Ronald C.
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GuideSouth Marcum Campground
Large site
Great campsite very large easy to get in and additional parking for your truck right next to your trailer
Camping near Eddyville, IL
142 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping destinations in the Shawnee National Forest surround Eddyville, Illinois, providing varied experiences from primitive tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds. Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area offers a rustic camping experience with 21 primitive sites ideal for tent camping, while the Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides more developed options with electric hookups and shower facilities. Many campgrounds in this region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Shawnee Forest Campground offering glamping options including yurts. Jackson Falls offers free dispersed camping in a more remote setting for those seeking solitude.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with several facilities operating from March through December and closing during winter months. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables, though amenities differ considerably between locations. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs charges $10 per night for sites with access to vault toilets and a hand pump for drinking water. The surrounding hiking trails lead to natural swimming holes that become popular during summer months. Roads to more remote sites may require careful navigation, especially for larger vehicles. One camper noted: "Redbud Campground can accommodate up to a 24ft RV Pull Behind RV and small motorhomes. Be careful if you are going to try this campground in a motorhome as it can be tight to turn into some spots."
Natural features draw visitors to Eddyville area campgrounds, with swimming holes and hiking trails being particularly popular attractions. The Bell Smith Springs area combines camping with access to unique rock formations, cliffs, and swimming spots. Cell service remains limited or nonexistent at many sites, creating opportunities for disconnection from technology. According to a visitor: "This campground was perfect! Surrounded by nature and hiking trails. I had 1 bar of LTE through AT&T at the front of the camp but lost service back in the loop." Garden of the Gods Recreation Area's Pharaoh Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its electric hookups and proximity to scenic overlooks. Campers should note that wildlife encounters, including snakes, are possible throughout the region, and poison ivy is prevalent along many trails and around campsite perimeters.
Best Campgrounds near Eddyville (142)
1. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
"This is a stunning but small campground on top of a crazy high ridge surrounded by cliffs. I had no idea landscapes like this existed in Illinois and was pleasantly surprised."
"Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US."
from $10 / night
Check Availability2. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
"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. "
"Loved all the hikes within walking distance, a bit of a drive in but fun to explore"
from $15 / night
Check Availability3. Jackson Falls
"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."
4. Oak Point - Lake Glendale
"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."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability5. Shawnee Forest Campground
"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."
from $40 / night
Check Availability6. Lake Glendale Recreation Area
"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."
from $12 - $44 / night
Check Availability7. Oak Point Campground
"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."
"Next depending on which site you pick it can be a short walk to the lake and direct put in of your water craft. A very cool feature is that several of the sites are double."
8. Dixon Springs State Park Campground
"We were a bit nervous about this campground when reading reviews and seeing the location (there is an Impact Incarceration Program that shares the border), but I'm glad we found it."
"There was a couple nice playgrounds for the kids to play on and plenty to walk around and see."
9. Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground
"High lines behind sites. Stalls can be reserved. some sites are full hookup. Primitive camping also available. CALL them for more info at 270-205-7138. Arena and huge event barn on site."
"I will be back next time I'm near shawnee."
from $30 / night
10. Pine Ridge
"The main draw for us was the hiking trails. If you go over to the Pounds Hollow Rec Area you can find picnic areas and a pond to explore by boat."
"A great, centralized location for quite a few natural wonders and a hop, skip, and a jump away from quite a few more!"
from $10 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 34 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 18 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 30 min from Evansville, IN
- 1 hr 49 min from Owensboro, KY
Recent Camping Photos near Eddyville, IL
169 Photos of 142 Eddyville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
Jackson Falls
Lake Glendale Recreation Area
Oak Point Campground
Oak Point - Lake Glendale
Dixon Springs State Park Campground
Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins
Pine Ridge
Camp Cadiz Campground
Tower Rock Campground
Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Recent Reviews near Eddyville, IL
884 Reviews of 142 Eddyville Campgrounds
Scott M.GuideCOE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area
Excellent campground
What started as a one-night camping trip quickly turned into a three-night stay—I just didn't want to leave! Most of the campsites feature beautiful lake views and are well-shaded by tall trees. Each spot is equipped with an electric hookup, a fire pit, and a picnic table, plus having access to hot showers made the stay super comfortable. To top it off, our cats loved taking walks with us around the campground!
RJ B.
TravelerPisgah Point - DFWR
Pretty, but Surprisingly Busy
We chose this spot to camp because it seemed out of the way and was hopefully quiet. We're not sure whether it was the beauty of the spot or the time of the year (Thursday before Columbus Day/fall break), but this spot was so busy!! We arrived early afternoon and there was someone driving in (most left again) every 10 minutes for the entire day!! Not the peaceful spot we were hoping for. We intended to stay a second night, but it was just too busy for us. Not a repeat site for us unfortunately.
We set up camp on the east side near the woods. It was a little challenging to find a flat area. The vault toilet was central to the area. We saw several large birds catching fish in the lake, so there must be decent fishing. There was a picnic table or two on the west side of the area and several fire pits (only one on the east side where we were). The 2 mile gravel road leading to Pisgah Point was pretty rough and washed out at points.
Randy H.
ScoutGun Creek
Great Digs
Rend Lake, in Whittington, Il is just a great place to camp. From primitive to full hook ups they have what you need for a Corps of Engineers campground.
- DDrew B.Guide
Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
Nice & quiet primitive site. Great views.
Very small, maybe 10-12 sites that are first come first serve. $10 per night as of September 2026. Solid Verizon cell coverage. Very quiet.
- DDrew B.Guide
Giant City State Park Campground
Good staff & clean facility.
I stayed at a walk-to tent site for which the price was $8 per night. Pretty solid Verizon cell signal. Clean showers and well kept. The place did sound pretty loud as far as older partiers, though around 9pm, it was near silent. I'd definitely stay here again.
- DDrew B.Guide
Lake Boutin Campground — Trail of Tears State Park
Great facilities.
Bathroom and showers are super clean. Some Verizon cell signal. Quiet. You can faintly hear train sounds in the distance. Hosts are extremely welcoming.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.
LegendLand Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Hillman Ferry Campground
Massive Park with Lake Views
Do yourself a favor and pay for the golf cart! This campground is huuuge! We stayed here for an event and were amazed at how many sites there were. We had a nice campsite on the lake side, however the lake was pretty dry. Facilities were clean and we had a nice level site. All in all a fun time was had by all.
Jay L.GuidePine Hills
Great
Great campground, no reservations required and has bathrooms available. Overall good location and an occasional train but overall great spot.
Guide to Eddyville
Camping spots near Eddyville, Illinois provide access to the rugged terrain of the Shawnee National Forest at elevations ranging from 320 to 1,064 feet. The region receives approximately 47 inches of annual rainfall, creating seasonal waterfalls and swimming holes that fluctuate dramatically between spring flooding and late summer dry periods. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, making waterside campsites particularly valuable during peak season.
What to do
Swimming in natural rock formations: At Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, visitors can access unique swimming holes via short hikes from the campground. "The only amenities are a vault toilet and water. Plenty of hiking right from your site. 10 minute wAlk or 2 minute drive to the river where you can hike, swim or wade. Even if it seems crowded, just walk down the river a ways for some privacy," notes Kate B.
Hiking the lake loop trail: The 3-mile trail around Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers accessible terrain for most fitness levels. "The trail around the lake is about 3 miles; a nice hike that really 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, damn, and swimming beach," shares Annie C.
Rock climbing and bouldering: Jackson Falls attracts climbers from across the region to its free dispersed camping area. "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, and the trailheads are confusing as well," reports Shelby B.
What campers like
Privacy in primitive settings: The spacious layout at Pine Ridge campground offers more seclusion than many area campgrounds. "The rustic sites are well spread out so they feel very private. The hookup sites were closer together and did not look as well spaced. There is a 2 mile loop road that goers around the whole campground and down to a beach access point for a gorgeous lake," notes Charles A.
Budget-friendly camping: Campsites in the Shawnee National Forest area offer exceptional value. "The sites are nice and level. Quiet in the area. Picnic table and fire ring at every site. Park offers firewood. Pond for fishing so bring your poles. It's catch and release. Manager is very friendly and accommodates you as possible," says Jessica R. about Shawnee Forest Campground.
Scenic variety in compact areas: The geological formations create dramatic landscapes within short hiking distances. "This place really is 'Of the Gods'. The Geological formations are very majestic. It is so different from the rest of the state of IL. AMAZING place to visit," writes Jade G. about Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground.
What you should know
Primitive facilities at most sites: Most campgrounds offer basic amenities with limited hookups. "Pit toilets were dirty even for pit toilets. Decent primitive sites, not very level though. Good for tent camping or small camper," reports Dusti M. about Redbud Campground.
Wildlife concerns: Prepare for encounters with native wildlife including venomous snakes and insects. "Lots of ticks (pulled some off every day) and fireflies," reports one camper at Dixon Springs State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Eddyville, IL?
What camping is available near Eddyville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Eddyville, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 142 campgrounds and RV parks near Eddyville, IL and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Eddyville, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Eddyville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Eddyville, IL is Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 58 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Eddyville, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Eddyville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Eddyville, IL.
What parks are near Eddyville, IL?
What parks are near Eddyville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Eddyville, IL that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.
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