3 MONTHS FREEPlan your Illinois trip with offline maps, RV Trip Planner, and the Free Camping Map.Try PRO
Try PRO free for 3 months

Camping near Ozark, IL

3 campgrounds with availability this weekend

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Camping in the Shawnee National Forest surrounds Ozark, Illinois with a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs offers tent and RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables, while Jackson Falls provides free dispersed camping with more primitive conditions. The region includes both established campgrounds with electrical hookups and water access, such as Lake Glendale Recreation Area, and more remote camping options like Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. Most campgrounds in southern Illinois are situated within forested areas, providing shade and access to hiking trails.

    Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the Shawnee National Forest region. Most developed campgrounds like Redbud operate from March 15 to December 15, while others such as Shawnee Forest Campground remain open year-round. Summer brings higher visitation, particularly at water-adjacent sites like Lake Glendale. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures ideal for hiking the numerous trails connecting camping areas. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly in the more remote sections of the forest. A camper noted, "0 cell signal, which is just what we look for while on vacation."

    The Shawnee National Forest camping experience centers around natural features including sandstone formations, lakes, and hiking trails. Garden of the Gods receives consistently high ratings for its dramatic rock formations and scenic views. Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides water-based recreation with boat access and swimming opportunities. Several visitors highlighted the privacy of campsites despite their proximity to one another. A recent review described Oak Point at Lake Glendale as "tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest" with "sites that back right up to Lake Glendale." Campers seeking solitude might prefer weekday visits, as many campgrounds fill on weekends, especially during summer months. Most camping areas provide access to hiking trails directly from the campground, allowing visitors to explore the unique geology of southern Illinois without driving to separate trailheads.

    Best Campgrounds near Ozark (130)

      1. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

      4.6(32)6mi from OzarkRVs, Tents

      "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"

      from $15 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Shawnee Forest Campground

      4.5(37)10mi from OzarkRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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

      3. Jackson Falls

      4.1(24)5mi from Ozark

      "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. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

      4.6(59)21mi from OzarkRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $10 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Oak Point - Lake Glendale

      4.8(16)11mi from OzarkRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $10 - $20 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

      4.6(14)10mi from Ozark

      "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."

      from $12 - $44 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      4.3(16)12mi from OzarkRVs, Tents

      "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

      4.3(16)12mi from OzarkTents

      "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."

      from $18 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Oak Point Campground

      4.4(9)10mi from OzarkRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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. Dutchman Lake Camp

      4.7(7)9mi from OzarkTents

      "We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."

      "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!"

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Presented byLifeStraw

    Review campgrounds, win gear.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time



    Recent Reviews near Ozark, IL

    795 Reviews of 130 Ozark Campgrounds

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 30, 2026

      Whittington 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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 29, 2026

      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.

    • tThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 24, 2026

      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.

    • M
      Oct. 24, 2026

      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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      South Marcum Campground

      Large site

      Great campsite very large easy to get in and additional parking for your truck right next to your trailer

    • Scott M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 13, 2026

      COE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area

      Excellent campground

      What started as a one-night camping trip quickly turned into a three-night stay—I just didn't want to leave! Most of the campsites feature beautiful lake views and are well-shaded by tall trees. Each spot is equipped with an electric hookup, a fire pit, and a picnic table, plus having access to hot showers made the stay super comfortable. To top it off, our cats loved taking walks with us around the campground!

    • Randy H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 27, 2026

      Gun Creek

      Great Digs

      Rend Lake, in Whittington, Il is just a great place to camp. From primitive to full hook ups they have what you need for a Corps of Engineers campground.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 26, 2026

      Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

      Nice & quiet primitive site. Great views.

      Very small, maybe 10-12 sites that are first come first serve. $10 per night as of September 2026. Solid Verizon cell coverage. Very quiet.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 25, 2026

      Giant City State Park Campground

      Good staff & clean facility.

      I stayed at a walk-to tent site for which the price was $8 per night. Pretty solid Verizon cell signal. Clean showers and well kept. The place did sound pretty loud as far as older partiers, though around 9pm, it was near silent. I'd definitely stay here again.

    Guide to Ozark

    Camping sites near Ozark, Illinois sit within the Shawnee National Forest at elevations ranging from 340-600 feet above sea level. This region receives approximately 43 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forests with diverse oak, hickory, and pine tree stands. Sites feature uneven terrain with rocky outcroppings and limestone formations common throughout the camping areas.

    What to do

    Explore rock formations: Garden of the Gods Recreation Area offers a network of hiking trails around dramatic cliff formations. "Spectacular, outstanding views, ancient cliff formations I love this place," notes one visitor to Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground. The observation trail extends about 1/4-mile with multiple lookout points.

    Water activities: During summer months, Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides swimming and boating options. A visitor to Oak Point - Lake Glendale explains, "The concessionaire stocks ice and wood, folks drive nice and slow for the kids, and there is a little playground for the kids to play on as well." The beach charges a small entrance fee and offers paddle boat rentals.

    Wilderness hiking: Jackson Falls features primitive trail systems with climbs over various rock formations. "The place is beautiful; forests and great big, moss covered boulders. It was fun climbing down to the bottom of the falls, even with small kids," reports a camper who visited during Labor Day weekend.

    What campers like

    Privacy and seclusion: Despite proximity to other sites, many campgrounds provide adequate tree coverage for privacy. A camper at Oak Point Campground shares, "The sites were sort of close together but the trees still helped provide a sense of privacy. There were clean bathrooms with running water a short walk away."

    Natural swimming holes: Bell Smith Springs offers natural water features for cooling off. "This is one of my favorite spots... 10 minute walk or 2 minute drive to the river where you can hike, swim or wade. Even if it seems crowded, just walk down the river a ways for some privacy," mentions a visitor to Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs.

    Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds report significant wildlife sightings including deer, foxes, and various bird species. At Dixon Springs State Park, a camper notes, "We saw a baby fox, and enjoyed the chocolate factory right across the street." The area also hosts significant firefly populations during summer months.

    What you should know

    Cell service limitations: Cell connectivity varies dramatically across the region. At Jackson Falls, a camper warns, "Lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve, FYI." Service tends to improve near higher elevations or developed campgrounds.

    Seasonal water levels: Many natural water features experience significant fluctuation. "We went during a dry spell and there was no running water at the falls! Still had a blast there though!" reports a visitor to Jackson Falls. Spring visits typically offer the most reliable water flow.

    Ticks and poison ivy: These are consistent concerns throughout the area. A visitor to Ferne Clyffe State Park warns, "Lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere," while a Lake Glendale camper mentions, "Very clean, well maintained... Unfortunately, there was SO MUCH poison ivy that we couldn't play in the woods." Preparation with proper repellent and identification skills proves essential.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Several campgrounds include dedicated play structures. A visitor to Deer Ridge Campground - Ferne Clyffe State Park shares, "This is a great spot for families. The sites are pretty close together, but still offer some privacy. They have electric sites for $22 and primitive for $12."

    Kid-friendly hiking: Bell Smith Springs offers accessible trails with interesting features. "Nothing fancy, but the pit toilet and water supply worked just fine for us and our kids. We found some beautiful hiking and water holes," explains a camper with children at Redbud Campground.

    Swimming options: Both developed and natural swimming areas exist. At Dixon Springs State Park, "a swimming pool with a slide attached to the campground with an entrance fee of $6" provides a controlled environment, while Lake Glendale features "a nearby beach available to enjoy during the summer."

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection: Many campgrounds offer limited spaces suitable for larger RVs. At Shawnee Forest Campground, one RVer reports, "The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21. The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice."

    Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain affects many sites. "We had Spot 20 & it was very private and cozy," notes an RV camper at Oak Point, while another camper at Dixon Springs warns, "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 availability: Electric and water connections vary across campgrounds. A visitor to Lake Glendale notes, "CG offers sites with electric and water and then sites with no hook-ups. The electric/water sites were much better than the 'tent' sites." Many campgrounds provide dump stations at entrances rather than individual site connections.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Ozark, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Ozark, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Ozark, IL and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Ozark, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ozark, 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 Ozark, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Ozark, IL.

    What parks are near Ozark, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Ozark, IL that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.