Map showing campground location near Makanda, Illinois

Camper submitted image from Little Grassy Lake Campground

Little Grassy Lake Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Paddlers, anglers, and kayakers have direct water access at Little Grassy Lake Campground, where several sites sit close enough to the shoreline to tie up a canoe overnight. The lake is too small for speedboats, which keeps the water activity focused on fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Boat and kayak rentals are available through the on-site marina, along with a free launch and a general store stocked with bait and basic supplies. A separate beach area, distinct from the marina, gives swimmers their own section of shoreline.

Sites are large and shady, though reviewers consistently note they sit close together with few trees or dividing features between them, so expect a communal atmosphere rather than seclusion. Some sites are on a hill, which can complicate RV parking and leveling. Full hookups with water, electric, and sewer are available, and the campground accommodates rigs up to 90 feet. The bathrooms and showers are centrally located. Brian O. describes them as "spacious and clean with good hot water."

The campground functions well as a base for exploring the southern Illinois region. Giant City State Park is nearby for hiking, and Devils Kitchen Campground sits a few miles east for campers comparing options in the area. The Touch of Nature Education Center is also within a short drive. The season runs April 1 through October 31, with rates from $15 to $35 per night. Reservations are available and pets are welcome.

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Map & DirectionsLittle Grassy Lake Campground is located in Illinois near Makanda

RV Park

Directions

Located just 7 miles south of Carbondale inside Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. From I-57 take 13 west to Giant City Road go south seven miles to Grassy road make a left 2nd road on the right is Hidden Bay Lane. We are at the end of the road.

Address

788 Hidden Bay Lane
Carbondale, IL 62902

Coordinates

37.64400085 N
89.16200036 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+16184576655

Drive Time

51 min from Paducah, KY
57 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
1 hr 54 min from St. Louis, MO
1 hr 56 min from Evansville, IN

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Little Grassy Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Matthew L.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 5, 2023

Great location, good facilities, a little cramped

We loved the location of this campground. It's really close to Giant City State Park and other local attractions. It's not even too far from Cave-in-Rock State Park and Garden of the Gods. I agree with the other reviewer who said this is a great base camp for exploring the area.

The restrooms and showers are pretty centrally located. They were clean but basic. No complaints, but not exactly a standout in that regard.

The sites are kind of close together in my opinion, and most don't have trees or other dividing features between them. Not so great if you want privacy, but fantastic if you like a sense of community.

The staff was very friendly and helpful. Boat rentals are available on site, along with other items in a small general store at the camp office.

We're planning to come back in April of 2024 for the eclipse. Hoping for clear skies and a great view!

Month of VisitAugust

Brian O.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 3, 2022

A great base camp for the area

We've been wanting to explore southern Illinois for a long time, but it's a six hour (min) drive from our home. Our first choice was Giant City state park, but this was recommended to us as a cozier, more manageable alternative. It's close to Giant City so you can take advantage of the trails there and eat at the magnificent old Lodge. The campground is on little Grassy lake, it has a marina with boat rentals of all types and a free launch. The lake is too small for speedboats, and is great for fishing (there's a hatchery with tours close by), canoeing & kayaking. there's also a beach, separate form the marina that's quite nice and secluded. Sites are big and shady. but open to each other. Our host, a fun lady named Turtle, let us take a double site to give us room to spread out.
Our site had a nice firepit slightly downhill with western view of the lake. We were able to tie up our canoe there too. Water & electric are available most sites, with more 50amp sites to be added soon.
Bathrooms and showers are spacious and clean with good hot water.
There's a general store with the usual camp things and fishing supplies at the marina, though there's a great one 9 miles east at Grassy Rd. & Rt 148 with an amazing selection of local snacks, sodas, beer & liquor.
While we enjoyed staying here, we used it as our base camp for the ten days we were there to visit places as far east as Cave In Rock state park, and south to Paducah KY & Metropolis, and all the places in Shawnee national Forest, like Garden of the Gods and the Cache River Bayou (very different canoeing from anywhere else north of Louisiana).
The nearest town is Makanda, voted "Hippiest town in Illinois" cool shops and funky vibe, but very limited hours & services. like, no gas station.

For an activity that's on the unusual side, we recommend Shawnee Canopy zip-line tours.

Site21 A&B

Month of VisitJuly

(6) View All

Kirstin A.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2022

Beautiful lake area!

Great views and lots of waterfront sites. Stayed with family members who have a camper, some sites are on a hill so it makes it difficult to park an RV of camper. Tent sites around too. Lots of boats and fishing.

SiteA21

Month of VisitApril

(5) View All

Joel H.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2020

Nice spot

We stayed in this beautiful park in a travel trailer. The sites were shady and clean. The staff was great and the marina store provided the snacks and bait we needed. We loved the clean beach area. Perfect spot for kayaking. Boats and kayaks were available to rent. We camped at Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina in a Travel Trailer

(7) View All

Nicole L.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2020

Quick weekend trip

Friendly and helpful staff. The lake is quiet and clean. A nice hidden gem located a short drive from beautiful hiking trails. We will definitely be back.

Tina H.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 21, 2019

Great campground

Turtle is great. She runs the campground and loves kids. Campground is on the lake. Has a beach for swimming and you can rent all the fun items like paddle boards, kayaks, and boats.
Some of the sites are a bit close together, would have liked a bit more space but it worked out very well.
Good place to fish.
Shower had hot water!! 😋

Chelsea D.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 6, 2019

A hidden gem in southern IL

A little hilly and the gravel sites are close together, but it has full hookup options, as well as just electric. The marina shop also provides kayak and canoe rentals. Little Grassy is a beautiful lake to explore!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Little Grassy Lake Campground?

Camping at Little Grassy Lake Campground can cost between $15.00 and $35.00 depending on the site.

Does Little Grassy Lake Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Little Grassy Lake Campground has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the elevation of Little Grassy Lake Campground?

Little Grassy Lake Campground is located at 557 feet.

What is the max vehicle length at Little Grassy Lake Campground?

Little Grassy Lake Campground allows vehicles up to 90 feet.

Are fires allowed at Little Grassy Lake Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Little Grassy Lake Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Little Grassy Lake Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Little Grassy Lake Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Little Grassy Lake Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

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