Pharaoh - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground, near Herod, Illinois, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, making it a versatile choice for different camping styles.

The area is known for its stunning views and well-maintained trails, with easy access to the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail, which is a must-see. Visitors rave about the clean campsites and the peaceful atmosphere, with one camper noting, “We loved our stay here... the peace, the views, the trees, the seclusion.” 

Amenities include drinking water and picnic tables, and while there are no showers or electric hookups, the campground is pet-friendly and allows campfires, which adds to the cozy vibe. Some campers have mentioned that the sites can be a bit close together, but the overall experience is enhanced by the beautiful surroundings and the opportunity for hiking and exploration.

Located in Shawnee National Forest, this campground is a great base for outdoor activities. Whether you're hiking the trails or just soaking in the views, Pharaoh Campground is a solid choice for a memorable camping experience.

One of the most photographed locations in the state, Garden of the Gods' scenic beauty is extraordinary. In the recreation area you can hike, camp, nature watch or picnic.

The Observation Trail features unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness. Interpretive signs explain the geological history. The 1/4-mile trail is made of natural sandstone and takes about an hour to walk. It contains short, steep grades and steps; benches are located along the trail and as a whole the trail is not tiring. Caution should be used due to the high cliffs in the area.  

Overnight parking allowed at Backpacker's Parking Lot only (Indian Point Trailhead).
Pets are allowed only on a leash.
Picnic areas and Observation Trail are open 6am-10pm.
Use trash receptacles where available. Pack It In, Pack It Out while on trails.
Camp only at designated sites in the campground.
Disposable food and beverage containers are not permitted on the Observation Trail.
Stay on the designated trail and leave the beauty of the rocks and plants for others to enjoy.

Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

Join the fun near Karbers Ridge. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Illinois camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Karbers Ridge, IL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Karbers Ridge

The Best Camping Near Karbers Ridge, Illinois

We camped in the backcountry along the River to River trail adjacent to Garden of the Gods.  The camping area we found was great, about 7 miles down the River to River trail, but there was poison ivy everywhere along the trail which made for a stressful hike, trying to keep ourselves on the trail without rubbing against the poison ivy. The scenery was beautiful but we had a hard time enjoying it as much as we'd like.  This was over 4th of July weekend.  Next time we'll try to go early in the year, before it's so thick.

Good rustic campsites, but lots of poison ivy

This place has just a few sites - 12 - which are all primitive. There are bathrooms and fire pits. 
It's a fun place to go with a family since the hiking isn't too strenuous and is short. It's a pretty flat hike too. I recommend fall season so you can see the fall colors, which are everywhere on the trail. If it's been raining, bring some hiking footwear you don't mind getting dirty. 

BONUS: 
Spoke with some locals in the town and they told me of some really cool hiking around the area. More exploring and rock formations. It's a hiking trail called Panther Den Loop Trail. It is nearby and connects with the River to River Trail. See the photo captions to know which trail from this campsite I was on, as I hiked both near the campsite and at the Panther Den Loop Trail. 

Nice Fall hiking with bonus GREAT hiking! 

The formations are amazing!! We love to hike here in the fall when it's cooler outside and when the leaves are changing it's absolutely beautiful. The views are some of the best around.  Nice campground, that is clean and true to outdoor camping. 

Hikers paradise

Love this area for day visits, thru hiking and horseback riding. The rock formation are awesome and the scenery beautiful. This was my kids favorite weekend trip. River to river trail and primitive hiking as well as a huge horse back get together in the fall

Beware the rocks!

We made a goal to visit every nation forest, park, monument, including all the state ones as well. I'm so glad we did or we would have just skipped over this place and missed the beauty that is the garden of the gods. It has a very goblin valley/arches vibe to it minus the red rock. Pharaoh's was super close to everything we wanted to see and made a great home base. It's very minimal with fire pits and pit bathrooms being the only amenities but we didn't mind at all.  Shawnee national forest is so gorgeous. I'm really happy we made the decision to check it out.

Stayed at Pharaoh campground

Primative camping at its best. This is heavily used in the summer and early fall. Picnic tables and fire rings, vault toilets. Go in the off season and you will have plenty of privacy. Fairly level tent sites , some with nice trees for hammocks. Close to Little Grand Canyon, a really neat natural bridge, and Illinois wineries. 

Garden of the Gods 

I have been coming to this place every year since my first year of college. The views are amazing and the campsites for backpackers is the place to be. I think it's a little unknown to most that there are better campsites you just have to pack in for them. There is always something new to discover. I have been coming out for 15 years now and this last year my cousin and I found a new campsite with an uninterrupted view and far away from the crowds. What an amazing place to be. 

Heaven on Earth

This place is amazing in every season but fall provides the most colorful scenery. Campground is small and the area sees a decent amount of visitors even if they aren't camping. There is water, plenty of downed wood, and many hikes within a short drive. I would be nervous to bring small children because of the sheer drop of almost every side.

Amazing views

Wow this recreation area is very well maintained. I chose to backpack camp here overlooking one of the scenic overlooks. There is a lot to see and do here. Kid friendly and meant to take the whole family on a great trip!

The garden is real! 

The campground is right next to the main garden but so much to see in the area!! Sites are cliff side so be aware..My family of 5 stayed 2 nights. Pit toilets were well maintained, fire rings provided and nicely kept grounds with observed quiet times made for a fantastic stay!!

Amazing geological area!!

Campsites are standard with a table and fire pit. Pay on the honor system in a cash box, 5 or 10$ I believe. Raccoons will inspect your stuff at night so pack up those snacks!! We also ventured out on the trail for 2 days and camped in some clearings which was a blast! It was toasty hiking through the muggy woods but the cliffs and clearings provided a breeze that made it easy.

Beautiful views and easy camping

The site is your standard plot with a table and fire pit. You pay in a cash box on the honor system. Be sure to hide tour food at night as raccoons are guaranteed to inspect them! We ventured out on the trail one night and camped in a clearing on a bluff overlooking the forest. Absolutely stunning!

Great views and easy camping

Great hiking, there are plenty of spots to take in scenic views! Garden of the Gods will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the first place my boyfriend and I hiked together.

Romantic

Me and my kids used to camp at **Pharaoh Campground and Picnic Area** at _Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest._

It hasn’t changed much, one good change is it is better maintained then in the 90’s when we used to visit. Back then you had to check the sites for drug paraphernalia before letting the kids out of the car. 

A few other changes I noted were the cool barcodes to scan that give you interesting information about the area. Of course you don’t get much signal soooo. 

Then there’s the bike parking area and renovated latrines. Otherwise the really cool rocks haven’t changed much, left there from an inland sea. Very awesome views. 

The sites to choose from are cliff side ( don’t wonder around in the dark) and the inner area. Good space between sites and several secluded ones to choose from. There were several trails into the woods that take you to more rock formations, just watch your footing. Bring cash to pay and get your fuel and food before you drive out here. Quiet, relaxing and just plain meditation/yoga/koombyya ready!

It was an easy walk down through the picnic area to the trail at the main attraction. Then there’s the trail, River to River that runs through the area. There is a horse preparation area right by the main parking lot that has direct access to the trail. 

The picnic area had a pit toilet, pavilion and several tables set in the shade on top of a short ride with parking.

New improved

**Garden of the Gods** in _Shawnee National Forest_, Il used to be a favorite of my kids. They would climb all over the rock formations trying to catch lizards, stressing me out continually with their acrobatic antics. 

Visiting these days is definitely less stressful but just as enjoyable. The view is extraordinary and the geological wonders are very cool. The pathway is still the original stonework done by the CCC in addition there are modern day improvements most notably being the barcode information signs. Then there is the bike parking and the new toilet facilities. 

Pharaoh Campground has improved immeasurably from the 90’s when I would make the kids stay in the car until I checked the campsite for drug paraphernalia. The campground is very well maintained and you have the choice of camping near other people or picking a more secluded site.

Garden of the Gods Wilderness offers not only a challenging hike but a lot of scenery along the way. It’s part of the River to River trail and horse riders use the same trails in the GOG area. 

We took the time to walk the rock formations and explore down the path a ways. Interesting history and awesome area. I never get tired of checking out the views.

Yonder

This is a very nice clean park. Enjoy hiking and climbing on all of the rock formations and the stunning view. Wasn't too busy but we were there on a Monday mid-afternoon.

Stunning Day Hike

bring you climbing shoes and crash pad if you’re into it, and definitely some binoculars and a bird-book. this park has amazing views and incredible sunsets, but also a wide range of different birds and animals running around. We even had birds diving around us on the rock edges with a bird-calling app. The campground is right next to a great hike and climb area, so you really feel like you‘re camping somewhere special. 

Views, climbing, and wildlife!

My daughter and I decided on an impromptu weekend camping/hiking trip coming from Western Kentucky. The weather was great, location amazing and scenes are breathtaking. The area was mildly populated so we had time to take pictures without being rushed.  We camped at the camp sites right down the road which was very clean and well-kept. (The outhouses could use cleaning a little more often though).  The hike was very easy and we recommend a sunset hike. This a very short hike so you can squeeze in several short ones in a day. 
The site is first come first serve and self-pay ($10 p/night).  There are only 12 sites total   The sites fill up quickly and we were very lucky to find one. It is considered primitive camping so no bathhouse. There is a little tradepost about 10 mins down the road if you happen to forget something. We will definitely come back again. There was so much more to do. 

Short trip with Big Rewards

Great trails within walking distance. One of the most clear and closest to the sky areas in the midwest for sky gazing. The camp sites are nicely sized. Placed in the middle of Shawnee National Forest with plenty of trails, horseback riding, and swimming in a quick drive. Well worth the trip.

Garden of the God's Recreation area

We did not camp here though I wish we did. We did a lot of hiking all around Shawnee but this is by far favorite spot in Illinois!

Best view in illinois

We almost had the entire campground to ourselves! We got there and got the best lot with a great backyard view. Garden of the gods was right around the corner and saw one of the best sunsets even though it was slightly cloudy. Would definitely recommend it!

A little slice of heaven

Garden of the Gods is a wonder to behold... especially if you are wondering how this could possibly be in Illinois. The Shawnee National Forest is a geological paradise that remains somewhat off most people's radar (luckily). Garden of the Gods may be considered its crowned jewel, which does cause it to attract a lot of visitors. The campground is small and basic with pit toilets. Campground is clean and with friendly staff but the real campsites are those that you hike into. There is nothing better than hiking in and stumbling onto a perfect cliff overhang that you can call home for the night. The hiking and views are well worth the trip, just watch your footing on some of those cliffs.

Are we in Illinois?

Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US. Garden of The Gods in Illinois is a beautiful area and great for relaxing, hiking, sightseeing, campings, and picnicking. Great for a day trip or extended stay while exploring the lands between the mighty rivers.


Wrong Garden.

My family and I camped here for the night and it was great.  Very clean, and well maintained. The bathrooms are on close proximity to the sites.  Only downside is that there are only 12 sites, and they are first come, first serve... so you might want to have a second option on a weekend.    

Great site!

This camping spot is just down the road from Southern IL’s Garden Of the Gods. There were 12 camping areas. Plenty of room and trees for tents and hammocks. Also, there is a good amount of shade so if you tent in the right spot you don’t wake up roasting from the sun. The campsites have a lot of room so your neighbors don’t seem like they are on top of your site. The spots include a picnic table, hanging poles for trash or lantern, and a fire pit with movable built-in grill. The area is very wooded so unless the ground is wet you can find lots of firewood. There is a drinking water pump at the entrance of the campsite but it’s pretty chlorinated. There is no shower or running water and the toilets are pit style; but there are toilets. I don’t know if other sites had this but ours had 2 trails leading right out of the woods. Great for close to home hiking.

P.S. Beware of tailless raccoon at site 12 that likes to steal Doritos.

Great little spot!

We showed up at 4:00 and had a selection of about 6 spots.. the rest filled up shortly after. It’s no surprise this place is beautiful. If you can watch the sunset from the observation trail DO IT you won’t regret it!!

Love love love

10/10 would recommend.  Super nice and convenient camp sights &amp; not a far walk to the sight seeing location!  

Awesome camp grounds & view!

A lot of good hiking and the view is great

Good times

It is so beautiful here but if you need an actual bathroom, the pits were so gross this last trip.  You can’t beat these views!  One of the prettiest in Shawnee Forest in my opinion.

You can’t beat the natural beauty here

We did a quick day hike and really enjoyed the trails!   Several options for beginners and experienced hikers.   For the beginners, bring water and a map!

Great day hikes and options for overnight !

Great camping, limited facilities, no showers within 10 miles. Awesome views.

Very nice 

My friend and I went there one summer and had the best time of our life 

I really like this little campground. The sites area  bit close together, and popups are probably the only camper that can fit comfortably. This campground is very close to the Observation Trail where you can view Camel Rock. There is no electricity at this campground, and sometimes people bring very loud generators, and there isn't much that can be done about that. But it's usually pretty busy with tent-campers. This is one of the locations on the Forest that fills up more often than other campgrounds, especially on holiday weekends.

Pharaoh Campground provides easy access to view Camel Rock 

The campground is fabulous.

 Unfortunately this website is showing the wrong Garden of the Gods in the photos. These photos are representing  Garden of the Gods in Colorado not Illinois. This could cause a serious problem

You’re advertising the wrong location 

Spectacular, outstanding views, ancient cliff formations I love this place. They have camping, i think just tents though.

I’ll tell y’all, the beauty of this place, just amazing how god has created this outstanding  and magnificent place. 

Garden of the gods 

I feel like the Garden of the Gods Campground website is deceitful. Their pictures do not accurately reflect the campground experience. If you are ok with living like a sardine during your stay, this is a great base location for site seeing.


Nice 

This place really is "Of the Gods".  The Geological formations are very majestic.  It is so different from the rest of the state of IL.  AMAZING place to visit.  

Please be careful if you bring children or those that like to wander.  It is can be dangerous if one goes without caution.  I'm pretty sure this is the kind of place where the phrase "slipped through the cracks" was coined.  There are many cracks and various rocks that someone can slip on or through or fall off of, so be careful.  

Some of the most incredible scenery ever and the trails allow access to everything.  I am ready to go back, it is so beautiful.

Majestic Landscape of Geological Formations 

Basic car camping campsites with a picnic table, fire ring and a food pole at each site. The sites were clean the night I was there but the water seems to have been already turned off for the season (late October). There are vault style outhouses and an honor system check in box $15/night. The best part of this campsite is it’s a 5-10 minute walk to main trail/recreation area as well as the various other trails in the area.

Basic campsite in a great location

RVs, tents, hammocks, teardrops, and camper vans are all great here.

Just be warned that there aren't many lots and they fill up fast, especially Friday through Sunday, especially in the autumn as the leaves are changing. 

And if it's unseasonably warm in October, don't bother coming out. Dayhikers clutter the parking spots so badly overnighters risk car accidents trying to get in or out. Lots of kids and Karens.

Great for all kinds, except weekenders

If you’re looking for a fun place to hike this is it. Lots of trails, old and new, with unique rock formations that you will love climbing through, around and over. There are also trailhead lots you can camp in for free if you prefer and have the items necessary. Watch for snakes, stumbled across a few danger noodles ourselves!

Remote with lots of Trails

I arrived on Friday around 2:30pm hoping to get a spot but unfortunately, all spots were already taken (about 10-12). The vault toilet looked decently clean and all sites had a nice fire ring, picnic table and hanging hooks. Some sites were closer together than others but would work for a night or two to enjoy the beauty around!  Little picnic area just around the corner and about .5 from several awesome hikes!  

Nice little campground 

Not big by any means but we'll kept and cozy. Primitive with water and restrooms. Worth the stay for thise wanting a small area and tent camp. 

Plenty of hiking trails with a lot of information about the area. Pretty close to convenience stores for your needs. 

Very nice hilltop camp. 

Many different experiences available so decide what you are looking for. The parking lot is marked as backpacking parking. We headed down Indian Point Trail and within 50 yards or so we came upon the first site. An offshoot trail headed off to the right and ended at a nice campsite with a set fire circle. If you are looking for something close to the car this is perfect. We kept going and found others close by. If you can keep going further. About halfway around the loop trail we found some wonderful campsites. One was nicely tucked atop the cliff with a perfect view. A group of young campers grabbed the furthest site. It was also on the cliff but the trail went right thru it. A small trail headed in and ended in a nice clearing providing room to stretch out your group. The crowds at the Garden of the Gods main parking didn’t make their way onto this trail so traffic was light. This is a great option if you are willing to hike in.

Backpacking camping along Indian Point Trail

This campground is a small loop with sites on both sides. You pass a public picnic area on the way in. This was packed when we went. The sites were a bit too close to each other for us. Our dog needs more vegetation to mask other camper distractions. The campground is beautiful though. The main draw for us was being able to walk to the Garden of the Gods trail. The views are refreshing. The rock formations are intriguing. The trail is only 1/4 mile or so but we spent quite some time mesmerized by the unique patterns and formations. Signs gave some education but our minds expanded more by imagining how they could have been formed. This is a popular place and we did come across plenty of dogs checking things out with their humans. The big draw for this campground has to be the closeness to the trails and views.

So close to hiking but close to each other in the sites

Good

I stayed Thursday-Sunday. Very peaceful and clean. Very well maintained. Even the pit toliets are nicely stocked with toliet paper. Love the tall trees and that it's down the road from Garden of the Gods trails/ observation trail. Great for tents and Hammocks.

Peaceful Place

Loved it. Visit all the time.  Plenty of hiking, trails.  Places with amazing views

Camping

This place has been on our bucket list for a few years. We didn't get to camp there, but hiked a couple of the trails. It's definitely worth the visit!

The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail was a short, easy hike with some amazing scenic views.

The wilderness has several other hikes, but we also ended up doing the Indian Point Loop Trail. This one still had great views and lots to explore, but was way more private and peaceful. We saw only one other group the whole time we were out there.

I would definitely recommend both!

Hiker passing through

We loved our stay here.  The trails, the clean campsites, the peace, the views, the trees, the seclusion.  It is one of, if not our favorite places to camp now.  We hadn't even left and were discussing returning.  

  

There is no potable water on site.  That would be my only complaint.  There is some a few miles away, but other than that, there is not a single thing I would change about this campground.  Well worth the drive from nearly anywhere in my opinion.

Near perfect for our family...

Hammock friendly established campsites, which are rare for IL, also accommodating for tents, campers, and RVs.

Water pump tastes pretty good, no electricity hook up, bathrooms are usually pretty clean and are emptied regularly, decent cell phone signal.

Very busy on Fridays and weekends. Too many people, mostly day hikers, mostly parents with loud children, who have no concern for nature. They park wherever they can squeeze their car, even if it's obstructing your campsite; they leave garbage and waste everywhere.

Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday (except during spring break and holiday weekends) in spring and autumn (when the air is getting colder). The bluffs are treacherous after rainfall, but the views are more stunning and your more likely to have them to yourself.

Too Busy for 5 Stars

Visited in the first half of March, so yes it was cold, and rain one of the nights, which I'm sure contributed a lot to there being only maybe five campsites occupied. Camp area was clean of trash and obstacles. Ground around spots is mostly pine needles and cones, not grass. Lots are close to level, minimal leveling blocks needed. Easy walking distance to the observation trail that is the highlight of this park. $10 per night fee is done via honor system dropbox at entrance to campground. 

Photos of Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

Real photos from real campers