Top Tent Camping near Carbondale, IL

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Carbondale? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Carbondale. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Carbondale, IL (17)

    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

    1. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    47 Photos
    9 Saves

    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 Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls

    2. Jackson Falls

    20 Reviews
    66 Photos
    418 Saves

    Jackson Falls offers many opportunities for technical climbing and is a beautiful scenic area of the Shawnee National Forest. It is in the general forest area located east of the small town of Ozark, IL. This non-developed area has a small trailhead with a vault toilet. A short trail leads from the trailhead to the top of Jackson Falls. There are high dangerous bluffs in the area, visitors should be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Camping is allowed here at no cost, since this is part of the general forest area and not a developed campground. Access: A narrow gravel road leads to the Jackson Falls Trailhead, but then the road becomes dirt and deadends past the trailhead.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    3. Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    3 Reviews
    10 Photos
    2 Saves

    Backpackers enjoying their commune with nature will appreciate the solitude of the individual campsites in the Class C Backpack campground. Located a half-mile from the Turkey Ridge primitive campground parking lot, these woodland sites have cooking grills, toilets and showers. Water and trash receptacles are available at the Turkey Ridge parking lot. You're reminded to be careful with your fires and to pack out what you pack in.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp

    4. Dutchman Lake Camp

    3 Reviews
    6 Photos
    44 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      5. Blue Heron Campground & Marina

      1 Review
      8 Saves
      • Electric Hookups
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Showers
      • Toilets

      $15 - $20 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge  -  Lake Of Egypt

      6. Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt

      2 Reviews
      1 Photo
      8 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Trash
      Camper-submitted photo from North Marcum Day Use Area

      7. North Marcum Day Use Area

      2 Reviews
      1 Photo
      11 Saves

      Overview

      Congratulations! Youve just discovered 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. Whether youre looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, youll find it here.

      Natural Features:

      North Marcum Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Plenty of shade and a large sandy boat in are, make this day use area desirable for a day on scenic Rend Lake. Rend Lake is made up of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.

      Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

      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 youll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

      Facilities:

      North Marcum Day Use Area features two large picnic shelters with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelters can accommodate up to 75 guests each, and the area has a boat ramp, playground, and dock all within walking distance.

      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Showers
      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
      • No image available

        9. Apple Creek Conservation Area

        1 Review
        1 Save

        Apple Creek Conservation Area is located in northeast Cape Girardeau County, three miles east of New Wells on Route CC. The Missouri Department of Conservation created Apple Creek Conservation Area in 1986 with the purchase of 2,100 acres from several landowners. Steep hills and narrow valleys characterize this area, and approximately 2.5 miles of Apple Creek stream frontage forms its northern border. The Conservation Department has created watering ponds and planted food plots and agricultural crops within the forest to provide additional food sources for wildlife.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Tents
        • Equestrian
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Trash
        Camper-submitted photo from Willow Springs Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Willow Springs Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Willow Springs Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Willow Springs Campground

        10. Willow Springs Campground

        1 Review
        4 Photos
        2 Saves

        Private property sunken into the Shawnee National Forest.

        • Fires
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Trash
        • Firewood Available
        • Showers

        $20 - $125 / night

      Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews In Carbondale

      503 Reviews of 17 Carbondale Campgrounds


      • 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.

      • 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.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Trail Of Tears State Park
        Aug. 11, 2024

        Trail Of Tears State Park

        Train Lovers.

        Large park with not many large RV sites. Lots of tent and dispersed camping. Disappointing store. Equestrian area. Beach and boat launch.

      • 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.

      • 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

      • 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.

      • 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.

      • Steve G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
        Apr. 24, 2024

        Crab Orchard Lake Campground

        Excellent Lakeside Campgrouind

        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. This is new& when planning the trip the website said“first come first serve” so we arrived on a Friday evening(4pm) with no reservation. The sign said RV sites all taken. The host was wonderful! He has been here 9 years and steered us to a nice site for the one night we will be here. The online experience with recreation.gov was not pleasant, impossible in fact. So I had to call. This took quite awhile. Once I got a real live person it was great, and we got our site with no problems. 

        Amenities: Bathrooms: clean, paper towels& air dryers. 

        Site: A-35. 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.

      • Michelle K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sharp Rock Falls Recreation
        Apr. 4, 2024

        Sharp Rock Falls Recreation

        Longbranch Shooting House And Saloon

        You're welcome to at longbranch! Please make your reservations.
        Only 16 spots left!

        Ava Illinois +1 618-318-6734 Text your name and number of people on your campsite to reserve your spot.

        The Solar Eclipse Event "PARK @ THE MOON"

        Extended or early arrivals welcome. Just simply request more information in the text. We will get ahold of asap with a more information and a confirmation number.

        #ShareThisPost #solareclipse2024

      • Tonya B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
        Mar. 18, 2024

        Shawnee Forest Campground

        Great Place!

        Stayed here on the way to and from Florida (home in Minnesota). Very nice campground. Well maintained, big sites for our 40ft fifth wheel, great sunrise/sunset views, and the bathrooms are very clean and well lite. The gentleman/host that greeted us at the office upon arrival was polite and helpful. Will definitely stay again!

      • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
        Camper-submitted photo from Willow Springs Campground
        Mar. 1, 2024

        Willow Springs Campground

        New to the Dyrt!

        Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!

      • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park
        Feb. 23, 2024

        Giant City State Park

        Great trails and well kept campsites

        We stayed at Giant City in February on a very cold weekend. It was still a fantastic trip! The campsites, fire pits and pit toilets were well maintained. The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter. The Lodge also had excellent food and a very cozy feel. Definitely visit the Lodge!!

      • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Park
        Feb. 4, 2024

        Pyramid State Park

        Nice campsites and lots of lakes

        We stayed at the campground on the north end of Pyramid. The campsites were close together but we visited in February so we were the only campers. The fire pits were a little run down but the sites were nice and level with a table. No lantern posts. Pit toilets that were decent. The park office is a pretty long drive from the north end campground. The hiking is limited but the campground was peaceful and close to the lakes. Probably covered in bugs in the summer. Overall pretty nice stay

      • David F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
        Nov. 30, 2023

        Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

        Southern Illinois getaway

        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. NORTH LOOP SITES 24 - 59 Reservable at https://camp.exploremoreil.com/ Some 50 amp sites (4, 6, 18, 32, 36, 38, 47, 48) rest have 30 amp. See map in photos. WATER potable at Dump Station also 5 hydrants scattered amongst camp sites. TENT and Equestrian camps take road to the south west of lake.

      • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
        Nov. 14, 2023

        Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

        Quiet in November

        We do most of our RV travel in the early spring and late fall.  Ferne Clyffe does not take reservations after November 1, so its first come first served.  Payment is deposited in a kiosk near the black water dump site.  This was not well explained on the signage or websites, but, at least in mid-November, there were enough experienced campers around to explain things. 

        Otherwise, Ferne Clyffe is gorgeous. Great for star-gazing. Lots of mature oak and sycamore trees that I'm sure provide nice shade in summer.  In mid-November, there's lots of deer hunters, which means it gets quiet early in the evening.  Spaces are of moderate size on the interior, and are more spread out on the perimteter.



      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

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carbondale, IL?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carbondale, IL is Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Carbondale, IL?

        TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Carbondale, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.