Best Campgrounds near Cairo, IL

Cairo is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Cairo is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Cairo, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Cairo, Illinois (89)

    1. Columbus-Belmont State Park

    15 Reviews
    Hickman, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 677-2327

    $22 - $35 / night

    "All of this is well manicured with paved paths connecting it all."

    "A wonderful campground located next to the Mississippi River on a bluff. Paved camping sites with plenty of space. It is very clean and has a playground, bathhouse and washers and dryers for laundry."

    2. Horseshoe Lake Alexander County

    4 Reviews
    Olive Branch, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 776-5689

    "Lake is more of a swamp with cypress trees, very pretty. Showers dated but clean. They are multiple stalls.

    Of note, there is not much around in the way of stores."

    3. Hinton RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Benton, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 471-1457

    "Our only hiccup was we passed it first time driving by so look closely for the entrance. Veterans discount. We would 100% stay again if we needed to."

    "This little RV Park is not far off the highway and it was easy to find. Staff was nice and friendly. Each space has full hookups and its own picnic table."

    4. Shawnee Forest Campground

    33 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."

    "This use to be a golf course and the cart paths are now walking trails. Be careful as the paths are in poor condition with cave ins in some areas and they arent blocked off."

    5. Boomland RV Park & Campground

    1 Review
    Cairo, MO
    13 miles
    +1 (573) 683-6108

    6. Fern Lake Campground and RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Paducah, KY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 444-7939

    $10 - $48 / night

    "Located on the edge of Paducah, Kentucky this is the perfect place to stay if you are going to the quilt shows or visiting the National Quilt Museum."

    "This is a convenient and pleasant campground, just off exit 3 on I24 in Paducah. The staff was friendly and walked us to our site and showed us the hookups."

    7. Bean Ridge Pond Campground

    3 Reviews
    McClure, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    "There are only two camp site at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow."

    8. Willow Springs Campground

    2 Reviews
    McClure, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 382-0359

    $20 - $125 / night

    "Surrounded by greenery, this is the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and reconnect. Book your stay and come back here to leave them some love!"

    9. Fishing Pier

    3 Reviews
    Metropolis, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    "Lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing! Ranger came through and was very friendly & helpful."

    10. General Watkins Conservation Area

    6 Reviews
    Oran, MO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5730

    "There are a couple of loop trails and we walked one of them. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon. The locals use the area for fishing and walking and it was somewhat busy in the afternoon."

    "Sites are only a few miles from our house, we use it to test out new gear (hammocks)

    General Watkins has a good amount of ponds (great fishing) and has a few good walking/ small hiking trails."

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Showing results 1-10 of 89 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cairo, IL

475 Reviews of 89 Cairo Campgrounds



Guide to Cairo

Camping near Cairo, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: Enjoy the scenic trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One visitor said, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter," making it a great spot year-round.
  • Fishing: Head to Hillman Ferry Campground for some fishing fun. A reviewer mentioned, "The site was spacious and clean," perfect for a family fishing trip.
  • Exploring Nature: Check out Jackson Falls for hiking and rock climbing. One camper noted, "Great hiking around the area," highlighting the natural beauty.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Shawnee Forest Campground. A visitor shared, "The bathrooms are very clean and well lit," which is always a plus.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Eureka Campground. One happy camper said, "Most of the water sites were very big, with several being huge," allowing for a comfortable stay.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs. A reviewer expressed, "It was a great spot. Very quiet and peaceful," making it ideal for relaxation.

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Turkey Ridge Campground, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "The campground is basic—there’s an honor box if you don’t pay online."
  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds at popular spots like Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground. One visitor warned, "Very busy on Fridays and weekends," so plan your visit accordingly.
  • No Water Hookups: Many campgrounds, including Bell Smith Springs, do not have potable water on-site. A camper mentioned, "There is some a few miles away," so be prepared to bring your own.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Hillman Ferry Campground, which has a playground. A reviewer said, "We enjoyed the playground and lake," making it great for kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Giant City State Park Campground enjoyed hiking and visiting wineries, saying, "The hiking trails are beautiful, and not too crowded."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at Shawnee Forest Campground mentioned, "The staff are very friendly and helpful," so don’t hesitate to ask for local recommendations.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Canal - Lake Barkley noted, "The sites are gravel, but you do have water and electric hookups," which is essential for RV camping.
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds, like Trail of Tears State Park Campground, have close sites. A camper warned, "Sites that back to the river very close to each other," so plan accordingly.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before you arrive. A reviewer at Turkey Ridge Campground mentioned, "Goreville is a small local town with grocery store and service station for supplies," which is helpful for last-minute needs.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cairo, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cairo, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Cairo, IL and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cairo, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cairo, IL is Columbus-Belmont State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cairo, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Cairo, IL.

What parks are near Cairo, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Cairo, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.