Best Campgrounds near Cave-In-Rock, IL

Camping near Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the area. Many campers rave about the trails at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground, with one visitor saying, "Easy walking distance to the observation trail that is the highlight of this park."
• Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes. Campers at Oak Point - Lake Glendale appreciate the lake's beauty, with one reviewer noting, "Good hiking, kayaking, and fishing."
• Exploring caves: Visit the nearby Cave-in-Rock State Park. One long-time visitor shared, "I have been coming here for a really long time... I just love it here."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs mentioned, "The grounds and pit toilets were remarkably clean, and I saw no trash or broken glass anywhere."
• Spacious sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Pine Ridge. One visitor said, "The rustic sites are well spread out so they feel very private."
• Peaceful atmosphere: Many campers find the tranquility of the area appealing. A reviewer at Jackson Falls stated, "This is a spectacular place if you are looking for private and semi-private dispersed campgrounds."

What you should know:

• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor noted, "There is no potable water on site."
• Busy weekends: Expect larger crowds on weekends, especially at popular spots like Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground. One camper advised, "Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday."
• Road conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Jackson Falls mentioned, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long and just a little bumpy."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose quieter times: To avoid crowds, consider visiting during the week. A family at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs suggested, "Too many people, mostly day hikers... Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday."
• Bring entertainment: With limited amenities, it's good to have games or activities. One camper at Pine Ridge mentioned, "Great location for hiking trails."
• Pack snacks: Since some campgrounds lack markets, it's wise to bring your own food. A visitor at Oak Point - Lake Glendale noted, "They have firewood available for $4 a bundle."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park mentioned, "The sites are very small but spread out."
• Bring extra cords: Some sites have shared electric pedestals, so bring long cords. A visitor at the same campground noted, "Sites on outer perimeter have water and electric, just bring enough hose and cords to hook up."
• Plan for rough roads: Be prepared for bumpy access roads, especially at places like Jackson Falls. A camper shared, "The road getting there does vary in surfaces but our van made it fine."

Camping near Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying nature, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.