharp Rock Falls has 80 campsites and is open all year round for all ages. Camp, fish, hike and explore Southern Most Illinois with us!

TRAIL OF TEARS STATE FOREST

Both Class C (tent camping with vehicle access) and Class D (backpack) camping sites are available at the State Forest. Some locations have log shelters with adjacent privies. Group camping is available at a few sites. The forest’s gravel roads are closed to vehicles from December 24 through the end of the spring wild turkey hunting season (generally the second week in May). All camping access is by foot only during that period (Class D).

TURKEY BAYOU

Located in Oakwood Bottoms, Turkey Bayou Campground is a great location outdoor activities including waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, trapping, fishing, nature watching and bird watching. The campground is next to a 20-acre lake on the Big Muddy River with close proximity to the Big Muddy boat launch and the Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir. There is no charge for camping at Turkey Bayou, but there is a 14-day maximum stay. The campground does not have water or toilets. The site frequently floods during heavy rain periods.

CAMP IN CENTRAL SOUTHERNMOST ILLINOIS

BAY CREEK RANCH & CAMPGROUND

Enjoy camping and horseback riding in the middle of Shawnee National Forest!

CEDAR LAKE RANCH

With hot attractions and must-see sites, Cedar Lake Campground in Vienna can accommodate all of your vacation dreams and desires.

There’s no need to play the parking game. There are plenty of open parking spaces in the area.

FERNE CLYFF STATE PARK

Ferne Clyffe has been known as an outstanding natural scenic spot for nearly 100 years. An abundance of ferns, unique geological features and unusual plant communities create an atmosphere that enhances the many recreational facilities offered at the park. Trails wind through picturesque woods, allowing visitors to view fascinating rock formations and inspiring vistas.

FORT MASSAC STATE PARK

Experience the scenic splendor of southern Illinois, with plenty of outdoor fun and events tied to the region’s rich history, at Fort Massac State Park. Overlooking the mighty Ohio River from the southern tip of Illinois, this majestic location has been preserved and maintained since 1908, when it became Illinois’ first state park.

FT. DEFIANCE CAMPING & RV PARK

Formerly a state park, it has been owned and maintained by the city of Cairo since the 1990s. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources assumed control of Fort Defiance on July 31, 2014 with the goal of returning it to state park status.

HILLTOP CAMPGROUND

RV camping, tent camping, and hiking. Create new memories and make your summer one that your kids will never forget.

RIVERVIEW CAMPGROUND

Request a reservation online. Chick in is at 3pm and check out is at 11:00 am. We have a minimum 1 day stay. No online reservations can be made within two days of arrival but you can cancel a reservation anytime.

SHAWNEE FOREST CAMPGROUND

Our Family has built this campground from the ground up in Vienna, IL. We found there is a need for more full hook up camping in Southern Illinois and Shawnee forest area. We hope you enjoy the progress of our campground. Being a new campground there will be many aspects of the campground that will need to grown in and fill in as time goes by. So our campground will get better year after year.

CAMP IN EASTERN SOUTHERNMOST ILLINOIS

AUSTIN ACRES CAMP OUTBACK

Affordable family lodging, camping cabins, campers and primitive camping. We are minutes away from Ohio River, Tower Rock Park boat ramp, Elizabethtown boat ramp, good eating places, LakeTucumseh and Woopie Cat, Iron Furnace, Stone Face, Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Cave-in-Rock and lots of scenic views. Children and pets welcome.

BEAR BRANCH CAMPGROUND

Bear Branch Horse Camp is centrally located in the beautiful 280,000-acre Shawnee National Forest just above Lusk Creek Canyon. Named after a creek that runs through the property, Bear Branch offers exceptional horse camping sites and cabins, and multiple access to the most scenic riding and hiking trails in the Forest. The Shawnee National Forest now has marked trails as well as good maps. Bridle Tags are no longer required to ride in the Shawnee National Forest.

BELL SMITH SPRINGS

Bell Smith Springs ‘rocks’! Known for its plethora of wacky rock formations and hidden springs and streams, it’s the cliffs, canyons, and plants that combine to make the eight miles of trails here a lot better than that other Eight Mile in the state next door. Come on, feel the Illinoise!

CAMP CADIZ

This campground is the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp. Somewhat off the beaten path Camp Cadiz is usually quiet and rarely do the campsites fill up; with the exception of turkey and deer hunting seasons. The campsites are level and each has a fire ring with grill and picnic table. Equestrian camping is allowed

CAVE IN ROCK STATE PARK

There are 34 Class A sites that rent for $20 a night, and $30 a night on holiday weekends/weekdays (Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day). Each is equipped with electricity and can accommodate units up to 60-feet long. Twenty-five Class B/S tent sites also are available for $10 a night, and showers, restrooms and dumping stations are present in both camping areas.

DEER RUN CAMPGROUND

Family owned campground with grassy camping spots and shaded RV spots. Check in at 3pm and check out is 11am. Please make reservations in advance.

DIXON SPRINGS STATE PARK

There is a Class B trailer camp area with a sanitary dumping station and electricity available. A tent camping area is also provided for the primitive camper. Campers need to obtain a permit from the park personnel. Cabins and a group camping area are available for organized groups.

DOUBLE M CAMPGROUND

Lookin for a camp with great riding, great facilities and friendly down home people? Then your roundup is over cowboy cause you just found it !! Bring your own horse and ride for hours, or days in the majestic Shawnee National Forest Southern Illinois,renound for it’s exceptional trail riding.