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.
"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."
$10 - $25 / night
"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."
"Wthat a nice find in southern Illinois just outside of Marion. Very big roomy and grassy sites. Some right on the lake shore."
"We took a chance camping here since we hang hammocks but we found a site that had some trees nearby. We were pleasantly surprised to see a port-a-pottie at the campground."
"Stayed during the eclipse so crowds were intense but the hosts lets us camp where we could find room, the site was clean and the pond was beautiful (as always bring the bug spray when camping near the"
$15 - $35 / night
" 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."
"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."
"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."
"Quite quaint and easy access to campground."
"This campground is family friendly and right on the lake. We were lucky to come on a cooler weekend and get a more private campsite."
$18 / night
"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."
"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."
"We had pit toilets, but had to drive elsewhere for showers. I would come back again."
"Camp Amenities include: lodges, cabins, shelters, parking, fire pits/ fireplaces all with wood supplied, amphitheater s, fishing along Little Grassy Lake, trails, swing set."
GuideWe came on Memorial Day weekend, almost backed out due to rain but very glad we didn’t. We stayed in the basic campground, spot 50. There was hardly anyone else here. Spot was secluded and quiet. There’s a short hiking trail down to the lake, fun walk through nature in the area. Beautiful look out over the Mississippi River. Park ranger drove through the campsite around 9:30pm, I really liked that, made it feel safer. Had a cute furry friend make a visit a few times during the night. Didn’t catch any fish in the lake but we probably didn’t bring the right bait. Very enjoyable experience, bathrooms were extremely clean. Only downside was the shower house being closed. Really recommend this spot!
LegendUsing your GPS of choice, you can reach this campground off I-57 via Benton or the IL-154/Sesser exit. The area includes both North Sandusky and South Sandusky COE campgrounds, clearly marked and easy to find. We arrived around 2:00 PM and found the check-in gate closed, but since we had a reservation, we proceeded directly to our back-in site 123 with full hookups. Most sites here offer water and electric (50/30/20 AMP), while the Dogwood loop features several full hookup sites in its upper section. Note that the loop has low-sloping ditches on both sides of the road, so precise backing is needed to land on the asphalt pad. There’s one full hookup pull-through site in the Dogwood loop—a long, slightly curved pad with sewer and power connections on the yard side, and water on the standard side. Both North and South Sandusky COE campgrounds offer a wide variety of site types, including lake views, varying utility setups, and well-spaced sites. Paved bike trails run throughout the area. We've been coming here for years, and this campground remains one of our favorites close to home.
ScoutConvenient, clean, trails from Campground.
ScoutWe 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. .
TravelerLots of interstate noise. Many sites are very off level. CHECK carefully
ScoutBacks up to lake. Short walk to clean restrooms. Will come back.
TravelerOff season privacy and electric. Nicely wooded too!
GuideThe rock formations are surreal and shoulder season is so quiet! We will be back as the hiking is awesome.
GuideNot a large state park, but the campgrounds, small lake with swimming area, and the views of the Mississippi River valley are good. There are a few larger towns within about 10 miles where you can get all the supplies you need for camping.
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.
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
According to TheDyrt.com, Carbondale, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Carbondale, IL and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
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.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Carbondale, IL.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Carbondale, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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