Vincent S.
Ranger
RangerTrail of Tears State Forest
Remove from free dispersed. $8 a night. Not free.
Camping near Karnak, IL
2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Camping areas near Karnak, Illinois center around the Shawnee National Forest, offering a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed sites. Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides water and electric hookups with lakefront sites, while Ferne Clyffe State Park features multiple campground options including Turkey Ridge for tent camping and Deer Ridge for RVs. Jackson Falls offers free dispersed camping popular with rock climbers and hikers seeking a more primitive experience. The region includes both federal forest service and Illinois state park campgrounds within a 30-mile radius.
Road conditions and campground accessibility vary significantly by season in southern Illinois. Many campgrounds in the Shawnee National Forest area operate seasonally, with some like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs open from March 15 to December 15. "The campground is small, situated on a limestone bluff which is cut by a small rivulet and some seasonal small waterfalls," noted one visitor to Ferne Clyffe State Park. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with visitors reporting variable coverage depending on carrier and location. Water availability can be limited at primitive sites, requiring campers to bring their own or travel to nearby developed campgrounds for refills. Summer temperatures typically reach the 90s with high humidity, while spring brings frequent rainfall that can affect trail conditions.
Shaded campsites receive consistently positive reviews, particularly during hot summer months. Oak Point at Lake Glendale earns high ratings for its pine forest setting and lake access, with campers noting the privacy between sites and proximity to swimming areas. Several visitors mentioned the exceptional hiking opportunities throughout the region, with trails connecting many campgrounds to notable features like Garden of the Gods, Bell Smith Springs, and Jackson Falls. Campers report that weekday visits offer significantly more solitude than weekends, especially during hunting and fishing seasons when campgrounds can fill quickly. The area's unique sandstone formations and limestone bluffs create distinctive camping experiences not found elsewhere in Illinois, with multiple reviews highlighting the geological features as a primary reason for visiting the region.
Best Campgrounds near Karnak (118)
1. Shawnee Forest Campground
"We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."
"Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
2. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
"Had very nice trails, very clean. Forest is beautiful. We camped at the primitive area spot 11. Spots are pretty dam close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to."
"Great campground away from roads and noise. Goreville is small local town with grocery store and service station for supplies. South LOOP sites 1-23 are first come sites."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
3. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
"Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."
"Dog friendly, pretty well spaced out campsites but some are used as paths with to get to farther back campsites. Good set up, not too close to neighbors and it’s heavily wooded in between."
4. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
5. Oak Point - Lake Glendale
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $20 / night
6. Jackson Falls
"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."
7. Dutchman Lake Camp
"We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."
"It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs. Lots of wild flowers and the sunset- WOW!"
8. Lake Glendale Recreation Area
"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!"
"Ill Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods and Trail of Tears segments on ATT cell service was spotty but I drove to Dixon Springs SP where there was a cell tower."
Check Availabilityfrom $12 - $44 / night
9. Fern Lake Campground
"Located on the edge of Paducah, Kentucky this is the perfect place to stay if you are going to the quilt shows or visiting the National Quilt Museum."
"This is a convenient and pleasant campground, just off exit 3 on I24 in Paducah. The staff was friendly and walked us to our site and showed us the hookups."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $65 / night
10. Giant City State Park Campground
"There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here."
"Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.
All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information."
Drive Time
- 32 min from Paducah, KY
- 51 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 54 min from Clarksville, TN
- 2 hrs from Evansville, IN
Recent Camping Photos near Karnak, IL
131 Photos of 118 Karnak Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Riverview Campground
Willow Springs Campground
Equestrian Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State ParkT
Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Group Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Fort Massac State Park Campground
Dixon Springs State Park Campground
Oak Point - Lake Glendale
Oak Point Campground
Lake Glendale Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near Karnak, IL
724 Reviews of 118 Karnak Campgrounds
Loren B.
TravelerNickell Branch Campground
Awesome
MickandKarla W.
LegendMarion/Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday
Different than Most KOA Holidays
We were heading back to our home base and decided to check out this new KOA Holiday and dump our tanks before heading home. The campground (CG) was approximately 10 miles and 20 minutes off I-57 on southern Illinois backcountry roads. Along the way, we encountered a suspiciously low power line that our 13.5'-high rig cleared. Small KOA signs guided us all the way in. We've stayed at many KOAs and particularly enjoyed KOA Holidays for their service and amenities, but this CG was not what we expected. We arrived at a large gravel parking area and found a check-in room at the end of a warehouse, with envelopes on a bulletin board and a phone number to request an escort. Since the RV sites were down a steep hill, we checked our assigned Creek Side site 26 before moving our rig. Sites 23–26 sat in a bowl at the bottom of the CG, with little room to maneuver our 41' fifth wheel and F450. The escort number went to voicemail, but we reached the manager using the CG brochure number. He agreed our rig wouldn't fit and moved us to back-in site 18 on the hill. All RV sites were back-ins. Creek Side sites appeared better suited for smaller RVs, although larger rigs might fit sites 23 and 24. We later discovered the main KOA office near the marina, which handled cabin check-ins, food, and boat rentals. Sites 1–19 were former pull-through motorcoach sites converted to back-ins, with utilities on the opposite side to accommodate other RVs. Our site 18 was exceptionally wide but close to neighboring sites. We positioned our rig toward the right side of the gravel pad (facing the site) to maintain reasonable access to hookups. The electrical pedestal was at the far back, requiring approximately 35' of power cord to accommodate our toy hauler's rear deck. The wide pad provided plenty of parking for a tow vehicle or boat. However, the CG brochure listed a $75 fee for parking boats or trailers at sites, and a marina sign listed a $50 launch fee. We couldn't determine how these fees applied. Water pressure was excellent, so use a regulator. CG Wi-Fi delivered 20.9 Mbps, Verizon had two bars, and T-Mobile had three. Our T-Mobile Home Internet delivered 358 Mbps, allowing us to stream golf and football. With no trees around the RV sites, satellite reception shouldn't be a problem. Some sites had limited lake views, but don't expect panoramic views or direct lake access. The CG had undergone considerable improvements, including attractive cabins, several right on the lake. KOA cabins were mixed with privately owned cabins, while lake access was concentrated near the small marina and swimming area. We expected more direct lake access and walking trails, but neither was available from the RV sites. A standard fenced KOA dog park was available, but longer walks with our pup were limited to a short path around the fishing pond, gravel areas, and CG roads. Considerable work and investment had gone into this CG, but our experience didn't entice us to return.
- MickandKarla W.Legend
Columbus-Belmont State Park
Nice Surprise
Columbus-Belmont State Park is a bit of a drive on country roads, but well worth the effort. We originally reserved site 28, but a large tree and its low-hanging branches presented clearance problems for our 40' fifth wheel. We spoke with the very friendly camp host, who moved us to back-in site 25 with full hookups (50/30/20 AMP). The sites are positioned at 90 degrees to the CG road, but there was enough room to maneuver our big rig into the site with a few adjustments. Our site and several others had some slope and pitch to the pads, so additional leveling blocks may be necessary. The extra effort was well worth the trouble. Water pressure was okay. We had one bar on Verizon and two bars on T-Mobile. The CG did not provide Wi-Fi, but our T-Mobile Home Internet worked exceptionally well, with download speeds of 345 Mbps. There were numerous large, mature trees throughout the CG, so satellite reception, including Starlink, could be challenging depending on the site and whether you can reposition the dish to find a clear view of the sky. We've stayed at hundreds of campgrounds over the years, but until Columbus-Belmont, we'd never used the word"immaculate" to describe one. The CG sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, and our site 25 had a beautiful river view from our toy hauler's deck. The park also has plenty of interesting Civil War history to explore. Barge operations along the river below the CG generated some daytime noise, but nothing we found particularly bothersome. Between the immaculate grounds, beautiful setting, and historical significance, Columbus-Belmont was well worth the drive and a place we'd gladly return to.
- DDavid B.Traveler
General Watkins Conservation Area
Nice quiet little spot. 4 spots. Have fire rings and picnic tables.
- SSamuel B.
ScoutTwin Lakes Campground
Excellent primitive sites with fire ring and picnic table right on the water.
- ttim O.
GuideCamp Cadiz Campground
Quiet clean campground, 8 sites, one water spigot, pit toilets, hiking and biking, 9 miles to Garden of the Gods. Campground is right next to road. Local traffic is minimal, most sites will accommodate 30ft trailer or motor home.
- MMark V.Traveler
Fern Lake Campground
I’m not sure where the good reviews come from. Ive tried to find another Fern Lake to make sure I was at the correct one. Bath facilities have half doors so you are shitting in public. Your kids get the nice look over by any of the weird full timers living junk squaller. The power poles are only standing by the shear strength of all the cobbled together wires and electric tape. It’s not safe. It’s fucking dangerous. Most the fire “pits” are shitty rings from 60 years ago at least. There is zero maintenance here. It’s very loud next to the freeway. Sites are small and on top of each other. Lots are small. Not level. And little gravel. The cinder blocks keep you from backing in too far. Most of the water posts are “shared” because others don’t work. Picnic tables are a fucking joke. Rotten. Lead paint and worthless. The water retaining POND has a grass path around it so you can admire what recycled concrete can create where there was once no POND. One star is extremely generous. Just like the generous $10 a bundle for wood. Keep on trucking. It’s not far to go to find something worthwhile. This is a 100% pass. Before you think I’m some kind of pre Madonna, I will say we are a minimalist family that camps in unimproved spots and boondocks all the time. This place is gross. And disturbing that anyone reviews it for more than a 1 star. Most of the reviews are flat out lies. One talks about the clean bathrooms, hot showers, and one mentions a fucking pool! Wtf? Shitting in your own fire ring is more private. Pictures sooooo under tell the story of what a shot hole this place is. It’s off the freeway very close. And there is a Mexican restaurant across the street and a Casey’s essentially attached. If that’s what you like. Have fun. But any great reviews are from either someone who came and went in the dark. Or are from the owners.
- LLiz R.Guide
Hinton RV Park
Clean, quiet, easy access to resturants
check-in was nice and smooth. Deep parking pad is very level. The RV park is extremely clean and really nice, we're just staying overnight but good price as well. Lots of places to eat nearby. Can hardly hear the highway noise, It's very quiet as well.
Guide to Karnak
Camping areas near Karnak, Illinois offer a mix of limestone bluffs, pine forests and riverside settings. The region sits at the northern edge of the Shawnee Hills with elevations ranging from 340 to 680 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though primitive sites may have limited facilities during winter months when temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking at Bell Smith Springs: Trails connect to natural rock formations, swimming holes and scenic overlooks within a 10-minute walk from Redbud Campground. "There's hiking trails, but they can potentially be confusing, so take a picture of the map and make a plan if you can. There's a natural rock arch formation, and lots of dramatic cliffs," notes one visitor.
Rock climbing at Jackson Falls: This free dispersed camping area attracts climbers with numerous routes on sandstone bluffs. "This place is popular with climbers, but I'm not one and had a rough time locating this place. The roads weren't marked the same way they are on the website's map, and the trailheads are confusing as well," shares a camper at Jackson Falls.
Fishing in stocked waters: Multiple ponds and small lakes offer fishing opportunities. "They have a small lake and two ponds for fishing. There's no formal dog area, but there are paved trails around the large CG area, which made it nice to walk our dogs," reports a camper at Shawnee Forest Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Oak Point at Lake Glendale provides well-spaced sites with natural screening. "The sites are mostly private and have water hookups as well as electric. A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails," says a visitor to Lake Glendale Recreation Area.
Firefly displays in summer: Evening light shows from fireflies add natural entertainment during warmer months. "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!" reports a camper at Deer Ridge Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "Dark nights with star gazing and even a little bit of that eerie scary movie vibe at the far end of the lake where it's a little too quiet," notes a visitor to Lake Glendale Recreation Area.
What you should know
Cell service variability: Phone reception varies dramatically by location and provider. "Lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve, FYI. The place is beautiful; forests and great big, moss covered boulders," reports a visitor to Jackson Falls.
Limited reservation options: Several campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis. "No reservations though so you'll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot," advises a camper at Oak Point.
Tick and poison ivy prevalence: Natural hazards require preparation. "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. Definitely lots of ticks but you're in nature so it's a given," warns a visitor to Redbud Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Cave exploration for kids: Multiple locations feature child-friendly cave features. "There are lots of well maintained trails to hike... hikes that include bluffs, caves, creeks, etc. Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!" shares a visitor to Turkey Ridge Campground.
Playgrounds and swimming areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated recreation facilities. "The concessionaire stocks ice and wood, folks drive nice and slow for the kids, and there is a little playground for the kids to play on as well. Each campsite is surrounded by trees and it is nice and quiet," notes a camper at Oak Point.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple species can be observed from campsites. "There was a ton of wildlife though and it was really neat to listen to all the different species throughout the night," reports a visitor to Turkey Ridge Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many sites require adjustment for comfortable setup. "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps. There are some nice sites in this CG but we were not offered one of the better ones," warns an RVer at Shawnee Forest Campground.
Limited full hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric only, with water and dump stations centrally located. "Lots of RVs, close sites, not much privacy. That being said there is nothing wrong with it, it's just not a campground I'd go out of my way to stay at again," notes a visitor to Giant City State Park.
Off-grid preparation needed: Water and electric access varies by location. "No water hook up at each site, only electricity," advises a camper at Giant City State Park Campground.
The best places to camp near Karnak, Illinois provide diverse options from primitive sites with natural features to developed campgrounds with amenities. For top camping locations near Karnak, consider proximity to water features, trail access, and seasonal availability when planning your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Karnak, IL?
What camping is available near Karnak, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Karnak, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Karnak, IL and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Karnak, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Karnak, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Karnak, IL is Shawnee Forest Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Karnak, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Karnak, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Karnak, IL.
Keep Exploring