22 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several glamping options surround the Alto Pass region within the scenic Shawnee National Forest area. Giant City State Park Campground in Makanda offers glamping accommodations with electric hookups, picnic tables, and access to clean showers and toilets. One reviewer highlighted, "The campsites were huge. There were trees everywhere which were great for shade and hanging hammocks." Shawnee Forest Campground in Vienna provides comfortable yurt accommodations with full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections. Both locations feature fire rings where guests can enjoy evening campfires under the stars. The accommodations blend outdoor experiences with essential comforts, making them suitable for those seeking canvas tent camping experiences without sacrificing modern amenities.
Visitors to these glamping sites can explore numerous hiking trails that wind through spectacular rock formations and dense forests. Giant City State Park contains several easy-to-moderate trails showcasing sandstone bluffs and unique geological features. According to a camper, "The trails are beautiful, and the lookout tower gives amazing views!" The area boasts proximity to several wineries within short driving distance, making it perfect for those wanting to combine outdoor adventures with wine tasting. During summer months, nearby Lake Glendale offers swimming and kayak rentals. The region's glamping accommodations provide ideal bases for exploring the numerous natural attractions of southern Illinois while returning to comfortable, well-appointed accommodations each evening.
"The picnic tables are old and seem to be spread around as camper are moving them around. The main bathhouse is older, but nice and clean! There is a vault only bathroom at the back of the campground."
"The campsites, fire pits and pit toilets were well maintained. The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter. The Lodge also had excellent food and a very cozy feel."
"Burn pit and cooking grill above the pit at every site I visited. Clean Air condition in the bathroom. Showers work great."
"There is no pool or activities for kids but we went out and explored the area Beautiful walking/bike paths around the property
Hosts were very kind and helpful, we felt very welcomed!"
from $40 / night
Check Availability"We spent 5 nights on Site A5 at Crab Orchard Campground. All sites are FC/FS. Full hookups are in Loop B & it was full. Overall the campground was full but not very many people around."
"This is a quiet family campground, most spots are lake side. Very spacious and lots of trees. First come first serve, and the park was full most of the time we were here."
"You're welcome to at longbranch! Please make your reservations.
Only 16 spots left!"
"South Sandusky is a very nice campground with lots of trees, concrete pad, fire pit, playground, and bathroom facilities."
"many of the site are right on the lake and the sunrise and sunsets are always gorgeous."
from $16 - $28 / night
Check Availability"This is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake."
"South Marcum Campground is a Corp of Engineers campground just of I-57 in southern Illinois with over 100 reservable campsites. Sites have 30 & 50 amp Electric hookups."
from $16 - $44 / night
Check Availability"Decorated for Halloween and very kid friendly. Spots are tight (wouldn't want to be here when the park is full). Nice park for kids, hiking trail and jump pad (trampoline)."
"It isn’t what we’re used to, we usually like more remote, isolated, rugged, off the grid type sites (we had just travelled from Utah where we spent 15 straight days in the desert on the rim of a canyon"
"Electric on most but not all have water. Campfire area and picnic table provided. Bathhouse is clean and park areas are all clean, dump station on site."
"Arrived just as the sun was setting which was beautiful over the lake. We were in Eagle 81. Large wooded site next to the lake."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Yes, there is highway noise. It's a KOA. Convenience of being easy off an interstate has its tradeoffs. That said, excellent staff, clean, professional KOA"
"T-Mobile worked well- issues connecting to site Wi-Fi- staff pleasant- clean- didn’t use showers- small camp store available"
ScoutGary and his family are very polite and very happy to be helpful. Great prices. Burn pit and cooking grill above the pit at every site I visited. Clean Air condition in the bathroom. Showers work great. I stayed here twice, my family and I had a great time and met some really nice people.
TravelerRelatively new. Has great potential. Located in Vienna, IL near Shawnee National Forest. It has 3 fish & release ponds. Sites were a bit hilly which stands to reason since it was converted from a golf course in 2016. Some sites are pretty long. It accommodated our 35ft. MH with attached car. Some sites are close together with very little shade. The campground had lots of open sites during our stay (3rd week in Aug), but during our stay 2 other short stay campers came in & they parked them right next to us. -Full hook ups available -Hosts were very friendly & provided insight to area. -Bath house - provided air conditioning. Although new & spacious there were only 4 in the entire campground & the toilet & shower were in same space. Upon arrival only 1 was open near us. Subsequently the 2nd was closed due to a water valve malfunction & wasn’t re-opened during our stay. My husband likes level sites & facilities he could use. He said he wouldn’t come back any time soon.
TravelerWe spent 5 nights on Site A5 at Crab Orchard Campground. All sites are FC/FS. Full hookups are in Loop B & it was full. Overall the campground was full but not very many people around. Appears many locals take spots on the weekends & then hold onto them during the week. The 2 nearest to us we saw on Sunday (Easter) and the only 1 more time during the 5 days. Someone in one of the sites by the late (A9, A11 or A13 I think) said they saw snakes but we never saw any and our dogs would have noticed.
Showers and restrooms are nice. Ones in Loop A are no new (Loop Bs are new) but still nice. Lots of hot water.
Lots of trails (within 10-30 minute drive). Fishing was good (especially catfish and crappie). Went into Carbondale a few times. Also went South to Alto Pass but wineries all closed on Tuesday; locals told us they are open more hours during summer.
GuideLots of choice camping spots! Serene and private. Beautiful rolling farmland, just minutes from town. They also offer tiny home rentals, yurt-style glamping tents, RV spots with 30 amp, 50 amp and 110 outlets, and The Art Barn for larger groups, retreats or family reunions.
RangerRV or tent, book online at Recreation.Gov not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water. Campfire area and picnic table provided. Bathhouse is clean and park areas are all clean, dump station on site. We will be back and book closer to the lake in a level site.
GuideSouth Sandusky is a very nice campground with lots of trees, concrete pad, fire pit, playground, and bathroom facilities. It is wheelchair accessible and walking distance from the lake where you can swim, fish, boat, go tubing or just walk the trails.
TravelerWe stayed as a larger group on a non-electric site. The sites were sort of close together but the trees still helped provide a sense of privacy. There were clean bathrooms with running water a short walk away, didn’t attempt to use the showers. We could easily walk to the trails and we went fishing in the lake. It was mild and quiet the days we went in Mid-May 2020. 🙂 Beautiful scenery.
LegendWe stayed Easter Weekend here in the campground and had a great time. The campground is clean and maintained. Some sites are gravel and some are asphalt. Not sure if they are upgrading a little at a time?? There are plenty of trees for shade. Some sites are close together and some have more room in between them. The picnic tables are old and seem to be spread around as camper are moving them around. The main bathhouse is older, but nice and clean! There is a vault only bathroom at the back of the campground. No water hook up at each site, only electricity. . While you are here, check out the Lodge for dinner one night and climb to the top of the water tower observation deck for some amazing views! Make the quick drive to Makanda and explore the little hippy town. Don’t forget to take a stroll through the secret garden! . The Giant City Nature Trail and Devils Standtable were really pretty, easy strolls. The Trillium Trail is a little more rugged for those who prefer less crowded, slightly tougher trails.
TravelerWe love tent camping at South Sandusky. many of the site are right on the lake and the sunrise and sunsets are always gorgeous. they have quiet hours from 10-6 and the bathrooms and showers are always really clean (but there are still usually lots of small insects). It’s also just a short drive from the South Sandusky swimming beach. It’s sometimes pretty rocky in the water so we usually wear water shoes. If you camp for the hiking though this isn’t my favorite site. There are lots of bike trails but for just hiking there are much better places.
The Shawnee National Forest region around Alto Pass sits at elevations between 400-800 feet, featuring rolling hills and distinctive sandstone formations. The area experiences humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making spring and fall particularly favorable for camping. While summer temperatures can reach the high 80s with significant humidity, nights often cool to comfortable sleeping temperatures.
Fishing opportunities: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge offers excellent fishing options. "Large sites, lots of room. We camped with several other families and everyone enjoyed this park," notes Joel R. The refuge provides access to Crab Orchard Lake for catfish and crappie fishing.
Climbing routes: Giant City State Park provides rock climbing options for experienced climbers. "For climbers, there is a ton of nearby trad and sport climbing. The main wall stays wet for a while so if it has recently rained you may need to find somewhere else," mentions Josh M.
Winter exploration: The region offers year-round camping opportunities. "We stayed Easter Weekend here in the campground and had a great time. The campground is clean and maintained," notes Shana D. about Giant City State Park. Winter camping provides a different perspective of the forests with leafless trees revealing geological features normally hidden.
Privacy options: South Marcum Campground provides well-spaced sites. "Great camp ground.. 50 amp service, some with water and some with Full hookup... Dump stations are EZ access on the way out," comments Kent F. The campground's layout offers privacy between sites.
Yurt accommodations: Yurt camping near Alto Pass, Illinois offers a comfortable glamping option. Shawnee Forest Campground provides yurt accommodations with modern amenities. "Great little stop, everything is clean and a fresh shower was refreshing," shares Brian F. These sturdy yurt structures combine tent-like simplicity with cabin comforts.
Natural wildlife viewing: The region's campgrounds provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Great place, clean. Lots of deer and turkey!" reports Garrett F. about South Marcum Campground. Early mornings and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing times.
Highway proximity: Some campgrounds are situated near major highways. Perryville RV Resort sits close to Interstate 55. "The highway is also extremely close and can be heard at all times. All in all it's a nice place. We would definitely stop here again if we're ever around. But we wouldn't stay long," explains Jamey W.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences variable weather patterns. "We came down for a spontaneous camping trip to explore SNF and found Giant City to be a great place to stay," shares Sunshine Z. Spring brings frequent rain showers while summer can deliver thunderstorms, so waterproof gear is essential.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "This is your run of the mill campground. Lots of RVs, close sites, not much privacy. That being said there is nothing wrong with it," notes Shelagh R. Weekends from April through October typically require advance reservations, especially for yurt camping in Alto Pass area campgrounds.
Playground access: Gun Creek Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Gun Creek is a great campground with many waterfront sites! It is nicely wooded, with a great boat ramp and boat parking area and close to a nice bike trail," mentions B.K. The campground includes playground equipment suitable for children ages 5-12.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide beach access for families. "We love the large beach. The campsites have a nice set up and are a decent size. The kids loved the playground. There were kids everywhere and everyone was very friendly!" shares Missy D. about South Sandusky Campground.
Educational opportunities: Local campgrounds offer nature learning experiences. "Giant City has great hiking and wildlife viewing," notes Joel R. Ranger programs at visitor centers teach children about local geology and wildlife through interactive activities available May through September.
Leveling challenges: South Sandusky Campground requires preparation for uneven sites. "What a beautiful campground, it's our second time here. Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them," explains Jeff F. Bring extra leveling blocks and wheel chocks for sites near the lake.
Full hookup availability: The region offers varied utility options. "Showers and bathrooms are really nice and clean. In addition to campgrounds, there's a very nice lodge with a good restaurant, and the cabins here are pretty good too," shares Kyle K. Campgrounds with full hookups fill fastest, so book two months ahead for summer weekends.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer accessible options. "South Sandusky is a very nice campground with lots of trees, concrete pad, fire pit, playground, and bathroom facilities. It is wheelchair accessible and walking distance from the lake where you can swim, fish, boat, go tubing or just walk the trails," explains Chrissy W.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Alto Pass, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Alto Pass, IL is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Alto Pass, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 glamping camping locations near Alto Pass, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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