Best Campgrounds near Grand Tower, IL

Camping in the Grand Tower area features a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites along the Mississippi River and nearby wilderness areas. Devil's Backbone Park provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations within Grand Tower city limits, while Turkey Bayou Campground offers free camping about 20 miles southeast in a more remote setting. Pine Hills Campground provides tent and RV sites surrounded by forest, creating a quieter alternative to riverside locations. The region includes both Illinois state parks and conservation areas, with options ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV camping.

Seasonal considerations significantly affect camping experiences near Grand Tower. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though Pine Hills Campground operates from March 15 to December 15. Access to Turkey Bayou requires navigating several miles of gravel roads that can be challenging for large RVs, especially after rain. The Mississippi River's water levels fluctuate seasonally, occasionally affecting riverside camping areas. Portable toilets represent the most common restroom facility at primitive sites, while state parks typically offer shower houses and more developed amenities. As one camper noted, "We took a chance camping here since we hang hammocks but we found a site that had some trees nearby. We were pleasantly surprised to see a port-a-pottie at the campground."

Many visitors highlight the solitude available at camping areas around Grand Tower. Turkey Bayou receives consistently positive reviews for its peaceful atmosphere and waterfront location despite minimal amenities. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "This simple, FREE campground is in a beautiful location by the Big Muddy River... when we camped in the early spring, there were only 2 other campers in the whole campground." Devils Backbone Park provides easier access to conveniences but offers less privacy than more remote sites. Trail systems throughout the region connect many campgrounds to hiking opportunities, with Little Grand Canyon trails frequently mentioned in reviews as worth exploring. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with most remote sites offering limited connectivity compared to campgrounds closer to towns.

Best Camping Sites Near Grand Tower, Illinois (105)

    1. Turkey Bayou Campground

    13 Reviews
    Gorham, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 687-1731

    "We took a chance camping here since we hang hammocks but we found a site that had some trees nearby. We were pleasantly surprised to see a port-a-pottie at the campground."

    "Stayed during the eclipse so crowds were intense but the hosts lets us camp where we could find room, the site was clean and the pond was beautiful (as always bring the bug spray when camping near the"

    2. Trail of Tears State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    McClure, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5268

    "PRO  Senior discount saving $6 

    Able to reserve on-line 365 days prior to arriving 

    Very friendly and helpful camp host 

    Unobstructed view of the Mississippi River 

    Great dark sky viewing 

    No highway"

    "As close to camping next to the Mississippi river as you can get"

    3. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    17 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."

    4. Pine Hills

    4 Reviews
    Alto Pass, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    $10 / night

    5. Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Murphysboro, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 684-2867

    "We had pit toilets, but had to drive elsewhere for showers. I would come back again."

    6. Wine Trail Wilderness

    2 Reviews
    Pomona, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 263-9625

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Surrounded by wineries, hiking places, historic sites, close to town for dining out, visiting for special events. Whatever you may schedule."

    7. Devils Backbone Park

    2 Reviews
    Grand Tower, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (618) 684-6192

    "There are 21 miles of trails throughout the park and a large lake. The attractions are all relatively close to the road (cave, "hidden" spring, and trout streams)."

    8. Johnson Creek

    5 Reviews
    Ava, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    "single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities"

    "The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake."

    9. Little Grassy Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-6655

    $15 - $35 / night

    "We've been wanting to explore southern Illinois for a long time, but it's a six hour (min)  drive from our home."

    "The lake is quiet and clean. A nice hidden gem located a short drive from beautiful hiking trails. We will definitely be back."

    10. Apple Creek Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Altenburg, MO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5730
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 105 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Grand Tower, IL

585 Reviews of 105 Grand Tower 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

  • David D.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground

    Awesome campground!

    The views over the Mississippi River are calandar-worthy! Very scenic from up atop the bluffs. A very old and historic cemetery is next to the campground. There is electric hookups 30 and 50 amp. No water/sewer but does have a dump station. Vault toilets.

  • 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Lake Girardeau Campground

    Clean and free

    Stayed here in September. Had the campground to myself. It's run by Missouri Dept. of Conservation so there's no charge. Each site has concrete picnic tables, grill and lantern hook.

  • 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.

  • Chip
    Sep. 2, 2025

    World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    Lot's of full hookups

    This was our first camp in our new to us travel trailer. Not many trees.  Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue.  This is the site of the American Trap Shooters Association "Grand" Event.  During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full.  We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning.  There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried.  I imagine they had some unlocked but I didn't try all the doors when I was there.

  • 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.


Guide to Grand Tower

Camping near Grand Tower, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails 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: Enjoy fishing at Gun Creek. A camper noted, "Bring a fishing pole for amazing lake views!"
  • Horseback Riding: Check out Sam A. Baker State Park Campground for horseback riding opportunities. One review said, "There is plenty to do from hiking to horseback riding."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jackson Falls, don't have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "No drinking water... be prepared."
  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds at popular spots like Sam A. Baker State Park Campground on weekends. One visitor said, "Very busy on Fridays and weekends."
  • Road Conditions: The roads to some campgrounds, such as Jackson Falls, can be rough. A camper mentioned, "The road getting there does vary in surfaces but our van made it fine."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like St. Joe State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "There are two great trails in the park and there was staff on site doing educational programs that my kids really loved."
  • Quiet Campsites: Choose quieter campgrounds like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs for a more relaxing experience. One camper mentioned, "We had the place nearly to ourselves."
  • Bring Snacks: Make sure to pack snacks and drinks, as some campgrounds, like Gun Creek, don't have markets nearby. A visitor noted, "No market... bring your own supplies."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Not all sites are level or spacious. A camper at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground mentioned, "Campground was really tight."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Shawnee Forest Campground. A reviewer said, "The sites are very close together, so there is not much privacy."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the nearest dump station is, especially at places like St. Joe State Park Campground. A camper noted, "Dump station backs up for up to an hour on Sundays."

Camping near Grand Tower, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for every camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Grand Tower, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Grand Tower, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 105 campgrounds and RV parks near Grand Tower, IL and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Grand Tower, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grand Tower, IL is Turkey Bayou Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Grand Tower, IL?

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

What parks are near Grand Tower, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Grand Tower, IL that allow camping, notably Rend Lake and Shawnee National Forest.