Best Tent Camping near Goreville, IL
The forested terrain surrounding Goreville, Illinois offers several tent camping options within Shawnee National Forest and nearby state parks. Turkey Ridge Campground in Ferne Clyffe State Park provides established tent sites with access to hiking trails and natural features, while the Backpack Campground within the same park offers more secluded walk-in tent sites. Dutchman Lake Camp represents a dispersed camping alternative approximately 4 miles southwest of Goreville.
Many tent-only sites feature fire rings with grill stands and picnic tables, particularly in Turkey Ridge Campground. The Backpack Campground provides more primitive amenities with vault toilets nearby but limited facilities. Drinking water availability varies by location - spigots can be found throughout Turkey Ridge, while more remote locations may require campers to bring their own supply. A visitor commented that "firewood is surprisingly difficult to come by" at Backpack Campground, so tent campers should plan accordingly, especially during peak seasons from spring through fall.
In early fall, tent sites throughout the region offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds than summer months. Many locations provide direct access to hiking trails, with Ferne Clyffe State Park offering particularly scenic routes. "The tent camping accommodations were less than stellar, simply because of the outhouses," noted one camper about Turkey Ridge, though they praised the abundant wildlife and natural setting. Primitive backcountry tent sites at Backpack Campground attract hikers seeking more isolation, with sites spaced sufficiently to provide privacy despite being within walking distance of basic facilities. Tent campers frequently mention the quality of trails as a highlight, with one visitor describing Ferne Clyffe as having "more and better trails than anywhere I've ever been," making these tent campgrounds ideal bases for day hiking excursions.
