Camping opportunities near Cairo, Illinois range from established campgrounds with full hookups to primitive sites in the Shawnee National Forest. The region's mix of wooded areas and lakeside camping provides options across southern Illinois and neighboring Kentucky. Most campgrounds operate year-round with varying amenities depending on seasonal weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Oak Point Campground offers multiple fishing spots on Lake Glendale. "A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails," notes one camper, who adds that sites are "well laid out within the wooded area affording plenty of room, privacy and shade."
Walking trails: Multiple trails surround the campgrounds in this area. At Shawnee Forest Campground, visitors appreciate the accessible paths. "There are paved trails around the large CG area, which made it nice to walk our dogs," mentions one reviewer. Another highlights the "great paved walking trail to stretch our legs and walk the dog."
Boat access: Several campgrounds provide direct water access. Oak Point offers sites where "depending on which site you pick it can be a short walk to the lake and direct put in of your water craft." The lake allows electric motors only, creating "a quiet lake experience."
What campers like
Lake views: Crab Orchard Lake receives praise for its waterfront sites. "The back in site we had overlooked the lake. For the price, you can't beat the view," mentions one reviewer. Another notes it's a "quiet family campground, most spots are lake side."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained amenities. At Giant City State Park Campground, visitors appreciate that "showers/bathrooms are really nice and clean." Another reviewer noted, "The campground is clean and maintained. Some sites are gravel and some are asphalt."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer ample room between sites. Crab Orchard provides "large mostly level spots," while Shawnee Forest Campground offers "big sites for our 40ft fifth wheel" according to a satisfied camper.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: While some campgrounds take advance bookings, others operate on first-come systems. Crab Orchard uses a "first come first serve" policy, and as one camper notes, "Most you can spend here is 14 days, which lots of locals do."
Site conditions: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Shawnee Forest Campground, a camper mentioned, "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps."
Seasonal considerations: While many campgrounds remain open year-round, amenities may change with seasons. A visitor to Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA noted: "We wish the pool had been open…it's still in the process of a renovation."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide play areas for children. Oak Point has "a playground located in the electric area for the kiddos to play in and around."
Beach activities: Lake access points offer swimming opportunities. "We'd seen signs for Shawnee Forest Campground many times as we headed out and back from our St. Louis home base," wrote one camper, noting the campground has "a small lake and two ponds for fishing."
Entertainment options: Cypress Lakes RV Park offers organized activities for children. "Lots of activities for the kids," notes one reviewer, while another mentions it's "more of a fun destination place than an overnight."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground. Giant City State Park has "no water hook up at each site, only electricity," while Oak Point offers "electric sites for $22 and primitive for $12."
Pull-through access: Larger rigs require specific sites. Shawnee Forest Campground has "the gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21," according to one RVer, who added "The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds present access difficulties. At Oak Point, "Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front."
