Best Campgrounds near Herod, IL

Join the fun near Herod. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Herod is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Herod, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Herod, Illinois (122)

    1. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    53 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    $10 / night

    "Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US."

    "We did a lot of hiking all around Shawnee but this is by far favorite spot in Illinois!"

    2. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    32 Reviews
    Eddyville, IL
    13 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."

    3. Pine Ridge

    17 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    $10 / night

    "The main draw for us was the hiking trails. If you go over to the Pounds Hollow Rec Area you can find picnic areas and a pond to explore by boat."

    "A great, centralized location for quite a few natural wonders and a hop, skip, and a jump away from quite a few more!"

    4. Jackson Falls

    21 Reviews
    Shawnee National Forest, IL
    14 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."

    5. Oak Point - Lake Glendale

    15 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 638-3246

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Our favorite in all of Illinois!!"

    "Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale."

    6. Camp Cadiz Campground

    6 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    11 miles
    Website

    "On a gravel road, in the back country like most everything else on this side of Illinois , fill your gas tank up and your food locker or you will be driving back out a ways to refill. "

    "It's super quiet despite the gravel road nearby. The vault restroom is kept very clean. It has easy access to the River to River trail, and I love the CCC stonework."

    7. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    $12 - $44 / night

    "Lake Glendale is a true southern Illinois gem. They have recently improved the shower houses, the kids love the playground, and there is SO much shade!"

    "There is a longer wine trail further west in Shawnee National Forest.

    When I entered Lake Glendale, Cardinal Bay boat launch was the first area I visited."

    8. Cave-in-Rock State Park

    13 Reviews
    Cave-In-Rock, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 289-4325

    "General: I was a bit apprehensive about this state park because it did not take reservations, so we made sure to arrive by 11 am but we had no reason to worry – compared to other Illinois campgrounds"

    "Signage will greet you as soon as you exit the ferry and Cave in Rock city has several small businesses you might want to visit. Plus a bunch of painted bikes..."

    9. High Knob Campgrounds

    4 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 275-4494

    "High Knob is a Horse campground in Shawnee National Forest near Garden of the Gods off Il1. The entire area has extensive trails through some awesome, hilly, rocky, cliffy areas."

    "The trails are great maps available some trails need marked a bit better."

    10. Shawnee Forest Campground

    33 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    26 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."

    "This use to be a golf course and the cart paths are now walking trails. Be careful as the paths are in poor condition with cave ins in some areas and they arent blocked off."

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Showing results 1-10 of 122 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Herod, IL

774 Reviews of 122 Herod Campgrounds



Guide to Herod

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

What to do

  • Hiking: The area is known for its stunning 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." The trails provide breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.
  • Exploring caves: Cave-in-Rock State Park is nearby and offers a unique cave experience. A camper shared, "The sites are decent size. It can be a bit of a walk to the bathroom. It does have a restaurant and small store on site."
  • Fishing and swimming: Many campgrounds, like Pine Ridge, have access to lakes for fishing and swimming. One camper noted, "The lake area is beautiful with a swimming area, fishing pier, and pavilion to eat or sit under for shade."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. At Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, a visitor said, "The grounds and pit toilets were remarkably clean, and I saw no trash or broken glass anywhere."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer a peaceful environment. One camper at Jackson Falls mentioned, "This is a spectacular place if you are looking for private and semi-private dispersed campgrounds."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. A review for Cave-in-Rock State Park noted, "Steve is a great Host."

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor pointed out, "There is no potable water on site."
  • Busy weekends: Popular spots can get crowded, especially on weekends. One camper at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground advised, "Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday."
  • Road conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A review for Jackson Falls mentioned, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites and activities for kids. At Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park, a camper noted, "Great for star-gazing. Lots of mature oak and sycamore trees that I'm sure provide nice shade in summer."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of nearby attractions. One family at Shawnee Forest Campground enjoyed the trails, saying, "The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings smoother. A camper at Pine Ridge mentioned, "The campground area is beautiful with a swimming area."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Shawnee Forest Campground stated, "Well maintained, big sites for our 40ft fifth wheel."
  • Look for electric hookups: If you need power, choose campgrounds that offer it. One RV traveler at Fern Lake Campground and RV Park said, "Gravel sites with water, dump, 30/50 amps."
  • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds have bumpy access roads. A visitor at Jackson Falls noted, "Definitely not gonna be fun for even small RV's."

Camping near Herod, Illinois, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Herod, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Herod, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Herod, IL and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Herod, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Herod, IL is Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 53 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Herod, IL.

What parks are near Herod, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Herod, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.