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Camping near Junction, IL

4 campgrounds with availability next weekend

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    Campgrounds near Junction, Illinois provide access to the natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest. Pine Ridge Campground at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area serves as a central camping destination with both primitive tent sites and electric hookups for RVs. Several developed campgrounds like Pharaoh Campground at Garden of the Gods and Saline County State Conservation Area provide varied accommodation options including tent camping, RV sites, and in some cases, cabins or glamping opportunities. Most facilities are operated by the U.S. Forest Service or Illinois Department of Natural Resources, offering visitors scenic natural settings within a 20-mile radius of Junction.

    Road conditions and campground access vary seasonally throughout the region, with many sites open from spring through fall but limited winter options. Several campgrounds close between December and March due to weather conditions. "This campground area is beautiful! We stayed here 3 nights. We arrived on a Thursday and there were plenty of open spots. Friday they open some of the other loops up for more people to stay and it did fill up for the weekend," reported one visitor about Pine Ridge Campground. Cell service can be spotty, with better reception typically found at higher elevations rather than at lakeside campsites. Most developed campgrounds provide vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while shower facilities are limited to select locations like Cave-in-Rock State Park.

    Campers frequently mention the proximity to Garden of the Gods and Pounds Hollow Lake as key attractions when staying at area campgrounds. The camping areas provide excellent access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas during warmer months. Water access represents a significant draw, with sites near Pounds Hollow Lake being particularly popular. According to one visitor, "The lake area is beautiful with a swimming area, fishing pier, and pavilion to eat or sit under for shade." Public lands throughout the region support varying levels of privacy between campsites, with Pine Ridge receiving positive reviews for its well-spaced, shaded sites. Weekdays typically offer more solitude and site availability compared to busy summer weekends when many campgrounds reach capacity, especially those with electrical hookups or water access.

    Best Campgrounds near Junction (100)

      1. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

      4.6(59)11mi from JunctionRVs, 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

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      2. Pine Ridge

      4.5(17)8mi from JunctionRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The main draw for us was the hiking trails. If you go over to the Pounds Hollow Rec Area you can find picnic areas and a pond to explore by boat."

      "A great, centralized location for quite a few natural wonders and a hop, skip, and a jump away from quite a few more!"

      from $10 / night

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      3. Camp Cadiz Campground

      4.6(7)10mi from JunctionRVs, Tents

      "On a gravel road, in the back country like most everything else on this side of Illinois , fill your gas tank up and your food locker or you will be driving back out a ways to refill. "

      "It's super quiet despite the gravel road nearby. The vault restroom is kept very clean. It has easy access to the River to River trail, and I love the CCC stonework."

      4. Cave-in-Rock State Park

      4.3(14)18mi from JunctionRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "General: I was a bit apprehensive about this state park because it did not take reservations, so we made sure to arrive by 11 am but we had no reason to worry – compared to other Illinois campgrounds"

      "Signage will greet you as soon as you exit the ferry and Cave in Rock city has several small businesses you might want to visit. Plus a bunch of painted bikes..."

      5. Saline County State Conservation Area

      4.0(3)8mi from JunctionTents

      "This was a great campground with fantastic views of the lake. We also hiked Garden of the Gods and Burden Falls in the Shawnee National Forest. The hikes were great."

      "There is a dump station and potable water at the entrance to the campground. There are also some water spigots sprinkled throughout the campground."

      from $8 / night

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      6. Pine Ridge Campground

      5.0(2)8mi from JunctionRVs, Tents

      "The USDA Forest recreational area includes Pounds Hollow Lake that is nestled into a beautiful ridge. "

      "It’s a great area with the small beach nearby and garden of the gods so close, the only problem is the drinking water pump is broke so you must bring your own water."

      from $10 / night

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      7. High Knob Campgrounds

      3.3(4)10mi from JunctionRVs

      "High Knob is a Horse campground in Shawnee National Forest near Garden of the Gods off Il1. The entire area has extensive trails through some awesome, hilly, rocky, cliffy areas."

      "The trails are great maps available some trails need marked a bit better."

      8. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

      4.6(32)27mi from JunctionRVs, 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

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      9. Double M Campground

      5.0(1)7mi from JunctionRVs, Tents, Cabins

      10. Fiedlerland RV Park and Campgrounds

      4.0(1)6mi from JunctionRVs, Tents, Cabins

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    Recent Reviews near Junction, IL

    672 Reviews of 100 Junction 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!

    • R
      Oct. 12, 2026

      Burdette Park

      Not accommodating

      The site would not let us book a reservation. I called and spoke to someone in the main office. She said Tent sites were available and since the site was not working to check in with security when we got there. I asked how late they would be there, she said all night. We got there at 5 pm. No one was camping office. Plenty of tent sites available. We called explained the call from earlier. The lady transferred us to the security line. I then reexplained everything. The security officer told us to come back tomorrow when the office opened there was nothing we could do tonight. He told us we couldn’t stay the night even though we were told earlier we could. Very disappointed by the management of this place.

    • 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.

    Guide to Junction

    Camping near Junction, Illinois provides access to diverse terrain within the Shawnee National Forest region. Elevations range from 400 to 900 feet throughout the area, creating varied landscapes from river bottoms to sandstone bluffs. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s with high humidity while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 60-70°F. Winter camping options are limited as many facilities close during December through February when temperatures can drop below freezing.

    What to Do

    Hiking to geological formations: The area around Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground offers exceptional trail access. "The formations are amazing!! We love to hike here in the fall when it's cooler outside and when the leaves are changing it's absolutely beautiful. The views are some of the best around," notes Robin M. The observation trail provides scenic overlooks of unique rock formations.

    Fishing opportunities: Waters near Saline County State Conservation Area provide productive fishing spots. Campsites near the water offer convenient access to the lake for anglers. According to Don N., "This was a great campground with fantastic views of the lake. We also hiked Garden of the Gods and Burden Falls in the Shawnee National Forest."

    Swimming and cooling off: During hot summer months, natural swimming areas provide relief from heat. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs features natural pools perfect for summer dips. "Great hiking and great camp site. No shower but the springs offer a refreshing soak after a long day of hiking. Water is easily accessible and clean," reports Layton F.

    What Campers Like

    Spacious, shaded sites: Campers consistently mention the comfortable spacing between sites at Pine Ridge Campground. "The campground is very rustic with a LOT of shade which made our stay there perfect," says Jason F. The primitive camping loops offer more privacy than electric hookup areas.

    Budget-friendly options: Most campgrounds in the Junction area maintain affordable rates compared to other recreational destinations. Brian E. notes about Pine Ridge: "Spent a week here and had a blast! Camp sites are fairly well spaced, though not private. Area is split with power and no power. Vault style restrooms are very clean and regularly maintained."

    Proximity to multiple attractions: The central location allows visitors to explore multiple points of interest without long drives. "A great, centralized location for quite a few natural wonders and a hop, skip, and a jump away from quite a few more!" explains a Pine Ridge camper. Most major attractions lie within a 25-mile radius of Junction.

    What You Should Know

    Limited cell service: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the region. "We were able to get cell signal on the campsites up the hill but not in any down by the water, which is why we stayed up the hill," notes a visitor to Saline County State Conservation Area. Higher elevation sites typically offer better reception.

    Water availability varies: Potable water access differs between campgrounds. At Camp Cadiz Campground, "The water pump got frequent use and the twin vault toilets were plenty for the campground." Some locations have hand pumps while others offer spigots throughout the campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Junction, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Junction, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 100 campgrounds and RV parks near Junction, IL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Junction, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Junction, IL is Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 59 reviews.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Junction, IL.

    What parks are near Junction, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Junction, IL that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.