Are you in need of a campground near Cobden, IL? Cobden is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Cobden. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Giant City State Park Campground is a gem nestled near Makanda, IL. This place is a haven for campers who appreciate a mix of comfort and nature. The campground is open all year, so you can enjoy its beauty in any season. With amenities like electric hookups, showers, and toilets, it caters well to both tent and RV campers. Pets are welcome, and you can even enjoy a cold one by the fire since alcohol is allowed.
The campground is known for its well-maintained sites and friendly camp hosts. Visitors often rave about the cleanliness of the facilities, including the fire pits and pit toilets. The park itself is a treasure trove of natural beauty, with several hiking trails that showcase stunning sandstone formations and lush forest scenery. Even in winter, the trails offer a serene and picturesque experience.
One of the highlights of staying here is the Giant City Lodge. It’s a cozy spot with excellent food and panoramic views that make for a memorable dining experience. The family-style fried chicken dinner comes highly recommended.
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the park offers various trails, some of which are perfect for families with young children. The playground and picnic areas add to the family-friendly vibe. If you're into fishing, there's a pond near the primitive camping site.
In summary, Giant City State Park Campground offers a blend of convenience and natural beauty, making it a fantastic spot for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. Whether you're hiking, relaxing by the fire, or exploring the nearby wineries, there's something here for everyone.
Located in the Middle of Southern Illinois just Off I-24 it is a great place to stay while you explore all the the Shawnee Forest. From Giant City to Garden of the Gods. The Tunnel Hill bike trail is a half mile away and Cache River is just down the road. We have 60 Full Hook up sites. Large pull through sites up to 120 feet long. We have Shower Houses and Laundry Facilities. Our Campground is Open Year Round.
$40 / night
Trail of Tears State Park Campground, near Jackson, MO, offers a unique camping experience right along the Mississippi River. This place is a gem for those who love a mix of natural beauty and historical significance. The campground is open year-round and features amenities like electric hookups, drinking water, and showers. Pets are welcome, and you can even enjoy a campfire at your site.
One of the standout features here is the unobstructed view of the Mississippi River. It's a fantastic spot for dark sky viewing, so bring your telescope if you're into stargazing. The park also has a scenic overlook and a visitor center with a small museum dedicated to the Trail of Tears Native American tribal migration—definitely worth a visit.
For those who like to stay active, there are some awesome hiking trails and a playground for the kids. If you're into fishing, the river and nearby Lake Boutin offer great opportunities. And speaking of the river, watching the barges go by can be quite mesmerizing.
A few practical tips: you can reserve your spot online up to a year in advance, and there's a senior discount available. Firewood is sold on-site, and there's a coin-operated laundromat about 12 miles away in Jackson. If you need a break from camp food, Tractors Restaurant in Jackson comes highly recommended.
Just a heads-up, the campground is close to a train track, so expect some noise from passing trains. But many campers find it adds to the charm. Overall, Trail of Tears State Park Campground is a fantastic spot for a memorable camping trip.
Turkey Ridge is for campers who want a serene outdoor experience. It is a Class C walk-in campground that includes camp pads, picnic tables, cooking grills and showers. Drinking water and toilets are located near the parking lots.
$18 / night
Bell Smith Springs is one of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. It contains a series of clear, rocky streams and scenic canyons bordered by high sandstone cliffs and an abundance of vegetation unique to Illinois. The trail system consists of eight miles of interconnected trails featuring strange and wonderful rock formations, such as Devil's Backbone, Boulder Falls and a natural rock bridge. Hiking this system of trails is a favorite activity because of the rock features, scenic overlooks, hidden springs and lush flora and fauna.
$15 / night
Deer Ridge campground is a well-shaded Class A facility offering gravel pads with electricity, picnic tables and cooking grills. Drinking water, showers, flush toilets and a sanitary dump station complete the setting for campers who prefer to include a few comforts of home with their outdoor adventure.
Welcome to Crab Orchard Lake Campground, nestled near Carbondale, IL. This spot is a favorite for many, offering a mix of tent and RV sites, some right on the water. If you're into lakeside views, you're in for a treat. The sunsets here are something else, and the lake itself is a sight to behold.
The campground operates from April 1 to October 31, and it's got a solid reputation with a rating of 4.4 out of 5. One thing folks appreciate is the spaciousness of the sites, though privacy can be a bit hit or miss. If you're lucky, you might snag one of the more secluded waterfront spots.
Amenities here are pretty decent. You've got electric and water hookups, showers, and toilets. The bathrooms are generally clean, though some visitors have noted they could use a bit of TLC. There's also a sanitary dump and sewer hookups for RVs, making it a convenient stop for those traveling in larger rigs.
Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. Just keep an eye out for wildlife—raccoons, geese, and even the occasional snake have been spotted around the campground.
For activities, the lake is a big draw. Whether you're into fishing, boating, or just lounging by the water, there's plenty to keep you occupied. There's even a small beach area for swimming, though it's seasonal.
Overall, Crab Orchard Lake Campground offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful lake views and a good mix of amenities. It's a great spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
$10 - $25 / night
Turkey Bayou Campground
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.
Our partner, Friends of Turkey Bayou helps maintain Turkey Bayou Campground.
A favorite with waterfowl hunters, Oakwood Bottoms offers so much more from excellent bird watching to fishing opportunities and primitive camping at Turkey Bayou Campground. Picnic with your family or youth group at Oakwood Bottoms picnic site and take a short walk into the bottoms on the wooden boardwalk trail that loops back to the picnic area. The site also has a large picnic shelter next to a large pond, where you can enjoy watching ducks and other birds visit the pond in search of food.
$15 - $35 / night
Jackson Falls offers many opportunities for technical climbing and is a beautiful scenic area of the Shawnee National Forest. It is in the general forest area located east of the small town of Ozark, IL. This non-developed area has a small trailhead with a vault toilet. A short trail leads from the trailhead to the top of Jackson Falls. There are high dangerous bluffs in the area, visitors should be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Camping is allowed here at no cost, since this is part of the general forest area and not a developed campground. Access: A narrow gravel road leads to the Jackson Falls Trailhead, but then the road becomes dirt and deadends past the trailhead.
Giant City State Park Campground is a gem nestled near Makanda, IL. This place is a haven for campers who appreciate a mix of comfort and nature. The campground is open all year, so you can enjoy its beauty in any season. With amenities like electric hookups, showers, and toilets, it caters well to both tent and RV campers. Pets are welcome, and you can even enjoy a cold one by the fire since alcohol is allowed.
The campground is known for its well-maintained sites and friendly camp hosts. Visitors often rave about the cleanliness of the facilities, including the fire pits and pit toilets. The park itself is a treasure trove of natural beauty, with several hiking trails that showcase stunning sandstone formations and lush forest scenery. Even in winter, the trails offer a serene and picturesque experience.
One of the highlights of staying here is the Giant City Lodge. It’s a cozy spot with excellent food and panoramic views that make for a memorable dining experience. The family-style fried chicken dinner comes highly recommended.
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the park offers various trails, some of which are perfect for families with young children. The playground and picnic areas add to the family-friendly vibe. If you're into fishing, there's a pond near the primitive camping site.
In summary, Giant City State Park Campground offers a blend of convenience and natural beauty, making it a fantastic spot for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. Whether you're hiking, relaxing by the fire, or exploring the nearby wineries, there's something here for everyone.
Up to 40% offLocated in the Middle of Southern Illinois just Off I-24 it is a great place to stay while you explore all the the Shawnee Forest. From Giant City to Garden of the Gods. The Tunnel Hill bike trail is a half mile away and Cache River is just down the road. We have 60 Full Hook up sites. Large pull through sites up to 120 feet long. We have Shower Houses and Laundry Facilities. Our Campground is Open Year Round.
$40 / night
Trail of Tears State Park Campground, near Jackson, MO, offers a unique camping experience right along the Mississippi River. This place is a gem for those who love a mix of natural beauty and historical significance. The campground is open year-round and features amenities like electric hookups, drinking water, and showers. Pets are welcome, and you can even enjoy a campfire at your site.
One of the standout features here is the unobstructed view of the Mississippi River. It's a fantastic spot for dark sky viewing, so bring your telescope if you're into stargazing. The park also has a scenic overlook and a visitor center with a small museum dedicated to the Trail of Tears Native American tribal migration—definitely worth a visit.
For those who like to stay active, there are some awesome hiking trails and a playground for the kids. If you're into fishing, the river and nearby Lake Boutin offer great opportunities. And speaking of the river, watching the barges go by can be quite mesmerizing.
A few practical tips: you can reserve your spot online up to a year in advance, and there's a senior discount available. Firewood is sold on-site, and there's a coin-operated laundromat about 12 miles away in Jackson. If you need a break from camp food, Tractors Restaurant in Jackson comes highly recommended.
Just a heads-up, the campground is close to a train track, so expect some noise from passing trains. But many campers find it adds to the charm. Overall, Trail of Tears State Park Campground is a fantastic spot for a memorable camping trip.
Turkey Ridge is for campers who want a serene outdoor experience. It is a Class C walk-in campground that includes camp pads, picnic tables, cooking grills and showers. Drinking water and toilets are located near the parking lots.
$18 / night
Bell Smith Springs is one of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. It contains a series of clear, rocky streams and scenic canyons bordered by high sandstone cliffs and an abundance of vegetation unique to Illinois. The trail system consists of eight miles of interconnected trails featuring strange and wonderful rock formations, such as Devil's Backbone, Boulder Falls and a natural rock bridge. Hiking this system of trails is a favorite activity because of the rock features, scenic overlooks, hidden springs and lush flora and fauna.
$15 / night
Deer Ridge campground is a well-shaded Class A facility offering gravel pads with electricity, picnic tables and cooking grills. Drinking water, showers, flush toilets and a sanitary dump station complete the setting for campers who prefer to include a few comforts of home with their outdoor adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cobden, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cobden, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 105 campgrounds and RV parks near Cobden, IL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cobden, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cobden, IL is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cobden, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Cobden, IL.
What parks are near Cobden, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Cobden, IL that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.
