Best Campgrounds near Carbondale, IL

Camping near Carbondale, IL, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. One visitor mentioned, "Easy walking distance to the observation trail that is the highlight of this park."
• Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Gun Creek. A camper noted, "Clean facilities. Self check-in. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food."
• Wildlife Watching: Visit Hawn State Park Campground for a chance to see local wildlife. One reviewer shared, "The park was very clean and family-friendly."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Shawnee Forest Campground. A visitor said, "The camp was clean and well maintained."
• Friendly Staff: Many enjoy the helpfulness of the staff at Giant City State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful."
• Scenic Views: Campers love the views at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs. A reviewer mentioned, "The sites are quite spaced out from each other and are probably the biggest I've seen in Illinois."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jackson Falls, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "No cell service, but I was too busy enjoying being there."
• Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy weekends at places like Hawn State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Too many people, mostly day hikers, mostly parents with loud children."
• Primitive Camping: If you prefer a more rustic experience, Pine Ridge offers primitive sites. A camper shared, "The rustic sites are well spread out so they feel very private."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Shawnee Forest Campground that have amenities for kids. One family said, "It was very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, such as hiking and fishing, to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Giant City State Park Campground mentioned, "We really enjoyed the hikes, seeing the sandstone 'walls' that make the area famous."
• Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids during hikes. One visitor at Hawn State Park Campground noted, "The restrooms and showers are still closed for the season, but there are primitive vault toilets."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites at campgrounds like Gun Creek. A reviewer said, "Not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water."
• Book in Advance: Reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. One camper at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "All campsites are reservable but reserved campsites are not marked on the post when you arrive."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have firewood available. A visitor at Jackson Falls noted, "You will want to bring hand sanitizer or water. None available there."

Camping near Carbondale, IL, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!