Best Tent Camping near Shawnee National Forest

Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois offers several tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to walk-in primitive sites. Ferne Clyffe State Park features two notable tent-friendly areas: Turkey Ridge Campground and Backpack Campground, both located near Goreville. Camp Cadiz Campground sits at the eastern edge of the forest and serves as a trailhead for the River to River Trail. Tower Rock Campground provides riverside tent camping near Elizabethtown with views of the Ohio River. These locations offer varying levels of amenities while maintaining the rustic character of the region.

Most tent campgrounds in Shawnee National Forest provide basic amenities including vault toilets, fire rings with cooking grates, and picnic tables. Water availability varies by location, with some sites offering potable water from spigots or pumps while others require campers to bring their own. Cell service is limited throughout the region, particularly at riverside or remote locations. The camping season generally runs from March through December, with some sites like Camp Cadiz and Saline County State Conservation Area remaining open year-round. Weather can be unpredictable, with potential for flooding near riverside campsites during spring.

Backcountry tent camping in Shawnee National Forest provides a more secluded experience with access to extensive trail systems. The Backpack Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park features wooded primitive sites with relatively easy access to water and toilets. According to reviews, these walk-in tent sites are "secluded, wooded, and within a pit toilet and water source." Camp Cadiz offers spacious tent sites that accommodate multiple tents, with one camper noting it's "super quiet despite the gravel road nearby" and has "easy access to the River to River trail." Tower Rock Campground provides a no-frills tent camping experience where, as one visitor described, sites are "spread out well, most have fire ring with grill stand and table, firewood available to gather onsite."

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Best Tent Sites Near Shawnee National Forest (17)

    1. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    $18 / night

    "There are a lot of hiking trails and we really enjoyed them all! The tent camping accommodations were less than stellar, simply because of the “outhouses “."

    "It was easy to find firewood with out having to go very far, becareful there is a good amount of poison ivy. The only trail I hiked was Happy Hollow."

    2. Dutchman Lake Camp

    3 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    11 miles

    "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"

    3. Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt

    2 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "Lake Egypt so peaceful and relaxing ."

    4. Buck Ridge Campground

    2 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    5. Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    3 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "Not a lot of tent sites, but enough. Nice wooded primitive sites with easy access to water and toilets. Had my pups with, and no problems at all. Nice trails for different hiking skill sets."

    "Ferne Clyffe State Park is in the Shawnee National Forrest near Goreville, IL., south of Carbondale."

    6. Camp Ondessonk

    Be the first to review!
    Ozark, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 695-2489

    $6 - $16 / night

    7. Saline County State Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Equality, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 276-4405

    $8 / night

    "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."

    8. Camp Cadiz Campground

    6 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    27 miles
    Website

    "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. "

    "There was potable water from a spigot and lots of kindling around to get fires going. No showers. Over all a nice site. I would stay there again."

    9. Tower Rock Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cave-In-Rock, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "Campground is smaller but the sites are spread out well, most have fire ring with grill stand and table, firewood available to gather onsite when I was there, vault toilets, right on the river so may be"

    "There is a pit toilet, but no water. "

    10. Fishing Pier

    3 Reviews
    Metropolis, KY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    "Good primitive"

    "Lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing! Ranger came through and was very friendly & helpful."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Shawnee National Forest

644 Reviews of 17 Shawnee National Forest Campgrounds


  • S
    Oct. 7, 2020

    Giant City State Park Campground

    No privacy at tent camp, hike amazing!

    So first of all- I think it’s fair to state before I leave a review that my husband and I prefer primitive and private camping. The fewer people we see while we’re out, the better. We live in a city so when we camp, we want the opposite. If you enjoy RV camping or don’t mind not so Private spots, this is a decent spot to spend the night. If you like primitive/private camping- il fill you in below!

    We do tent camping and Saw there were walk-in sites and hike in sites at this campground. Usually walk-in sites are pretty private and dispersed well - atleast where we’ve been before. The 14 “primitive” camping sites were right next to eachothwr with little to no privacy at all. Good tree cover for shade but otherwise you’re basically setting up your tent and area in an open field. That was a little disappointing to us because it wasn’t what we thought we would find. The RV spots also seem super close together but again- we like things spread out so maybe it would be an OK place for some.

    The vault toilets near the tent sites were...as clean as vault toilets get! And we did not use tje shower facilities so can’t speak on that.

    If we had been just the 2 of us, we would’ve hiked in to do our camping along one of the hiking paths but we were meeting two other friends and were unsure if they would want to hike miles to a spot so we opted for the tent spots just after the RV campground. If you want more privacy for an evening of camping, you’ll need to come with your gear packed up decently enough to hike it out atleast a mile onto the trails. There is camping allowed along the trails as long as you are 100 ft from the trail so that was an option, but in certain spots along the trail it’s challenging to find a clearing (hammocks would be great along the trail). There is also an official primitive camping site halfway through the 12 mile loop of the Red Ceder Trail. We day hiked almost the whole loop but made a Weird little detour so we didn’t get to check these spots out.

    We were hoping to find a campsite that- as get as difficulty of accessibility level- was in between a 6 mile hike and the tent spots in the field but there isn’t any official spot like that even tho there’s tons of space and potential for it. Rant over about the campground. Let’s talk about the hiking! The hiking was truly awesome and felt like it balanced out my disappointment with the campground. Doing the whole 12 mile loop of tje Red Cedar Trail was a challenge for us! We really enjoyed it. In some spots, the trail markers are a little confusing, but overall it’s decently marked and the map is somewhat helpful just to kindve know vaguely where you are. The 2nd day, we went back and did about half rhe loop and also checked out the more popular section of the trails back there that include Giant City Nature Trail, Devils Stand Table, and a few others. Very cool rock formations. Pretty busy in the weekend over there but the test of the trails away from that area with those big landmarks was completely deserted and there are some super cool rock formations not on the map at all.

    Over all, this was a fun 4 days. We would return and plan on hiking out into the trails to camp for our evenings. If you like privacy around your campfire at night, I can’t recommend the campground.

  • e
    May. 31, 2018

    Johnson Creek

    woods camping byo horse

    single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities there are a pit toilet, so come prepared. drinking water available right outside the camp and most sites have a non-potable water spigot, horse hitch, and fire ring. close to lake kinkaid and johnson creek. there are a few trails that connect to this spot.

    if you have a golden pass then you can receive a discounted stay.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2016

    Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    Garden of the Gods

    Primative camping at its best. This is heavily used in the summer and early fall. Picnic tables and fire rings, vault toilets. Go in the off season and you will have plenty of privacy. Fairly level tent sites , some with nice trees for hammocks. Close to Little Grand Canyon, a really neat natural bridge, and Illinois wineries.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Trail of Tears State Park Campground

    Back-up to the Mississippi River

    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/road noise, but... 

    Asphalt parking pad surrounded by grass 

    Metal fire pit with cooking grate 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Moveable wooden picnic table in the grass 

    Toilet/shower building.35 miles from campground very nice and very clean with ample TP and hand soap 

    Firewood for sale by camp host $5 

    Mississippi River Scenic Overlook was very nice V

    Visitor Center has small museum (no admission fee) on the Trail of Tears Native American tribal migration 

    Coin-operated laundromat on South Hope Street Jackson after the roundabout 12 miles from campground 

    Tractors Restaurant Main Street Jackson very good diner type restaurant 

    CONS

    $8.50 reservation fee for online self made reservation 

    Sites that back to the river very close to each other. We stepped out our door onto the neighbors stinky slinky. Insufficient space to deploy awning. 

    Electrical utility connection is on passenger side of the campsite#6 

    Sewer connection was high above ground so drainage was up hill. Camp host warned us upon arrival we may need to use dump station to get tanks totally drained. 

    Site 6 not level side-to-side 

    Lots of trains, day and night with train horn blaring due to road crossing at campground Lots of river barge noise 

    Only one single unisex pit toilet in campground 

    No park headquarters or entrance gate office for check-in. Sign in campground informing how to conduct virtual check in. 

    No security gate closed overnight 

    No ranger patrolling campground

    No WiFi 

    2 bars Verizon LTE

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2020

    Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    Fun swimming holes and good hiking

    21 campsites with a fire ring/barrel, lantern post and picnic table. A couple of the campsites had damaged fire rings. Most sites should be able to fit medium size trailers, other sites have trees in the way. Vault toilets and a water station. Very quiet, clean and peaceful. Trail system is about 8 miles and has great views. Don’t forget to bring your swimming suit!

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Tower Rock Campground

    Riverside rustic camping - check if open

    We drove down to camp here and found this campground closed. We walked in past the locked gate to scout it out and there was a line of debris left behind from when the river was higher. 

    There is a vault toilet and a simple loop setup to the campground. The road continues past camp to a marina where you can launch your boat into the river. We found a family camping in that lot and enjoying the area on their four wheelers.

    We drove in through Shawnee national forest. The road went through some small towns with gas and food but not much else. Farms surround the area. We enjoyed the creative decorations - especially the bikes people used as sculptures.

    This looks like a simple, no-frills camp right along the water line. It is wonderful to know that this is here if other campgrounds fill up but it is a bit of a drive from the main part of Shawnee. We had time to continue on to another campground (Camp Cadiz) which was another simple, rustic campground.

  • Richy R.
    Apr. 2, 2025

    Lake Mauzy East

    Harris-Dickerson WMA (Free) – A Hidden Gem on the Lake!

    This is an amazing spot for free camping! The tent pads are right by the water, offering stunning lake views. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and access to toilets—everything you need for a comfortable stay. Despite its remote feel, Walmart is just a 12-minute drive away for any last-minute supplies. We would have loved to stay longer, but incoming storms cut our trip short. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway! No electricity or showers!

  • Lane M.
    Jun. 6, 2019

    Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    Great little spot!

    This camping spot is just down the road from Southern IL’s Garden Of the Gods. There were 12 camping areas. Plenty of room and trees for tents and hammocks. Also, there is a good amount of shade so if you tent in the right spot you don’t wake up roasting from the sun. The campsites have a lot of room so your neighbors don’t seem like they are on top of your site. The spots include a picnic table, hanging poles for trash or lantern, and a fire pit with movable built-in grill. The area is very wooded so unless the ground is wet you can find lots of firewood. There is a drinking water pump at the entrance of the campsite but it’s pretty chlorinated. There is no shower or running water and the toilets are pit style; but there are toilets. I don’t know if other sites had this but ours had 2 trails leading right out of the woods. Great for close to home hiking.

    P.S. Beware of tailless raccoon at site 12 that likes to steal Doritos.

  • Joel H.
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Nickell Branch Campground

    Great time

    Nickell is the northernmost campground in LBL. It is a self-service campground with 11 designated sites. The access road FR-102 is gravel and in pretty good shape aside from some large potholes. There is a large loop with a big open grassy area once you get to the pay station. From there, 3 short offshoots A, B & C - A is the boat ramp area and site #1; B is where the single vault toilet is located and sites #2 & #3; C loop has the remaining sites #4 - #8 which are for small to medium RVs, and sites #9 - #11 are grass tent sites. There are picnic tables and very nice fire rings at each site. Besides the toilet, boat ramp, and a new dumpster, those are the only amenities.

    The 11-mile Canal Loop Trail crosses the road just before the pay station for hiking and biking (it connects to the North-South Trail). The campground is near the Barkley Canal that connects the two lakes making for lots of boating and paddling options. The North Welcome Center has fresh water and a dump station just a few miles away.

    The cell reception is great - I got download speeds of 18-34 Mbps. Also, several OTA TV channels. These sites are all situated in the woods near the water so none are particularly good for solar. But otherwise, for the price this is pretty sweet dry camping.


Guide to Shawnee National Forest

Tent camping near Shawnee National Forest in Illinois offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation.

Tent campers should check out Turkey Ridge Campground

  • Located in Ferne Clyffe State Park, Turkey Ridge Campground features walk-in access, allowing for a peaceful camping experience away from road noise.
  • This campground allows pets and has amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and showers, making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • With fire pits available, campers can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars, perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Backpack Campground

  • Backpack Campground offers secluded, wooded sites with easy access to water and toilets, ideal for those seeking a primitive camping experience.
  • The campground is pet-friendly and features hiking trails that cater to various skill levels, making it a great spot for outdoor exploration.
  • Campers can enjoy the tranquility of nature while being close to scenic waterfalls and limestone bluffs, perfect for a day of adventure.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $20

  • At Turkey Ridge Campground, the cost is around $10 per night, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious campers.
  • The Backpack Campground also offers competitive pricing, typically around $15 per night, which includes access to essential amenities.
  • For those looking for a more rustic experience, Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt provides tent camping at approximately $20 per night, with beautiful lake views and fishing opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Shawnee National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shawnee National Forest 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 Shawnee National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Shawnee National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.