Best Campgrounds near Cypress, IL

Camping in the Shawnee National Forest region surrounds the small town of Cypress, Illinois, with a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites. The area includes several developed facilities like Shawnee Forest Campground and Lake Glendale Recreation Area, offering full hookup options for RVs alongside tent sites. Campgrounds range from the more primitive Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area with basic amenities to fully equipped sites at Hilltop Campground with electric, water, and sewer connections. Jackson Falls and Dutchman Lake provide dispersed camping options for those seeking a more rustic experience within the forested landscape.

Road access varies across camping areas with some requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly around more remote dispersed sites. Full hook-up campgrounds like Shawnee Forest tend to have better accessibility for larger vehicles. "Easy access from interstate, full hook-ups, clean bathhouse and friendly camp hosts," noted one camper about Shawnee Forest Campground. Seasonal considerations impact camping conditions, with many campgrounds like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs operating from mid-March through mid-December. Summer brings higher temperatures and humidity, while spring often features wildflowers but potentially muddy conditions. Cell service remains spotty throughout more remote areas of the Shawnee National Forest.

Many campers highlight the fishing opportunities available at several campgrounds in the area. Shawnee Forest Campground, built on a former golf course, features catch-and-release fishing ponds that receive consistent praise in visitor reviews. The extensive trail system throughout the region provides additional recreational opportunities, with the Tunnel Hill bike trails accessible from several camping areas. Bathroom facilities vary considerably between campgrounds, with some offering only basic vault toilets while others provide shower houses. As one visitor noted, "The bathrooms were very clean and grounds generally well kept." Highway noise can be noticeable at campgrounds near Interstate 24, though most visitors find it tolerable given the convenience of location for exploring the Shawnee National Forest's attractions like Garden of the Gods and Little Grand Canyon.

Best Camping Sites Near Cypress, Illinois (120)

    1. Shawnee Forest Campground

    36 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."

    "Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."

    2. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    $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."

    3. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    15 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "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."

    4. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "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."

    5. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    32 Reviews
    Eddyville, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    $15 / night

    "However, by Saturday morning (Easter weekend) all but 5 sites had cleared out and we had the place nearly to ourselves for the rest of the stay. "

    "This campground is super remote and is near a couple trails with waterfalls."

    6. Jackson Falls

    22 Reviews
    Shawnee National Forest, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes."

    "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."

    7. Hilltop Campground

    7 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    13 miles
    +1 (618) 995-9130

    "Small little campground off the highway. Inexpensive, quiet. Great spot if your in a need of electricity and a hot shower"

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

    8. Dutchman Lake Camp

    4 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    10 miles

    "We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."

    "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"

    9. Oak Point - Lake Glendale

    15 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 638-3246

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Our favorite in all of Illinois!!"

    "Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale."

    10. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    $12 - $44 / night

    "Lake Glendale is a true southern Illinois gem. They have recently improved the shower houses, the kids love the playground, and there is SO much shade!"

    "Ill Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods and Trail of Tears segments on ATT cell service was spotty but I drove to Dixon Springs SP where there was a cell tower."

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Recent Reviews near Cypress, IL

693 Reviews of 120 Cypress Campgrounds


  • Reviewer
    Oct. 13, 2025

    General Watkins Conservation Area

    Rattlesnake Hill

    Rattlesnake Hill- is what the locals call this place. This conservation area is home to Missouri's largest venomous snake- the timber rattlesnake. This snake is known to reach 5 feet in this area and I have seen more than a few that reached that size.(I attached my pics of a massive rattlesnake on the loop trail.) Timber rattlesnakes move at night during the summer- so I wouldn't rush to camp here. Fishing is rough- as the watersnakes will chase you up the bank if they feel threatened. Insane amount of gnats, biting flies, and ticks. No water, no electricity, no trash cans. Hunters will be shooting nearby during hunting season.

  • H
    Oct. 11, 2025

    South Marcum Campground

    Quiet and peaceful

    The view in the tent area of covey point is breathtaking. The campground is clean, quiet, and peaceful

  • Mandi G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    North Sandusky Campground

    Gorgeous views

    Very well maintained campgrounds. Most sites are pretty sloped but there are some level sites. Flush toilets. Bring binoculars for egrets and herons on the lake.

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Great stop for the night

    We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. There’s a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there and we didn’t want to disturb them and also wanted our privacy. There a space for a vehicle to pull off and walk around some boulders to set up a camp, complete with a fire ring. Some bike-packers were already set up there. Close to the lake there is another spot for one or two vehicles. The lake surface had a lot of bug activity - no thanks! We ended up choosing a grassy space next to the curve in the road in between our neighbors. Very peaceful! No bugs.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Lake Girardeau Campground

    Clean and free

    Stayed here in September. Had the campground to myself. It's run by Missouri Dept. of Conservation so there's no charge. Each site has concrete picnic tables, grill and lantern hook.

  • Anna M.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

    Cleanest Bathrooms

    There is nothing special about the location. There is a boat ramp nearby. There were only people set up in the park today. They do have a playground.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    A good spot to have a work week

    Functional clean porta potties. Fire pits, tables and water( not at the campsite but available at the entrance). Not a ton of privacy but very friendly people. Not great for starlink but very moderate t mobile a slightly better Verizon. Lots of tents and vans. Not many spots. Beautiful.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great spot for location

    Overall we’ve really enjoyed our stay. Came over the Labor Day weekend and staying a week. Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been. A little noisy at night with the interstate in the distance but we’d expected that. Only thing we wish we would’ve known about was the paving of the road happening directly outside of the park. They obviously can’t control that but a heads up would’ve been helpful. One day we couldn’t get out for a bit and thankfully we had flexible plans. Overall- it’s a great park with decent proximity to a lot of nature. Anna, Marion and Harrisburg are your best bets for restaurants and grocery etc. Vienna only has a dollar general and a few restaurants- a diner, longhorn cafe, Mexican restaurant and Family Pizza- we tried the last one and it was good! Prepare for a 40 min wait time if picking up and it gets packed if you want to dine in. Would def stay here again to visit Shawnee.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Gun Creek

    Nice!

    Nice, large, well thought out campground. Lots of trees, paved sites, bathrooms, showers, and well maintained. Offers full hookups, partial or none. Convenient to I64. Only stayed 1 nite, but would definitely come back.


Guide to Cypress

Camping sites near Cypress, Illinois range from rugged dispersed areas to Class A facilities with full services. The Shawnee National Forest region rises 400-800 feet above the surrounding plains, creating diverse microclimates for camping. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from December through March, so campers should pack accordingly when visiting during colder months.

What to do

Fishing spots: Lake Glendale provides excellent fishing opportunities with multiple access points around the 80-acre lake. "There is a nice paved walking trail around the lake that gives you a good look at the park. On the hike you pass two large shelters built by the CCC as well as the boat ramp, dam, and swimming beach," notes Annie C. Electric motors are allowed, but gas motors are prohibited.

Rock climbing: Jackson Falls offers technical climbing routes for experienced climbers. "This place is popular with climbers, but I'm not one and had a rough time locating this place. The roads weren't marked the same way they are on the website's map," reports Shelby B. The sandstone formations provide various difficulty levels for climbing enthusiasts.

Hiking trails: Giant City State Park Campground features unique geological formations along its trails. "The Giant City Nature Trail and Devils Standtable were really pretty, easy strolls. The Trillium Trail is a little more rugged for those who prefer less crowded, slightly tougher trails," explains Shana D. The park's signature feature is massive sandstone bluffs forming "streets" between rock walls.

Wildlife viewing: Ferne Clyffe State Park attracts diverse birdlife throughout the seasons. "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!" shares Stephanie S. Spring brings wildflower displays throughout the forest floor, particularly along the Rebman and Happy Hollow trails.

What campers like

Privacy and space: Deer Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe offers well-separated sites. "Good size campground with both electric and non electric loops. Good number of sites," notes Jacob T. The campground includes 16 Class A sites with electricity and 22 Class B/S sites for more primitive camping experiences.

Natural swimming holes: Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs features popular swimming areas. "There is a spring/large swimming hole, with a few places to jump off of, but check with the locals to make sure the water is deep enough. Water levels were low when we were there, so you couldn't jump from the highest ledge," reports Tommy S. The natural rock formations create several pools of varying depths.

Shade coverage: Oak Point - Lake Glendale provides well-shaded sites under mature trees. "Nice shaded sites with electric and water hookups. Campground hosts were very engaged. $19 a night electric with Senior Pass," shares Donald S. The pine forest canopy keeps sites cooler during summer months.

Clean facilities: Hilltop Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and shower houses. "This is a very clean, quiet, shady campground. It is off interstate 57 if you are passing through or a great place to park and see the sites of Shawnee National Forest," according to Joel H. The campground operates year-round with full hookups available.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to Jackson Falls requires caution in wet weather. "Definitely off the beaten path. The gravel road getting there was a bit rough for my Ram Promaster. Hill down to trail head could get slick if wet weather. Was a little nervous getting out after it had rained," warns Jeremy R. Four-wheel drive is recommended after heavy rainfall.

Cell service variability: Most forest campgrounds have limited connectivity. "I lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve, FYI," notes Casie A. about Jackson Falls. Stronger signals can be found at Hilltop Campground and Shawnee Forest Campground.

Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Bell Smith Springs' Redbud Campground typically closes from mid-December through mid-March. "We stayed at this campground on a weekend in July 2020. I used this park as a base camp for exploring Shawnee National Forest and the Cache River Preserve," shares Marc H.

Site selection: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "You have the option of two different camping areas in Oak Point Campground, with several double sites that are ideal for family and group camping," explains Shelly S. Weekends from April through October typically see higher occupancy rates.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Lake Glendale Recreation Area features dedicated play equipment. "We love going to Lake Glendale and go several times per year. It is quiet, the campsites are pretty (especially group), there are great hikes nearby, and a beach to swim on," says Maggie P. The playground area is centrally located near the shower houses.

Beginner-friendly trails: Ferne Clyffe State Park offers shorter hiking options. "Really, this state park is a must for anyone who lives nearby or is driving through. It's just that gorgeous! There are lots of well maintained trails to hike... hikes that include bluffs, caves, creeks, etc. Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!" shares Dani B.

Swimming options: Multiple locations offer water activities for various ages. "The walk from the picnic area to the beach is not far either by road or lake trail," notes Shelly S. about Lake Glendale. The designated swimming beach includes a sand area and roped-off sections for different water depths.

Educational opportunities: Turkey Ridge Campground provides nature learning experiences. "The tent camping accommodations were less than stellar, simply because of the 'outhouses'. There was a ton of wildlife though and it was really neat to listen to all the different species throughout the night," explains Gina J. The campground connects to several interpretive trails.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling needs: Many campgrounds require additional equipment. "The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus. Super convenient to 24 but not too close that it is loud. The sites are loose gravel and not level front to back, so you need to unhook," advises Greg S. about Shawnee Forest Campground.

Water access planning: Limited water hookups at some campgrounds require preparation. "Nice quiet campground with lots of trees and nicely separated camp spots. Water only available at few spots and you would need a really long hose to attach if open faucet available," reports Glenda at Deer Ridge Campground.

Winter camping options: Shawnee Forest Campground offers year-round access. "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go. The water and electric (50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice. The water pressure was good around 50 psi," shares MickandKarla W.

Big rig considerations: Certain campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21," notes MickandKarla W. about Shawnee Forest Campground. Giant City State Park also offers several pull-through sites suitable for larger RVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cypress, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cypress, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 120 campgrounds and RV parks near Cypress, IL and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cypress, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cypress, IL is Shawnee Forest Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cypress, IL?

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

What parks are near Cypress, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Cypress, IL that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.