Best Campgrounds near Junction, IL

Camping near Junction, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes 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: Explore the stunning trails at Garden of the Gods Rec Area. One visitor mentioned, "Easy walking distance to the observation trail that is the highlight of this park."
• Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the lake at Oak Point - Lake Glendale. A camper shared, "The lake was nice with a large clean and well-kept sand beach."
• Rock Climbing: For the adventurous, Jackson Falls offers great rock climbing opportunities. A reviewer noted, "A lot of hiking and rock climbing to do at Jackson Falls."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. One visitor at Harmonie State Park Campground said, "Everything was well kept and clean."
• Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Pine Ridge. A reviewer mentioned, "The rustic sites are well spread out so they feel very private."
• Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often highlight the welcoming vibe. A visitor at Cave-in-Rock State Park remarked, "Steve is a great Host."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, lack certain amenities. A camper noted, "There is no potable water on site. That would be my only complaint."
• Busy Weekends: Expect crowds on weekends, especially at popular spots like Harmonie State Park Campground. One reviewer advised, "Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday."
• Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor to Jackson Falls mentioned, "The road getting there does vary in surfaces but our van made it fine."

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Harmonie State Park Campground has multiple playgrounds, making it a great family spot.
• Nature Activities: Engage kids with nature walks. A camper at Dixon Springs State Park said, "There were a couple nice playgrounds for the kids to play on and plenty to walk around and see."
• Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for insects. A visitor at Oak Point Campground warned, "Bring bug spray - horseflies and ticks."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level. A reviewer at Pine Ridge mentioned, "Only 1 loop has electricity, there is no sanitary dump station."
• Reservations: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Cave-in-Rock State Park advised, "I was a bit apprehensive about this state park because it did not take reservations."
• Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Harmonie State Park Campground noted, "There is a dump station at the entrance."

Camping near Junction, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!