96 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options near Olive Branch, Illinois include both established campgrounds and dispersed sites within the Shawnee National Forest region. The area features several notable camping areas such as Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area Campground in nearby Miller City and Bean Ridge Pond Campground, which provide access to southern Illinois' unique landscape of forests, lakes, and rock formations. Campground facilities range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV parks, with accommodations for various camping styles including tent camping, RV camping, and in some locations, cabin or yurt rentals. Many campgrounds in this region are situated near water features, offering fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities.
Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the year, with most campgrounds in the region remaining open year-round but offering different amenities depending on the season. Water access points may be limited during winter months at some locations. Many established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer weekends and holidays, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with stronger signals near towns and limited to no coverage in more remote camping areas. Visitors should be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after rainfall, especially at primitive sites. According to one camper at Bean Ridge Pond, "There are only two camp sites at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow."
The natural landscape surrounding Olive Branch provides diverse camping experiences characterized by proximity to water bodies, forested areas, and unique geological features. Campers report particularly enjoying sites that back up to lakes or offer water views. Several visitors mentioned the quality of night sky viewing as a highlight of camping in this region, with one reviewer noting "great dark sky viewing" at a nearby state park. Campgrounds in the Shawnee National Forest area are noted for their shade coverage and relative privacy between sites. Wildlife viewing opportunities include birds, deer, and various aquatic species. While some campgrounds feature modern amenities like shower facilities and electric hookups, others maintain a more rustic experience with pit toilets and no utilities, appealing to campers seeking different levels of comfort and wilderness immersion.
"Lake is more of a swamp with cypress trees, very pretty. Showers dated but clean. They are multiple stalls. Of note, there is not much around in the way of stores."
"PRO Senior discount saving $6
Able to reserve on-line 365 days prior to arriving
Very friendly and helpful camp host
Unobstructed view of the Mississippi River
Great dark sky viewing
No highway"
"As close to camping next to the Mississippi river as you can get"
"There are only two camp site at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow."
"Surrounded by greenery, this is the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and reconnect. Book your stay and come back here to leave them some love!"
from $20 - $125 / night
Check Availability"There are a couple of loop trails and we walked one of them. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon. The locals use the area for fishing and walking and it was somewhat busy in the afternoon."
"Sites are only a few miles from our house, we use it to test out new gear (hammocks) General Watkins has a good amount of ponds (great fishing) and has a few good walking/ small hiking trails."
"Our only hiccup was we passed it first time driving by so look closely for the entrance. Veterans discount. We would 100% stay again if we needed to."
"This little RV Park is not far off the highway and it was easy to find. Staff was nice and friendly. Each space has full hookups and its own picnic table."
"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."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"Water park close by (5 minute drive) that was great for the kids on a hot day. Camping spots was all nice and level. looked like all the spots was full hook ups."
"There is a big grassy area in the middle of the loop of wanting to play games and run around."
"There was a public paved walking trail along the back of the CG, which was very nice to walk the dogs. There was also a 2 acre fishing pond for CG residents to use."
"There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here."
"Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.
All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information."
GuideThe views!!! Loved it. Lots to do in the area. Recommend Giant City! Grounds were well maintained. There was a giant snake behind our site. And goose poop everywhere. But we are camping in THEIR homes.
TravelerInteresting gravel roads getting there but totally doable. There are several spots right at the river, I parked at the second spot. Great view, was able to walk short little path to water and had a fire ring. AT&T service was good
GuideThis hidden gem is worth the visit. It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs. Lots of wild flowers and the sunset- WOW! On the trail there is a sign to set up for selfies. With a dog it wasn’t as easy as I’d hope to capture the moment. Ha
ScoutOften empty, free, great hiking near by. Known to flood but it’s volunteer run and you will have to check local weather reports to know.
ScoutI couldn't afford to camp but the man over the camp site was very nice
ScoutAny website or review about this little Opry campground clearly states $15 a night but when the lady came to collect money in the morning at 6:30 in the morning it was 25 and she was very disrespectful and her in the way she responded to the proof of it being only $15 a night due to her lack of marketing
ScoutSuper family friendly, quiet, clean & everyone who works here is super nice!
GuideI started coming to this campground once a year as a child with my family 50 years ago. This place will always have a special place in my heart. Lots of memories and lots left to be made. I am thankful that the hosts have done their best with the up keep. The last visit we rented the Goose Bay Picnic area for a group of 8 of us. Beautiful place. Typically quiet during the week. Best sites IMO are 51, 52, 54, 13
ScoutTHIS REVIEW IS ONLY FOR THE CAMPGROUND, NOT THE STORE. We had high hopes for this very small campground. Our pull thru site was not quite level and just big enough for our truck and 30 foot trailer, but we lifted one side to be level and hooked up to sewer, water, and electric. We emailed them and told them which site we chose upon arrival. The nights were pretty quiet due to minimal nearby highway noise. We planned a four-night stay but only stayed for two nights. The restroom and the laundry room are not too bad. One restroom with one shower and one each washer and dryer in the laundry room.$5 to wash and dry(pay at the office.) On a walk with our dog, I was surprised by an unleashed dog that came from under one of the RVs that followed us for a bit. Okay...not sure if there are rules. We were never asked to sign the receipt because we never received a copy of the campground rules and policies(according to the receipt they emailed to us when we made the reservation.) On our final morning, electric was turned off by an electrician and we were not notified. After speaking with the electrician to understand the project, my husband walked to the store/office and spoke with a woman(owner?) and said we would be leaving due to no communication about this and we expected a refund for the 2-night remainder of our time. She said,"Sorry, we'll refund your money." Then the man(owner?) got done with a phone call and asked what was the matter. My husband explained that no one let us know about the power and the man said it would not be long...about an hour(the electrician told us about and hour per post which would make it a minimum of half a day as there were six sites on our row.) My husband explained he was disappointed with the customer service and the man replied with,"THEN PACK UP AND GET OUT OF HERE AND YOU'LL GET YOUR DAMN MONEY." We never received a refund. We were disappointed both by not being notified and in the level of customer service my husband received from the man. I was also removed from their Facebook page, which is a really odd gesture. PLUS...one of the other guests of the park with the first unleashed dog I encountered slowly circled our RV when my husband went to fill up with fuel so we could leave. Customer service should be the key to their existence; it makes or breaks and establishment. We have visited 30 states and over 140 park so far, yet have never been treated like this.
The camping region surrounding Olive Branch, Illinois sits at the southern tip of the state where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging 88°F from June through August and mild winters with average highs around 45°F. Camping sites in this region range from 320 to 680 feet in elevation, with most situated on terrain susceptible to seasonal flooding after heavy rain events.
Fishing opportunities: Horseshoe Lake at Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area Campground offers unique cypress tree-filled waters for anglers. "Lake is more of a swamp with cypress trees, very pretty," notes Alison S., who stayed at the campground.
Hiking trails: The trail system at Trail of Tears State Park provides options for all skill levels. "Great for hiking! If you want an easy hike it's available but there are an abundance of intermediate trail and a beautiful quarry! Be sure to pay attention to trails because lack of trail markers," advises Livia W.
Mississippi River viewing: Several campgrounds offer river access points. "One of the best camping views of the mississippi river! The campsite overlooks the mighty mississippi river and oh what a view it is, watching tugboats move barges up and down," reports Chad H. from Trail of Tears State Park.
Small town exploration: Local communities near camping areas provide cultural experiences. "The town of Cairo is a ghost town but Ft. Defiance is worth seeing," mentions Alison S. from Horseshoe Lake.
Privacy between sites: Bean Ridge Pond Campground campers appreciate the secluded setting. "Small little pond with 2 primitive campsites. It's very quiet and peaceful," reports Dave N., who also noted wildlife sightings during his stay.
Star gazing conditions: Several campgrounds offer excellent night sky viewing. "Great dark sky viewing," notes Napunani about Trail of Tears State Park Campground, highlighting an aspect many urban visitors particularly enjoy.
Mature tree coverage: Giant City State Park Campground offers extensive shade. "There are plenty of trees for shade. Some sites are close together and some have more room in between them," explains Shana D., who visited during Easter weekend.
Wildlife encounters: The natural environment supports diverse wildlife viewing. "Saw a few deer during my stay," mentions Dave N. about his experience at Bean Ridge Pond Campground, a primitive camping area with no facilities.
Seasonal water limitations: Water access varies throughout the year at campgrounds. "In late October there was no water, but several sites have full hook ups," reports Tod S. about Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Varying cell service: Network coverage changes significantly across the region. "No WiFi. 2 bars Verizon LTE," notes Napunani from Trail of Tears State Park, while other remote areas report no service at all.
Limited supplies nearby: The region has few shopping options. "There is not much around in the way of stores. We managed to find one small grocery store," warns Alison S. about the area around Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area Campground.
Train noise: Campers at several riverside campgrounds report railway disruptions. "Train goes next to campground and barges are loud when they come through on the river," mentions Tina C. about Trail of Tears State Park.
Swimming areas: Lake Boutin at Trail of Tears State Park offers family-friendly water activities. "Also a great sand beach water feature nearby at lake bouton. Some average length trails and a nice short trail for the littles," recommends Chad H.
Playground availability: Hinton RV Park provides basic facilities for children. The Landing Point RV Park has "an out dated swing set not in great shape" according to a camper identified as "its the Catalina wine mixer T."
Geocaching options: Some parks offer this family-friendly activity. "An added bonus...there are some really great geocaches in the park!!" shares Barbara L. about her experiences at Trail of Tears State Park.
Education opportunities: State parks often provide learning experiences. "The Visitor Center has small museum (no admission fee) on the Trail of Tears Native American tribal migration," notes Napunani.
Campsite leveling: Many RV sites require adjustment. "Site 6 not level side-to-side," reports Napunani about Trail of Tears State Park Campground, a common issue throughout the region.
Electrical connections: Shawnee Forest Campground has specific electrical considerations. "The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice," notes MickandKarla W.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds provide on-site dumping. "No sewer, there is a dump station down the road," explains marcella about Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area Campground.
Site privacy variations: RV parks in the region offer varying levels of site separation. "Sites are not well demarcated and grass lots," notes marcella about Horseshoe Lake, while Shawnee Forest Campground has "big sites for our 40ft fifth wheel" according to Tonya B.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RV parks are available in Olive Branch, Mississippi?
Olive Branch offers several RV park options in the vicinity. Hinton RV Park provides drive-in access with reservable sites, water hookups, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Another option is The Landing Point RV Park, which offers similar amenities. Many RVers also consider campgrounds in nearby areas like Cape Girardeau when visiting Olive Branch. These parks typically offer full hookups, pull-through sites, and basic amenities like showers and laundry facilities. For the most current availability, calling ahead for reservations is recommended.
Is camping allowed at Olive Branch City Park?
Camping is not permitted at Olive Branch City Park. The park is designed for day use only with recreational facilities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, and sports fields. For those looking to camp near Olive Branch, consider Horseshoe Lake Alexander County or Shawnee Forest Campground, both within driving distance. City parks typically have restrictions on overnight stays for safety and maintenance reasons. Always check official city websites or contact the Olive Branch Parks and Recreation Department for the most current information on park rules and regulations.
Where can I camp in Olive Branch, MS?
While Olive Branch itself has limited camping options, the surrounding area offers several choices. Cape Camping & RV Park provides a convenient option with reservable sites, water, and facilities accommodating various camping styles. For those willing to travel a short distance, Little Ole Opry Campground is another possibility. The region around Olive Branch includes both private campgrounds and public recreation areas. Most require reservations, especially during peak camping seasons in spring and fall. Many sites offer electric hookups, water access, and basic amenities suitable for both tent and RV camping.
What outdoor activities are available near camping sites in Olive Branch?
The Olive Branch region offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Nearby Crab Orchard Lake Campground provides excellent fishing, boating, and shoreline activities with spacious sites near the water. Giant City State Park Campground features some of Illinois' best hiking trails through unique rock formations. The area's outdoor activities include fishing in local lakes and rivers, hiking scenic trails, bird watching, mountain biking, and rock climbing in certain locations. Water sports are popular during warmer months, while wildlife photography attracts visitors year-round. Most camping areas provide easy access to multiple activities, making them ideal base camps for outdoor adventures.
Keep Exploring
