Best Campgrounds near Herod, IL

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.