Map showing campground location near Metropolis, Illinois

Camper submitted image from Fort Massac State Park Campground

Fort Massac State Park Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting along the Ohio River at the southern tip of Illinois, Fort Massac State Park Campground gives campers direct access to the water from sites that several reviewers describe as large and mostly shaded. The campground is a short drive from Metropolis, and the paved roads throughout make arrival straightforward, though at least one visitor notes that signage near the entrance can be confusing: the correct entrance is not the one by the fort and visitor center.

Sites here are spaced generously, with both gravel and grass pads available for tents and RVs up to 45 feet. Electric hookups run at 30 and 50 amp, but water and sewer are not available at individual sites. A dump station and water spigots are distributed throughout the park. The bathhouse has been updated to include private bathroom and shower combinations, and a playground has been added in recent years. Reviewers consistently mention that the campground runs quieter than expected, even when busy.

Conditions along the riverbank can vary. After rain, low-lying areas get muddy, and at least one camper noted a strong smell of fish along the shore during their visit. The park also includes two short trails, a museum open on the first Saturday of each month, and a bike trail through the woods. The fort structures sustained damage in 2011 and remained partially fenced off as of some reviews. Reservations are available online but require three days advance notice; walk-in sites are often findable by checking poles for posted reservation tags. Campers wanting a different setup nearby can look at Fern Lake Campground, just across the river in Kentucky.

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Map & DirectionsFort Massac State Park Campground is located in Illinois near Metropolis

Public Campground

Directions

Exit 37 Insterstate I-24 take Rt 45W into Metropolis, approximately 2 miles on left across from Sonic Drive-in, seventh street entrance.

Address

1308 E 5th Street
Metropolis, IL 62960

Coordinates

37.14738201 N
88.71303855 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 16 users
Last on 7/14/26
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 7/14/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 7/14/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

5 min from Paducah, KY
1 hr 17 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
1 hr 27 min from Clarksville, TN
1 hr 57 min from Evansville, IN

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Fort Massac State Park Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the large, shaded sites and beautiful Ohio River views with stunning sunrises. Several guests observed maintenance inconsistencies and muddy conditions during rain, though most found it peaceful and well-equipped.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Thomas J. T.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2023

Nice state park on the OHIO RIVER

Nice little park on the side of a small town in metropolis, Illinois

Site13

Month of VisitJuly

Jennifer J.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2022

Nice campground

This campground is nice and clean. It was pretty busy when we went but still peaceful. Bathrooms are also nice. I will definitely be back!

Month of VisitJune

Cheryl W.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2022

Big rig friendly /Easy access

This state park has large sites. It is easy access from the highway and a nice quiet spot for the night. There is a new bath house with nice, private bathrooms/shower combinations. The roads are paved and some of the sites are gravel. There are 30 and 50 amp sites, no water or sewer at the campsite. However, There is a dump station on site and potable water at spigots throughout the park. There is an on-line reservation system, but you have to make reservations 3 days in advance. We just showed up and the camp host helped us find a site. Other campers showed up late and found their own site. Site reservations are posted on a pole by each site. Find one without a reservation and the site is yours.

There are areas in the park that get pretty muddy when it rains.

There is a nice large area for tent campers.

There is a new playground area for the kiddos.

The campsites are close to the river and has access to the river.

Beware that signage is poor and we had trouble finding the correct entrance, it is NOT the entrance by the fort and visitor center.

Site31

Month of VisitApril

(7) View All

Peter F.

Scout

Reviewed May. 25, 2021

zero maintenance run down smelly

Overwhelming smell of dead fish that are laying aplenty on the shores of Ohio Rv. as there is no staff to clean up. Add to this general malaise of zero maintenance mowing or repairing decrepid sites and you get the picture. Did have 30 amp to drive my AC that covered the sound of the work crew that stared at 7 AM.

Site12

Month of VisitMay

Brenda S.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2018

Very nice. Large sites.

Large mostly shaded sites. Nice visitor center but only the first Saturday each month. Nice bike trail through the woods.

Site46

Month of VisitSeptember

Kim R.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2018

Quiet, spacious, very nice

This this is a great camping area overlooking the Ohio River. The sunrise in the sunsets are absolutely beautiful over the river as they outline the bridge stretching across the river. There is not a lot of barge traffic.

Month of VisitOctober

Shelly S.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2016

All that and Superman too...

Surprisingly quiet surroundings. Well maintained spacious campgrounds for tent and RV. Two short trails and a museum to visit along with some nice views of the Ohio River. One snag, in 2011 the buildings of the fort were damaged and the area is still fenced off awaiting repair. They still have reenactments.

(9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical features can I see while camping at Fort Massac State Park?

The park is home to a historic fort site with significant Revolutionary War and early American history. Visitors can explore a museum that showcases the area's military and cultural heritage. While camping, you can visit the fort grounds, though portions may be under renovation. The park hosts historical reenactments during special events, particularly the annual Fort Massac Encampment. There's also a visitor center with exhibits (open on limited days). Two short trails wind through historically significant areas, and interpretive displays throughout the park provide context about its military importance and role in America's westward expansion.

What amenities are available at Fort Massac State Park Campground?

Fort Massac State Park Campground offers well-maintained, spacious sites for both tents and RVs with 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups (no water or sewer at campsites). The campground features a new bathhouse with private bathroom/shower combinations. Sites are mostly shaded with some on gravel pads. The campground has paved roads throughout, making navigation easy. Other amenities include access to hiking trails, a bike trail through the woods, and beautiful views of the Ohio River. While the campground is clean and peaceful, facilities are basic, so come prepared for a more rustic camping experience.

Where can I find a map of Fort Massac State Park Campground?

You can obtain a map of Fort Massac State Park Campground from the park's visitor center when it's open (typically on the first Saturday of each month). Official maps are also available at the campground entrance or check-in station. For advance planning, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website offers downloadable park maps and campground layouts. Contact the park office directly at (618) 524-4712 to request a map or get the most current information before your visit.

Is Fort Massac State Park Campground close to Metropolis, IL?

Yes, Fort Massac State Park Campground is located right on the edge of Metropolis, Illinois. It's essentially in town, making it extremely convenient for accessing local amenities and attractions. The campground offers a peaceful natural setting despite being so close to the city. Campers enjoy easy highway access, making Fort Massac an excellent stopover or base camp for exploring Metropolis and the surrounding area. The park's position along the Ohio River provides scenic views while still being just minutes from restaurants, shops, and other services in Metropolis.

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