Top Tent Camping near Makanda, IL

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Makanda, look no further. With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Makanda campgrounds for you and your tent. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Makanda, IL (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    1. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    47 Photos
    9 Saves

    Turkey Ridge is for campers who want a serene outdoor experience. It is a Class C walk-in campground that includes camp pads, picnic tables, cooking grills and showers. Drinking water and toilets are located near the parking lots.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls

    2. Jackson Falls

    20 Reviews
    66 Photos
    418 Saves

    Jackson Falls offers many opportunities for technical climbing and is a beautiful scenic area of the Shawnee National Forest. It is in the general forest area located east of the small town of Ozark, IL. This non-developed area has a small trailhead with a vault toilet. A short trail leads from the trailhead to the top of Jackson Falls. There are high dangerous bluffs in the area, visitors should be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Camping is allowed here at no cost, since this is part of the general forest area and not a developed campground. Access: A narrow gravel road leads to the Jackson Falls Trailhead, but then the road becomes dirt and deadends past the trailhead.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    3. Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    3 Reviews
    10 Photos
    2 Saves

    Backpackers enjoying their commune with nature will appreciate the solitude of the individual campsites in the Class C Backpack campground. Located a half-mile from the Turkey Ridge primitive campground parking lot, these woodland sites have cooking grills, toilets and showers. Water and trash receptacles are available at the Turkey Ridge parking lot. You're reminded to be careful with your fires and to pack out what you pack in.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp

    4. Dutchman Lake Camp

    3 Reviews
    6 Photos
    44 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      5. Blue Heron Campground & Marina

      1 Review
      8 Saves
      • Electric Hookups
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Showers
      • Toilets

      $15 - $20 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge  -  Lake Of Egypt

      6. Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt

      2 Reviews
      1 Photo
      8 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Trash
      Camper-submitted photo from Willow Springs Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Willow Springs Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Willow Springs Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Willow Springs Campground

      7. Willow Springs Campground

      1 Review
      4 Photos
      2 Saves

      Private property sunken into the Shawnee National Forest.

      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Firewood Available
      • Showers

      $20 - $125 / night

      • No image available

        8. Apple Creek Conservation Area

        1 Review
        1 Save

        Apple Creek Conservation Area is located in northeast Cape Girardeau County, three miles east of New Wells on Route CC. The Missouri Department of Conservation created Apple Creek Conservation Area in 1986 with the purchase of 2,100 acres from several landowners. Steep hills and narrow valleys characterize this area, and approximately 2.5 miles of Apple Creek stream frontage forms its northern border. The Conservation Department has created watering ponds and planted food plots and agricultural crops within the forest to provide additional food sources for wildlife.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Tents
        • Equestrian
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Trash
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
        • No image available

          10. Mandolin Grove

          1 Review
          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Phone Service
          • Reservable
          • Tents
          • Tent Cabin
        Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews In Makanda

        512 Reviews of 18 Makanda Campgrounds


        • Tabitha R.
          Camper-submitted photo from Johnson Creek
          Oct. 12, 2024

          Johnson Creek

          Nice!

          This campground provides large spots, drinking water, vault toliets, dumpsters, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and contactless check in. I also appreciate the value of these sites. It really is a reasonable rate for forest camping.

        • PThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from General Watkins Conservation Area
          Sep. 11, 2024

          General Watkins Conservation Area

          Maybe not a travel destination, but certainly a good waypoint.

          We opted for this site on our way west as a stopover because it was free and not a parking lot. There are a couple of loop trails and we walked one of them. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon. The locals use the area for fishing and walking and it was somewhat busy in the afternoon. A couple of guys fished at night until about nine. There was only one other couple camping. Very quiet and peaceful. There was a portable toilet but we didn't investigate.

          The cool thing was that the loop trail was forested by hundreds of paw paw trees. It must have been just past the season and we saw only a couple of decaying ones, but the entire trail smelled of apple cider vinegar and was quite pleasant.

          If you consider this waypoint, two things:

          1. The last mile is good, but very dusty, gravel road.

          2. No cell coverage in the parking lot for T-Mobile, some coverage on loop trail.

        • Cecilia
          Camper-submitted photo from Pine Hills
          Aug. 15, 2024

          Pine Hills

          Very nice

          Very quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied.

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Trail Of Tears State Park
          Aug. 11, 2024

          Trail Of Tears State Park

          Train Lovers.

          Large park with not many large RV sites. Lots of tent and dispersed camping. Disappointing store. Equestrian area. Beach and boat launch.

        • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point - Lake Glendale
          Jul. 24, 2024

          Oak Point - Lake Glendale

          Stellar Illinois

          This is a little gem of a refuge within the Shawnee NF - about 30min from Marion, down a beautiful country road before nestling among the trees around the lake. The drive is paved/gravel the whole way, so very easily drivable for anyone in anything. Plenty of camp sites, both with electric and non-electric, double and single. Bring bug spray - horseflies and ticks. Beautiful lake, beautiful biking trails, etc. Firepits w/ grates are spacious and nice, fees are online. 1 bar verizon at camp, can get up to 3 bars within the area.

        • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
          Jul. 22, 2024

          Hilltop Campground

          Nice stop

          Stopped here for the night driving through the area. Nice campground, clean, safe, and right off the interstate.

        • EThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
          Jun. 16, 2024

          Shawnee Forest Campground

          Great place to camp!

          We stayed 4 days and had a great time. The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to offer places to visit in the area, places to eat and provide assistance as needed. The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk (twice around the lake from our site was 3 miles). :) We plan to visit again!

        • Wil V.
          Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
          May. 30, 2024

          Benton KOA

          Loud

          1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud, the other is in between the sewer treatment plant and municipal airport. If you're a light sleeper might want to stay away Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/QpuNpA7UVZI

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
          May. 13, 2024

          South Marcum Campground

          Great Campground

          Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing. Cell service for AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE. Only issue that I have is that site 49 is very hard to get level in, make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible

        • Dante V.
          Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point - Lake Glendale
          May. 9, 2024

          Oak Point - Lake Glendale

          Solar Eclipse Crossroads

          We camped here during the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse and it was also the overflow site which at that time was the side of the camp entrance road. Fast forward to April 7,8 & 9 2024 We are again on overflow campground where this time was their group camping site which was much better than the side of the road. The overflow site has 4 unisex bathrooms but no showers (showers are at the main campground) there is dining (open) pavilion with a fireplace and a filtered well water system. We had a blast watching the Total Solar Eclipse.

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
          May. 8, 2024

          Archway RV Park

          Great campground

          Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.

        • Jon H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point Campground
          May. 6, 2024

          Oak Point Campground

          Nice national park campground

          Location is everything and this is well in the middle of a great area in Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the gods, Bell Smith springs, Ferne State park, and on and on. You can spend a week here and not see everything.
          There are primitive and electric (with water) sites. There are no sites with sewer hookup. There is a dump station at the entrance.

          Sites are generally level and well kept. Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front. There are some lake front spots that can be had. Sites are first come and there are no reservations taken. During the week, no problem. Weekends would be iffy.

          Large lake with swimming, fishing, kayaking. Also has a bike trail around it - maybe 2 miles.

          Shower houses are kept clean, but as of this posting, they need some maintenance work.

          All in all, this is a must stop if you want to enjoy what the area has to offer.

        • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
          Apr. 30, 2024

          Gun Creek

          Blue Jay #49 Water site

          Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

        • Steve G.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
          Apr. 24, 2024

          Crab Orchard Lake Campground

          Excellent Lakeside Campgrouind

          Getting there: Easy access off Illinois 13 East of Carbondale 

          Check in and staff: Campground is now under the egis of recreation.gov& reservations through them are a must. This is new& when planning the trip the website said“first come first serve” so we arrived on a Friday evening(4pm) with no reservation. The sign said RV sites all taken. The host was wonderful! He has been here 9 years and steered us to a nice site for the one night we will be here. The online experience with recreation.gov was not pleasant, impossible in fact. So I had to call. This took quite awhile. Once I got a real live person it was great, and we got our site with no problems. 

          Amenities: Bathrooms: clean, paper towels& air dryers. 

          Site: A-35. In the middle of the A loop and therefore not on the water. Still, very nice. After all, beggars can’t be choosers! Sites are somewhat spacious, but not terribly private.

        • Michelle K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sharp Rock Falls Recreation
          Apr. 4, 2024

          Sharp Rock Falls Recreation

          Longbranch Shooting House And Saloon

          You're welcome to at longbranch! Please make your reservations.
          Only 16 spots left!

          Ava Illinois +1 618-318-6734 Text your name and number of people on your campsite to reserve your spot.

          The Solar Eclipse Event "PARK @ THE MOON"

          Extended or early arrivals welcome. Just simply request more information in the text. We will get ahold of asap with a more information and a confirmation number.

          #ShareThisPost #solareclipse2024

        • M
          Camper-submitted photo from Fern Lake Campground and RV Park
          Mar. 25, 2024

          Fern Lake Campground and RV Park

          Friendly, well kept, just off I24

          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. He gave us a lovely spot in the shade by the little lake. Have not used the showers yet so can't comment on that. We stayed on a Sunday night. The park was about half full. Seems to be a nice quiet family place. 

          They are across the street from a Mexican restaurant. There is a liquor store next door. Other businesses nearby.

          Noise from the nearby traffic may bother some, but we didn't mind it and it was not loud enough to hear inside our RV.

          It is a good place for us to stop on our way from MN to visit friends in FL. Also convenient for visiting the National Quilting Museum. We will stop here again.

        • Tonya B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
          Mar. 18, 2024

          Shawnee Forest Campground

          Great Place!

          Stayed here on the way to and from Florida (home in Minnesota). Very nice campground. Well maintained, big sites for our 40ft fifth wheel, great sunrise/sunset views, and the bathrooms are very clean and well lite. The gentleman/host that greeted us at the office upon arrival was polite and helpful. Will definitely stay again!

        • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
          Camper-submitted photo from Willow Springs Campground
          Mar. 1, 2024

          Willow Springs Campground

          New to the Dyrt!

          Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!

        • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park
          Feb. 23, 2024

          Giant City State Park

          Great trails and well kept campsites

          We stayed at Giant City in February on a very cold weekend. It was still a fantastic trip! The campsites, fire pits and pit toilets were well maintained. The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter. The Lodge also had excellent food and a very cozy feel. Definitely visit the Lodge!!

        • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Park
          Feb. 4, 2024

          Pyramid State Park

          Nice campsites and lots of lakes

          We stayed at the campground on the north end of Pyramid. The campsites were close together but we visited in February so we were the only campers. The fire pits were a little run down but the sites were nice and level with a table. No lantern posts. Pit toilets that were decent. The park office is a pretty long drive from the north end campground. The hiking is limited but the campground was peaceful and close to the lakes. Probably covered in bugs in the summer. Overall pretty nice stay

        • David F.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
          Nov. 30, 2023

          Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

          Southern Illinois getaway

          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. NORTH LOOP SITES 24 - 59 Reservable at https://camp.exploremoreil.com/ Some 50 amp sites (4, 6, 18, 32, 36, 38, 47, 48) rest have 30 amp. See map in photos. WATER potable at Dump Station also 5 hydrants scattered amongst camp sites. TENT and Equestrian camps take road to the south west of lake.



        Guide to Makanda

        Camping near Makanda, 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: Explore the stunning trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails are beautiful, and not too crowded," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
        • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Gun Creek. A camper shared, "Excellent park but many sites aren’t flat. Not all have water, septic. Clean facilities."
        • Sightseeing: Visit the scenic overlooks at Trail of Tears State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Unobstructed view of the Mississippi River," perfect for photography enthusiasts.

        What campers like

        • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. One visitor at Hawn State Park Campground said, "The park was very clean and family-friendly."
        • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of the campground hosts. A reviewer at Shawnee Forest Campground mentioned, "The staff are very friendly and helpful."
        • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers often highlight the tranquility of the area. A visitor at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs said, "It was a great spot. Very quiet and peaceful."

        What you should know

        • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jackson Falls, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "The bathroom was stocked with TP but you will want to bring hand sanitizer or water."
        • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground warned, "The sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during holiday weekends."
        • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A camper at 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 Campgrounds: Look for places like Shawnee Forest Campground, which has been described as "very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."
        • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Giant City State Park Campground enjoyed the "playground and the hiking trails, which were perfect for our young children."
        • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "We had a peaceful stay with a view of the water!"

        Tips from RVers

        • Check Site Levels: Not all sites are flat. A visitor at Gun Creek noted, "Not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water."
        • Book in Advance: Many campgrounds require reservations. A camper at South Sandusky Campground said, "All campsites are reservable but reserved campsites are not marked on the post when you arrive."
        • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have everything you need. A visitor at Pine Ridge mentioned, "The toilets were very clean for vault toilets, but there are no showers."

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

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Makanda, IL?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Makanda, IL is Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Makanda, IL?

          TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Makanda, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.