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Best Campgrounds near Goreville, IL

647 Reviews

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."

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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 Camping Photos near Goreville, IL

121 Photos of 112 Goreville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Goreville, IL

647 Reviews of 112 Goreville Campgrounds

  • 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

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

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great stop for the night.

    We were driving south on I24 towards Nashville and needed a spot to stop for the night. We booked online and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The campground is really nice and had a great paved walking trail to stretch our legs and walk the dog. Would definitely recommend if in the area.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    Camping in July 2025

    Campground was not crowded during the weekdays. Nice shaded sites w electric and water hookups. Campground hosts were very engaged. $19 a night electric w Sr Pass.

    There are several historical sites to visit. Ill Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods and Trail of Tears segments on

    ATT cell service was spotty but I drove to Dixon Springs SP where there was a cell tower. An easy 3 mile hike around the lake

    There are several historical sites in area. Illinois Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods , and segments of the Trail of Tears

Guide to Goreville

Camping near Goreville, Illinois, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, especially at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Easy walking distance to the observation trail that is the highlight of this park."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Hillman Ferry Campground, are near lakes where you can cast a line. A reviewer noted, "Clean facilities. Self check-in. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food."
  • Exploring Nature: At Jackson Falls, you can enjoy the beauty of the Shawnee National Forest. One camper said, "Great hiking around the area."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A visitor at Shawnee Forest Campground said, "The camp was clean and well maintained."
  • Peaceful Environment: Many enjoy the tranquility of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs mentioned, "Very quiet and peaceful."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Giant City State Park Campground noted, "The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gun Creek, may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper mentioned, "Not all sites have water/septic, but many water points available throughout camp."
  • Busy Weekends: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week. A reviewer at Hillman Ferry Campground advised, "Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor to Jackson Falls said, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids, like playgrounds. At South Sandusky Campground, one family said, "It was very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at Pine Ridge mentioned, "Nice trails through the woods to hike."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone fueled up with easy-to-carry snacks. A visitor at Trail of Tears State Park Campground suggested, "Great short term camping."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Not all sites are level, so be prepared to adjust. A reviewer at Gun Creek noted, "Not all spots are level."
  • Book in Advance: Many campgrounds allow reservations, which can help secure a good spot. A visitor at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "All campsites are reservable."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A camper at Shawnee Forest Campground said, "No market."

Camping near Goreville, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Make sure to check out these campgrounds for a memorable outdoor experience!

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.

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