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."
