Best Camping near Carbondale, IL

Are you in need of a campground near Carbondale, IL? Carbondale is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Carbondale. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Carbondale, IL (101)

    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground

    1. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    165 Photos
    137 Saves
    Makanda, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground

    2. Shawnee Forest Campground

    32 Reviews
    55 Photos
    192 Saves
    Vienna, Illinois

    Located in the Middle of Southern Illinois just Off I-24 it is a great place to stay while you explore all the the Shawnee Forest. From Giant City to Garden of the Gods. The Tunnel Hill bike trail is a half mile away and Cache River is just down the road. We have 60 Full Hook up sites. Large pull through sites up to 120 feet long. We have Shower Houses and Laundry Facilities. Our Campground is Open Year Round.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    3. Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    45 Photos
    61 Saves
    Bargerville, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    4. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    47 Photos
    9 Saves
    Goreville, Illinois

    Turkey Ridge is for campers who want a serene outdoor experience. It is a Class C walk-in campground that includes camp pads, picnic tables, cooking grills and showers. Drinking water and toilets are located near the parking lots.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground

    5. Turkey Bayou Campground

    12 Reviews
    19 Photos
    168 Saves
    Gorham, Illinois

    Turkey Bayou Campground​

    Located in Oakwood Bottoms, Turkey Bayou Campground is a great location outdoor activities including waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, trapping, fishing, nature watching and bird watching. The campground is next to a 20-acre lake on the Big Muddy River with close proximity to the Big Muddy boat launch and the Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir. There is no charge for camping at Turkey Bayou, but there is a 14-day maximum stay. The campground does not have water or toilets. The site frequently floods during heavy rain periods.

    Our partner, Friends of Turkey Bayou helps maintain Turkey Bayou Campground.

    A favorite with waterfowl hunters, Oakwood Bottoms offers so much more from excellent bird watching to fishing opportunities and primitive camping at Turkey Bayou Campground. Picnic with your family or youth group at Oakwood Bottoms picnic site and take a short walk into the bottoms on the wooden boardwalk trail that loops back to the picnic area. The site also has a large picnic shelter next to a large pond, where you can enjoy watching ducks and other birds visit the pond in search of food.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    6. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    32 Reviews
    142 Photos
    305 Saves
    Eddyville, Illinois

    Bell Smith Springs is one of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. It contains a series of clear, rocky streams and scenic canyons bordered by high sandstone cliffs and an abundance of vegetation unique to Illinois. The trail system consists of eight miles of interconnected trails featuring strange and wonderful rock formations, such as Devil's Backbone, Boulder Falls and a natural rock bridge. Hiking this system of trails is a favorite activity because of the rock features, scenic overlooks, hidden springs and lush flora and fauna.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground

    7. South Sandusky Campground

    18 Reviews
    52 Photos
    101 Saves
    Sesser, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change througout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    South Sandusky Campground is situated around Sandusky cove on Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With nicely spaced campsites and plenty of activities easily accessible from the campground, South Sandusky is an excellent destination for camping at Rend Lake. Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

    Nearby Attractions

    South Sandusky Beach Rend Lake Visitors Center Rend Lake Project Office

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    9. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    14 Reviews
    15 Photos
    12 Saves
    Goreville, Illinois

    Deer Ridge campground is a well-shaded Class A facility offering gravel pads with electricity, picnic tables and cooking grills. Drinking water, showers, flush toilets and a sanitary dump station complete the setting for campers who prefer to include a few comforts of home with their outdoor adventure.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek

    10. Gun Creek

    20 Reviews
    66 Photos
    90 Saves
    Whittington, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    Gun Creek sits along the Eastern banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Nearby Attractions

    Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restuarant, and lodge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 101 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Carbondale

Recent Reviews in Carbondale

596 Reviews of 101 Carbondale Campgrounds


  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Nov. 8, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Beautiful Sunsets over the Lake

    What a beautiful campground, it’s our second time here. Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them

  • Tabitha R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnson Creek
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Johnson Creek

    Nice!

    This campground provides large spots, drinking water, vault toliets, dumpsters, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and contactless check in. I also appreciate the value of these sites. It really is a reasonable rate for forest camping.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Hilltop Campground

    Decent overnight stop

    Hosts were friendly, but didn’t brief us on information such as where is the trash bin, what is the WiFi password. Restroom was old but relatively clean. There’s only one valve in the showers so all you get is lukewarm water. Not good on a cool or cold day. Some of the long term people have too many dogs, one had 6 little yippers, kind of annoying. And I’m not against dogs

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from General Watkins Conservation Area
    Sep. 11, 2024

    General Watkins Conservation Area

    Maybe not a travel destination, but certainly a good waypoint.

    We opted for this site on our way west as a stopover because it was free and not a parking lot. 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. A couple of guys fished at night until about nine. There was only one other couple camping. Very quiet and peaceful. There was a portable toilet but we didn't investigate.

    The cool thing was that the loop trail was forested by hundreds of paw paw trees. It must have been just past the season and we saw only a couple of decaying ones, but the entire trail smelled of apple cider vinegar and was quite pleasant.

    If you consider this waypoint, two things:

    1. The last mile is good, but very dusty, gravel road.

    2. No cell coverage in the parking lot for T-Mobile, some coverage on loop trail.

  • Cecilia
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Hills
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Pine Hills

    Very nice

    Very quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied.

  • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point - Lake Glendale
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Oak Point - Lake Glendale

    Stellar Illinois

    This is a little gem of a refuge within the Shawnee NF - about 30min from Marion, down a beautiful country road before nestling among the trees around the lake. The drive is paved/gravel the whole way, so very easily drivable for anyone in anything. Plenty of camp sites, both with electric and non-electric, double and single. Bring bug spray - horseflies and ticks. Beautiful lake, beautiful biking trails, etc. Firepits w/ grates are spacious and nice, fees are online. 1 bar verizon at camp, can get up to 3 bars within the area.

  • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Hilltop Campground

    Nice stop

    Stopped here for the night driving through the area. Nice campground, clean, safe, and right off the interstate.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bean Ridge Pond Campground
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Bean Ridge Pond Campground

    Nice private locationl

    There are only two camp site at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow. We camped in the lower site and had a difficult time getting everything out of the road.

    On the positive side, the site was clean, there was nobody there over the weekend and there was a humming bird. The pond had lots of frogs and and a few fish.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great place to camp!

    We stayed 4 days and had a great time. The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to offer places to visit in the area, places to eat and provide assistance as needed. The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk (twice around the lake from our site was 3 miles). :) We plan to visit again!

  • Wil V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    May. 30, 2024

    Benton KOA

    Loud

    1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud, the other is in between the sewer treatment plant and municipal airport. If you're a light sleeper might want to stay away Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/QpuNpA7UVZI

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    May. 13, 2024

    South Marcum Campground

    Great Campground

    Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing. Cell service for AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE. Only issue that I have is that site 49 is very hard to get level in, make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible

  • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    May. 9, 2024

    Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    Probably nice in a big rig, sucks otherwise

    This campground was essentially an RV park. Only big rigs, some sites well spaced physically but no privacy in between so feels like everyone staring at each other. Some of the waterfront sites okay privacy-wise, but not most. Hookups work well, but bathrooms in terrible condition - especially showers.

    The whole place also smells like dead fish. 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.

    The lake is at least really pretty and there’s a small beach area.

  • Dante V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point - Lake Glendale
    May. 9, 2024

    Oak Point - Lake Glendale

    Solar Eclipse Crossroads

    We camped here during the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse and it was also the overflow site which at that time was the side of the camp entrance road. Fast forward to April 7,8 & 9 2024 We are again on overflow campground where this time was their group camping site which was much better than the side of the road. The overflow site has 4 unisex bathrooms but no showers (showers are at the main campground) there is dining (open) pavilion with a fireplace and a filtered well water system. We had a blast watching the Total Solar Eclipse.

  • Matt V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    May. 8, 2024

    Archway RV Park

    Great campground

    Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.

  • Jon H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point Campground
    May. 6, 2024

    Oak Point Campground

    Nice national park campground

    Location is everything and this is well in the middle of a great area in Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the gods, Bell Smith springs, Ferne State park, and on and on. You can spend a week here and not see everything.
    There are primitive and electric (with water) sites. There are no sites with sewer hookup. There is a dump station at the entrance.

    Sites are generally level and well kept. Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front. There are some lake front spots that can be had. Sites are first come and there are no reservations taken. During the week, no problem. Weekends would be iffy.

    Large lake with swimming, fishing, kayaking. Also has a bike trail around it - maybe 2 miles.

    Shower houses are kept clean, but as of this posting, they need some maintenance work.

    All in all, this is a must stop if you want to enjoy what the area has to offer.

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 30, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Blue Jay #49 Water site

    Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.



Guide to Carbondale

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Carbondale, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Carbondale, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 101 campgrounds and RV parks near Carbondale, IL and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Carbondale, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carbondale, IL is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carbondale, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Carbondale, IL.

  • What parks are near Carbondale, IL?

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