Hiking to a cave once used by river pirates, fishing the Ohio River shoreline, or simply walking the cliff-face trail that winds above the water, Cave-in-Rock State Park gives campers a concrete reason to seek out this remote corner of southern Illinois. The park sits on a bluff above the Ohio River, and while the campground itself is set back from the water, the cave and river banks are a short walk away. Cell coverage is spotty here, so writing down directions beforehand saves frustration on arrival.
The campground divides into two distinct areas: an RV loop with electric, water, and sewer hookups spread across a hilly, wooded landscape, and a primitive tent area up a separate hill farther back in the trees. Sites in both sections are spaced generously. As Kate B. puts it, "not super private but never that busy either," which holds especially true on weekdays and in the shoulder seasons, when some campers report having the campground nearly to themselves. The bathhouse has hot water and free showers, though reviewers note the drainage runs poorly and a loud generator serves the facility.
The cave itself, a short walk from camp, has a documented history as a hideout for river pirates and is the park's main draw. A two-mile loop trail connects the campground to the lodge, follows the cliff face, and descends to the cave. The lodge has a restaurant and bar on-site. Firewood and ice are not available within the park, so stocking up before arrival matters. Verizon users have reported three bars of service in camp, though other carriers may vary.
Access from the Kentucky side involves a ferry crossing of the Ohio River, which can have a wait on busy weekends. Gas up before heading into the area, as services are limited. Electric sites run $20 a night, a rate that multiple reviewers flag as reasonable for a full-hookup state park site. Reservations are available, and the park accepts pets. Tower Rock Campground a few miles to the west and Camp Cadiz Campground to the northwest offer alternatives for campers looking to explore more of the Shawnee region.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCave-in-Rock State Park is located in Illinois near Cave-In-Rock
Directions
To reach the park from the northern parts of Illinois, proceed south on I-57 exiting at Marion, IL, on highway 13 east. Go east through Marion and Harrisburg to the intersection of Illinois 1 and 13. Turn south 22 miles on highway 1 to Cave-in-Rock State Park. From the south, take highway 90 from Marion, KY., and cross the Cave-in-Rock ferry and follow directional signs to the park entrance. From the southeast take I-24 west from the I-24 bridge to exit #16, then go 38 miles east on Illinois highway 146 to the park. From Southern Indiana, proceed through Evansville, IN traveling West on highway 62 and Illinois highway 141 to Illinois Rt. 1, then go south 36 miles to Cave-in-Rock State Park.
Coordinates
37.4676157 N
88.16180718 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/1/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 23 min from Evansville, IN
- 1 hr 34 min from Clarksville, TN
- 1 hr 36 min from Owensboro, KY
