Top Tent Camping near Pinckneyville, IL

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Pinckneyville, look no further. Finding a place to camp in Illinois with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Pinckneyville, Illinois's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Pinckneyville, IL (13)

    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    1. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    47 Photos
    9 Saves

    Turkey Ridge is for campers who want a serene outdoor experience. It is a Class C walk-in campground that includes camp pads, picnic tables, cooking grills and showers. Drinking water and toilets are located near the parking lots.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from North Marcum Day Use Area

    2. North Marcum Day Use Area

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    11 Saves

    Overview

    Congratulations! Youve just discovered the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Whether youre looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, youll find it here.

    Natural Features:

    North Marcum Day Use Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Plenty of shade and a large sandy boat in are, make this day use area desirable for a day on scenic Rend Lake. Rend Lake is made up of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.

    Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

    Recreation:

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away youll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Facilities:

    North Marcum Day Use Area features two large picnic shelters with tables, grills, and drinking water. The shelters can accommodate up to 75 guests each, and the area has a boat ramp, playground, and dock all within walking distance.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Showers
    • No image available

      3. Blue Heron Campground & Marina

      1 Review
      8 Saves
      • Electric Hookups
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Showers
      • Toilets

      $15 - $20 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      4. Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

      3 Reviews
      10 Photos
      2 Saves

      Backpackers enjoying their commune with nature will appreciate the solitude of the individual campsites in the Class C Backpack campground. Located a half-mile from the Turkey Ridge primitive campground parking lot, these woodland sites have cooking grills, toilets and showers. Water and trash receptacles are available at the Turkey Ridge parking lot. You're reminded to be careful with your fires and to pack out what you pack in.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Drinking Water
      • No image available

        5. Apple Creek Conservation Area

        1 Review
        1 Save

        Apple Creek Conservation Area is located in northeast Cape Girardeau County, three miles east of New Wells on Route CC. The Missouri Department of Conservation created Apple Creek Conservation Area in 1986 with the purchase of 2,100 acres from several landowners. Steep hills and narrow valleys characterize this area, and approximately 2.5 miles of Apple Creek stream frontage forms its northern border. The Conservation Department has created watering ponds and planted food plots and agricultural crops within the forest to provide additional food sources for wildlife.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Tents
        • Equestrian
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Trash
        Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Dutchman Lake Camp

        6. Dutchman Lake Camp

        3 Reviews
        6 Photos
        44 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Spillway Group Area

        7. Spillway Group Area

        Be the first to review!
        8 Photos

        Overview

        Congratulations! Youve just discovered the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Whether youre looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, youll find it here.

        Natural Features:

        Spillway Group Area sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. Situated to the North East side of the spillway, the spillway group area has one of the best views at Rend Lake. Rend Lake is made up of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.

        Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

        Recreation:

        Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away youll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

        Facilities:

        Spillway Group Area offers 10 acres for company picnics, weddings, church gatherings, family reunions and many other outdoor events. The area includes a large shelter (250 capacity), an amphitheater (250 capacity), and a small shelter (30 capacity), a playground, and direct access to the Rend Lake Bike Trail. Electric hookups are provided, and the area offers a playground, picnic tables, flush toilets, and drinking water in order to provide a comfortable experience for guests.

        • Electric Hookups
        • Reservable
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Group
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge  -  Lake Of Egypt

        8. Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt

        2 Reviews
        1 Photo
        8 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Trash
        Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area

        9. Keyesport Rec. Area

        1 Review
        6 Photos
        3 Saves

        Overview

        Keyesport Recreation Area is situated on the western shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of small towns combined with the grandeur of Illinois largest man-made lake.

        Natural Features:

        Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nations top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas.

        Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

        Recreation:

        The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports.

        Fishing is a popular pastime, and white bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, flathead catfish and walleye can be found in abundance.

        There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play in, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

        Facilities:

        Keyesport provides one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. Boaters have the convenience of a marina, boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Families can enjoy a nice swimming beach and playground.

        Nearby Attractions:

        Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information, a gift shop and nature exhibits, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish and a display featuring a live massasauga rattlesnake.

        • Pets
        • Electric Hookups
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Group
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Ridge Campground
      Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews In Pinckneyville

      425 Reviews of 13 Pinckneyville Campgrounds


      • Tabitha R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Johnson Creek
        Oct. 12, 2024

        Johnson Creek

        Nice!

        This campground provides large spots, drinking water, vault toliets, dumpsters, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and contactless check in. I also appreciate the value of these sites. It really is a reasonable rate for forest camping.

      • Ben T.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
        Sep. 30, 2024

        Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

        Wonderful campground

        Right next to a huge reserve for fishing and boating. Campsites are very spaced out. We had 30 amp electric but no water on the campsite. Wasn't a problem for us we just filled our water tank. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Look forward to coming back

      • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
        Sep. 29, 2024

        Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

        Nice sites on Carlyle Lake- great host

        Our site was on the shore and had good spacing from others. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry all close by. Good hot water in the showers. The host was friendly and helpful. I’d go back again!

      • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
        Sep. 28, 2024

        Dam East - Mcnair Campground

        Location Great for Travel

        McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

        (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

        Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

      • Cecilia
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Hills
        Aug. 15, 2024

        Pine Hills

        Very nice

        Very quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Trail Of Tears State Park
        Aug. 11, 2024

        Trail Of Tears State Park

        Train Lovers.

        Large park with not many large RV sites. Lots of tent and dispersed camping. Disappointing store. Equestrian area. Beach and boat launch.

      • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
        Jul. 22, 2024

        Hilltop Campground

        Nice stop

        Stopped here for the night driving through the area. Nice campground, clean, safe, and right off the interstate.

      • Molly B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
        Jun. 30, 2024

        Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

        Great Community camp not too far off the highway

        My sister and I stopped here on our way to wisconsin, We were surprised how lovely it was! Birds everywhere and the lake was so huge. The camp sites were big and many of them, the bathrooms were always clean and had AC!

      • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
        Jun. 21, 2024

        Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

        A beautiful little spot !

        First off, a bang for you buck compared to some surrounding camp sites. They have PLENTY of sites, most with some view of the water. They have a boat launch, bathrooms, and showers. We stayed here 3 nights. The shores are quite rocky so it can be difficult to access the water just to swim. Overall, it was great. My only complaint is there is only one trash located in the beginning on the park & it was full, full, full!!!

      • Wil V.
        Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
        May. 30, 2024

        Benton KOA

        Loud

        1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud, the other is in between the sewer treatment plant and municipal airport. If you're a light sleeper might want to stay away Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/QpuNpA7UVZI

      • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
        May. 30, 2024

        Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

        Wonderful surprise

        Arrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
        May. 13, 2024

        South Marcum Campground

        Great Campground

        Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing. Cell service for AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE. Only issue that I have is that site 49 is very hard to get level in, make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
        May. 8, 2024

        Archway RV Park

        Great campground

        Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.

      • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
        Apr. 30, 2024

        Gun Creek

        Blue Jay #49 Water site

        Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

      • Steve G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
        Apr. 24, 2024

        Crab Orchard Lake Campground

        Excellent Lakeside Campgrouind

        Getting there: Easy access off Illinois 13 East of Carbondale 

        Check in and staff: Campground is now under the egis of recreation.gov& reservations through them are a must. This is new& when planning the trip the website said“first come first serve” so we arrived on a Friday evening(4pm) with no reservation. The sign said RV sites all taken. The host was wonderful! He has been here 9 years and steered us to a nice site for the one night we will be here. The online experience with recreation.gov was not pleasant, impossible in fact. So I had to call. This took quite awhile. Once I got a real live person it was great, and we got our site with no problems. 

        Amenities: Bathrooms: clean, paper towels& air dryers. 

        Site: A-35. In the middle of the A loop and therefore not on the water. Still, very nice. After all, beggars can’t be choosers! Sites are somewhat spacious, but not terribly private.

      • Michelle K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sharp Rock Falls Recreation
        Apr. 4, 2024

        Sharp Rock Falls Recreation

        Longbranch Shooting House And Saloon

        You're welcome to at longbranch! Please make your reservations.
        Only 16 spots left!

        Ava Illinois +1 618-318-6734 Text your name and number of people on your campsite to reserve your spot.

        The Solar Eclipse Event "PARK @ THE MOON"

        Extended or early arrivals welcome. Just simply request more information in the text. We will get ahold of asap with a more information and a confirmation number.

        #ShareThisPost #solareclipse2024

      • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park
        Feb. 23, 2024

        Giant City State Park

        Great trails and well kept campsites

        We stayed at Giant City in February on a very cold weekend. It was still a fantastic trip! The campsites, fire pits and pit toilets were well maintained. The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter. The Lodge also had excellent food and a very cozy feel. Definitely visit the Lodge!!

      • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Park
        Feb. 4, 2024

        Pyramid State Park

        Nice campsites and lots of lakes

        We stayed at the campground on the north end of Pyramid. The campsites were close together but we visited in February so we were the only campers. The fire pits were a little run down but the sites were nice and level with a table. No lantern posts. Pit toilets that were decent. 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. Overall pretty nice stay

      • David F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
        Nov. 30, 2023

        Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

        Southern Illinois getaway

        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. NORTH LOOP SITES 24 - 59 Reservable at https://camp.exploremoreil.com/ Some 50 amp sites (4, 6, 18, 32, 36, 38, 47, 48) rest have 30 amp. See map in photos. WATER potable at Dump Station also 5 hydrants scattered amongst camp sites. TENT and Equestrian camps take road to the south west of lake.

      • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
        Nov. 14, 2023

        Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

        Quiet in November

        We do most of our RV travel in the early spring and late fall.  Ferne Clyffe does not take reservations after November 1, so its first come first served.  Payment is deposited in a kiosk near the black water dump site.  This was not well explained on the signage or websites, but, at least in mid-November, there were enough experienced campers around to explain things. 

        Otherwise, Ferne Clyffe is gorgeous. Great for star-gazing. Lots of mature oak and sycamore trees that I'm sure provide nice shade in summer.  In mid-November, there's lots of deer hunters, which means it gets quiet early in the evening.  Spaces are of moderate size on the interior, and are more spread out on the perimteter.

      • Matthew L.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Grassy Lake Campground
        Oct. 5, 2023

        Little Grassy Lake Campground

        Great location, good facilities, a little cramped

        We loved the location of this campground. It's really close to Giant City State Park and other local attractions. It's not even too far from Cave-in-Rock State Park and Garden of the Gods. I agree with the other reviewer who said this is a great base camp for exploring the area.

        The restrooms and showers are pretty centrally located. They were clean but basic. No complaints, but not exactly a standout in that regard.

        The sites are kind of close together in my opinion, and most don't have trees or other dividing features between them. Not so great if you want privacy, but fantastic if you like a sense of community.

        The staff was very friendly and helpful. Boat rentals are available on site, along with other items in a small general store at the camp office.

        We're planning to come back in April of 2024 for the eclipse. Hoping for clear skies and a great view!



      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

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pinckneyville, IL?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pinckneyville, IL is Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Pinckneyville, IL?

        TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Pinckneyville, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.