Best Campgrounds near Pinckneyville, IL

Looking for the best campgrounds near Pinckneyville, IL? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Illinois camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Pinckneyville, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Pinckneyville, Illinois (90)

    1. Washington County State Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Nashville, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 327-3137

    "This is a nice little park in southern Illinois. It is surrounded by cornfields, however the park is wooded. The park surrounds a very pretty lake and I have attached a picture."

    "This is a small lake management by the state of Illinois. The campground is usually not crowded, but some weekends do get busy. There is a shower/bathroom that was clean each time we were there."

    2. Pyramid State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Ava, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 357-2574

    "Much enjoyed driving around exploring this large state park in IL. Seems to be awesome for fishing as there are many lakes. Great access to the lakes for canoe & kayak."

    "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."

    3. South Sandusky Campground

    19 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $26 / night

    "North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing."

    "Well maintained on beautiful Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Reservations accepted on reservation.gov. Walk ins also welcome."

    4. Gun Creek

    21 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $18 - $30 / night

    "One of the first campgrounds that you come to at Rend Lake when you get off the highway, this campground has lots of positives and few negatives."

    "The lake had the most amazing sunset! Everyone is super friendly and we recommend the blue jay loop for best views and swimming access to the lake."

    5. Du Quoin State Fair Campground

    1 Review
    Pinckneyville, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 542-1515

    6. South Marcum Campground

    16 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $44 / night

    "This is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake."

    "They're very close to the Illinois state fair grounds. There are tent sites as well as RV sites that are very close to the lake."

    7. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 629-2320

    "Wayne Fitzgerald State Park is on Rend Lake, just off I-57 in Southern Illinois. It’s a great place for camping, fishing and bikes."

    "Many of the sites are walk up only.  The sites have a lot of room to enjoy a relaxing weekend or set up yard games.  Rend lake is a good size lake with numerous areas to explore the water."

    8. Lake Campalot

    2 Reviews
    Percy, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 497-2942

    "We got a nice little spot to ourselves across the lake to put our tent. Its like a little community. I loved it. If your wanting out in the wilderness this is not for you."

    9. North Sandusky Campground

    6 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $18 - $26 / night

    "North Sandusky Campground is a gem in Southern Illinois. Many of the sites are backed up to Rend lake and the others back up to the woods.

    The sites all seem to be fairly well maintained and roomy."

    "has a great view of the lake from almost every camp site. close to southern IL. great leasure campsite to take the kids"

    10. Benton KOA

    13 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 439-4860

    "Not a bad place for a stop between destinations or a couple days at the lake would be fine. Roads and sites were well maintained. The dog park gets muddy quick, it’s mostly moss and dirt."

    "Yes, there is highway noise. It's a KOA. Convenience of being easy off an interstate has its tradeoffs. That said, excellent staff, clean, professional KOA"

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Recent Reviews near Pinckneyville, IL

519 Reviews of 90 Pinckneyville Campgrounds


  • David D.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground

    Awesome campground!

    The views over the Mississippi River are calandar-worthy! Very scenic from up atop the bluffs. A very old and historic cemetery is next to the campground. There is electric hookups 30 and 50 amp. No water/sewer but does have a dump station. Vault toilets.

  • Mandi G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    North Sandusky Campground

    Gorgeous views

    Very well maintained campgrounds. Most sites are pretty sloped but there are some level sites. Flush toilets. Bring binoculars for egrets and herons on the lake.

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Great stop for the night

    We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. There’s a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there and we didn’t want to disturb them and also wanted our privacy. There a space for a vehicle to pull off and walk around some boulders to set up a camp, complete with a fire ring. Some bike-packers were already set up there. Close to the lake there is another spot for one or two vehicles. The lake surface had a lot of bug activity - no thanks! We ended up choosing a grassy space next to the curve in the road in between our neighbors. Very peaceful! No bugs.

  • M
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Carlyle lake

    Great for Boating and Open Camping in Illinois

    The main draw here is the water itself. With great opportunities for fishing and boating, it's an ideal destination for anglers and families with small boats. The nearby Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area provides convenient camping and shoreline access, making it easy to turn your visit into a weekend trip.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Dam West Campground

    Beautiful campground at a minimum $

    This campground is heavenly and peaceful. Lots of migrant waterfowl. Pelicans, egrets, blue herons….

  • Chip
    Sep. 2, 2025

    World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    Lot's of full hookups

    This was our first camp in our new to us travel trailer. Not many trees.  Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue.  This is the site of the American Trap Shooters Association "Grand" Event.  During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full.  We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning.  There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried.  I imagine they had some unlocked but I didn't try all the doors when I was there.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Dam East - Mcnair Campground

    Peaceful and quiet

    Another really nice COE campground. With our pass for seniors, we only paid $10 for electric. The sites were a little closer together than normal COE’s but still plenty of room. Water spicket’s were placed throughout the park but not at each site. There was a lake with a swim beach and two playgrounds. Sites were very level. Nice and shady. Close to town. Well maintained showers.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Gun Creek

    Nice!

    Nice, large, well thought out campground. Lots of trees, paved sites, bathrooms, showers, and well maintained. Offers full hookups, partial or none. Convenient to I64. Only stayed 1 nite, but would definitely come back.

  • Stephanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    Spacious and clean

    Campground was well maintained with spacious campsites. I tried to get a spot on the water but they were all reserved, they looked really nice so I would try to get it in the future. Showers were nice with air conditioning. I would say this is more of a campsite for RVs but it worked fine with our tent. Host was nice and helpful.


Guide to Pinckneyville

Camping near Pinckneyville, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to wooded retreats, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Hawn State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are several hiking trails and an overlook," making it a great spot for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Gun Creek. A camper shared, "Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride," highlighting the peaceful environment perfect for fishing.
  • Wildlife Watching: Visit Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs for a chance to see local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "The grounds and pit toilets were remarkably clean," indicating a well-maintained area for nature lovers.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. At Shawnee Forest Campground, one visitor said, "The camp was clean and well maintained," which is a common theme across many campgrounds in the area.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Giant City State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is good, and camp hosts very friendly and helpful."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes. One visitor at Trail of Tears State Park Campground remarked, "Unobstructed view of the Mississippi River," making it a picturesque spot for camping.

What you should know

  • Crowded on Holidays: If you plan to camp during holiday weekends, be prepared for crowds. A camper at Hawn State Park Campground noted, "The sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during Holiday weekends."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "Water was not available and no power," so plan accordingly.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Jackson Falls said, "If you’re terrified of wildlife this is not the place for you," indicating that nature is very much alive in these areas.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, one family enjoyed, "Three playground areas, a basketball court, sand volleyball and a pool during summer months."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes for the paved trails. A visitor at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "There are miles of paved bicycle trails," making it a fun option for families.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A camper at Turkey Ridge Campground noted, "Goreville is a small local town with a grocery store," which is handy for last-minute supplies.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Not all sites are level or spacious. A reviewer at Gun Creek mentioned, "Not all spots are level," so check the campground map before booking.
  • Book Early: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Shawnee Forest Campground advised, "We were able to reserve one of the last spots," highlighting the importance of early reservations.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Trail of Tears State Park Campground, have limited electric and water hookups. A visitor noted, "Full hook ups," but also mentioned the need to plan for sites without these amenities.

Camping near Pinckneyville, Illinois, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds located near Pinckneyville, Illinois?

Several campgrounds are located within a short drive of Pinckneyville. Washington County State Recreation Area is a peaceful wooded park surrounding a pretty lake, nestled among cornfields and offering clean facilities with hot showers. Pyramid State Recreation Area is also nearby, providing boat-in, drive-in, and hike-in access with toilet facilities. Other options in the region include Randolph County State Recreation Area, a great little campground with a fishing lake and well-maintained gravel sites, and Lake Campalot near Percy, about a 20-minute drive from Pinckneyville.

Can you camp at Pyramid State Park near Pinckneyville?

Yes, camping is available at Pyramid State Recreation Area near Pinckneyville. The park offers basic camping facilities with toilet access and is known for being big-rig friendly. The recreation area provides multiple access options including boat-in, drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in camping. If you're looking for more amenities, consider Du Quoin State Fair Campground nearby, which offers reservable sites with water hookups and toilet facilities, also suitable for larger RVs and campers.

What camping is available near Pinckneyville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pinckneyville, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 90 campgrounds and RV parks near Pinckneyville, IL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pinckneyville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pinckneyville, IL is Washington County State Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pinckneyville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Pinckneyville, IL.

What parks are near Pinckneyville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Pinckneyville, IL that allow camping, notably Rend Lake and Carlyle Lake.