Primitive camping options near Mason, Illinois provide alternatives to the established state parks in the region. The area sits at approximately 400-600 feet elevation with varied terrain including sandstone formations, forests, and multiple lakes and rivers. Seasonal conditions affect site availability with temperatures ranging from highs in the 90s during summer to below freezing in winter months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Turkey Bayou Campground offers free primitive camping with waterfront sites for anglers. According to one camper, "We pulled in to see many of the large sites available and picked the one with a tree for shade looking over the river. We pitched our tents and then drove to the Little Grand Cayon for a quick hike before dusk."
Boating access: Little Grassy Lake Campground provides direct water access with rental options. A visitor notes, "The marina shop also provides kayak and canoe rentals. Little Grassy is a beautiful lake to explore!"
Rock climbing: At Giant City State Park Campground, experienced climbers find opportunities on nearby walls. As one camper explains, "For climbers, there is a ton of nearby trad and sport climbing. The main wall stays wet for a while so if it has recently rained you may need to find somewhere else."
Trail walking: Paved paths at Shawnee Forest Campground provide accessible walking options. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is really nice and had a great paved walking trail to stretch our legs and walk the dog."
What campers like
Quiet seclusion: Turkey Bayou Campground provides spacious, free camping with minimal crowds. One camper shared, "Perfect campground. Clean, right next on the water, only 2 other groups (~20 sites total), and FREE. Though no trash or showers--only porta-potty."
Clean facilities: Deer Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park maintains well-kept bathrooms and common areas. A camper notes, "Nice quiet campground with lots of trees and nicely separated camp spots. Water only available at few spots and you would need a really long hose to attach if open faucet available."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to observe native animals. At Ferne Clyffe, campers report, "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!"
Educational opportunities: Touch of Nature Education Center provides learning experiences on Little Grassy Lake. According to a visitor, "Camp Amenities include: lodges, cabins, shelters, parking, fire pits/fireplaces all with wood supplied, amphitheaters, fishing along Little Grassy Lake, trails, swing set."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly across campgrounds. At Hilltop Campground, one camper noted, "Hosts were friendly, but didn't brief us on information such as where is the trash bin, what is the WiFi password."
Water availability: Crab Orchard Lake Campground offers varying hookup options based on location. A camper explains, "The interior sites had full hookups (but were still just a short walk to the water), while the exterior (lake-side) sites had water and 50A electric."
Reservation systems: Many campgrounds use different booking platforms. For Crab Orchard, "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'."
Site spacing: Many campgrounds have varied site layouts. At Deer Ridge, a visitor reported, "Very RV heavy. I actually didn't end up camping here because it looked like a rock site. I maybe saw two tents, everyone else in big RV's."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated swim beaches. At Little Grassy Lake, a visitor shared, "We loved the clean beach area. Perfect spot for kayaking. Boats and kayaks were available to rent."
Nature programs: Trail of Tears State Park Campground sometimes offers educational presentations. As one camper noted, "Friendly staff sometimes host little educational presentations for kids."
Kid-friendly trails: Shorter, accessible paths work well for families. At Ferne Clyffe, a camper recommends, "Really, this state park is a must for anyone who lives nearby or is driving through. Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!"
Wildlife awareness: Parents should monitor children around wildlife. One camper at Crab Orchard warns, "We saw a raccoon go right through our campsite so be careful what you leave out, also tons of geese and saw two baby copperheads."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring adjustment. At Crab Orchard, a camper noted, "Gravel lots were level and plenty big for our 38' Class A motorhome + Jeep."
Hookup placement: Some sites have inconveniently located utilities. One RVer at Trail of Tears reported, "Electrical utility connection is on passenger side of the campsite #6. Sewer connection was high above ground so drainage was up hill."
Weather preparation: Southern Illinois experiences temperature extremes. A visitor to Hilltop Campground explained, "I am a first time vanlifer and I wandered into IL without checking the weather.... it snowed and I was unprepared."
Off-season availability: Several campgrounds remain open year-round. According to a camper at Shawnee Forest, "Unique campground in that it is on a former golf course. Has the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths! The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings."
