Best Campgrounds near Goreville, IL

Goreville, Illinois serves as a gateway to multiple camping areas within the Shawnee National Forest region of southern Illinois. Ferne Clyffe State Park offers several campground options including Turkey Ridge, Deer Ridge, and Group Campground, with accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to electric hookups for RVs. Jackson Falls provides free dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more primitive experience, while established campgrounds like Hilltop Campground and Shawnee Forest Campground cater to both tent and RV campers with full hookup options. The area's mixed-use campgrounds typically feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails.

Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the region, with most campgrounds open year-round but offering peak conditions in spring and fall. Turkey Ridge Campground divides into two sections: "South LOOP sites 1-23 are first come sites" while "NORTH LOOP SITES 24-59" are reservable through the Illinois reservation system. Water access varies by location, with potable water available at dump stations and scattered hydrants at some campgrounds. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly in the deeper sections of Shawnee National Forest. As one camper noted, "This is a very clean, quiet, shady campground. It is off interstate 57 if you are passing through or a great place to park and see the sites of Shawnee National Forest."

The camping landscape near Goreville provides convenient access to numerous natural attractions. Ferne Clyffe State Park features limestone bluffs popular with rock climbers, naturally forested woodlands, cliff caves, and several small waterfalls. Many campgrounds serve as ideal base camps for exploring the broader region, including Garden of the Gods, Cave in Rock, and the Cache River Bayou. Campers frequently mention the area's geological features as highlights of their stay. According to a visitor, "Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois. The campground is small, situated on a limestone bluff which is cut by a small rivulet and some seasonal small waterfalls. The area is really a hidden gem."

Best Camping Sites Near Goreville, Illinois (112)

    1. Shawnee Forest Campground

    36 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."

    "Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."

    2. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    $18 / night

    "Great campground away from roads and noise. Goreville is small local town with grocery store and service station for supplies. South LOOP sites 1-23 are first come sites."

    "Had very nice trails, very clean. Forest is beautiful. We camped at the primitive area spot 11. Spots are pretty dam close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to."

    3. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    15 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."

    "Dog friendly, pretty well spaced out campsites but some are used as paths with to get to farther back campsites. Good set up, not too close to neighbors and it’s heavily wooded in between."

    4. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here."

    "Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.
    All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information."

    5. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    32 Reviews
    Eddyville, IL
    18 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."

    6. Jackson Falls

    22 Reviews
    Shawnee National Forest, IL
    17 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."

    7. Hilltop Campground

    7 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    3 miles
    +1 (618) 995-9130

    "The people of Goreville are nice and friendly and Ron, who oversees the campground is a great guy!"

    "Small little campground off the highway. Inexpensive, quiet. Great spot if your in a need of electricity and a hot shower"

    8. Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bargerville, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 997-3344

    $10 - $25 / night

    "Wthat a nice find in southern Illinois just outside of Marion. Very big roomy and grassy sites. Some right on the lake shore."

    "Getting there: Easy access off Illinois 13 East of Carbondale  Check in and staff: Campground is now under the egis of recreation.gov& reservations through them are a must."

    9. Group Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    4 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "The boulders all around are weather beaten, moss covered, and a nice change from rural Illinois. Each group of campsites has a water source and outhouse nearby."

    "Camp in this corner site close to parking and one of the main trails.  Site 12 is close to this one sitting back off the path and probably would be my second choice. "

    10. Dutchman Lake Camp

    4 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    6 miles

    "We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."

    "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"

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Recent Reviews near Goreville, IL

650 Reviews of 112 Goreville Campgrounds


  • Reviewer
    Oct. 13, 2025

    General Watkins Conservation Area

    Rattlesnake Hill

    Rattlesnake Hill- is what the locals call this place. This conservation area is home to Missouri's largest venomous snake- the timber rattlesnake. This snake is known to reach 5 feet in this area and I have seen more than a few that reached that size.(I attached my pics of a massive rattlesnake on the loop trail.) Timber rattlesnakes move at night during the summer- so I wouldn't rush to camp here. Fishing is rough- as the watersnakes will chase you up the bank if they feel threatened. Insane amount of gnats, biting flies, and ticks. No water, no electricity, no trash cans. Hunters will be shooting nearby during hunting season.

  • H
    Oct. 11, 2025

    South Marcum Campground

    Quiet and peaceful

    The view in the tent area of covey point is breathtaking. The campground is clean, quiet, and peaceful

  • Mandi G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    North Sandusky Campground

    Gorgeous views

    Very well maintained campgrounds. Most sites are pretty sloped but there are some level sites. Flush toilets. Bring binoculars for egrets and herons on the lake.

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Great stop for the night

    We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. There’s a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there and we didn’t want to disturb them and also wanted our privacy. There a space for a vehicle to pull off and walk around some boulders to set up a camp, complete with a fire ring. Some bike-packers were already set up there. Close to the lake there is another spot for one or two vehicles. The lake surface had a lot of bug activity - no thanks! We ended up choosing a grassy space next to the curve in the road in between our neighbors. Very peaceful! No bugs.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    A good spot to have a work week

    Functional clean porta potties. Fire pits, tables and water( not at the campsite but available at the entrance). Not a ton of privacy but very friendly people. Not great for starlink but very moderate t mobile a slightly better Verizon. Lots of tents and vans. Not many spots. Beautiful.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great spot for location

    Overall we’ve really enjoyed our stay. Came over the Labor Day weekend and staying a week. Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been. A little noisy at night with the interstate in the distance but we’d expected that. Only thing we wish we would’ve known about was the paving of the road happening directly outside of the park. They obviously can’t control that but a heads up would’ve been helpful. One day we couldn’t get out for a bit and thankfully we had flexible plans. Overall- it’s a great park with decent proximity to a lot of nature. Anna, Marion and Harrisburg are your best bets for restaurants and grocery etc. Vienna only has a dollar general and a few restaurants- a diner, longhorn cafe, Mexican restaurant and Family Pizza- we tried the last one and it was good! Prepare for a 40 min wait time if picking up and it gets packed if you want to dine in. Would def stay here again to visit Shawnee.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Gun Creek

    Nice!

    Nice, large, well thought out campground. Lots of trees, paved sites, bathrooms, showers, and well maintained. Offers full hookups, partial or none. Convenient to I64. Only stayed 1 nite, but would definitely come back.

  • L
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Cave-in-Rock State Park

    Beautiful, empty, cheap state park

    We are the only campers here in a very well kept campground. The bathrooms are clean and the only sound is from the birds. $20 for a state park site with electricity is incredible. It is out of the way (we took the ferry from Kentucky).

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Benton KOA

    Good KOA

    Yes, there is highway noise. It's a KOA. Convenience of being easy off an interstate has its tradeoffs. That said, excellent staff, clean, professional KOA


Guide to Goreville

Primitive and established camping options near Goreville, Illinois provide varied experiences within Shawnee National Forest's diverse terrain. The region sits on unglaciated land featuring sandstone bluffs, distinctive rock formations, and mixed hardwood forests. Temperatures range from mid-80s in summer to below freezing in winter, with spring and fall offering moderate conditions and less crowded campsites.

What to do

Hike to seasonal waterfalls: Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area features multiple natural pools perfect for summer swimming. "Just around the corner (or down the trail at the start of camp) is a network of hiking trails. They scurry around cliffs, falls and ravines. We found small pools perfect for a summer dip," notes one Redbud Campground visitor.

Practice rock climbing: Jackson Falls offers opportunities for climbers of all skill levels. "The place is beautiful; forests and great big, moss covered boulders. It was fun climbing down to the bottom of the falls, even with small kids," reports one camper at Jackson Falls.

Fish in local lakes: Multiple fishing spots exist throughout the area, including at Dutchman Lake. A camper mentions, "Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing" at Dutchman Lake Camp.

What campers like

Trail access directly from campsites: Many campgrounds connect to hiking networks. At Deer Ridge Campground, campers appreciate that "there are hiking trails right from the campground. Sites have electric."

Springtime wildlife viewing: The area comes alive with unique natural displays in spring. One Deer Ridge visitor notes, "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!" while another mentions "lots of flowers and trees in full bloom where you can leave the doors open and enjoy the scenery."

Proximity to multiple attractions: The central location makes day trips easy. A reviewer at Turkey Ridge Campground explains, "There were several hiking trails that looked pretty, but we didn't get a chance to walk them. Overall, this is a nice and quiet campground. We would definitely stay again."

What you should know

Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. At Jackson Falls, one camper reports they "lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve," while another states they "didn't have T-Mobile cellphone reception."

Campground differences: Not all sites offer the same experience. A Turkey Ridge camper notes, "Sites are pretty damn close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to," while a Giant City visitor explains it has "both electric sites for campers and primitive sites for tents. All are shaded and quiet."

Water access limitations: Water availability varies seasonally. A Jackson Falls visitor mentions, "We went during a dry spell and there was no running water at the falls! Still had a blast there though!" At Deer Ridge, a camper points out "water only available at few spots and you would need a really long hose to attach if open faucet available."

Tips for camping with families

Choose waterfall proximity: Multiple campsites offer quick access to kid-friendly water features. At Turkey Ridge Campground, a visitor shares, "Really, this state park is a must for anyone who lives nearby or is driving through. Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!"

Consider bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies widely between campgrounds. One Redbud Campground visitor states, "Pit toilets were dirty even for pit toilets," while a Giant City camper notes, "Showers/bathrooms are really nice and clean."

Be aware of natural hazards: The region has typical woodland concerns. At Crab Orchard, a camper mentions, "We saw a raccoon go right through our campsite so be careful what you leave out, also tons of geese and saw two baby copperheads."

Tips from RVers

Level site availability: Not all campsites accommodate larger RVs. At Shawnee Forest Campground, a visitor noted, "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps. There are some nice sites in this CG but we were not offered one of the better ones."

Hookup locations matter: Check power pedestal positions when setting up. One Shawnee Forest Campground reviewer explained, "The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21. The water and electric (50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice."

Seasonal flooding awareness: Weather conditions can affect campsite conditions. A Hilltop Campground visitor mentioned, "I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it's been," while another noted, "Gravel lots were level and plenty big for our 38' Class A motorhome + Jeep."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Goreville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Goreville, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 112 campgrounds and RV parks near Goreville, IL and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Goreville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Goreville, IL is Shawnee Forest Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Goreville, IL.

What parks are near Goreville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Goreville, IL that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.