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Best Dispersed Camping near Cairo, IL

43 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Cairo, Illinois, primarily in the Shawnee National Forest. Trail of Tears State Forest offers primitive sites with basic amenities including porta potties, picnic tables, and fire rings for a nominal $8 nightly fee. The forest provides relative solitude while remaining accessible, located approximately 30 minutes from Cape Girardeau and 15 minutes from Anna.

Jackson Falls provides free dispersed camping with more remote options. The gravel access road contains numerous potholes and becomes challenging when wet, making it unsuitable for RVs or large trailers but passable for standard vehicles in dry conditions. The area features vault toilets but no drinking water. Nearby, Dutchman Lake Camp offers primitive tent sites with lake access, while Donaldson Point Conservation Area in Missouri provides free riverside camping on sandy terrain. Several dispersed sites in Shawnee National Forest are easily accessible from highways, suitable for various vehicle types, and back directly onto open forest. A visitor noted that Jackson Falls offers "private and semi-private dispersed campgrounds that you can drive up to" with "great hiking around the area."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cairo, Illinois (7)

    1. Jackson Falls

    22 Reviews
    Shawnee National Forest, IL
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading. We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible."

    "Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes."

    2. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    $12 - $44 / night

    "This campground is an absolute gem and is by far our favorite in Illinois.Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many"

    "There is a longer wine trail further west in Shawnee National Forest. When I entered Lake Glendale, Cardinal Bay boat launch was the first area I visited."

    3. Dutchman Lake Camp

    4 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    35 miles

    "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"

    "We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."

    4. Trail of Tears State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Jonesboro, IL
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 833-4910

    "Excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude."

    "Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others."

    5. Donaldson Point Conservation Area Camping

    1 Review
    New Madrid, MO
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5730

    "Area was flat and sandy.. very sandy.
    The cons: Trash everywhere Bugs were bad Hard to get down to the water."

    6. Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest

    1 Review
    Grantsburg, IL
    38 miles

    "It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."

    7. Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Goreville, IL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 699-6637
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cairo, IL

12 Photos of 7 Cairo Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cairo, IL

43 Reviews of 7 Cairo Campgrounds

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Jackson Falls

    Popular dispersed camping area

    This is dispersed camping within the Shawnee National Forest. The area can be tricky to find if you are unfamiliar with the area. It can also get very crowded on nice days due to its proximity to the college campus. It is also very popular with rock climbers and people on horseback. I found the trails to be somewhat confusing and not well marked. I was here Easter weekend and the weather was great, so there were a lot of tents set up right near the parking area. If you don’t mind hiking in a bit, peace and quiet can be found.

  • tom L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    Jackson Falls

    Jackson Falls Dispersed

    We run a 28ft RV and we’re able to cross the first water wash without problem. We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading.

    We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible. The further sights will require crossing several wash outs. The terrain is hard rock and any capable 4x4 should be able to navigate to the furthest sight’s. .

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2020

    Jackson Falls

    Waterfalls, hiking, climbing, and FREE camping

    Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes. Most of the routes here are sport routes, though there are a number of trad routes.

    There are primative campsites on both sides of Glen Street Falls Road near the trailhead. You can drive right up and park next to your campsite. If those campsites are full, there are additional campsites further down the road.

    Most campsites have fire rings. There are no picnic tables or campfire grills there. There are also no garbage cans. You must pack out all of your garbage. You also need to bring your own drinking water as there is no fresh water there.

    There's a single outhouse at the trailhead that is well maintained and pretty clean.

  • J K.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    Our IL #1

    This campground is an absolute gem and is by far our favorite in Illinois.Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale. The sites are mostly private and have water hookups as well as electric. A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails. While this campground is certainly off the beaten path it is perfect for those that want to get away and enjoy some quiet time. No reservations though so you’ll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot If you enjoy a very

  • Marta S.
    Jun. 13, 2021

    Jackson Falls

    Unimpressive and crowded

    The campsite is considered to be primitive, which is fine, but it is right along the trail without any cover. All the campsites are one on top of the other without any cover in between or from the trail. They were all taken and incredibly packed during the Memorial Day weekend and honestly seemed very messy and unpleasant. I would not feel comfortable leaving my equipment and gear here unattended at all. I'm not sure if it's any better the further along the trail you go, but the areas we hiked it didn't appear there were additional primitive/dispersed camping spots available other than the ones near the trail head. Also, important to note that there are lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere.

    I have camped in backcountry locations and have done dispersed/primitive camping and enjoy it quite a bit, but I would have been miserable at this location.

  • Matt V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2024

    Jackson Falls

    Love this place!

    This is a spectacular place if you are looking for private and semi-private dispersed campgrounds that you can drive up to. Great hiking around the area. 

    The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy but we had no problem in a 4x4, also saw volvos and subarus do just fine.  Sprinter vans would be fine. Was pretty dry when we visited, could see the road getting a little sketch after big rain.  Definitely not gonna be fun for even small RV's. Tough turnarounds for large trailers or 5th wheels.

  • R
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Jackson Falls

    Great campground

    Off the beaten path and wasn’t sure what to expect but once there it was nice…just a parking lot with a vault lock toilet and a few campsites you see right away… also a few down the path if you want a little remote. The bathroom was stocked with tp but you will want to bring hand sanatizer or water. None available there. Cool views of the Bluffs 1/4 mile down the path and a bridge that would go over a waterfall if it wasn’t so dried up…would probably real pretty to see in the spring. Drove my Hyundai Elantra thru just fine, but it is a rough road and your car will get dirty.

  • Shawn M.
    Sep. 21, 2018

    Jackson Falls

    Gorgeous Winter hiking

    Jackson Falls is popular with climbers and has many marked routes. You are able to camp right along the water near the parking pull out and if you don't mind hikers passing by, it is a beautiful location. We were out in spring after a mid-march snow fall and melt which meant good water. I would love to come back in warmer weather to get wet. I would imagine warmer weather brings crowds.

  • Matthew Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Road trip break

    Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway

Guide to Cairo

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cairo, Illinois, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for tent camping, hiking, and connecting with nature.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Cairo

  • Enjoy fishing and scenic views at Dutchman Lake Camp, which is conveniently located just off the interstate.
  • Explore the rugged terrain and hiking trails at Jackson Falls, known for its beautiful rock formations and secluded spots.
  • Experience the tranquility of the Trail of Tears State Forest, where you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a picnic or a quiet evening by the fire.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Cairo, Illinois

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Lake Glendale Recreation Area

  • Experience well-maintained facilities at Lake Glendale Recreation Area, which offers clean bathrooms and showers for a more comfortable stay.
  • Take advantage of the beautiful sandy beach and water activities available at Lake Glendale, making it a great spot for families and friends.
  • Enjoy the convenience of reservable sites and electric hookups, which can enhance your camping experience while still enjoying the benefits of dispersed camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cairo, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cairo, IL is Jackson Falls with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cairo, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Cairo, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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