Established Camping

Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

3 Reviews

About

State Park

Backpackers enjoying their commune with nature will appreciate the solitude of the individual campsites in the Class C Backpack campground. Located a half-mile from the Turkey Ridge primitive campground parking lot, these woodland sites have cooking grills, toilets and showers. Water and trash receptacles are available at the Turkey Ridge parking lot. You're reminded to be careful with your fires and to pack out what you pack in.

Reservation Info

Sites in the Deer Ridge, Turkey Ridge and Youth Group campgrounds do not require advance reservations. Backpackers and horseback riders should, however, make advance arrangements through the park office.

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Trash
Phone Service
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

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Tye K.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2020

Just an easy going stay

Not a lot of tent sites, but enough. Nice wooded primitive sites with easy access to water and toilets. Had my pups with, and no problems at all. Nice trails for different hiking skill sets. Only issue I found at all was firewood is surprisingly difficult to come by.

Merry L.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2020

One of my favorites!

I love Ferne Clyffe State Park - the walk up primitive sites are secluded, wooded, and within a pit toilet and water source. Make sure you take time to explore the waterfall and other short trails nearby.

Joel R.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 11, 2019

Rock climbing and backpacking

Ferne Clyffe State Park is in the Shawnee National Forrest near Goreville, IL., south of Carbondale. There are several limestone bluffs, great for climbing, naturally forested woodlands, cliff caves, and several small waterfalls. There are several campgrounds: modern, primitive, youth groups, backpack or equestrian. Shower facilities are available at some campgrounds. Some campsites can be reserved online at www.reserveamerica.com

There are also equestrian trails, hiking, and fishing.