Join the fun near Shawnee National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Shawnee National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Shawnee National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.
$45 - $65 / night
"Birdsville Riverside RV Park has a great setup for RVers looking to enjoy the area without being on top of their neighbors. Check them out and share some pics of your stay on the Dyrt!"
$49 / night
"Mostly seasonal and permanent with a few spots for weekly and overnight. All sites are level, gravel with concrete patios and fire rings. The staff makes you feel like a friend immediately."
"Most sites here are occupied by full time residents with very impressive setups."
$40 / night
"This actually feels like a campground and not a parking lot even though it’s super convenient to the interstate."
"Little swings for the littles and lots of room to walk your dog.."
"Convenient to I -24"
"Like the lake and outdoor commons area"
"Duck Creek is adorable, easy to find and every site is pull-through. The staff is great, campground is very clean. Sites next to the Hwy are a little loud but all in all, we definitely recommend!!"
$25 - $45 / night
"The facilities are great, but you can tell it is a very new campground by the lack of mature trees for shade. Fortunately, we were not at camp during the heat of the day."
$45 - $65 / night
"This little gem is off the beaten path but well worth it! Super nice owner, very clean small park without a lot of extra frills. All open sites waterfront, 30 or 50 amp, sewer and water hookups."
"Sites alternated pull in and back in sharing water and electric pedestals. Lots of space on door side of TT. Trash picked up daily from end of the site."
"We hooked into their cable and received 24 popular channels and the WiFi was way above normal. We got 3 bars each on Verizon and AT&T."
$40 - $200 / night
"I was more than satisfied with the facilities and service. I would highly recommend to others."
$15 - $32 / night
"A luxurious crowded but nice campsites older stalls cabins available great trails and maps available store and cowboy church. Permanent sites available"
TravelerRiverview campground is a clean, quiet, family friendly campground. It overlooks the Ohio River and provides amazing views at sunset. The stargazing is also great. There are 30 amp and 50 amp sites with water, and a dump station is on site. Firewood is also provided. This was the perfect place to spend the weekend!
ScoutI’m a novice car camper, sleeping in my Tesla Model 3. This campground is quiet and clean. The host is very friendly and knowledgeable. Each site has 50 amp electric service (so you can charge your EV with a NEMA 14-50 plug), fresh water, fire pits, and picnic tables. A nice stop to visit the Shawnee National Forest.
GuideThe sites are very small but spread out. Our 35 ft class a barely fit. They do show length limits for sites and they definitely max limit. There is electric (30 amp) and water at the site but it was 75 ft from my sites. Extensions are needed. The staff is friendly and the roads are paved but there are signs directing where to go. Great bathrooms and plentiful. Also coin operated laundry. Fairly close to the freeway.
LegendOur 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. The sites are mostly private and have water hookups as well as electric. A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails. While this campground is certainly off the beaten path it is perfect for those that want to get away and enjoy some quiet time. No reservations though so you’ll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot If you enjoy a very
LegendCanal Recreation Area is right by Grand Rivers, Ky and Patti's Settlement. That right there is enough said as far as outdoor activities go. Then you have Canal Rec Area that just adds too the vacation.
Book early because the best sites stay full, but really they are all pretty good sites. The different areas cover just about anything you are looking for in a site from big rig pull through sites, tiered tent sites, water and beach access sites and boat ramp sites.
There is a trail within the campground to walk, a day use area, newer showerhouse/laundry facilities and dump stations. The area is large enough to jog, bike and golf cart. If your not interested in the nearby entertainment there is enough to do right on site to keep you occupied for your entire vacation be it a day or a week+
LegendNorth Sandusky Campground has 60 reservable campsites. All campsites have electric hookups, 16 campsites are full-hookup., 30 & 50 amp. There is a dump station, hot showers and flush toilets. Most sites are fairly level, but some have an incline to get into. Sites have water and sewer, and a picnic table. Sites are close to the water so you can fish or boat right from your campsite. There is a boat dock, boat ramp, playground, and disk golf course.
LegendYesssss! 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. The sites are mostly private and have water hookups as well as electric. A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails. While this campground is certainly off the beaten path it is perfect for those that want to get away and enjoy some quiet time. No reservations though so you’ll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot If you enjoy a very
LegendThis campground is an absolute gem. 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. The sites are mostly private and have water hookups as well as electric. A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails. While this campground is certainly off the beaten path it is perfect for those that want to get away and enjoy some quiet time. No reservations though so you’ll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot If you enjoy a very
LegendSouth Marcum Campground is a Corp of Engineers campground just of I-57 in southern Illinois with over 100 reservable campsites. Sites have 30 & 50 amp Electric hookups. There is a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking. Also a playground in the Whispering Pines loop. The campground is on Rend Lake with swimming, fishing and boating. Most sites are level. Some are pull-through. The sites are set up to provide some privacy, and are not right on top of each other.
Discover the beauty of RV camping near Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, where lush landscapes and outdoor adventures await.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best RV camping spots in Shawnee National Forest?
Oak Point - Lake Glendale is considered one of the best RV spots in Shawnee National Forest. This beautiful campground offers sites that back up to Lake Glendale with water and electric hookups. The sites are mostly private among tall pines with access to a nearby beach. Another excellent option is South Marcum Campground, a Corps of Engineers site with over 100 reservable campsites featuring 30 & 50 amp electric hookups, dump station, hot showers, and flush toilets. This campground is conveniently located just off I-57 in southern Illinois.
Are there private RV campgrounds near Shawnee National Forest?
Yes, there are several private RV campgrounds near Shawnee National Forest. Riverview Campground offers a clean, quiet, family-friendly environment with stunning views overlooking the Ohio River. This private campground provides 30 and 50 amp sites with water hookups and an on-site dump station. Shawnee Forest Campground is another excellent private option with 50 amp electric service, fresh water, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site. The host is known for being friendly and knowledgeable about the area.
Can I bring my RV to Garden of the Gods in Illinois?
While Garden of the Gods itself doesn't have RV camping within its boundaries, Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs is nearby and can accommodate RVs up to 24 feet. This secluded, heavily wooded campground is perfect for smaller RVs and pull-behinds, though you should be cautious about navigating larger units. For those with bigger RVs, consider staying at Lake Glendale Recreation Area which is within easy driving distance to Garden of the Gods and offers more spacious sites with hookups.
Keep Exploring
