Best Campgrounds near Metropolis, IL

Metropolis, IL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Metropolis is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Metropolis, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

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Best Camping Sites Near Metropolis, Illinois (157)

    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, KY
    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, KY
    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 Reviews near Metropolis, IL

890 Reviews of 157 Metropolis Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Cheyanne S.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Barkley State Resort Park

    Shaded but unlevel

    Enjoyed our stay. Bring quite a bit of leveling materials as the sites are very unlevel. 1 dump station and an older but usable bath house. The road to come in was narrow but we'll marked. Very shaded and decently spaced out. Water and electric only.

  • L
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Cave-in-Rock State Park

    Beautiful, empty, cheap state park

    We are the only campers here in a very well kept campground. The bathrooms are clean and the only sound is from the birds. $20 for a state park site with electricity is incredible. It is out of the way (we took the ferry from Kentucky).

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Columbus-Belmont State Park

    Nice, clean campground, back sites have sewer, be prepared to level out.

    Stayed here for 2 nights at site 25 on the back side of the campground. The back sites have sewer. These sites were paved, but not level, so be prepared to level. TIP: If using those yellow camco "lego" block to level, be sure to put a canvas tarp or rubber mat between the blocks and the pavement, otherwise they will slide when you try to roll on top of them. My daughter used the bathhouse, and she said it was not good. Leaky, standing water. The park was awesome, which made the bathhouse an oddity. The little snack shack over by the chain was a nice evening diversion of ice cream and funnel fries. The camp host couple was wonderful. The park is clean and well maintained.

  • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great stop for the night.

    We were driving south on I24 towards Nashville and needed a spot to stop for the night. We booked online and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The campground is really nice and had a great paved walking trail to stretch our legs and walk the dog. Would definitely recommend if in the area.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    Camping in July 2025

    Campground was not crowded during the weekdays. Nice shaded sites w electric and water hookups. Campground hosts were very engaged. $19 a night electric w Sr Pass.

    There are several historical sites to visit. 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. An easy 3 mile hike around the lake

    There are several historical sites in area. Illinois Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods , and segments of the Trail of Tears

  • R S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Paducah RV Park & Campground

    Quick full hook up pull through, with Great sky views , country feel and a common outdoor area near lake.

    Like the lake and outdoor commons area


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.