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Best Campgrounds near McLeansboro, IL

611 Reviews

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, McLeansboro, IL is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—McLeansboro is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near McLeansboro. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

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Best Camping Sites Near McLeansboro, Illinois (90)

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Recent Reviews near McLeansboro, IL

611 Reviews of 90 McLeansboro Campgrounds

Guide to McLeansboro

Camping near McLeansboro, Illinois, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to scenic trails, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One visitor said, “The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter.” Another camper noted, “We found several short but gorgeous hiking trails, which was perfect for our young children.”
  • Fishing: Head to Gun Creek for some fishing. A reviewer mentioned, “Clean facilities. Self check-in. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food.” This makes it a great spot to relax by the water.
  • Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic at Harmonie State Park Campground. One camper shared, “In addition to the campground with at least 2 playgrounds, there are trails, picnic areas and a boat ramp.”

What campers like:

  • Cleanliness: Campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities. A visitor at Shawnee Forest Campground said, “The camp was clean and well maintained.” Another camper echoed this sentiment, stating, “The bathrooms are very clean and well lit.”
  • Friendly staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Harmonie State Park Campground, a reviewer noted, “The staff was extremely friendly. They had ice and firewood to purchase.”
  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One camper 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 Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, “There is no potable water on site. That would be my only complaint.”
  • Busy weekends: Popular spots can get crowded on weekends. A camper at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground advised, “Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday.”
  • Road conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor to Jackson Falls noted, “The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy but we had no problem in a 4x4.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. At Harmonie State Park Campground, a reviewer said, “In addition to the campground with at least 2 playgrounds, there are trails, picnic areas and a boat ramp.”
  • Plan for busy times: If you want a quieter experience, avoid weekends. A camper at Shawnee Forest Campground mentioned, “Very busy on Fridays and weekends.”
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Since some campgrounds lack amenities, it’s good to bring your own food and drinks. A visitor at Pine Ridge noted, “The toilets were very clean for vault toilets.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site levels: Not all sites are level, so it’s wise to ask about the best spots. A camper at Harmonie State Park Campground advised, “Suggest calling before making reservations because many of electric sites are not level.”
  • Bring extra water: Some campgrounds, like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, do not have water hookups. A visitor mentioned, “We had to hop back in the car and drive 14 miles each way to stock up.”
  • Use online reservations: Many campgrounds allow you to book online, which can save time. A camper at Gun Creek said, “Book online at Recreation.Gov.”

Camping near McLeansboro, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near McLeansboro, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, McLeansboro, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 90 campgrounds and RV parks near McLeansboro, IL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near McLeansboro, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McLeansboro, IL is Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 53 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near McLeansboro, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near McLeansboro, IL.

  • What parks are near McLeansboro, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near McLeansboro, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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