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Best Campgrounds near Metropolis, IL

897 Reviews

Metropolis, Illinois provides access to several campgrounds that accommodate a range of camping styles throughout the region. Fort Massac State Park Campground offers developed sites along the Ohio River with electric hookups, shower facilities, and spacious sites suitable for both tent and RV camping. Nearby, Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides dispersed camping opportunities approximately 30 miles northeast of Metropolis. The area includes established campgrounds with modern amenities alongside more primitive options, with most facilities offering picnic tables, fire rings, and basic facilities for overnight stays.

Advance reservations are recommended for many of the established campgrounds in the region, especially during summer months and holiday weekends. Fort Massac State Park typically requires reservations at least three days in advance through their online system, though same-day arrivals may find available sites with assistance from camp hosts. Roads throughout the camping areas are generally well-maintained with paved access to most developed sites, while some areas can become muddy during rainy periods. Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. "Beware that signage is poor and we had trouble finding the correct entrance, it is NOT the entrance by the fort and visitor center," noted one visitor regarding Fort Massac State Park.

Campers consistently mention the Ohio River views as a highlight of camping at Fort Massac State Park, with several reviews noting the scenic sunrises and sunsets over the river. The sites are described as spacious and mostly shaded, providing comfortable accommodations even during hot weather. While highway noise affects some nearby campgrounds like Fern Lake in Paducah, Kentucky, Fort Massac maintains a quieter atmosphere despite its proximity to town. A review mentioned that the park offers "surprisingly quiet surroundings, well maintained spacious campgrounds for tent and RV," along with hiking trails and historical attractions. Bathroom facilities at several area campgrounds have been recently renovated, with Fort Massac featuring private bathroom/shower combinations that receive positive mentions from visitors.

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Best Camping Sites Near Metropolis, Illinois (158)

    1. Fern Lake Campground

    15 Reviews
    Paducah, KY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 444-7939

    $45 - $65 / night

    "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."

    2. Shawnee Forest Campground

    36 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "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."

    3. Fort Massac State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Metropolis, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (618) 524-4712

    "Nice little park on the side of a small town in metropolis, Illinois"

    "It is easy access from the highway and a nice quiet spot for the night. There is a new bath house with nice, private bathrooms/shower combinations."

    4. Oak Point - Lake Glendale

    15 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 638-3246

    $10 - $20 / night

    "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."

    5. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    $12 - $44 / night

    "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."

    6. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    32 Reviews
    Eddyville, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    $15 / night

    "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. "

    "This campground is super remote and is near a couple trails with waterfalls."

    7. Dixon Springs State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3394

    "We were a bit nervous about this campground when reading reviews and seeing the location (there is an Impact Incarceration Program that shares the border), but I'm glad we found it."

    "There was a couple nice playgrounds for the kids to play on and plenty to walk around and see."

    8. Fishing Pier

    3 Reviews
    Metropolis, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    "Lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing! Ranger came through and was very friendly & helpful."

    9. The Art Farm Women’s Retreat

    3 Reviews
    Paducah, KY
    11 miles
    +1 (270) 217-2170

    $30 - $90 / night

    10. Ramp - West Kentucky WMA

    2 Reviews
    Metropolis, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    "The one downside to this place was that it was pretty close to the road, so I felt like we could hear all the traffic. The campsites are a little small as well, but we didn't mind."

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Recent Camping Photos near Metropolis, IL

200 Photos of 158 Metropolis Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Metropolis, IL

897 Reviews of 158 Metropolis Campgrounds

  • Reviewer
    Oct. 13, 2025

    General Watkins Conservation Area

    Rattlesnake Hill

    Rattlesnake Hill- is what the locals call this place. This conservation area is home to Missouri's largest venomous snake- the timber rattlesnake. This snake is known to reach 5 feet in this area and I have seen more than a few that reached that size.(I attached my pics of a massive rattlesnake on the loop trail.) Timber rattlesnakes move at night during the summer- so I wouldn't rush to camp here. Fishing is rough- as the watersnakes will chase you up the bank if they feel threatened. Insane amount of gnats, biting flies, and ticks. No water, no electricity, no trash cans. Hunters will be shooting nearby during hunting season.

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Great stop for the night

    We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. There’s a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there and we didn’t want to disturb them and also wanted our privacy. There a space for a vehicle to pull off and walk around some boulders to set up a camp, complete with a fire ring. Some bike-packers were already set up there. Close to the lake there is another spot for one or two vehicles. The lake surface had a lot of bug activity - no thanks! We ended up choosing a grassy space next to the curve in the road in between our neighbors. Very peaceful! No bugs.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Hillman Ferry Campground

    Peaceful Lakeside Camping

    We enjoyed our weekend stay during the HTC-E campout. Staff were very helpful and friendly. The camps grounds were clean and free of debris. Free showers with plenty of hot water, good water pressure. There was a strange phenomena of dead gnats/flying things on the ladies bathroom counter each morning. Not sure if someone sprayed each night… The lake was low, which we were told was common for this time of year as the dam level gets adjusted after Labor Day weekend. Still enough water for kayaking. This campground is very large so the golf cart rental was worth the $80 p/day fee. All in all, a great visit to Land O’ Lake. Check out our video on YouTube at Skyways to Highways.

  • Anna M.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Fenton Self-Service Campground

    Basic

    Right off a main road the spots are shallow so not ideal for long rigs. It does have power and one pit toilet at one end.

  • Anna M.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

    Cleanest Bathrooms

    There is nothing special about the location. There is a boat ramp nearby. There were only people set up in the park today. They do have a playground.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    A good spot to have a work week

    Functional clean porta potties. Fire pits, tables and water( not at the campsite but available at the entrance). Not a ton of privacy but very friendly people. Not great for starlink but very moderate t mobile a slightly better Verizon. Lots of tents and vans. Not many spots. Beautiful.

  • j
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE

    Nice COE campground

    Grand Rivers KY Canal Campground at Barkley Lake COE Site 111 This is a great COE campground located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with views of the Barkley Dam. The canal connects them and you can see boats and occasionally barges passing through. There are over 100 campsites are available, many with water views. We had a spacious site with a river view. Other loops are closer together and no view. Sites offer electric and/or water hookups, tables and fire ring. Other amenities include clean old style bathhouses, a dump station, laundry facilities, a playground, and picnic pavilions. We saw several deer roaming the grounds. There's a great pizza place in town Papa Z.

  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great spot for location

    Overall we’ve really enjoyed our stay. Came over the Labor Day weekend and staying a week. 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. A little noisy at night with the interstate in the distance but we’d expected that. Only thing we wish we would’ve known about was the paving of the road happening directly outside of the park. They obviously can’t control that but a heads up would’ve been helpful. One day we couldn’t get out for a bit and thankfully we had flexible plans. Overall- it’s a great park with decent proximity to a lot of nature. Anna, Marion and Harrisburg are your best bets for restaurants and grocery etc. Vienna only has a dollar general and a few restaurants- a diner, longhorn cafe, Mexican restaurant and Family Pizza- we tried the last one and it was good! Prepare for a 40 min wait time if picking up and it gets packed if you want to dine in. Would def stay here again to visit Shawnee.

Guide to Metropolis

Camping near Metropolis, Illinois, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: Enjoy the scenic trails at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Easy walking distance to the observation trail that is the highlight of this park."
  • Fishing: Head to Hillman Ferry Campground for some great fishing opportunities. A camper shared, "We rode our bikes all over the place and enjoyed the playground and lake."
  • Exploring Nature: Check out the trails at Shawnee Forest Campground. One reviewer said, "The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Hillman Ferry Campground noted, "The bathrooms were very clean. The staff were friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the spacious sites at Energy Lake Campground. One camper remarked, "You can see the lake through the trees, and there's a trail down to the shore off the back of the site."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of places like Jackson Falls. A reviewer said, "This is a spectacular place if you are looking for private and semi-private dispersed campgrounds."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "There is no potable water on site."
  • Busy on Weekends: Campgrounds like Hurricane Creek can get crowded. One visitor noted, "It can be busy on the weekends and can be difficult to find an open site at times."
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads, especially to places like Jackson Falls, can be rough. A camper shared, "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 Giant City State Park Campground that offer activities for kids. A reviewer said, "The playground was good, and we really enjoyed the hikes."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Shawnee Forest Campground mentioned, "The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids entertained with snacks and games. A camper at Hillman Ferry Campground said, "We spent a TON of time playing at the creek."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Energy Lake Campground noted, "Some sites are hard to back into, especially #39."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many RVers appreciate campgrounds with electric hookups, like Trail of Tears State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Full hook ups. Beautiful state park with awesome trails."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, so plan your visit accordingly. A camper at Hurricane Creek said, "We plan to come back when we can stay longer."

Camping near Metropolis, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp near Metropolis, Illinois?

Camping costs near Metropolis vary by location and amenities. At Little Grassy Lake Campground, a cozier alternative to Giant City State Park, you'll find reasonable rates for sites with electric and water hookups. For a more rustic experience, Oak Point - Lake Glendale offers sites with water and electric hookups at standard Illinois state park rates. Most public campgrounds in the region (including those in Shawnee National Forest) typically range from $10-20 for primitive sites and $20-35 for sites with hookups. Many facilities charge additional fees for entrance or vehicle passes. Some dispersed camping areas in Shawnee National Forest may offer free or low-cost camping options with fewer amenities.

What activities can you do while camping in Metropolis, Illinois?

The Metropolis area offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. At Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, you can explore spectacular rock formations and hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Shawnee National Forest. Rock climbing enthusiasts should visit Jackson Falls, which offers some of southern Illinois' best climbing with about 60 climbing areas along sandstone bluffs. Water activities abound in the region - enjoy swimming at Lake Glendale's beach, boating and fishing at various lakes and rivers, or exploring Land Between the Lakes. Metropolis itself features the Superman Museum and Casino, while nearby Shawnee National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The region's varied terrain makes it perfect for outdoor adventures year-round.

Where are the best campgrounds near Metropolis, Illinois?

Fort Massac State Park Campground is one of the closest options, located in Metropolis itself. This nice little park offers a convenient base for exploring the area. For those willing to venture a bit further, the Shawnee National Forest area provides excellent camping options like Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park, which features shaded sites on limestone bluffs with amenities like electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Other notable options within driving distance include Dixon Springs State Park Campground and several campgrounds in the Land Between the Lakes area just across the Kentucky border.

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