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Nature
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Camping

Established Camping

Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

Backpack Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park is near Goreville, IL, and features forested terrain with rocky outcrops. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Visitors can explore Ferne Clyffe State Park's hiking trails and scenic views, with Lake of Egypt and Shawnee National Forest nearby.

Description

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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Location

Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.534091 N
88.983852 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Fair
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

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.

  • Review photo of Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park by Tye K., August 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park by Tye K., August 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park by Tye K., August 8, 2020
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.

  • Review photo of Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park by Merry L., July 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park by Merry L., July 17, 2020
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.

  • Review photo of Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park by Joel R., April 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park by Joel R., April 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park by Joel R., April 11, 2019
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park does not have wifi.