Best Campgrounds near Pomona, IL

Pomona is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Pomona, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pomona, Illinois (105)

    1. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "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."

    2. Turkey Bayou Campground

    13 Reviews
    Gorham, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 687-1731

    "We took a chance camping here since we hang hammocks but we found a site that had some trees nearby. We were pleasantly surprised to see a port-a-pottie at the campground."

    "Stayed during the eclipse so crowds were intense but the hosts lets us camp where we could find room, the site was clean and the pond was beautiful (as always bring the bug spray when camping near the"

    3. Trail of Tears State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    McClure, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5268

    "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"

    4. Little Grassy Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-6655

    $15 - $35 / night

    " We've been wanting to explore southern Illinois for a long time, but it's a six hour (min)  drive from our home."

    "The lake is quiet and clean. A nice hidden gem located a short drive from beautiful hiking trails. We will definitely be back."

    5. Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bargerville, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 997-3344

    $10 - $25 / night

    "Wthat a nice find in southern Illinois just outside of Marion. Very big roomy and grassy sites. Some right on the lake shore."

    "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."

    6. Touch of Nature Education Center

    5 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 453-1121

    "Camp Amenities include: lodges, cabins, shelters, parking, fire pits/ fireplaces all with wood supplied, amphitheater s, fishing along Little Grassy Lake, trails, swing set."

    7. Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Murphysboro, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 684-2867

    "We had pit toilets, but had to drive elsewhere for showers. I would come back again."

    8. Wine Trail Wilderness

    2 Reviews
    Pomona, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 263-9625

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Surrounded by wineries, hiking places, historic sites, close to town for dining out, visiting for special events. Whatever you may schedule."

    9. Pine Hills

    4 Reviews
    Alto Pass, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    $10 / night

    10. Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR

    4 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-6655

    "Quite quaint and easy access to campground."

    "This campground is family friendly and right on the lake. We were lucky to come on a cooler weekend and get a more private campsite."

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Recent Reviews near Pomona, IL

557 Reviews of 105 Pomona Campgrounds


  • Jessica T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great spot for location

    Overall we’ve really enjoyed our stay. Came over the Labor Day weekend and staying a week. 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. A little noisy at night with the interstate in the distance but we’d expected that. Only thing we wish we would’ve known about was the paving of the road happening directly outside of the park. They obviously can’t control that but a heads up would’ve been helpful. One day we couldn’t get out for a bit and thankfully we had flexible plans. Overall- it’s a great park with decent proximity to a lot of nature. Anna, Marion and Harrisburg are your best bets for restaurants and grocery etc. Vienna only has a dollar general and a few restaurants- a diner, longhorn cafe, Mexican restaurant and Family Pizza- we tried the last one and it was good! Prepare for a 40 min wait time if picking up and it gets packed if you want to dine in. Would def stay here again to visit Shawnee.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • A
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Lake Perry Campground

    His Website is a Total Lie

    I had a Reservation for a month long stay. I get there and he said that he would have to guide me to the Site. He guided me for sure right into another Camper. It did over $3,000.00 Dollars of Damage to my Camper. I don't know what the Claims Adjuster paid for Damages to the Camper that the Campground Owner guided me into. His sites are not 25-40 feet wide and 35-100 feet long. If the campsites were that big, the owner wouldn't have had to guide me to my site. I'm going to get a Lawyer and Sue the Campground for all of my Damages to my Camper and the Camper the owner guided me into.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Benton KOA

    Good KOA

    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

  • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great stop for the night.

    We were driving south on I24 towards Nashville and needed a spot to stop for the night. We booked online and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The campground is really nice and had a great paved walking trail to stretch our legs and walk the dog. Would definitely recommend if in the area.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    Camping in July 2025

    Campground was not crowded during the weekdays. Nice shaded sites w electric and water hookups. Campground hosts were very engaged. $19 a night electric w Sr Pass.

    There are several historical sites to visit. 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. An easy 3 mile hike around the lake

    There are several historical sites in area. Illinois Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods , and segments of the Trail of Tears

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Blue Heron Campground & Marina

    50% off with america the beautiful pass

    Nice spot on the lake. Nice staff. Lots of Geese. 1 washer washer and dryer, need $4 dollar in quarters to do full cycle.

  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Jackson Falls

    Quiet

    Be sure to make sure you set the correct location into GPS. We ended up at the wrong location at first try.


Guide to Pomona

Camping near Pomona, IL, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: The area is home to stunning trails. At Giant City State Park Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter." Another camper noted, "There are many wineries within a short drive of the camp, which made for a fun afternoon."
  • Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy water activities, Crab Orchard Lake Campground is a great spot. A camper shared, "The campground has it all - spacious sites with many right on the water," making it perfect for fishing and relaxing by the lake.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, like Jackson Falls, offer opportunities to see local wildlife. One reviewer said, "It’s an interesting thing to hear what nature does when people aren’t around."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Shawnee Forest Campground, a visitor remarked, "The bathrooms are very clean and well lit."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Giant City State Park Campground said, "The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for South Marcum Campground noted, "The sites are set up to provide some privacy and are not right on top of each other."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Benton KOA mentioned, "One side is directly on the freeway VERY loud," so consider your site carefully.
  • Reservation Policies: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Crab Orchard Lake Campground said, "Reservations through recreation.gov are a must."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be mindful of wildlife, especially at more remote sites. One camper at Jackson Falls warned, "If you’re terrified of wildlife, this is not the place for you."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and safe areas for kids to explore. South Sandusky Campground has been noted for its "close restrooms and playgrounds."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A family at Turkey Ridge Campground enjoyed the "quiet in November," which made cooking outdoors more enjoyable.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on younger campers, especially near water. One parent at Giant City State Park Campground mentioned, "The hiking trails are beautiful, and not too crowded."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites can be tricky to level. A reviewer at South Marcum Campground advised, "Make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible."
  • Connectivity: Cell service can vary. One camper at Benton KOA noted, "T-Mobile worked well," while others had issues with Wi-Fi.
  • Dump Stations: Be aware of dump station availability. A visitor at Trail of Tears State Park Campground mentioned, "Dump station backs up on Sunday for close to an hour wait."

Camping near Pomona, IL, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pomona, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pomona, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 105 campgrounds and RV parks near Pomona, IL and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pomona, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pomona, IL is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Pomona, IL.

What parks are near Pomona, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Pomona, IL that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.