Best Campgrounds near Metropolis, IL

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!