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.
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
"Lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing! Ranger came through and was very friendly & helpful."
"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."
GuideRight 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.
GuideI don’t think I have ever been to a larger campground. Lots of bathrooms I only used 1 and it was really clean. It was too crowded for me and too shallow close to the bank for fishing. No cell service. Nice playgrounds.
GuideThere 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.
ScoutFunctional 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.
LegendGrand 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.
TravelerOverall 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.
ScoutEnjoyed 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.
GuideWe 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).
RangerStayed 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.
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.
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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