Tucked into the sandstone bluff country of southern Illinois, the Group Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park sits within a forested pocket of Johnson County, roughly a mile from Goreville and accessible via unmarked back roads that can disorient first-time visitors. The drive in requires some navigation. Reviewers consistently note that finding the campground takes patience, but the route eventually opens onto a well-organized loop with standard camp pads, picnic tables, and fire pits spaced throughout.
Site layout here is a mixed bag depending on what campers need. The interior sites sit close together, which works well for groups traveling in numbers but offers little separation for those wanting more room. A handful of semi-private sites ring the outer edge of the loop. "Each group of campsites has a water source and outhouse nearby," notes Joy H., and that holds up across other reviews: water spigots and pit toilets are distributed through the campground rather than consolidated in one central spot. Showers are available at the RV area and require a short drive.
The surrounding park gives campers access to hiking trails and sandstone rock formations covered in moss and lichen, a landscape noticeably different from the flat agricultural terrain that dominates much of the region. The Ferne Clyffe State Park Campground and Deer Ridge Campground are both within the park for those who want electrical hookups or a different site configuration. The Group Campground suits parties traveling together who prioritize trail access over site privacy.
Description
Scouts, church groups and other youth groups will enjoy the Youth Group campground. This Class D facility is equipped with drinking water, picnic tables, cooking grills, toilets and parking. Groups of minors must have adequate supervision, with at least one adult accompanying each 15 minors.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGroup Campground is located in Illinois near Goreville
Coordinates
37.541104 N
88.981277 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/28/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/28/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/28/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/28/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/28/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 35 min from Paducah, KY
- 59 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 47 min from Evansville, IN
- 2 hrs 7 min from Owensboro, KY
