Best Tent Camping near Enfield, IL
Tent campsites in the Shawnee National Forest region provide multiple options for backcountry camping near Enfield, Illinois. Saline County State Conservation Area and Camp Cadiz Campground offer established tent camping facilities with varying levels of amenities and natural settings. Tower Rock Campground provides riverside tent sites along the Ohio River, with seasonal availability from May to December, though it can be subject to closure during flood seasons.
Most tent-only camping areas feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Camp Cadiz provides spacious sites with fire rings that include cooking grates, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets and potable water from a spigot. At Tower Rock, campers will find vault toilets but should bring their own water supply. Saline County State Conservation Area offers more facilities including showers, toilets, and drinking water. Many sites require self-registration, with campers selecting an open site and then paying at the campground host station. Cell service can be limited or non-existent at most locations, particularly at sites near water.
The backcountry tent camping experience varies significantly across locations. Camp Cadiz provides access to the River to River trail, making it ideal for hikers and backpackers. Sites are typically well-spaced but open, with limited privacy between them. Tower Rock offers scenic views of the Ohio River with opportunities for fishing. Saline County provides lake access with good fishing opportunities and larger campsites that can accommodate multiple tents. According to one visitor, "Camp Cadiz is super quiet despite the gravel road nearby. It has easy access to the River to River trail, and I love the CCC stonework." Another camper noted that Tower Rock is "secluded and quiet" with access to an overlook of the Ohio River that's "worth a look."
