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Camping near Grantsburg, IL
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Camping in the Shawnee National Forest region surrounds Grantsburg, Illinois, with both developed campgrounds and primitive options throughout the area. Lake Glendale Recreation Area and Oak Point Campground provide electric hookups, water access, and established amenities, while Jackson Falls offers free dispersed camping opportunities. The area accommodates diverse camping styles including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and some cabin or glamping accommodations. Several campgrounds feature lakefront access, particularly around Lake Glendale, where campers can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
Road conditions are generally accessible to most vehicle types, though some remote sites may require short hikes or walks from parking areas. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many open from March through December, while others like Shawnee Forest Campground remain open year-round. "Sites are generally level and well kept. Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front," notes one visitor about Oak Point Campground. Summer weekends tend to fill quickly at popular sites, particularly those with water access, and many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations.
The Shawnee National Forest provides numerous recreational activities beyond camping. Hikers can access trails like the one around Lake Glendale, and Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is within driving distance of many campgrounds. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "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." Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, and fishing is popular at Lake Glendale. Campers should prepare for varying levels of amenities - some campgrounds provide showers and flush toilets, while others offer only vault toilets. Cell service can be limited throughout the region, with reviews mentioning "1 bar verizon at camp" with slightly better coverage elsewhere in the area.
Best Campgrounds near Grantsburg (146)
1. 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."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
2. 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. "
"This campground is super remote and is near a couple trails with waterfalls."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
3. 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."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $20 / night
5. 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."
Check Availabilityfrom $12 - $44 / night
6. 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."
7. 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."
8. 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."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
9. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
"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."
10. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
Drive Time
- 28 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 6 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 46 min from Evansville, IN
- 2 hrs 5 min from Owensboro, KY
Recent Camping Photos near Grantsburg, IL
165 Photos of 146 Grantsburg Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dixon Springs State Park Campground
Oak Point Campground
Oak Point - Lake Glendale
Lake Glendale Recreation Area
Jackson Falls
Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
Riverview Campground
Equestrian Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State ParkT
Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Group Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Recent Reviews near Grantsburg, IL
891 Reviews of 146 Grantsburg Campgrounds
MickandKarla W.
LegendWhittington Woods Campground
Decent Campground
We had never stayed at Whittington Woods, but several of our camping friends have stayed here over the years while traveling through the area. At a recent RV open house, we talked with the campground (CG) owners and decided to switch our reservation from another private CG to Whittington Woods to check it out. The owners suggested sites 92 or 97, and we were able to reserve back-in site 92 with FHUs for our two-night stay. Site 92 is one of the better sites, with a large yard and good separation from neighboring sites. The CG was easy to find off I-57—follow your GPS or the signs. Check-in was quick, and we were escorted to our site. Unfortunately, one of the CG’s regular guests had set up in our reserved site 92 instead of site 93. After a brief discussion between our owner/escort and the guest, moving him was clearly not going to be a quick process. We were offered a couple of other available sites and decided to take site 93. Site 93 was a significant downgrade, with only a sliver of yard and very little separation from site 94. The sewer and electrical connections are near the center of the gravel pad, while the electrical breaker is on the opposite side of site 94. The water connection is at the very back, requiring more than 30 feet of hose for our rig. The owners were very nice, probably too nice when dealing with their“regulars,” and made the situation more tolerable by giving us a good discount for site 93. We received two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. We normally get good performance from our T-Mobile internet with two bars, but download speed was only 41.2 Mbps. The CG Wi-Fi was better at 69.3 Mbps download. There are a lot of mature trees, so satellite/Starlink reception could be iffy depending on the site. The CG is conveniently located near I-57 and right off IL-37, although there was quite a bit of highway noise that was manageable for us. The property provides plenty of room for walking, especially with a dog, and has a decent-sized dog park. There are quite a few full-timers and regulars, with some keeping their sites well maintained and others not so much. We also saw some of the same latitude given to“regulars” when it came to keeping dogs on a leash and picking up after them. They have 5 pull throughs that are mainly used for overnighters that are handy but close together. We understand why several of our friends regularly stay here for a night or two while traveling to and from Florida. Whittington Woods is conveniently located off I-57 and offers FHUs, making the CG a practical overnight stop. Our home base is only about an hour and a half away, however, and we have better options in the area when we need a final stop to flush tanks before heading home.
- MickandKarla W.Legend
Marion/Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday
Different than Most KOA Holidays
We were heading back to our home base and decided to check out this new KOA Holiday and dump our tanks before heading home. The campground (CG) was approximately 10 miles and 20 minutes off I-57 on southern Illinois backcountry roads. Along the way, we encountered a suspiciously low power line that our 13.5'-high rig cleared. Small KOA signs guided us all the way in. We've stayed at many KOAs and particularly enjoyed KOA Holidays for their service and amenities, but this CG was not what we expected. We arrived at a large gravel parking area and found a check-in room at the end of a warehouse, with envelopes on a bulletin board and a phone number to request an escort. Since the RV sites were down a steep hill, we checked our assigned Creek Side site 26 before moving our rig. Sites 23–26 sat in a bowl at the bottom of the CG, with little room to maneuver our 41' fifth wheel and F450. The escort number went to voicemail, but we reached the manager using the CG brochure number. He agreed our rig wouldn't fit and moved us to back-in site 18 on the hill. All RV sites were back-ins. Creek Side sites appeared better suited for smaller RVs, although larger rigs might fit sites 23 and 24. We later discovered the main KOA office near the marina, which handled cabin check-ins, food, and boat rentals. Sites 1–19 were former pull-through motorcoach sites converted to back-ins, with utilities on the opposite side to accommodate other RVs. Our site 18 was exceptionally wide but close to neighboring sites. We positioned our rig toward the right side of the gravel pad (facing the site) to maintain reasonable access to hookups. The electrical pedestal was at the far back, requiring approximately 35' of power cord to accommodate our toy hauler's rear deck. The wide pad provided plenty of parking for a tow vehicle or boat. However, the CG brochure listed a $75 fee for parking boats or trailers at sites, and a marina sign listed a $50 launch fee. We couldn't determine how these fees applied. Water pressure was excellent, so use a regulator. CG Wi-Fi delivered 20.9 Mbps, Verizon had two bars, and T-Mobile had three. Our T-Mobile Home Internet delivered 358 Mbps, allowing us to stream golf and football. With no trees around the RV sites, satellite reception shouldn't be a problem. Some sites had limited lake views, but don't expect panoramic views or direct lake access. The CG had undergone considerable improvements, including attractive cabins, several right on the lake. KOA cabins were mixed with privately owned cabins, while lake access was concentrated near the small marina and swimming area. We expected more direct lake access and walking trails, but neither was available from the RV sites. A standard fenced KOA dog park was available, but longer walks with our pup were limited to a short path around the fishing pond, gravel areas, and CG roads. Considerable work and investment had gone into this CG, but our experience didn't entice us to return.
- MickandKarla W.Legend
Columbus-Belmont State Park
Nice Surprise
Columbus-Belmont State Park is a bit of a drive on country roads, but well worth the effort. We originally reserved site 28, but a large tree and its low-hanging branches presented clearance problems for our 40' fifth wheel. We spoke with the very friendly camp host, who moved us to back-in site 25 with full hookups (50/30/20 AMP). The sites are positioned at 90 degrees to the CG road, but there was enough room to maneuver our big rig into the site with a few adjustments. Our site and several others had some slope and pitch to the pads, so additional leveling blocks may be necessary. The extra effort was well worth the trouble. Water pressure was okay. We had one bar on Verizon and two bars on T-Mobile. The CG did not provide Wi-Fi, but our T-Mobile Home Internet worked exceptionally well, with download speeds of 345 Mbps. There were numerous large, mature trees throughout the CG, so satellite reception, including Starlink, could be challenging depending on the site and whether you can reposition the dish to find a clear view of the sky. We've stayed at hundreds of campgrounds over the years, but until Columbus-Belmont, we'd never used the word"immaculate" to describe one. The CG sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, and our site 25 had a beautiful river view from our toy hauler's deck. The park also has plenty of interesting Civil War history to explore. Barge operations along the river below the CG generated some daytime noise, but nothing we found particularly bothersome. Between the immaculate grounds, beautiful setting, and historical significance, Columbus-Belmont was well worth the drive and a place we'd gladly return to.
- SSamuel B.
ScoutTwin Lakes Campground
Excellent primitive sites with fire ring and picnic table right on the water.
- ttim O.
GuideCamp Cadiz Campground
Quiet clean campground, 8 sites, one water spigot, pit toilets, hiking and biking, 9 miles to Garden of the Gods. Campground is right next to road. Local traffic is minimal, most sites will accommodate 30ft trailer or motor home.
- MMark V.Traveler
Fern Lake Campground
I’m not sure where the good reviews come from. Ive tried to find another Fern Lake to make sure I was at the correct one. Bath facilities have half doors so you are shitting in public. Your kids get the nice look over by any of the weird full timers living junk squaller. The power poles are only standing by the shear strength of all the cobbled together wires and electric tape. It’s not safe. It’s fucking dangerous. Most the fire “pits” are shitty rings from 60 years ago at least. There is zero maintenance here. It’s very loud next to the freeway. Sites are small and on top of each other. Lots are small. Not level. And little gravel. The cinder blocks keep you from backing in too far. Most of the water posts are “shared” because others don’t work. Picnic tables are a fucking joke. Rotten. Lead paint and worthless. The water retaining POND has a grass path around it so you can admire what recycled concrete can create where there was once no POND. One star is extremely generous. Just like the generous $10 a bundle for wood. Keep on trucking. It’s not far to go to find something worthwhile. This is a 100% pass. Before you think I’m some kind of pre Madonna, I will say we are a minimalist family that camps in unimproved spots and boondocks all the time. This place is gross. And disturbing that anyone reviews it for more than a 1 star. Most of the reviews are flat out lies. One talks about the clean bathrooms, hot showers, and one mentions a fucking pool! Wtf? Shitting in your own fire ring is more private. Pictures sooooo under tell the story of what a shot hole this place is. It’s off the freeway very close. And there is a Mexican restaurant across the street and a Casey’s essentially attached. If that’s what you like. Have fun. But any great reviews are from either someone who came and went in the dark. Or are from the owners.
- Ronald C.Guide
South Marcum Campground
Large site
Great campsite very large easy to get in and additional parking for your truck right next to your trailer
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!
Guide to Grantsburg
Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Grantsburg, Illinois within the Shawnee National Forest, located at the southern tip of Illinois where the terrain features sandstone cliffs and dense hardwood forests. The region's elevation ranges from 375 to 1,060 feet, creating varied microclimates that affect seasonal camping conditions. Fall temperatures typically range from 45-70°F, while summer nights rarely drop below 65°F even after hot 90°F days.
What to do
Hiking through rock formations: Garden of the Gods Recreation Area features unusual sandstone formations with observation trails. "The rock formations are surreal and shoulder season is so quiet! We will be back as the hiking is awesome," notes a visitor to Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground.
Swimming in natural areas: Bell Smith Springs offers natural swimming holes for cooling off. "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," shares a camper at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs.
Waterfall viewing: After rainfall, several areas feature seasonal waterfalls. A visitor at Turkey Ridge Campground reports, "Very nice hiking trails with waterfalls and beautiful bluffs. Rebman trail is good for anyone including little kids."
Cave exploration: Many trails lead to natural rock shelters and small caves. "The sites are large and covered in gravel. Plenty of room for multiple tents. The woods are filled with poison ivy so the big camp area is very useful," mentions a camper at Bell Smith Springs regarding accessing the natural areas.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campers appreciate the separation between sites at Lake Glendale. A visitor to Oak Point - Lake Glendale notes: "Very Quiet when we stayed in December for a night. Spots in the woods and by the Lake can't hear traffic. Bathrooms warm Showers Hot."
Year-round availability: Unlike seasonal campgrounds, some areas remain open through winter. "We'd seen signs for Shawnee Forest Campground (CG) many times as we headed out and back from our St. Louis home base and wanted to check this CG out," shares a camper at Shawnee Forest Campground, which operates year-round.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Evening wildlife activity can be particularly impressive. A camper at Deer Ridge Campground mentions: "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!"
Lake activities: Many campgrounds offer direct lake access. "The lake is large enough though you really don't notice them when you head to the far end," explains a camper describing the quieter areas of Lake Glendale, away from the swimming beach.
What you should know
Poison ivy prevalence: Almost every campground review mentions poison ivy concerns. "We camped in the backcountry along the River to River trail adjacent to Garden of the Gods. The camping area we found was great, about 7 miles down the River to River trail, but there was poison ivy everywhere along the trail which made for a stressful hike," warns a visitor.
Ticks are common: Prepare for ticks, especially in warmer months. A camper at Jackson Falls explains, "Beautiful location. Definitely off the beaten path. There was another group of campers but they camped on the trail."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location and provider. "1 bar verizon at camp, can get up to 3 bars within the area," notes a visitor to Oak Point Lake Glendale.
Reservation systems vary: Many campgrounds operate first-come, first-served. According to a Oak Point Lake Glendale visitor: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. A camper at Oak Point Campground shares: "We have been coming to Oak Point since 2006. The campsites and showers/bathrooms are always kept clean and maintained. One centralized in the non-electric is dated, but still kept clean and well maintained. The hosts are very nice, courteous, and helpful."
Swimming options: Both natural swimming holes and developed beach areas are available. "A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails," mentions a visitor to Oak Point Campground.
Kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter, accessible trails appropriate for children. A camper at Turkey Ridge notes: "It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!"
Wildlife education: The diversity of wildlife offers learning opportunities. "There were fireflies in the forest," reports a visitor, providing a natural nighttime light show that children typically enjoy.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Dixon Springs State Park Campground, "We have a 29 foot camper: the sites and roads are snug for it. At site 6 it goes downhill so it is difficult to get your camper level."
Length restrictions: Larger rigs may find limited suitable sites. At Oak Point Lake Glendale, one camper observes: "Sites are generally level and well kept. Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front."
Hookup availability: Electric and water are more common than sewer connections. A Shawnee Forest Campground visitor notes: "The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21. The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice."
Utility positioning: Hookup locations can require planning. "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps," shares an RVer at Shawnee Forest Campground, highlighting the importance of careful site selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Grantsburg, IL?
What camping is available near Grantsburg, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Grantsburg, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Grantsburg, IL and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Grantsburg, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Grantsburg, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grantsburg, IL is Shawnee Forest Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Grantsburg, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Grantsburg, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Grantsburg, IL.
What parks are near Grantsburg, IL?
What parks are near Grantsburg, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Grantsburg, IL that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.
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