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."

Best Tent Sites Near Shawnee National Forest (18)

    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. 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."

    5. Buck Ridge Campground

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

    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

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

    "Good primitive"

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Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Shawnee National Forest

637 Reviews of 18 Shawnee National Forest Campgrounds



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 18 tent camping locations near Shawnee National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.