CAMP IN WESTERN SOUTHERNMOST ILLINOIS

CAMP Cedar point
A former Girl Scout camp, this 257-acre property now known as Camp Manitowa – Cedar Point is located in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Camp Manitowa – Cedar Point offers beachfront access with a new swim dock to 1200-acre Little Grassy Lake.

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!
- (618) 684-6192
- Website
- Grand Tower

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.
- (618) 776-5689
- Olive Branch

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.
- (618) 833-8576
- Website
- Murphysboro

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!
- (618) 687-4914
- Website
- Murphysboro

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.
- (618) 684-2867
- Website
- Murphysboro

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.
- (618) 967-2678
- Website
- Murphysboro

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.

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.
- (618) 253-7114
- Website
- Pomona
CAMP IN CENTRAL SOUTHERNMOST ILLINOIS

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.
- (618) 524-4712
- Website
- Metropolis

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.

MAIN BROTHERS CAMPGROUND
Located on the Tunnel Hill State Trail and near the Cache River Wetlands, this campground offers tent and RV sites.
Need something to do? Ride the bike trail or hike two miles to the Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center, a nature center and natural history museum of the Cache River Wetlands. There are many exhibits, activities and a film about the Wetlands.

RIVERVIEW CAMPGROUND
Riverview is on the bluff’s of the Ohio river, and offers sites with water and electric, accommodates a wide range of RV sizes up to 45ft. Tent sites with water and electricity. Campground is very spacious, quiet and family friendly. Sites have a fire ring, and firewood. A public boat ramp located 1/2 mile from the campground for fishing and boating access. Advance reservations on Hipcamp.
- (618) 645-2641
- Website
- Grand Chain

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.
- (618) 287-7454
- Website
- Elizabethtown

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
- (618) 658-2111
- Website
- Elizabethtown

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.
- (618) 289-4325
- Website
- Cave-In-Rock

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.
- (618) 683-8410
- Website
- Golconda

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.
- (618) 949-3394
- Website
- Dixon Springs

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.

Feidlerland Rv Park and Campground
29 sites in Old Shawneetown. Motorcycle friendly and home to great riding and destinations. Hunting and fishing as well as hiking and history.
- (618) 980-2757
- Website
- Old Shawneetown

GARDEN OF THE GODS -Pharaoh Campground
12 campsites, tables, fire grills, toilets,
drinking water and trails. Nice views of the Shawnee Hills can be seen from the
campground and picnic areas. Pharaoh Picnic Ground is open year round, as is the Observation Area
- (618) 658-2111
- Website
- Herod

HAYES CANYON CAMPGROUND
RV campground located adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest in far Southern Illinois, with access to hundreds of miles of horse trails for trail riding.
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons and holiday weekends, when we often are fully booked months in advance.

HOG ROCK RANCH & CAMPGROUND
Enjoy 3/4 mile of Ohio River frontage in the Shawnee National Forest. We have 115 RV sites with 30amp/120V electric and water. We have boat ramp access to the river and two dump stations. Open May 1st through November 15th and are just up the river from Cave-In-Rock. Come for a weekend, stay for a week, or even longer.
- (618) 289-4724
- Website
- Cave-In-Rock

HORSESHOE BEND CAMPGROUND
Your hosts, Roy & Wayne Lamar invite you to enjoy RV, trailer, tent camping on Three-Mile Creek. With full hookups (Including electricity, sewage, water, and showers.) Quiet atmosphere, with room to romp along
the four miles of hiking trails and roads. Over two miles of creek bank fishing, a Beaver-Dam, and cuttings. Located on the Ohio River’s-Smithland-Pool, along Three-Mile-Creek.
- (618) 285-6953
- Website
- Rosiclare

LAKE GLENDALE
Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers a wide range of recreation, including hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, bicycling and picnicking.
Surrounded by tall pine trees and mixed hardwood forest, its central location makes it easy to visit main attractions on either side of the forest or any place in-between.

LAKE GLENDALE-OAKPOINT
Oak Point Campground is located in the Lake Glendale Recreation Area
of Shawnee National Forest.
We have 34 sites with both electricity and water at each site and 25 primitive sites.
A dump station is located across from the Camp Host site.
- Phone Number
- Website
- List Item

Ruffing It Rentals - RVs and more
A small family owned camper rental business. We have 3 campers in our fleet as well as kayaks. We offer deliver in southern Illinois.
- 614-699-CAMP
- Website
- Golconda

LITTLE LUSK CAMPGROUNDS
We live on-site and are ready to be your host to both you and your horses!We have 6 Lodge rooms, 29 Campsites (Elec & Water, & 7 with Sewer also), Free highlines behind campsites, 29 covered box Stalls, unlimited primitive camping area, bathhouse, coin laundry, and an Event Barn. We offer shavings, hay, firewood & ice.
Little Lusk has 3 trailheads that lead to beautiful trails in the Shawnee National Forest.
We offer several lakes for fishing & we are pet friendly.

POUNDS HOLLOW
Pine Ridge Campground is located on the ridgetop above Pounds Hollow Lake and offers 13 electric sites and 22 non-electric campsites, each with a picnic table, latern pole and fire ring with grill. Water spigot is located at the campground entrance across from pay station. 20, 30 & 50 amp at electric campsites.
- Phone Number
- Website
- Karbers Ridge

TK RANCH CAMPGROUND
TK Ranch Campground is located north of Golconda, Illinois, on Lusk Road in Pope County, about ½ mile from One Horse Gap and One Horse Gap Lake.
We are in the heart of a large trail system called The One Horse Gap Area. We are surrounded by mile after mile of the magnificent Shawnee National Forest. Shawnee National Forest offers new and improved trails that are well marked. We border Shawnee National Forest on all four sides; ride right out of camp into the forest.

TOWER ROCK
Located along the banks of the Ohio River, Tower Rock Campground offers beautiful scenery and close proximity to water activities like fishing and boating. The 1/4 mile trail can be accessed near the boat launch. Be aware this area is prone to flooding when river levels fluctuate.
- -none-
- Website
- Elizabethtown

VILLAGE OF CAVE IN ROCK
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.
- (618) 289-4325
- Website
- Cave-In-Rock

WILLIAMS HILL PASS
Williams Hill Pass OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) Park and Campground is a not-for-profit outdoor recreational park. Through private investment and grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Recreational Trails Program, Williams Hill Pass operates 27 miles of trails on 220 acres of field and forest. Sited on private property and surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, Williams Hill Pass is located 9 miles southeast of Harrisburg, Illinois. Opened in 2001, Williams Hill Pass promotes the usage of off-highway vehicles in a safe and family-friendly environment.
- (618) 252-6978
- Website
- Harrisburg