Best Campgrounds near Elizabethtown, IL

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Elizabethtown. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Elizabethtown, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Elizabethtown, Illinois (132)

    1. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    53 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    $10 / night

    "Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US."

    "We did a lot of hiking all around Shawnee but this is by far favorite spot in Illinois!"

    2. Pine Ridge

    17 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    $10 / night

    "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!"

    3. Cave-in-Rock State Park

    13 Reviews
    Cave-In-Rock, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 289-4325

    "Also note that there is no place to buy ice or firewood nearby. We crossed the ferry and went to Marion Kentucky and found some there. The park and ferry is really cool."

    "General: I was a bit apprehensive about this state park because it did not take reservations, so we made sure to arrive by 11 am but we had no reason to worry – compared to other Illinois campgrounds"

    4. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    32 Reviews
    Eddyville, IL
    20 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."

    5. Tower Rock Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cave-In-Rock, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "But if you drive a few miles North East there is a Illinois State Park, Cave in the Rock I think, and you can refill your water jugs/bladders there by the showers/bathrooms, and there are garbage dumsters"

    "Once on Cave in Rock Rd. watch for the sign (near 280 “block” of street addresses) because if you miss the turn it will be a minute before you can turn around to come back on the country road. "

    6. Camp Cadiz Campground

    6 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    10 miles
    Website

    "On a gravel road, in the back country like most everything else on this side of Illinois , fill your gas tank up and your food locker or you will be driving back out a ways to refill. "

    "It's super quiet despite the gravel road nearby. The vault restroom is kept very clean. It has easy access to the River to River trail, and I love the CCC stonework."

    7. Jackson Falls

    21 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."

    8. 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."

    9. Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins

    2 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 264-9091

    $175 - $210 / night

    ".… Love the location, the size of the camping site and especially those near Lake Hartwell with private entrances."

    10. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    12 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!"

    "There is a longer wine trail further west in Shawnee National Forest.

    When I entered Lake Glendale, Cardinal Bay boat launch was the first area I visited."

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Showing results 1-10 of 132 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elizabethtown, IL

827 Reviews of 132 Elizabethtown Campgrounds



Guide to Elizabethtown

Camping near Elizabethtown, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore in the area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter." Another camper noted, "We found several short but gorgeous hiking trails, which was perfect for our young children."
  • Fishing: Head to Gun Creek for some fishing. A reviewer said, "Clean facilities. Self check-in. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food." This spot is great for those looking to cast a line.
  • Swimming: Enjoy the water at Energy Lake Campground. One camper shared, "The lake itself is man-made, and motorized watercraft are not permitted, making it a nature sanctuary."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • No Potable Water: Some campgrounds, like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, do not have drinking water on-site. A camper mentioned, "There is some a few miles away."
  • Busy Weekends: Popular spots can get crowded. A visitor at Hillman Ferry Campground advised, "Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jackson Falls, are more primitive. A camper noted, "The bathroom was stocked with TP but you will want to bring hand sanitizer or water."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at Harmonie State Park Campground said, "In addition to the campground with at least 2 playgrounds, there are trails, picnic areas, and a boat ramp."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Hurricane Creek mentioned, "Did find a few ticks, but mosquitoes were surprisingly scarce."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family camping more enjoyable. A visitor at Energy Lake Campground shared, "The staff at this campground is AMAZING, and very knowledgeable about LBL."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Not all sites are flat. A camper at Gun Creek noted, "Not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water."
  • Book Ahead: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. A visitor at Hillman Ferry Campground said, "We wanted an electric hookup but they were booked solid Saturday."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you need. A camper at Shawnee Forest Campground mentioned, "No garbages anywhere in the campsite."

Camping near Elizabethtown, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Elizabethtown, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Elizabethtown, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 132 campgrounds and RV parks near Elizabethtown, IL and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Elizabethtown, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elizabethtown, IL is Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 53 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Elizabethtown, IL.

What parks are near Elizabethtown, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Elizabethtown, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.