This free US Forest Service campground requires a drive down approximately four miles of gravel road through Shawnee National Forest, with overhanging branches that pose challenges for taller RVs above 11 feet. The dispersed sites spread along the Big Muddy River and adjacent lake, offering both sunny and shaded options with picnic tables, fire pits, and lantern hangers.
Sites near the water provide direct access for fishing and boat launching, though they offer little privacy between campers. "Grabbed a site on the water and listened to the Canada geese honking," reports Cindy P.. Several sites can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet, while walk-in options work for tent campers seeking spots with trees for hammock setup. The single porta-potty serves the entire campground.
Fishing draws many visitors to the Big Muddy River and lake, with campers reporting fish jumping throughout the night. The area supports diverse bird life including egrets and Canada geese. Some sites offer tetherball for entertainment. Cell service varies by carrier, with Verizon providing stronger signals than T-Mobile, though speeds remain limited for data-heavy activities.
Access conditions depend on recent weather, as the gravel road can develop rough spots. The campground typically sees moderate use, with weekend arrivals finding about half the sites available during peak seasons. Volunteer hosts help maintain the area. Campers seeking additional options in the region can explore campgrounds around Gorham or visit nearby Devils Backbone Park. Plan for slow travel on the access road and bring fresh water, as no spigots are available on-site.
Description
Turkey Bayou Campground
Located in Oakwood Bottoms, Turkey Bayou Campground is a great location outdoor activities including waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, trapping, fishing, nature watching and bird watching. The campground is next to a 20-acre lake on the Big Muddy River with close proximity to the Big Muddy boat launch and the Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir. There is no charge for camping at Turkey Bayou, but there is a 14-day maximum stay. The campground does not have water or toilets. The site frequently floods during heavy rain periods.
Our partner, Friends of Turkey Bayou helps maintain Turkey Bayou Campground.
A favorite with waterfowl hunters, Oakwood Bottoms offers so much more from excellent bird watching to fishing opportunities and primitive camping at Turkey Bayou Campground. Picnic with your family or youth group at Oakwood Bottoms picnic site and take a short walk into the bottoms on the wooden boardwalk trail that loops back to the picnic area. The site also has a large picnic shelter next to a large pond, where you can enjoy watching ducks and other birds visit the pond in search of food.
Fee Info
Free - first come first served
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingTurkey Bayou Campground is located in Illinois
Directions
From Murphysboro: Take Highway 149 west 7 miles to Highway 3; then south 5.5 miles on Hwy 3 to Oakwood Bottoms Road. Turn east (left) onto Oakwood Bottoms Rd. and continue 4 miles to the campground. From Jonesboro: Take Highway 146 west 8 miles to Highway 3, then north 8 miles on Hwy 3 to Oakwood Bottoms Road. Turn east (right) onto Oakwood Bottoms Rd. and continue 4 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
37.68475068 N
89.41091197 W
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 4/27/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/27/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/27/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 4/27/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/27/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/27/26
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
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Turkey Bayou Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 47 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 27 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 51 min from St. Louis, MO
- 2 hrs 25 min from Evansville, IN


















