Top Tent Camping near Murphysboro, IL
Looking for tent camping near Murphysboro? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Murphysboro. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Murphysboro's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Murphysboro, IL (15)
1. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
16 Reviews•47 Photos•9 SavesTurkey Ridge is for campers who want a serene outdoor experience. It is a Class C walk-in campground that includes camp pads, picnic tables, cooking grills and showers. Drinking water and toilets are located near the parking lots.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$18 / night
2. Jackson Falls
20 Reviews•66 Photos•418 SavesJackson Falls offers many opportunities for technical climbing and is a beautiful scenic area of the Shawnee National Forest. It is in the general forest area located east of the small town of Ozark, IL. This non-developed area has a small trailhead with a vault toilet. A short trail leads from the trailhead to the top of Jackson Falls. There are high dangerous bluffs in the area, visitors should be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Camping is allowed here at no cost, since this is part of the general forest area and not a developed campground. Access: A narrow gravel road leads to the Jackson Falls Trailhead, but then the road becomes dirt and deadends past the trailhead.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
3 Reviews•10 Photos•2 SavesBackpackers enjoying their commune with nature will appreciate the solitude of the individual campsites in the Class C Backpack campground. Located a half-mile from the Turkey Ridge primitive campground parking lot, these woodland sites have cooking grills, toilets and showers. Water and trash receptacles are available at the Turkey Ridge parking lot. You're reminded to be careful with your fires and to pack out what you pack in.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Drinking Water
4. Blue Heron Campground & Marina
1 Review•8 Saves- Electric Hookups
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Showers
- Toilets
$15 - $20 / night
5. Dutchman Lake Camp
3 Reviews•6 Photos•44 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
6. North Marcum Day Use Area
2 Reviews•1 Photo•11 SavesOverview
Congratulations! Youve just discovered the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Whether youre looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, youll find it here.
Natural Features:
North Marcum Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Plenty of shade and a large sandy boat in are, make this day use area desirable for a day on scenic Rend Lake. Rend Lake is made up of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.
Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.
Recreation:
Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away youll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.
Facilities:
North Marcum Day Use Area features two large picnic shelters with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelters can accommodate up to 75 guests each, and the area has a boat ramp, playground, and dock all within walking distance.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Showers
7. Apple Creek Conservation Area
1 Review•1 SaveApple Creek Conservation Area is located in northeast Cape Girardeau County, three miles east of New Wells on Route CC. The Missouri Department of Conservation created Apple Creek Conservation Area in 1986 with the purchase of 2,100 acres from several landowners. Steep hills and narrow valleys characterize this area, and approximately 2.5 miles of Apple Creek stream frontage forms its northern border. The Conservation Department has created watering ponds and planted food plots and agricultural crops within the forest to provide additional food sources for wildlife.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
8. Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt
2 Reviews•1 Photo•8 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Trash
9. Mandolin Grove
1 Review- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Murphysboro
459 Reviews of 15 Murphysboro Campgrounds
Tabitha R.
Scout
Johnson Creek
Nice!
This campground provides large spots, drinking water, vault toliets, dumpsters, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and contactless check in. I also appreciate the value of these sites. It really is a reasonable rate for forest camping.
Rodarius S.
Traveler
Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest
Nice spots on the highway
Love this spot! It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway.
Jonathan H.Scout
Dutchman Lake Camp
Weeke d at the lake
Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing.
CeciliaScoutPine Hills
Very nice
Very quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied.
- JJohn R.
Legend
Trail Of Tears State Park
Train Lovers.
Large park with not many large RV sites. Lots of tent and dispersed camping. Disappointing store. Equestrian area. Beach and boat launch.
Twan M.
Ranger
Oak Point - Lake Glendale
Stellar Illinois
This is a little gem of a refuge within the Shawnee NF - about 30min from Marion, down a beautiful country road before nestling among the trees around the lake. The drive is paved/gravel the whole way, so very easily drivable for anyone in anything. Plenty of camp sites, both with electric and non-electric, double and single. Bring bug spray - horseflies and ticks. Beautiful lake, beautiful biking trails, etc. Firepits w/ grates are spacious and nice, fees are online. 1 bar verizon at camp, can get up to 3 bars within the area.
Scott B.Ranger
Hilltop Campground
Nice stop
Stopped here for the night driving through the area. Nice campground, clean, safe, and right off the interstate.
- Angie A.Ranger
Washington County Lake State Conservation Area
Nice stop
Easy to find. Affordable overnight stay with electric. Beautiful lake. Friendly campers and hosts. Pit toilets. Spotty Verizon.
- EEric W.Scout
Shawnee Forest Campground
Great place to camp!
We stayed 4 days and had a great time. The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to offer places to visit in the area, places to eat and provide assistance as needed. The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk (twice around the lake from our site was 3 miles). :) We plan to visit again!
Matthew Z.TravelerDutchman Lake Camp
Road trip break
Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway
- Wil V.Scout
Benton KOA
Loud
1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud, the other is in between the sewer treatment plant and municipal airport. If you're a light sleeper might want to stay away Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/QpuNpA7UVZI
Brian F.ScoutShawnee Forest Campground
Great and clean!
Great little stop, everything is clean and a fresh shower was refreshing.
- JJames N.Traveler
South Marcum Campground
Great Campground
Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing. Cell service for AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE. Only issue that I have is that site 49 is very hard to get level in, make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible
Dante V.
GuideOak Point - Lake Glendale
Solar Eclipse Crossroads
We camped here during the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse and it was also the overflow site which at that time was the side of the camp entrance road. Fast forward to April 7,8 & 9 2024 We are again on overflow campground where this time was their group camping site which was much better than the side of the road. The overflow site has 4 unisex bathrooms but no showers (showers are at the main campground) there is dining (open) pavilion with a fireplace and a filtered well water system. We had a blast watching the Total Solar Eclipse.
- JJames N.Traveler
Archway RV Park
Great campground
Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.
Jon H.Scout
Oak Point Campground
Nice national park campground
Location is everything and this is well in the middle of a great area in Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the gods, Bell Smith springs, Ferne State park, and on and on. You can spend a week here and not see everything.
There are primitive and electric (with water) sites. There are no sites with sewer hookup. There is a dump station at the entrance.Sites are generally level and well kept. Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front. There are some lake front spots that can be had. Sites are first come and there are no reservations taken. During the week, no problem. Weekends would be iffy.
Large lake with swimming, fishing, kayaking. Also has a bike trail around it - maybe 2 miles.
Shower houses are kept clean, but as of this posting, they need some maintenance work.
All in all, this is a must stop if you want to enjoy what the area has to offer.
Barb N.Ranger
Gun Creek
Blue Jay #49 Water site
Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.
Steve G.Legend
Crab Orchard Lake Campground
Excellent Lakeside Campgrouind
Getting there: Easy access off Illinois 13 East of Carbondale
Check in and staff: Campground is now under the egis of recreation.gov& reservations through them are a must. This is new& when planning the trip the website said“first come first serve” so we arrived on a Friday evening(4pm) with no reservation. The sign said RV sites all taken. The host was wonderful! He has been here 9 years and steered us to a nice site for the one night we will be here. The online experience with recreation.gov was not pleasant, impossible in fact. So I had to call. This took quite awhile. Once I got a real live person it was great, and we got our site with no problems.
Amenities: Bathrooms: clean, paper towels& air dryers.
Site: A-35. In the middle of the A loop and therefore not on the water. Still, very nice. After all, beggars can’t be choosers! Sites are somewhat spacious, but not terribly private.
Michelle K.Scout
Sharp Rock Falls Recreation
Longbranch Shooting House And Saloon
You're welcome to at longbranch! Please make your reservations.
Only 16 spots left!Ava Illinois +1 618-318-6734 Text your name and number of people on your campsite to reserve your spot.
The Solar Eclipse Event "PARK @ THE MOON"
Extended or early arrivals welcome. Just simply request more information in the text. We will get ahold of asap with a more information and a confirmation number.
#ShareThisPost #solareclipse2024
- JJ A.Guide
Dutchman Lake Camp
Beautiful Verizon works well
Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too.
Tonya B.GuideShawnee Forest Campground
Great Place!
Stayed here on the way to and from Florida (home in Minnesota). Very nice campground. Well maintained, big sites for our 40ft fifth wheel, great sunrise/sunset views, and the bathrooms are very clean and well lite. The gentleman/host that greeted us at the office upon arrival was polite and helpful. Will definitely stay again!
Jake C.Legend
Willow Springs Campground
New to the Dyrt!
Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
Logan W.Guide
Giant City State Park
Great trails and well kept campsites
We stayed at Giant City in February on a very cold weekend. It was still a fantastic trip! The campsites, fire pits and pit toilets were well maintained. The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter. The Lodge also had excellent food and a very cozy feel. Definitely visit the Lodge!!
- Logan W.Guide
Pyramid State Park
Nice campsites and lots of lakes
We stayed at the campground on the north end of Pyramid. The campsites were close together but we visited in February so we were the only campers. The fire pits were a little run down but the sites were nice and level with a table. No lantern posts. Pit toilets that were decent. The park office is a pretty long drive from the north end campground. The hiking is limited but the campground was peaceful and close to the lakes. Probably covered in bugs in the summer. Overall pretty nice stay
David F.Guide
Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Southern Illinois getaway
Great campground away from roads and noise. Goreville is small local town with grocery store and service station for supplies. South LOOP sites 1-23 are first come sites. NORTH LOOP SITES 24 - 59 Reservable at https://camp.exploremoreil.com/ Some 50 amp sites (4, 6, 18, 32, 36, 38, 47, 48) rest have 30 amp. See map in photos. WATER potable at Dump Station also 5 hydrants scattered amongst camp sites. TENT and Equestrian camps take road to the south west of lake.
Stuart O.GuideTurkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Quiet in November
We do most of our RV travel in the early spring and late fall. Ferne Clyffe does not take reservations after November 1, so its first come first served. Payment is deposited in a kiosk near the black water dump site. This was not well explained on the signage or websites, but, at least in mid-November, there were enough experienced campers around to explain things.
Otherwise, Ferne Clyffe is gorgeous. Great for star-gazing. Lots of mature oak and sycamore trees that I'm sure provide nice shade in summer. In mid-November, there's lots of deer hunters, which means it gets quiet early in the evening. Spaces are of moderate size on the interior, and are more spread out on the perimteter.
Jay F.TravelerWashington County Lake State Conservation Area
Nice and quiet
Nice and quiet, perfect place to crash for the night in our van.
Guide to Murphysboro
Camping near Murphysboro, Illinois, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore 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: Enjoy fishing at Gun Creek. A camper shared, "Excellent park but many sites aren’t flat. Not all have water, septic. Clean facilities."
- Wildlife Watching: At Hawn State Park Campground, you can spot various wildlife. One reviewer noted, "The park was very clean and family-friendly."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. A visitor at Shawnee Forest Campground said, "Facilities clean and very nice, roads and park well taken care of."
- Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. A review for Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs stated, "Very quiet and peaceful."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. One camper at Hawn State Park Campground said, "The staff are very friendly and helpful."
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jackson Falls, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "No cell service. I was too busy enjoying being there."
- Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground mentioned, "Too many people, mostly day hikers."
- Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, are only open during certain months. One camper said, "The campground filled up by 11 am on Friday."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Giant City State Park Campground, which has great trails and a playground. A family reviewer said, "The playground was good."
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. One camper at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "There are miles of paved bicycle trails, a marina, fishing, and a 27-hole golf course."
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks handy can keep kids happy. A visitor at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground noted, "Ground around spots is mostly pine needles and cones, not grass."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Not all sites are level or spacious. A reviewer at Gun Creek said, "Not all sites have water/sewer, but many water points available throughout camp."
- Book in Advance: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Trail of Tears State Park Campground mentioned, "Able to reserve online 365 days prior to arriving."
- Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A visitor at Jackson Falls noted, "The bathroom was stocked with tp but you will want to bring hand sanitizer or water."
Camping near Murphysboro, Illinois, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Murphysboro, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Murphysboro, IL is Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Murphysboro, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Murphysboro, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.