The Cave-In-Rock region lies within the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, characterized by limestone bluffs and sandstone formations that rise 100-300 feet above the Ohio River. Camping options include both developed facilities with corrals for equestrians and primitive sites accessible by forest service roads. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures, ranging from 50-75°F, with summer humidity often exceeding 80%.
What to do
Fishing access points: Camp Cadiz provides convenient access to fishing spots along the hiking trails. "I love this campground... It has easy access to the River to River trail, and I love the CCC stonework," notes one visitor who appreciated the trails leading to water features.
Explore hidden cemeteries: Take forest roads for historical exploration. "We even hiked down the forest road and found a hidden cemetery tucked away," shared a camper at Camp Cadiz Campground, highlighting unexpected discoveries accessible from camp.
Off-season mushroom hunting: Visit during early spring for morel mushroom season. "It was also morel mushroom time so some people were hunting for them," reports one reviewer who camped alongside foragers at Camp Cadiz during prime mushroom season.
Swimming at dedicated beaches: Canal Campground offers a private beach area for swimmers. "The campground was clean... There is a little playground, beach, several bath houses," mentions a camper who enjoyed the water access at this Corps of Engineers facility.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Little Lusk Trail Lodge provides extra room for large camping setups. "Campsites are spacious and can accommodate very large rigs. High lines behind sites," notes a reviewer about this Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground feature.
Rustic seclusion: Camp Cadiz offers quiet camping away from crowds. "Motorcycle camping across America and I wanted to see grades of the gods. What I didn't want was to camp on top of someone else... Cadiz was spacious, quiet, and the other campers wanted to camp not party," explains one traveler who found the solitude they sought.
Wildlife viewing: Observe local animals in their natural habitat. "Lots of deer, and skunks, but they don't bother you," mentions a camper about Canal Campground, highlighting common wildlife encounters in the area.
Convenient water access: Waterfront sites provide direct lake views. "Some sites have gorgeous views of Lake Barkley. Immaculate and well maintained," shares a Canal Campground visitor who appreciated the proximity to water.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Reception can be spotty throughout the Shawnee Forest. "Very little cell phone signal. Very relaxing and enjoyable," notes a visitor to Harmonie State Park Campground, indicating the digital disconnect common to the region.
Road conditions: Many access roads are unpaved. "It's down a gravel road a bit but nothing too hard to find," explains a Camp Cadiz camper about typical forest road conditions.
Campground designation restrictions: Some facilities are single-purpose only. "They do not accept tents, this is strictly a horse camp, they will rudly tell you so if you call," warns a reviewer about High Knob Campgrounds, clarifying important access limitations.
Water sources: Potability varies between campgrounds. "There was potable water from a spigot and lots of kindling around to get fires going," notes a Camp Cadiz visitor, highlighting an important resource for tent campers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Harmonie State Park Campground offers multiple play areas. "It has 200 sites, electric only, 5 bath houses and 2 pit toilets... There are 3 playgrounds throughout the campground," explains a reviewer detailing the family-friendly amenities.
Educational opportunities: Visit nature centers for kid-friendly activities. "They have a nature center in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer," shares a Harmonie State Park visitor.
Special events: Time visits around seasonal celebrations. "They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot... There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making smore's at the bonfire," reports a family who visited Harmonie State Park during Halloween festivities.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas. "Olympic size pool open during summer—has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions," notes a reviewer about Harmonie's warm-weather amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven ground at Shawnee Forest Campground. "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps," shares an RVer who encountered terrain issues.
Hookup locations: Check utility placement before setup. "The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice," advises an RVer at Shawnee Forest Campground.
Walking paths: Former golf courses provide unique RV camping. "Unique campground in that it is on a former golf course. Has the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths!" notes a Shawnee Forest camper, highlighting an unusual feature beneficial to RVers.
Camp store availability: Essential supplies can be purchased on-site at some locations. "The camp store sell ice and wood for campfires, just in case you run out," mentions a reviewer about Harmonie State Park's conveniences for RV campers.
