Join the fun near Karbers Ridge. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Illinois camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Karbers Ridge, IL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$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!"
$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!"
$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."
"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..."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"But if you drive a few miles North East there is a Illinois State Park, Cave in the Rock I think, and you can refill your water jugs/bladders there by the showers/bathrooms, and there are garbage dumsters"
"Once on Cave in Rock Rd. watch for the sign (near 280 “block” of street addresses) because if you miss the turn it will be a minute before you can turn around to come back on the country road. "
$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."
$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."
LegendUsing your GPS of choice, you can reach this campground off I-57 via Benton or the IL-154/Sesser exit. The area includes both North Sandusky and South Sandusky COE campgrounds, clearly marked and easy to find. We arrived around 2:00 PM and found the check-in gate closed, but since we had a reservation, we proceeded directly to our back-in site 123 with full hookups. Most sites here offer water and electric (50/30/20 AMP), while the Dogwood loop features several full hookup sites in its upper section. Note that the loop has low-sloping ditches on both sides of the road, so precise backing is needed to land on the asphalt pad. There’s one full hookup pull-through site in the Dogwood loop—a long, slightly curved pad with sewer and power connections on the yard side, and water on the standard side. Both North and South Sandusky COE campgrounds offer a wide variety of site types, including lake views, varying utility setups, and well-spaced sites. Paved bike trails run throughout the area. We've been coming here for years, and this campground remains one of our favorites close to home.
ScoutConvenient, clean, trails from Campground.
ScoutWe run a 28ft RV and we’re able to cross the first water wash without problem. 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. The further sights will require crossing several wash outs. The terrain is hard rock and any capable 4x4 should be able to navigate to the furthest sight’s. .
GuideThis is a wonderful little Camp spot. There is 1 30 amp hookup, and 1 50 amp hookup. There is plenty of room for tents most of this land is level. They also have a Barn area that is used for women's retreats. I asked about the 'Art' part of the name, Laura told me that it is partially for art retreats, as well as she is a part-time artist. Very nice lady, there is a hot tub just to the side of the 30 amp hookup, so this is the end of this review! I've got to go indulge!
TravelerLots of interstate noise. Many sites are very off level. CHECK carefully
TravelerThis is an amazing spot for free camping! The tent pads are right by the water, offering stunning lake views. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and access to toilets—everything you need for a comfortable stay. Despite its remote feel, Walmart is just a 12-minute drive away for any last-minute supplies. We would have loved to stay longer, but incoming storms cut our trip short. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway! No electricity or showers!
ScoutBacks up to lake. Short walk to clean restrooms. Will come back.
ScoutIt’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. You can get firewood from the garden of the gods outpost and some really good shakes and icecream!!
ScoutThe sites had amazing views. Spaced pretty close together but still felt private enough. There was an outhouse that was very clean and in the center of the camp sites. No showers. We loved it!
Camping near Karbers Ridge, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Karbers Ridge, Illinois, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Karbers Ridge, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near Karbers Ridge, IL and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Karbers Ridge, IL is Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 53 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Karbers Ridge, IL.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Karbers Ridge, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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