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Camping near Bargerville, IL

3 campgrounds with availability this weekend

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    Campgrounds near Bargerville range from developed sites with electric hookups and cabin accommodations to primitive tent camping in forested areas along southern Illinois lakes. Giant City State Park Campground and Crab Orchard Lake Campground provide developed sites for tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. The Shawnee National Forest region contains multiple mixed-use campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites to those with electric hookups, showers, and sanitary facilities. Most campgrounds in the area maintain proximity to water features, including Rend Lake, Little Grassy Lake, and Crab Orchard Lake.

    Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with many facilities operating from April through October. "This is a great little campground with a fishing lake. Sites are gravel but well maintained. Sites are fairly close with most shaded," noted one visitor about Randolph County State Recreation Area. Road access varies across the region, with some campgrounds requiring navigation on gravel roads or through rural areas with limited services. Water levels at lake-based campgrounds fluctuate seasonally, potentially affecting shoreline sites and boat launch accessibility. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the deeper sections of Shawnee National Forest, where terrain creates coverage gaps.

    Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with lakeside sites at South Sandusky Campground and Little Grassy Lake Campground highlighted for their scenic views and direct water access. A camper described Little Grassy Lake Campground as "a great base camp for the area" with "big and shady" sites and good amenities. The region's developed campgrounds typically feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathrooms, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area's mixed-use campgrounds, with hiking trails connecting many sites to natural features like rock formations, waterfalls, and forest stands. Several reviewers mentioned the area's unique geology, noting that parts of southern Illinois feature terrain more reminiscent of mountainous regions than typical Midwestern landscapes. Campers searching for the best camping near Bargerville will find a wide spectrum of sites suited to tent campers, RV travelers, and cabin guests alike.

    Best Campgrounds near Bargerville (114)

      1. Giant City State Park Campground

      4.2(26)13mi from BargervilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here."

      "Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.
      All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information."

      2. Crab Orchard Lake Campground

      4.5(13)3mi from BargervilleRVs, Tents

      "Wthat a nice find in southern Illinois just outside of Marion. Very big roomy and grassy sites. Some right on the lake shore."

      "Getting there: Easy access off Illinois 13 East of Carbondale  Check in and staff: Campground is now under the egis of recreation.gov& reservations through them are a must."

      from $10 - $25 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

      4.7(7)3mi from BargervilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "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."

      4. Marion Campground & RV Park

      3.7(7)7mi from BargervilleRVs

      "Little swings for the littles and lots of room to walk your dog.."

      from $40 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Little Grassy Lake Campground

      4.6(7)9mi from BargervilleRVs, Tents

      "We've been wanting to explore southern Illinois for a long time, but it's a six hour (min)  drive from our home."

      "The lake is quiet and clean. A nice hidden gem located a short drive from beautiful hiking trails. We will definitely be back."

      from $15 - $35 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      4.3(16)16mi from BargervilleRVs, Tents

      "Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."

      "Dog friendly, pretty well spaced out campsites but some are used as paths with to get to farther back campsites. Good set up, not too close to neighbors and it’s heavily wooded in between."

      7. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      4.3(16)17mi from BargervilleTents

      "Had very nice trails, very clean. Forest is beautiful. We camped at the primitive area spot 11. Spots are pretty dam close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to."

      "Great campground away from roads and noise. Goreville is small local town with grocery store and service station for supplies. South LOOP sites 1-23 are first come sites."

      from $18 / night

      Check Availability

      8. South Sandusky Campground

      4.7(19)19mi from Bargerville128 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing."

      "Well maintained on beautiful Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Reservations accepted on reservation.gov. Walk ins also welcome."

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $16 - $28 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Arrowhead Lake Campground

      4.7(6)10mi from BargervilleRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Very clean, level sites, large lake with a well maintained walking trail. Lake side sites, wooded sites and regular sites in the middle. Water, 30 and 50 amp, shower house, small laundry facility."

      "The grounds were nice, we walked a nature trail and down by the lake. There were ducks and geese, and it was a lovely reprieve from our travels to walk along the edges of the lake."

      10. South Marcum Campground

      4.6(21)20mi from Bargerville160 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake."

      "They're very close to the Illinois state fair grounds. There are tent sites as well as RV sites that are very close to the lake."

      Available this weekend

      from $16 - $44 / night

      4 Sites Available

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    Recent Reviews near Bargerville, IL

    706 Reviews of 114 Bargerville Campgrounds

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 30, 2026

      Whittington Woods Campground

      Decent Campground

      We had never stayed at Whittington Woods, but several of our camping friends have stayed here over the years while traveling through the area. At a recent RV open house, we talked with the campground (CG) owners and decided to switch our reservation from another private CG to Whittington Woods to check it out. The owners suggested sites 92 or 97, and we were able to reserve back-in site 92 with FHUs for our two-night stay. Site 92 is one of the better sites, with a large yard and good separation from neighboring sites. The CG was easy to find off I-57—follow your GPS or the signs. Check-in was quick, and we were escorted to our site. Unfortunately, one of the CG’s regular guests had set up in our reserved site 92 instead of site 93. After a brief discussion between our owner/escort and the guest, moving him was clearly not going to be a quick process. We were offered a couple of other available sites and decided to take site 93. Site 93 was a significant downgrade, with only a sliver of yard and very little separation from site 94. The sewer and electrical connections are near the center of the gravel pad, while the electrical breaker is on the opposite side of site 94. The water connection is at the very back, requiring more than 30 feet of hose for our rig. The owners were very nice, probably too nice when dealing with their“regulars,” and made the situation more tolerable by giving us a good discount for site 93. We received two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. We normally get good performance from our T-Mobile internet with two bars, but download speed was only 41.2 Mbps. The CG Wi-Fi was better at 69.3 Mbps download. There are a lot of mature trees, so satellite/Starlink reception could be iffy depending on the site. The CG is conveniently located near I-57 and right off IL-37, although there was quite a bit of highway noise that was manageable for us. The property provides plenty of room for walking, especially with a dog, and has a decent-sized dog park. There are quite a few full-timers and regulars, with some keeping their sites well maintained and others not so much. We also saw some of the same latitude given to“regulars” when it came to keeping dogs on a leash and picking up after them. They have 5 pull throughs that are mainly used for overnighters that are handy but close together. We understand why several of our friends regularly stay here for a night or two while traveling to and from Florida. Whittington Woods is conveniently located off I-57 and offers FHUs, making the CG a practical overnight stop. Our home base is only about an hour and a half away, however, and we have better options in the area when we need a final stop to flush tanks before heading home.

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 29, 2026

      Marion/Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday

      Different than Most KOA Holidays

      We were heading back to our home base and decided to check out this new KOA Holiday and dump our tanks before heading home. The campground (CG) was approximately 10 miles and 20 minutes off I-57 on southern Illinois backcountry roads. Along the way, we encountered a suspiciously low power line that our 13.5'-high rig cleared. Small KOA signs guided us all the way in. We've stayed at many KOAs and particularly enjoyed KOA Holidays for their service and amenities, but this CG was not what we expected. We arrived at a large gravel parking area and found a check-in room at the end of a warehouse, with envelopes on a bulletin board and a phone number to request an escort. Since the RV sites were down a steep hill, we checked our assigned Creek Side site 26 before moving our rig. Sites 23–26 sat in a bowl at the bottom of the CG, with little room to maneuver our 41' fifth wheel and F450. The escort number went to voicemail, but we reached the manager using the CG brochure number. He agreed our rig wouldn't fit and moved us to back-in site 18 on the hill. All RV sites were back-ins. Creek Side sites appeared better suited for smaller RVs, although larger rigs might fit sites 23 and 24. We later discovered the main KOA office near the marina, which handled cabin check-ins, food, and boat rentals. Sites 1–19 were former pull-through motorcoach sites converted to back-ins, with utilities on the opposite side to accommodate other RVs. Our site 18 was exceptionally wide but close to neighboring sites. We positioned our rig toward the right side of the gravel pad (facing the site) to maintain reasonable access to hookups. The electrical pedestal was at the far back, requiring approximately 35' of power cord to accommodate our toy hauler's rear deck. The wide pad provided plenty of parking for a tow vehicle or boat. However, the CG brochure listed a $75 fee for parking boats or trailers at sites, and a marina sign listed a $50 launch fee. We couldn't determine how these fees applied. Water pressure was excellent, so use a regulator. CG Wi-Fi delivered 20.9 Mbps, Verizon had two bars, and T-Mobile had three. Our T-Mobile Home Internet delivered 358 Mbps, allowing us to stream golf and football. With no trees around the RV sites, satellite reception shouldn't be a problem. Some sites had limited lake views, but don't expect panoramic views or direct lake access. The CG had undergone considerable improvements, including attractive cabins, several right on the lake. KOA cabins were mixed with privately owned cabins, while lake access was concentrated near the small marina and swimming area. We expected more direct lake access and walking trails, but neither was available from the RV sites. A standard fenced KOA dog park was available, but longer walks with our pup were limited to a short path around the fishing pond, gravel areas, and CG roads. Considerable work and investment had gone into this CG, but our experience didn't entice us to return.

    • tThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 24, 2026

      Camp Cadiz Campground

      Quiet clean campground, 8 sites, one water spigot, pit toilets, hiking and biking, 9 miles to Garden of the Gods. Campground is right next to road. Local traffic is minimal, most sites will accommodate 30ft trailer or motor home.

    • Ronald C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      South Marcum Campground

      Large site

      Great campsite very large easy to get in and additional parking for your truck right next to your trailer

    • Scott M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 13, 2026

      COE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area

      Excellent campground

      What started as a one-night camping trip quickly turned into a three-night stay—I just didn't want to leave! Most of the campsites feature beautiful lake views and are well-shaded by tall trees. Each spot is equipped with an electric hookup, a fire pit, and a picnic table, plus having access to hot showers made the stay super comfortable. To top it off, our cats loved taking walks with us around the campground!

    • Randy H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 27, 2026

      Gun Creek

      Great Digs

      Rend Lake, in Whittington, Il is just a great place to camp. From primitive to full hook ups they have what you need for a Corps of Engineers campground.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 26, 2026

      Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

      Nice & quiet primitive site. Great views.

      Very small, maybe 10-12 sites that are first come first serve. $10 per night as of September 2026. Solid Verizon cell coverage. Very quiet.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 25, 2026

      Giant City State Park Campground

      Good staff & clean facility.

      I stayed at a walk-to tent site for which the price was $8 per night. Pretty solid Verizon cell signal. Clean showers and well kept. The place did sound pretty loud as far as older partiers, though around 9pm, it was near silent. I'd definitely stay here again.

    Guide to Bargerville

    Nestled in the heart of southern Illinois, camping spots near Bargerville, Illinois benefit from the region's unique geography where the Ozark and Shawnee Hills create distinct terrain features. The area sits at elevations between 400-800 feet above sea level, creating microclimates with temperature variations across different campgrounds. Winter camping remains available at select locations with overnight temperatures typically ranging from 20-40°F between November and March.

    What to do

    Boating and water activities: Little Grassy Lake Campground offers multiple water recreation options through their marina. "The marina shop also provides kayak and canoe rentals. Little Grassy is a beautiful lake to explore!" The lake's smaller size creates perfect conditions for fishing and non-motorized boating.

    Rock climbing opportunities: Experienced climbers can find routes at Giant City State Park Campground. "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," notes one visitor. Multiple climbing routes accommodate different skill levels across the park's unique rock formations.

    Wildlife viewing: Morning hours provide optimal wildlife viewing across multiple habitats. "We saw a raccoon go right through our campsite so be careful what you leave out, also tons of geese and saw two baby copperheads." Evening firefly displays create spectacular natural light shows during summer months at several campgrounds in the region.

    What campers like

    Spacious lakefront sites: South Sandusky Campground earns praise for waterfront camping access. "Most of the site are wooded with space between them, and many have lake views. They are not very level so some adjustments were needed." The concrete pads provide stable bases for camping setups despite site elevation changes.

    Quiet primitive camping options: Ferne Clyffe State Park offers less developed camping experiences. "We stayed in the primitive camp site, while there were others there, everyone was dispersed far enough that it felt private. Camp grounds were clean, quiet, and the camp host and park ranger were very kind."

    Affordable pricing structure: Multiple campgrounds in the region maintain reasonable rates compared to national averages. "Using your national park passes are accepted meaning only $10 a night for electric and water. Full hookups $12.50. (Double the fee if you do not have a pass.)" This pricing advantage makes the area accessible for budget-conscious campers.

    What you should know

    Seasonal water level fluctuations: Lake access points change throughout the year based on rainfall patterns. "The lake is at least really pretty and there's a small beach area," though water levels may affect beach size and boat launch availability depending on recent precipitation.

    Bathroom facility variations: Expect significant differences in bathroom quality across campgrounds. "Bathrooms and shower house were all clean!" at some sites, while others report "bathrooms in terrible condition - especially showers." Individual campground maintenance schedules impact facility conditions.

    Weather considerations: Crab Orchard Lake Campground visitors note weather impacts: "While you can hear the highway, it's not super noticeable and easy to tune out. This campground has some beautiful sites right next to the lake." Spring brings frequent thunderstorms, requiring proper tent staking and rain protection gear.

    Tips for camping with families

    Educational opportunities: Touch of Nature Education Center provides structured learning experiences. "Camp Amenities include: lodges, cabins, shelters, parking, fire pits/fireplaces all with wood supplied, amphitheaters, fishing along Little Grassy Lake, trails, swing set." Staff occasionally host educational programs specifically designed for younger visitors.

    Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for different age groups. "The kids loved the playground. There were kids everywhere and everyone was very friendly! Fun spot!" These play areas provide activity options during downtime between other excursions.

    Swimming options: Beach areas offer designated swimming locations with varying amenities. "There is also a little beach for campers to enjoy. Friendly staff sometimes host little educational presentations for kids." Some beaches have rocky bottoms requiring water shoes for comfortable swimming.

    Tips from RVers

    Hookup availability: RV-specific sites offer varying levels of connection options. "Sites are flat and most are pull through. Giant City has great hiking and wildlife viewing." Water availability requires planning at some locations where tank filling is necessary before setting up.

    Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "In the middle of the A loop and therefore not on the water. Still, very nice. After all, beggars can't be choosers! Sites are somewhat spacious, but not terribly private." Interior campground roads may require careful navigation in larger vehicles.

    Satellite reception: Tree coverage impacts satellite reception at many forested sites. "Interior sites had full hookups (but were still just a short walk to the water), while the exterior (lake-side) sites had water and 50A electric." Signal quality varies significantly between wooded and open sites across all campgrounds in the region.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Bargerville, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Bargerville, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 114 campgrounds and RV parks near Bargerville, IL and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Bargerville, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bargerville, IL is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.

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

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

    What parks are near Bargerville, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Bargerville, IL that allow camping, notably Rend Lake and Shawnee National Forest.