Tent camping near Elizabethtown, Illinois offers access to both riverside and forested sites across the Shawnee National Forest region. Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping experiences, with spring flooding affecting riverside locations and summer heat making shaded sites more desirable. Weekday visits typically provide greater site selection, while fall hunting seasons bring increased occupancy to many campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking historic trails: Camp Cadiz serves as the eastern trailhead for the River to River trail that crosses southern Illinois. A camper noted, "This is the Eastern trailhead for the River to River trail, there is also a shorter trail, Beaver. Good one to practice your backpacking skills on" at Camp Cadiz Campground.
Ferry crossing adventures: From Tower Rock, take the nearby ferry to Kentucky. One visitor shared, "There is a Ferry that goes between Illinois and Kentucky right by the park too. Free. I went over once, never been on a Ferry.. and the gas tax in Kentucky is cheaper..." This makes for an interesting day trip from your campsite.
Wildlife observation: Saline County State Conservation Area provides excellent opportunities for bird watching and animal spotting. A visitor remarked, "This was a great campground with fantastic views of the lake. We also hiked Garden of the Gods and Burden Falls in the Shawnee National Forest."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Dutchman Lake Camp offers privacy without crowds. A recent visitor described it as "Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too" at Dutchman Lake Camp.
Water access: Lake Mauzy East provides free waterfront camping with basic amenities. One camper enthusiastically shared, "The tent pads are right by the water, offering stunning lake views. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and access to toilets—everything you need for a comfortable stay" at Lake Mauzy East.
Historic structures: The Tower Rock area features remnants of Civilian Conservation Corps work. A visitor explained, "A short walk from the campground is Tower Rock that was an old CCC path and over look of the Ohio River. Last time I was there it is a bit of a pain to find the old path, but basically from the boat landing go UP... follow the terrain and you will find it."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Tower Rock experiences regular flooding. One visitor reported, "We drove down to camp here and found this campground closed. We walked in past the locked gate to scout it out and there was a line of debris left behind from when the river was higher" at Tower Rock Campground.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have spotty coverage. A camper at Saline County State Conservation Area noted, "We were able to get cell signal on the campsites up the hill but not in any down by the water, which is why we stayed up the hill."
Water availability varies: Prepare to carry or filter water at most sites. At Camp Cadiz, a visitor mentioned, "The water pump got frequent use and the twin vault toilets were plenty for the campground," while another reported, "There was potable water from a spigot and lots of kindling around to get fires going."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with amenities: Turkey Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park offers more developed facilities. A visitor shared, "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!" at Turkey Ridge Campground.
Plan for limited bathroom facilities: Most dispersed camping areas have only vault toilets. One camper at Tower Rock noted, "There is a vault toilet and a simple loop setup to the campground."
Pack extra water containers: Limited water sources require planning. A visitor to Camp Cadiz mentioned, "There is a pit toilet and water source that's about it," indicating the need to carry additional water for washing and drinking.
Tips from RVers
Scout roads before bringing larger rigs: Many campground access roads are challenging. At Cravens Bay, a camper with a 36' travel trailer advised, "We had to actually drive all the way to the end of the campground to turn around so we could back into the site. The road leading into the campsite is paved but narrow, the roads at the campsite are well hard packed gravel and very narrow" at Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access.
Limited hookup options: Prepare for dry camping at most sites. An RVer noted, "If you don't mind not having any hook ups and dry/boon docking with your camper Cravens Bay has a lot to offer in terms of privacy, peace, boating, fishing, and swimming."
Consider seasonal occupancy patterns: Hunting seasons bring increased traffic. At Camp Cadiz, a visitor observed, "Camp filled up with hunters who started generators at 3 in the morning to get ready to head out for turkey."
