s
steven &.
Guide
GuideGun Creek
Great location
Easy access off the highway. Lots of trees. Sites reasonably spaced. Great water access. Easy to back in but there were lots of trees so bigger rigs be aware.
Best Campgrounds near Junction, IL
Campgrounds near Junction, Illinois provide access to the natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest. Pine Ridge Campground at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area serves as a central camping destination with both primitive tent sites and electric hookups for RVs. Several developed campgrounds like Pharaoh Campground at Garden of the Gods and Saline County State Conservation Area provide varied accommodation options including tent camping, RV sites, and in some cases, cabins or glamping opportunities. Most facilities are operated by the U.S. Forest Service or Illinois Department of Natural Resources, offering visitors scenic natural settings within a 20-mile radius of Junction.
Road conditions and campground access vary seasonally throughout the region, with many sites open from spring through fall but limited winter options. Several campgrounds close between December and March due to weather conditions. "This campground area is beautiful! We stayed here 3 nights. We arrived on a Thursday and there were plenty of open spots. Friday they open some of the other loops up for more people to stay and it did fill up for the weekend," reported one visitor about Pine Ridge Campground. Cell service can be spotty, with better reception typically found at higher elevations rather than at lakeside campsites. Most developed campgrounds provide vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while shower facilities are limited to select locations like Cave-in-Rock State Park.
Campers frequently mention the proximity to Garden of the Gods and Pounds Hollow Lake as key attractions when staying at area campgrounds. The camping areas provide excellent access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas during warmer months. Water access represents a significant draw, with sites near Pounds Hollow Lake being particularly popular. According to one visitor, "The lake area is beautiful with a swimming area, fishing pier, and pavilion to eat or sit under for shade." Public lands throughout the region support varying levels of privacy between campsites, with Pine Ridge receiving positive reviews for its well-spaced, shaded sites. Weekdays typically offer more solitude and site availability compared to busy summer weekends when many campgrounds reach capacity, especially those with electrical hookups or water access.
Best Camping Sites Near Junction, Illinois (95)
1. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
57 ReviewsKarbers Ridge, IL11 milesWebsite+1 (618) 253-7114$10 / night
"This is a stunning but small campground on top of a crazy high ridge surrounded by cliffs. I had no idea landscapes like this existed in Illinois and was pleasantly surprised."
"Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US."
2. Pine Ridge
17 ReviewsKarbers Ridge, IL8 milesWebsite+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!"
3. Camp Cadiz Campground
6 ReviewsKarbers Ridge, IL10 milesWebsite"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."
4. Cave-in-Rock State Park
14 ReviewsCave-In-Rock, IL18 milesWebsite+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..."
5. Saline County State Conservation Area
3 ReviewsEquality, IL8 milesWebsite+1 (618) 276-4405$8 / night
"This was a great campground with fantastic views of the lake. We also hiked Garden of the Gods and Burden Falls in the Shawnee National Forest. The hikes were great."
"There is a dump station and potable water at the entrance to the campground. There are also some water spigots sprinkled throughout the campground."
6. Pine Ridge Campground
2 ReviewsKarbers Ridge, IL8 milesWebsite+1 (618) 658-2111$10 / night
"The USDA Forest recreational area includes Pounds Hollow Lake that is nestled into a beautiful ridge. "
"It’s a great area with the small beach nearby and garden of the gods so close, the only problem is the drinking water pump is broke so you must bring your own water."
7. High Knob Campgrounds
4 ReviewsKarbers Ridge, IL10 milesWebsite+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."
8. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
32 ReviewsEddyville, IL27 milesWebsite+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. "
"Loved all the hikes within walking distance, a bit of a drive in but fun to explore"
9. Fiedlerland RV Park and Campgrounds
1 ReviewJunction, IL6 milesWebsite+1 (618) 363-834310. Harmonie State Park Campground
34 ReviewsNew Harmony, IN29 milesWebsite+1 (812) 682-4821$20 - $33 / night
"Multiple walking trails and bike trails. Nice shelter houses and picnic areas. Multiple playgrounds. Nature center in the campground. Many events scheduled for summer."
"It was at the back of the campground, but close to the bathrooms/showers and just across from the playground. It was close enough to walk to the Nature Center and grab ice cream."
Recent Camping Photos near Junction, IL
115 Photos of 95 Junction Campgrounds
Kurt D.
Pine Ridge
Art S.
Camp Cadiz Campground
Ozvaldo T.
Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
Nicole C.
Cave-in-Rock State Park
Shelly S.
Tower Rock Campground
Joel H.
Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins
Richy R.
Lake Mauzy East
Layton F.
Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
AC
Jackson Falls
Dave C.
Harmonie State Park Campground
JK Bronco A.
Lake Glendale Recreation Area
Rachel C.
Oak Point Campground
Recent Reviews near Junction, IL
641 Reviews of 95 Junction Campgrounds
- AAustin K.
TravelerPharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
2nd camp
I loved it a lot of rocks to climb and places to hike people are friendly and the sunsets and views are insane.
- GGlen B.Guide
Saline County State Conservation Area
Disappointed
No showers, although listed among the amenities. Vault toilets are loaded with spiders and mud daubers with the exception of the one near the entrance. No sign of the camp hosts. Might be because of the time of year. There are some good spots along the water but not very RV friendly. Plenty of others away from the water and well spaced.
- IIris P.
ScoutS Sandusky Campground
Great campground
Nice lake, and paved trails for biking or walking. Quiet during the week
- GGlen B.Guide
Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest
Boring
Nothing here but an open field and an old barn like structure. Just isolated.
- KKirby & Donna D.Traveler
Shawnee Forest Campground
Adequate for overnight
Two bathouses with two private bathrooms each. More geared for self-contained RVs. Toilet didn't flush.. Friendly host. All sites are pull through and very nice. 1/4 mile from interstate.
- JJoleen S.Scout
Oak Point - Lake Glendale
Definitely recommend !
Friendly hosts, great views, awesome for kayaking and hiking the 3 mile loop around lake!
- EElla P.Traveler
Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
The Perfect Getaway
I stayed on a Sunday late April. With only 12 sites and it being first come first serve, I was nervous we wouldn’t be able to secure a spot. To our surprise, there were 4 open sites, so we had the perfect amount of privacy. The campground is a short walk from what I believe is the most popular trail in the park. Would 109% stay again.
- SSusan H.Scout
Arrowhead Lake Campground
Beautiful spot
Well maintained, friendly staff, peaceful, gorgeous campground! Does not have sewer hookups and water pedestal is every 2 spots so you need a very long hose to connect. But even with those disadvantages, I’d live here!
Guide to Junction
Camping near Junction, Illinois provides access to diverse terrain within the Shawnee National Forest region. Elevations range from 400 to 900 feet throughout the area, creating varied landscapes from river bottoms to sandstone bluffs. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s with high humidity while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 60-70°F. Winter camping options are limited as many facilities close during December through February when temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to Do
Hiking to geological formations: The area around Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground offers exceptional trail access. "The formations are amazing!! We love to hike here in the fall when it's cooler outside and when the leaves are changing it's absolutely beautiful. The views are some of the best around," notes Robin M. The observation trail provides scenic overlooks of unique rock formations.
Fishing opportunities: Waters near Saline County State Conservation Area provide productive fishing spots. Campsites near the water offer convenient access to the lake for anglers. According to Don N., "This was a great campground with fantastic views of the lake. We also hiked Garden of the Gods and Burden Falls in the Shawnee National Forest."
Swimming and cooling off: During hot summer months, natural swimming areas provide relief from heat. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs features natural pools perfect for summer dips. "Great hiking and great camp site. No shower but the springs offer a refreshing soak after a long day of hiking. Water is easily accessible and clean," reports Layton F.
What Campers Like
Spacious, shaded sites: Campers consistently mention the comfortable spacing between sites at Pine Ridge Campground. "The campground is very rustic with a LOT of shade which made our stay there perfect," says Jason F. The primitive camping loops offer more privacy than electric hookup areas.
Budget-friendly options: Most campgrounds in the Junction area maintain affordable rates compared to other recreational destinations. Brian E. notes about Pine Ridge: "Spent a week here and had a blast! Camp sites are fairly well spaced, though not private. Area is split with power and no power. Vault style restrooms are very clean and regularly maintained."
Proximity to multiple attractions: The central location allows visitors to explore multiple points of interest without long drives. "A great, centralized location for quite a few natural wonders and a hop, skip, and a jump away from quite a few more!" explains a Pine Ridge camper. Most major attractions lie within a 25-mile radius of Junction.
What You Should Know
Limited cell service: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the region. "We were able to get cell signal on the campsites up the hill but not in any down by the water, which is why we stayed up the hill," notes a visitor to Saline County State Conservation Area. Higher elevation sites typically offer better reception.
Water availability varies: Potable water access differs between campgrounds. At Camp Cadiz Campground, "The water pump got frequent use and the twin vault toilets were plenty for the campground." Some locations have hand pumps while others offer spigots throughout the campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Junction, IL?
What camping is available near Junction, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Junction, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 95 campgrounds and RV parks near Junction, IL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Junction, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Junction, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Junction, IL is Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 57 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Junction, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Junction, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Junction, IL.
What parks are near Junction, IL?
What parks are near Junction, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Junction, IL that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.
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