Vincent S.
Ranger
RangerTurkey Bayou Campground
Free.Toilet. Gravel drive 4 miles but watch for potholes! beautiful scenery. Raccoons!!!
Tent Camping near Belknap, IL
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Shawnee National Forest surrounds Belknap, Illinois with several tent-only camping options within a 30-minute drive. Ferne Clyffe State Park offers two dedicated tent camping areas: Backpack Campground with walk-in tent sites and Turkey Ridge Campground with primitive tent camping options. Camp Cadiz in Shawnee National Forest provides basic tent campsites about 10 minutes from Garden of the Gods. Tower Rock Campground along the Ohio River offers riverside tent camping with minimal amenities. Buck Ridge Campground near Lake of Egypt provides tent sites from March 15 to December 15, while Dutchman Lake Camp offers more secluded tent camping experiences.
Most tent campgrounds in the Belknap area feature basic amenities on natural surfaces. Fire rings with cooking grates are common at established sites, though campers report firewood can be difficult to find. Vault toilets are standard at most locations, with varying levels of cleanliness. Water availability differs significantly between campgrounds - Ferne Clyffe State Park provides drinking water at central locations, while Tower Rock requires campers to bring their own or refill at nearby Cave in Rock State Park. Cell service is limited throughout the region, particularly at riverside and remote forest locations. Seasonal considerations include potential flooding at riverside sites and increased occupancy during hunting seasons.
Tent campers visiting in fall and spring report the most comfortable experiences. According to reviews, Camp Cadiz offers particularly quiet backcountry tent camping with only eight sites, making it "very quiet and remote" even on weekends. The walk-in primitive sites at Ferne Clyffe's Backpack Campground are described as "secluded, wooded, and within reach of a pit toilet and water source." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with one camper noting "a ton of wildlife" and the chance to "listen to all the different species throughout the night." Hiking trails connect directly to several tent campgrounds, with the River to River Trail accessible from Camp Cadiz, making these locations ideal for backpackers seeking multi-day adventures or day hikers wanting tent-based accommodations. For those planning a trip, tent campsites in this corridor book up quickly during peak fall weekends, so arriving midweek improves access to the quieter primitive spots.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Belknap (16)
1. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
"There are a lot of hiking trails and we really enjoyed them all! The tent camping accommodations were less than stellar, simply because of the “outhouses “."
"It was easy to find firewood with out having to go very far, becareful there is a good amount of poison ivy. The only trail I hiked was Happy Hollow."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
2. 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!"
3. Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
"Not a lot of tent sites, but enough. Nice wooded primitive sites with easy access to water and toilets. Had my pups with, and no problems at all. Nice trails for different hiking skill sets."
"Ferne Clyffe State Park is in the Shawnee National Forrest near Goreville, IL., south of Carbondale."
4. Fishing Pier
"Lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing! Ranger came through and was very friendly & helpful."
"Good primitive"
5. Willow Springs Campground
"We're honored that Robyn has chosen to list her property on our platform. Come here to find peace and embrace nature. Surrounded by greenery, this is the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and reconnect."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $125 / night
7. Buck Ridge Campground
8. Big Turner Lake 1
9. Mandolin Grove
10. Camp Ondessonk
Check Availabilityfrom $6 - $16 / night
Drive Time
- 33 min from Paducah, KY
- 55 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 55 min from Clarksville, TN
- 1 hr 56 min from Evansville, IN
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Belknap, IL
7 Photos of 16 Belknap Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Belknap, IL
725 Reviews of 16 Belknap 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 Belknap
Tent camping opportunities surround Belknap, Illinois within the 280,000-acre Shawnee National Forest. The region features limestone bluffs, creek beds, and hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 320-1,064 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions with nighttime temperatures in the 50-60°F range.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Turkey Ridge Campground provides access to several waterfall trails within Ferne Clyffe State Park. "The veiws on the trail were amazing," notes camper Scott N., who hiked Happy Hollow Trail, adding that "a large portion of it is an equestrian trail, so the path was very wide."
Rock climbing: Backpack Campground offers proximity to limestone bluffs suitable for climbing. Joel R. reports, "There are several limestone bluffs, great for climbing, naturally forested woodlands, cliff caves, and several small waterfalls."
Fishing: Access Lake of Egypt from Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt campground for bass, crappie, and bluegill fishing. Robbin C. describes the lake as "so peaceful and relaxing," though anglers should note access restrictions and potential $5 fees at certain marina locations.
What campers like
Secluded sites: The walk-in tent areas at Turkey Ridge Campground offer privacy despite their proximity. TJ V. notes that "spots are pretty dam close to each other" but recommends walking further from parking areas for more isolation, adding "there is camping you can walk off to."
Wildlife encounters: Nighttime brings active wildlife throughout the forest. Gina J. reports "a ton of wildlife" at Turkey Ridge, adding "it was really neat to listen to all the different species throughout the night."
Easy interstate access: Dutchman Lake Camp provides quick access for travelers passing through the region. Matthew Z. describes it as a "beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway," making it ideal for road trip stopovers.
What you should know
Toilet facilities vary significantly: While some campgrounds offer maintained facilities, others have primitive options or none at all. At Turkey Ridge, one camper reported vault toilets where a "storm of flies came shooting out the hole like a tornado."
Water availability: Willow Springs Campground provides drinking water on-site, but Dutchman Lake Camp has no potable water source, requiring campers to bring their own supply.
Firewood challenges: Tye K. notes that at Backpack Campground, "firewood is surprisingly difficult to come by," suggesting campers either purchase firewood before arrival or plan alternative cooking methods.
Seasonal closures: Buck Ridge Campground operates only from March 15 to December 15, with some access roads becoming impassable after heavy rains. One visitor reported, "The creek looks like it overflowed" and encountered locked gates during the off-season.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly trails: David H. recommends "Rebman trail is good for anyone including little kids" at Turkey Ridge, which provides accessible hiking opportunities regardless of experience level.
Cave exploration: Dani B. highlights Hawk's Cave Trail at Turkey Ridge as particularly family-friendly: "It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!" noting it as "one of our favorites!"
Site selection for privacy: At Turkey Ridge, David H. suggests specific sites: "#35 is a nice location. Large yard and not super close to other campers. #53 is smaller but very private." This helps families maintain space from other groups.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup reliability: Some sites at Turkey Ridge have electrical issues that may require staff assistance. Debra B. reports, "On arrival, the electric wouldn't work. Apparently a breaker was involved. Camp host fixed it."
Site spaciousness: Fishing Pier at West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area offers basic amenities but enough space for smaller RVs. Dan N. describes it as a "simple site" but notes there's "lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing!"
Road conditions: Access roads to the best tent camping near Belknap deteriorate quickly after leaving main highways. Art S. warns about Buck Ridge: "The road is deceptively smooth. Ruts and water crossings appear suddenly," recommending careful driving and appropriate vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Belknap, IL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Belknap, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Belknap, IL is Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.
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tent camping near
Belknap, IL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Belknap, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Belknap, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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