Olive Branch camping areas feature cypress-filled lakes and wetland ecosystems typical of the southern Illinois floodplain. The region sits at elevations between 300-400 feet with a humid subtropical climate where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Camping options range from established campgrounds with electric hookups to primitive sites along pond shores and conservation areas.
What to Do
Hiking exploration: Trail of Tears State Park offers excellent hiking with varied difficulty 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," notes Livia W. at Trail of Tears State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes throughout the region provide good fishing access. At Bean Ridge Pond Campground, visitor Dave N. reports: "Small little pond with 2 primitive campsites. It's very quiet and peaceful. Some signs of litter, but mostly clean. Saw a few deer during my stay." The pond offers basic shore fishing with no motorized boats allowed.
River viewing: The Mississippi River provides scenic views and wildlife observation. "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," shares Chad H. about Trail of Tears State Park.
What Campers Like
Scenic water features: Horseshoe Lake offers distinctive cypress tree landscapes. "Gorgeous place big beautiful cypress and tupelo trees. Shaded spots and laid back atmosphere. The park workers do a amazing job at upkeep," writes Frank B. at Horseshoe Lake Alexander County.
Peaceful atmosphere: The less-visited western camping areas provide quieter camping experiences. Patricia S. from General Watkins Conservation Area describes: "We opted for this site on our way west as a stopover because it was free and not a parking lot. 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. A couple of guys fished at night until about nine."
Natural shade coverage: Most campsites in the region benefit from tree coverage. "We had a quiet RV site with electric. Many of the sites also have water but not ours. Shaded area. Lake is more of a swamp with cypress trees, very pretty," reports Alison S. about Horseshoe Lake.
What You Should Know
Limited facilities: Some campgrounds offer minimal amenities. At Bean Ridge Pond Campground, Cameron notes: "No toilets. Very slow and spotty AT&T service: I was able to text but not access the Internet. The area is very pretty. Soft ground for staking a tent." Remember to pack out all waste at primitive sites.
Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife requires proper precautions. A reviewer warns about General Watkins Conservation Area: "This conservation area is home to Missouri's largest venomous snake - the timber rattlesnake. This snake is known to reach 5 feet in this area and I have seen more than a few that reached that size. Timber rattlesnakes move at night during the summer."
Distance to supplies: Most campgrounds are remote with limited nearby services. Alison S. mentions: "Of note, there is not much around in the way of stores. We managed to find one small grocery store. The town of Cairo is a ghost town but Ft. Defiance is worth seeing."
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming options: Lake areas provide cooling opportunities during hot summer months. Ralph S. at Trail of Tears State Park notes: "Not a large state park, but the campgrounds, small lake with swimming area, and the views of the Mississippi River valley are good."
Nature education: Trail systems offer opportunities to teach children about local ecology. Barbara L. shares: "We love the hiking trails, and the convenience of the lake. The last time we stayed, we were worried about something that sounded big in the woods just past our tent...we're still not sure what it was! An added bonus...there are some really great geocaches in the park!!"
Pet-friendly considerations: Many campgrounds welcome pets but have specific areas for off-leash activity. At The Landing Point RV Park, a reviewer notes: "Nice campground not much for kids has a out dated swing set not in great shape. Had a nice fenced in area for dogs to run and play at."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variability: Electric services differ between campgrounds and individual sites. Marcella from Horseshoe Lake Alexander County reports: "electric was not working at some sites and one post had hookups for two sites. No sewer, there is a dump station down the road... electric not working at first 3 or 4 sites so check before you set up your camper."
Leveling requirements: Not all sites offer level pads. At Shawnee Forest Campground, Greg S. advises: "The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus. Super convenient to 24 but not too close that it is loud. The sites are loose gravel and not level front to back, so you need to unhook."
Transit convenience: Several RV parks provide easy highway access. "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," notes Rebecca B. about Hinton RV Park.
