Vincent S.
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RangerTurkey Bayou Campground
Free.Toilet. Gravel drive 4 miles but watch for potholes! beautiful scenery. Raccoons!!!
Camping near Stonefort, IL
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Southern Illinois around Stonefort features diverse camping opportunities within the Shawnee National Forest and surrounding public lands. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs provides spacious tent and RV sites with basic amenities including pit toilets and fire rings, operating from March through mid-December. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area offers year-round camping with drinking water and electric hookups, situated near dramatic sandstone formations. Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground serves as a specialized equestrian facility with high lines for horses and full hookup options. Lake Glendale Recreation Area and Ferne Clyffe State Park round out the options with shaded sites and water access.
Many campgrounds in this region have limited or no cell service, requiring advance planning. According to one camper at Camp Cadiz, visitors should "fill your gas tank up and your food locker or you will be driving back out a ways to refill." Gravel forest roads are common, sometimes generating dust that can affect campsites positioned too close to roadways. Water availability varies significantly between locations, with some campgrounds like Jackson Falls requiring campers to bring their own drinking water. Spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable camping conditions, while summer brings higher humidity. Hunting seasons, particularly turkey season in spring, can suddenly increase campground occupancy.
The unique geology of the area distinguishes camping experiences from typical Illinois landscapes. One visitor noted that Ferne Clyffe State Park is "situated on a limestone bluff which is cut by a small rivulet and some seasonal small waterfalls." Campers frequently mention the sandstone formations, particularly at Garden of the Gods, as a highlight. Weekday camping generally provides more solitude, with one reviewer noting, "By Saturday morning all but 5 sites had cleared out and we had the place nearly to ourselves for the rest of the stay." Water-based recreation opportunities exist at several locations, with Lake Glendale offering "a nearby beach available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails." The region serves well as a base camp for exploring attractions including Cave in Rock State Park and the Ohio River.
Best Campgrounds near Stonefort (126)
1. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
"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. "
"Loved all the hikes within walking distance, a bit of a drive in but fun to explore"
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
2. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
"This is a stunning but small campground on top of a crazy high ridge surrounded by cliffs. I had no idea landscapes like this existed in Illinois and was pleasantly surprised."
"Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
3. Jackson Falls
"Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes."
"We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading. We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible."
4. Shawnee Forest Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
5. Oak Point - Lake Glendale
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $20 / night
6. Lake Glendale Recreation Area
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $12 - $44 / night
7. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
"Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."
"Dog friendly, pretty well spaced out campsites but some are used as paths with to get to farther back campsites. Good set up, not too close to neighbors and it’s heavily wooded in between."
8. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
"Had very nice trails, very clean. Forest is beautiful. We camped at the primitive area spot 11. Spots are pretty dam close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to."
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
9. Oak Point Campground
"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."
"Next depending on which site you pick it can be a short walk to the lake and direct put in of your water craft. A very cool feature is that several of the sites are double."
10. Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground
"Address: 50 Barger Rd, Stonefort, IL.
Little Lusk is the most Spacious and beautiful equestrian campground in southern IL. Bring your horses, or just come and camp and stay in the lodge. ""I will be back next time I'm near shawnee."
from $30 / night
Drive Time
- 43 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 16 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 26 min from Evansville, IN
- 1 hr 45 min from Owensboro, KY
Recent Camping Photos near Stonefort, IL
126 Photos of 126 Stonefort Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs
Jackson Falls
Oak Point Campground
Lake Glendale Recreation Area
Oak Point - Lake Glendale
Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Group Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State ParkT
Dixon Springs State Park Campground
Equestrian Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
Recent Reviews near Stonefort, IL
755 Reviews of 126 Stonefort Campgrounds
- Vincent S.Ranger
Trail of Tears State Forest
Remove from free dispersed. $8 a night. Not free.
- WWendy
TravelerGun Creek
This is a 100 site campground on Rend Lake in Illinois. Lots of trees. Level paved sites unless you book right by the lake. Some are very steep. Bring lots to level with! We are in site 92. Away from the lake but beautiful sunshine.
- Ronald C.
GuideGun Creek
Great place easy on off the hyw sites are old so you may need to block up your RV to level it . Some sites only have electric so be careful when you book it. Heard some road noise from the HYW but the campsite had plenty of room
MickandKarla W.
LegendWhittington Woods Campground
Decent Campground
We had never stayed at Whittington Woods, but several of our camping friends have stayed here over the years while traveling through the area. At a recent RV open house, we talked with the campground (CG) owners and decided to switch our reservation from another private CG to Whittington Woods to check it out. The owners suggested sites 92 or 97, and we were able to reserve back-in site 92 with FHUs for our two-night stay. Site 92 is one of the better sites, with a large yard and good separation from neighboring sites. The CG was easy to find off I-57—follow your GPS or the signs. Check-in was quick, and we were escorted to our site. Unfortunately, one of the CG’s regular guests had set up in our reserved site 92 instead of site 93. After a brief discussion between our owner/escort and the guest, moving him was clearly not going to be a quick process. We were offered a couple of other available sites and decided to take site 93. Site 93 was a significant downgrade, with only a sliver of yard and very little separation from site 94. The sewer and electrical connections are near the center of the gravel pad, while the electrical breaker is on the opposite side of site 94. The water connection is at the very back, requiring more than 30 feet of hose for our rig. The owners were very nice, probably too nice when dealing with their“regulars,” and made the situation more tolerable by giving us a good discount for site 93. We received two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. We normally get good performance from our T-Mobile internet with two bars, but download speed was only 41.2 Mbps. The CG Wi-Fi was better at 69.3 Mbps download. There are a lot of mature trees, so satellite/Starlink reception could be iffy depending on the site. The CG is conveniently located near I-57 and right off IL-37, although there was quite a bit of highway noise that was manageable for us. The property provides plenty of room for walking, especially with a dog, and has a decent-sized dog park. There are quite a few full-timers and regulars, with some keeping their sites well maintained and others not so much. We also saw some of the same latitude given to“regulars” when it came to keeping dogs on a leash and picking up after them. They have 5 pull throughs that are mainly used for overnighters that are handy but close together. We understand why several of our friends regularly stay here for a night or two while traveling to and from Florida. Whittington Woods is conveniently located off I-57 and offers FHUs, making the CG a practical overnight stop. Our home base is only about an hour and a half away, however, and we have better options in the area when we need a final stop to flush tanks before heading home.
- MickandKarla W.Legend
Marion/Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday
Different than Most KOA Holidays
We were heading back to our home base and decided to check out this new KOA Holiday and dump our tanks before heading home. The campground (CG) was approximately 10 miles and 20 minutes off I-57 on southern Illinois backcountry roads. Along the way, we encountered a suspiciously low power line that our 13.5'-high rig cleared. Small KOA signs guided us all the way in. We've stayed at many KOAs and particularly enjoyed KOA Holidays for their service and amenities, but this CG was not what we expected. We arrived at a large gravel parking area and found a check-in room at the end of a warehouse, with envelopes on a bulletin board and a phone number to request an escort. Since the RV sites were down a steep hill, we checked our assigned Creek Side site 26 before moving our rig. Sites 23–26 sat in a bowl at the bottom of the CG, with little room to maneuver our 41' fifth wheel and F450. The escort number went to voicemail, but we reached the manager using the CG brochure number. He agreed our rig wouldn't fit and moved us to back-in site 18 on the hill. All RV sites were back-ins. Creek Side sites appeared better suited for smaller RVs, although larger rigs might fit sites 23 and 24. We later discovered the main KOA office near the marina, which handled cabin check-ins, food, and boat rentals. Sites 1–19 were former pull-through motorcoach sites converted to back-ins, with utilities on the opposite side to accommodate other RVs. Our site 18 was exceptionally wide but close to neighboring sites. We positioned our rig toward the right side of the gravel pad (facing the site) to maintain reasonable access to hookups. The electrical pedestal was at the far back, requiring approximately 35' of power cord to accommodate our toy hauler's rear deck. The wide pad provided plenty of parking for a tow vehicle or boat. However, the CG brochure listed a $75 fee for parking boats or trailers at sites, and a marina sign listed a $50 launch fee. We couldn't determine how these fees applied. Water pressure was excellent, so use a regulator. CG Wi-Fi delivered 20.9 Mbps, Verizon had two bars, and T-Mobile had three. Our T-Mobile Home Internet delivered 358 Mbps, allowing us to stream golf and football. With no trees around the RV sites, satellite reception shouldn't be a problem. Some sites had limited lake views, but don't expect panoramic views or direct lake access. The CG had undergone considerable improvements, including attractive cabins, several right on the lake. KOA cabins were mixed with privately owned cabins, while lake access was concentrated near the small marina and swimming area. We expected more direct lake access and walking trails, but neither was available from the RV sites. A standard fenced KOA dog park was available, but longer walks with our pup were limited to a short path around the fishing pond, gravel areas, and CG roads. Considerable work and investment had gone into this CG, but our experience didn't entice us to return.
- ttim O.Guide
Camp Cadiz Campground
Quiet clean campground, 8 sites, one water spigot, pit toilets, hiking and biking, 9 miles to Garden of the Gods. Campground is right next to road. Local traffic is minimal, most sites will accommodate 30ft trailer or motor home.
- MMark V.Traveler
Fern Lake Campground
I’m not sure where the good reviews come from. Ive tried to find another Fern Lake to make sure I was at the correct one. Bath facilities have half doors so you are shitting in public. Your kids get the nice look over by any of the weird full timers living junk squaller. The power poles are only standing by the shear strength of all the cobbled together wires and electric tape. It’s not safe. It’s fucking dangerous. Most the fire “pits” are shitty rings from 60 years ago at least. There is zero maintenance here. It’s very loud next to the freeway. Sites are small and on top of each other. Lots are small. Not level. And little gravel. The cinder blocks keep you from backing in too far. Most of the water posts are “shared” because others don’t work. Picnic tables are a fucking joke. Rotten. Lead paint and worthless. The water retaining POND has a grass path around it so you can admire what recycled concrete can create where there was once no POND. One star is extremely generous. Just like the generous $10 a bundle for wood. Keep on trucking. It’s not far to go to find something worthwhile. This is a 100% pass. Before you think I’m some kind of pre Madonna, I will say we are a minimalist family that camps in unimproved spots and boondocks all the time. This place is gross. And disturbing that anyone reviews it for more than a 1 star. Most of the reviews are flat out lies. One talks about the clean bathrooms, hot showers, and one mentions a fucking pool! Wtf? Shitting in your own fire ring is more private. Pictures sooooo under tell the story of what a shot hole this place is. It’s off the freeway very close. And there is a Mexican restaurant across the street and a Casey’s essentially attached. If that’s what you like. Have fun. But any great reviews are from either someone who came and went in the dark. Or are from the owners.
- Ronald C.Guide
South Marcum Campground
Large site
Great campsite very large easy to get in and additional parking for your truck right next to your trailer
Guide to Stonefort
Camping opportunities near Stonefort, Illinois cover diverse terrain within Shawnee National Forest, situated on weathered bedrock dating back 300 million years. Elevations range from 350 to 1,064 feet across the region, creating microclimates that affect individual camping areas. Winter temperatures typically hover between 25-45°F while summer brings sustained heat with daily highs regularly exceeding 90°F during July and August.
What to do
Trail exploration: 3-mile Lake Glendale hike: Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers a comprehensive trail system circling the entire lake. "There is an easy 3 mile hike around the lake and is easily accessed directly from a number of the sites," notes one visitor who appreciated the lake trail's accessibility.
Natural swimming holes: spring and summer only: The clear pools at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs provide cooling relief during hot months. According to a camper, "Just around the corner (or down the trail at the start of camp) is a network of hiking trails. They scurry around cliffs, falls and ravines. We found small pools perfect for a summer dip."
Rock formations and climbing: expert required: Jackson Falls features unique sandstone bluffs popular with experienced climbers. A visitor explained, "This place is popular with climbers, but I'm not one and had a rough time locating this place. The roads weren't marked the same way they are on the website's map, and the trailheads are confusing as well."
What campers like
Privacy in primitive areas: non-electric sites: The secluded tent camping areas at Turkey Ridge Campground provide more natural camping experiences. "Spots are pretty dam close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to. We stayed for 1 night at the Turkey Ridge, so we stayed closer to the parking. Was only 1 other group camping on a Wednesday," explains one camper who found midweek solitude.
Night sky viewing: minimal light pollution: Rural locations like Pharoah Campground deliver exceptional stargazing opportunities. As one camper described their experience: "The rock formations are surreal and shoulder season is so quiet! We will be back as the hiking is awesome."
Wildlife observation: spring and fall peak seasons: Deer Ridge Campground offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor shared: "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!"
What you should know
Campsite conditions: ground cover varies: Many campsites contain problematic plant species. At Jackson Falls, a camper warned: "Bring everything you need, there is no water source and bring lots of wood. We scavenged wood from the hills around but ultimately had to leave and purchase wood."
Seasonal water levels: check before arrival: Stream and waterfall flow varies dramatically by season. One visitor to Lake Glendale noted: "We went during a dry spell and there was no running water at the falls! Still had a blast there though!"
First-come basis: weekday arrival recommended: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak periods. A camper at Redbud Campground explained: "There are a few vault toilets scattered around that are ok but not the best we've seen. A hand pump for water is near the garbage cans. We found plenty of empty sites but people were starting to fill them in. I imagine it might get full for the weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: limited availability: Shawnee Forest Campground offers one of the better play areas. One visitor noted its unique layout: "Unique campground in that it is on a former golf course. Has the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths!"
Water safety: supervision essential: Swimming areas exist but conditions vary. At Oak Point, one family mentioned: "We were the only campers in our loop for the entire stay. This is a very clean, well maintained campground, the hosts were very friendly and helpful."
Bug preparation: comprehensive protection needed: Insect issues affect all local campgrounds. A family camping at Bell Smith Springs reported: "Great hiking and great camp site. No shower but the springs offer a refreshing soak after a long day of hiking. Water is easily accessible and clean. Definitely lots of ticks but you're in nature so it's a given."
Tips from RVers
Road access: scout ahead for larger rigs: Gravel roads with steep sections challenge larger vehicles in many locations. At Jackson Falls, one RVer advised: "We run a 28ft RV and were able to cross the first water wash without problem. We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading."
Site leveling: blocks required: Most campgrounds feature uneven terrain. An RVer at Dixon Springs State Park reported: "Our reserved site #6 was so sloped for our 24' C class that we had to give up on it and move to a vacant more level spot."
Hookup limitations: prepare for self-sufficiency: Full hookups are rare at campsites near Stonefort, Illinois. An experienced RVer shared about Oak Point: "Spacious, clean open campground with little privacy. Well kept bathrooms and water pumps throughout."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Stonefort, IL?
What camping is available near Stonefort, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Stonefort, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 126 campgrounds and RV parks near Stonefort, IL and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Stonefort, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Stonefort, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stonefort, IL is Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs with a 4.6-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Stonefort, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Stonefort, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Stonefort, IL.
What parks are near Stonefort, IL?
What parks are near Stonefort, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Stonefort, IL that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.
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