K
Kristi H.
Scout
ScoutVanderburgh 4H Campground
Good spot to spend the night!
The campground is very clean! The campground host is nice. We will be happy to stay here again! They offer full hookups and have several spots.
Best Campgrounds near Junction, IL
Campgrounds near Junction, Illinois provide access to the natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest. Pine Ridge Campground at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area serves as a central camping destination with both primitive tent sites and electric hookups for RVs. Several developed campgrounds like Pharaoh Campground at Garden of the Gods and Saline County State Conservation Area provide varied accommodation options including tent camping, RV sites, and in some cases, cabins or glamping opportunities. Most facilities are operated by the U.S. Forest Service or Illinois Department of Natural Resources, offering visitors scenic natural settings within a 20-mile radius of Junction.
Road conditions and campground access vary seasonally throughout the region, with many sites open from spring through fall but limited winter options. Several campgrounds close between December and March due to weather conditions. "This campground area is beautiful! We stayed here 3 nights. We arrived on a Thursday and there were plenty of open spots. Friday they open some of the other loops up for more people to stay and it did fill up for the weekend," reported one visitor about Pine Ridge Campground. Cell service can be spotty, with better reception typically found at higher elevations rather than at lakeside campsites. Most developed campgrounds provide vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while shower facilities are limited to select locations like Cave-in-Rock State Park.
Campers frequently mention the proximity to Garden of the Gods and Pounds Hollow Lake as key attractions when staying at area campgrounds. The camping areas provide excellent access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas during warmer months. Water access represents a significant draw, with sites near Pounds Hollow Lake being particularly popular. According to one visitor, "The lake area is beautiful with a swimming area, fishing pier, and pavilion to eat or sit under for shade." Public lands throughout the region support varying levels of privacy between campsites, with Pine Ridge receiving positive reviews for its well-spaced, shaded sites. Weekdays typically offer more solitude and site availability compared to busy summer weekends when many campgrounds reach capacity, especially those with electrical hookups or water access.
Best Camping Sites Near Junction, Illinois (94)
1. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
55 ReviewsKarbers Ridge, IL11 milesWebsite+1 (618) 253-7114$10 / night
"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."
2. Pine Ridge
17 ReviewsKarbers Ridge, IL8 milesWebsite+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. Camp Cadiz Campground
6 ReviewsKarbers Ridge, IL10 milesWebsite"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."
4. Cave-in-Rock State Park
14 ReviewsCave-In-Rock, IL18 milesWebsite+1 (618) 289-4325"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"
"Signage will greet you as soon as you exit the ferry and Cave in Rock city has several small businesses you might want to visit. Plus a bunch of painted bikes..."
5. Pine Ridge Campground
2 ReviewsKarbers Ridge, IL8 milesWebsite+1 (618) 658-2111$10 / night
"The USDA Forest recreational area includes Pounds Hollow Lake that is nestled into a beautiful ridge. "
"It’s a great area with the small beach nearby and garden of the gods so close, the only problem is the drinking water pump is broke so you must bring your own water."
6. Saline County State Conservation Area
2 ReviewsEquality, IL8 milesWebsite+1 (618) 276-4405$8 / night
"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. The hikes were great."
"There is a dump station and potable water at the entrance to the campground. There are also some water spigots sprinkled throughout the campground."
7. High Knob Campgrounds
4 ReviewsKarbers Ridge, IL10 milesWebsite+1 (618) 275-4494"High Knob is a Horse campground in Shawnee National Forest near Garden of the Gods off Il1. The entire area has extensive trails through some awesome, hilly, rocky, cliffy areas."
"The trails are great maps available some trails need marked a bit better."
8. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
32 ReviewsEddyville, IL27 milesWebsite+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."
9. Fiedlerland RV Park and Campgrounds
1 ReviewJunction, IL6 milesWebsite+1 (618) 363-834310. Harmonie State Park Campground
34 ReviewsNew Harmony, IN29 milesWebsite+1 (812) 682-4821$20 - $33 / night
"Multiple walking trails and bike trails. Nice shelter houses and picnic areas. Multiple playgrounds. Nature center in the campground. Many events scheduled for summer."
"It was at the back of the campground, but close to the bathrooms/showers and just across from the playground. It was close enough to walk to the Nature Center and grab ice cream."
Recent Camping Photos near Junction, IL
114 Photos of 94 Junction Campgrounds
Kurt D.
Pine Ridge
Art S.
Camp Cadiz Campground
Sally R.
Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
Nicole C.
Cave-in-Rock State Park
Shelly S.
Tower Rock Campground
Joel H.
Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins
Richy R.
Lake Mauzy East
John
Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
AC
Jackson Falls
Dave C.
Harmonie State Park Campground
Heather P.
Lake Glendale Recreation Area
Rachel C.
Oak Point Campground
Recent Reviews near Junction, IL
632 Reviews of 94 Junction Campgrounds
MickandKarla W.
LegendVenture River RV park
Quiet Off-Season Stop with Big Sites and Lake Views
We called for reservations on the way into Venture River RV Park and had no problem getting the site we wanted since it was off-season and mid-week. We were told the office would be closed and that we would receive an informational email with details like the Wi-Fi code, but we did not; not a big deal for an overnight, especially since we used our T-Mobile Home Internet. We selected back-in Site 39 with full hookups, which turned out to be an easy back-in along the small lake. The site was fairly level and we were impressed with the large yard area that even included a wooden bench swing. Utilities were centered, though the electric pedestal sat toward the rear and required about 35 feet of cord for our rig. Water pressure was very good and we used a reducer. We picked up two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. There are not many trees, so satellite should work well, and spacing is decent for this type of campground, especially between Sites 38 and 39. The park sits on a lake with the Venture River water park across the way, and we expect it would be very popular during the summer season. There is a restroom building with shower stalls toward the back that has seen better days. No laundry and no formal dog area, but there is plenty of room to walk pets. During this quieter time of year, this made a very good overnight stop on our way back to our home base near St. Louis.
Ryan B.
TravelerJackson Falls
Great spot if you have the right equipment!
Our family had a great time camping here! The road leading into the campsite is mostly gravel with a few rough patches. There are a few shallow creek crossings to reach the more remote spots (water levels may vary depending on rainfall).
4x4 isn’t necessarily required, but I’d highly recommend it—along with a high-clearance vehicle. We brought our Jeep Wrangler, and it handled everything like a champ. We didn’t even need to engage 4x4 the entire way in.
There are a few campsites you can access without crossing the creeks, but the dispersed site we stayed at was surprisingly clean. We only found a couple small pieces of trash—otherwise, it was spotless. Previous campers left some firewood and kindling near the rock fire ring, and we made sure to do the same for the next group.
We camped during the weekdays, and it was nice and quiet. As we were leaving on Friday, more people were starting to show up, so I’d assume weekends get pretty busy. That said, most campers didn’t go past the first creek, so the farther back you go, the fewer people you’ll run into.
One thing to note: I have Verizon, and I was on SOS the entire time—so don’t expect reliable service out there if you have Verizon.
Ryan B.TravelerJackson Falls
Decent place to stay
There is tent camping in the area of the bath house that doesn’t require any creek crossing. Now, getting to the more remote spots can be sketchy if you have a small or very loaded vehicle. There are two small creeks to cross and are somewhat rough to get through. I made it through in my minivan, but dragged through the second creek.
There are hiking trails that run through, but that’s about all I can say about that.
I had no Verizon cell service unless I walked about 2/10 of a mile up a hill to an opening and only then I could make a phone call, but I couldn’t access the Internet.
Kyle L.
GuidePharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
Who knew places like this exist back east!?
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. The campground was super clean, though it seemed like everything was shut down for the season. It was a pleasant surprise.
Danielle L.ScoutTween the Lakes RV Park & Campground
Easy to Access
We are traveling in a 45 ft fifth wheel. This campground was easy to access, we did not hear any traffic noise, and the campground is in a valley, making it pretty quiet. We really enjoyed the trails next door to the river, great hiking, and walking the dogs.
Michael R.GuideDutchman Lake Camp
Dutchman Lake Dispersed Camping
Plenty of dispersed camping on a well maintained dirt road. There’s fire pits all over and no shortage of spots.
- SSarahScout
Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
Beautiful spot but ...$$
Don't get fooled! We have the America the beautiful pass and she charged us $35 because she said it was up to her discretion to charge full price on the weekends. What a joke!
granny T.TravelerHilltop Campground
Beautiful setting for a city park
the campground is set up on a hill above a spacious city park. It has 15 or so campsites, along a wooded area with water and electric hook up, and a dump station. The bathroom has fush toilets and showers. one of the 2 showers in the women's room was broken. the other provided delightfully hot water with good pressure. you need to call the number on dyrt during business hours. if arriving at a different time, theres a # posted yo call dispatch. we did this and a very nice policeman arrived to check us in and take our $20. He offered to answer any questions we had about the area. we were just passing through but had time to play disc golf and see a beautiful sunset, and headed out early AM. there were a few other Rvs, trailers there, but only saw activity at one other site.
Guide to Junction
Camping near Junction, Illinois provides access to diverse terrain within the Shawnee National Forest region. Elevations range from 400 to 900 feet throughout the area, creating varied landscapes from river bottoms to sandstone bluffs. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s with high humidity while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 60-70°F. Winter camping options are limited as many facilities close during December through February when temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to Do
Hiking to geological formations: The area around Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground offers exceptional trail access. "The formations are amazing!! We love to hike here in the fall when it's cooler outside and when the leaves are changing it's absolutely beautiful. The views are some of the best around," notes Robin M. The observation trail provides scenic overlooks of unique rock formations.
Fishing opportunities: Waters near Saline County State Conservation Area provide productive fishing spots. Campsites near the water offer convenient access to the lake for anglers. According to Don N., "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."
Swimming and cooling off: During hot summer months, natural swimming areas provide relief from heat. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs features natural pools perfect for summer dips. "Great hiking and great camp site. No shower but the springs offer a refreshing soak after a long day of hiking. Water is easily accessible and clean," reports Layton F.
What Campers Like
Spacious, shaded sites: Campers consistently mention the comfortable spacing between sites at Pine Ridge Campground. "The campground is very rustic with a LOT of shade which made our stay there perfect," says Jason F. The primitive camping loops offer more privacy than electric hookup areas.
Budget-friendly options: Most campgrounds in the Junction area maintain affordable rates compared to other recreational destinations. Brian E. notes about Pine Ridge: "Spent a week here and had a blast! Camp sites are fairly well spaced, though not private. Area is split with power and no power. Vault style restrooms are very clean and regularly maintained."
Proximity to multiple attractions: The central location allows visitors to explore multiple points of interest without long drives. "A great, centralized location for quite a few natural wonders and a hop, skip, and a jump away from quite a few more!" explains a Pine Ridge camper. Most major attractions lie within a 25-mile radius of Junction.
What You Should Know
Limited cell service: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the region. "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," notes a visitor to Saline County State Conservation Area. Higher elevation sites typically offer better reception.
Water availability varies: Potable water access differs between campgrounds. At Camp Cadiz Campground, "The water pump got frequent use and the twin vault toilets were plenty for the campground." Some locations have hand pumps while others offer spigots throughout the campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Junction, IL?
What camping is available near Junction, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Junction, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 94 campgrounds and RV parks near Junction, IL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Junction, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Junction, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Junction, IL is Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 55 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Junction, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Junction, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Junction, IL.
What parks are near Junction, IL?
What parks are near Junction, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Junction, IL that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.
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