Best Campgrounds near Elizabethtown, IL
Southern Illinois around Elizabethtown features diverse camping opportunities within the Shawnee National Forest and along the Ohio River. Tower Rock Campground, located directly in Elizabethtown, provides primitive camping with boat access and scenic river views from May through December. Nearby Cave-in-Rock State Park offers year-round camping with full hookups, showers, and a unique geological formation to explore. The region extends to Garden of the Gods Recreation Area with its distinctive sandstone formations and primitive camping, while Camp Cadiz serves as an eastern trailhead for the River to River Trail. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with amenities varying from basic vault toilets to full-service sites.
Gravel forest roads and limited cell service characterize much of the camping experience in this region. As one camper noted, "Fill your gas tank up and your food locker or you will be driving back out a ways to refill." Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly during weekdays when sites are less crowded. Weather patterns affect camping conditions significantly, with summer bringing higher humidity and occasional storms. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures but can bring rain. Winter camping is available at several locations but with reduced services. Supplies and services are limited in this rural area, with the nearest substantial shopping available in larger towns like Marion, approximately 40 miles away.
The natural landscape dominates the camping experience throughout the Shawnee National Forest. Campers frequently mention the geological features as highlights, particularly the sandstone formations at Garden of the Gods and the cave at Cave-in-Rock State Park. Lake Glendale Recreation Area receives consistent praise for its shaded sites and water access, with one visitor describing it as "a true southern Illinois gem." Weekends typically see higher occupancy rates, especially during hunting seasons when campers report generators starting early in the morning. The Ohio River ferry near Cave-in-Rock provides convenient access to Kentucky, expanding recreational options. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds, allowing visitors to explore limestone bluffs, seasonal waterfalls, and dense forest without driving between destinations.
