Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Simpson, IL has a lot to offer. Simpson is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Simpson, IL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$40 / night
"We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."
"This use to be a golf course and the cart paths are now walking trails. Be careful as the paths are in poor condition with cave ins in some areas and they arent blocked off."
$15 / night
"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. "
"This campground is super remote and is near a couple trails with waterfalls."
"Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes."
"We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading.
We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible."
$10 - $20 / night
"Our 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."
$12 - $44 / night
"Lake Glendale is a true southern Illinois gem. They have recently improved the shower houses, the kids love the playground, and there is SO much shade!"
"There is a longer wine trail further west in Shawnee National Forest.
When I entered Lake Glendale, Cardinal Bay boat launch was the first area I visited."
$10 / night
"Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US."
"We did a lot of hiking all around Shawnee but this is by far favorite spot in 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."
"Next depending on which site you pick it can be a short walk to the lake and direct put in of your water craft. A very cool feature is that several of the sites are double."
$18 / night
"Had very nice trails, very clean. Forest is beautiful. We camped at the primitive area spot 11. Spots are pretty dam close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to."
"Great campground away from roads and noise. Goreville is small local town with grocery store and service station for supplies. South LOOP sites 1-23 are first come sites."
"We were a bit nervous about this campground when reading reviews and seeing the location (there is an Impact Incarceration Program that shares the border), but I'm glad we found it."
"There was a couple nice playgrounds for the kids to play on and plenty to walk around and see."
"Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."
"Dog friendly, pretty well spaced out campsites but some are used as paths with to get to farther back campsites. Good set up, not too close to neighbors and it’s heavily wooded in between."
ScoutNice sites, great amenities
ScoutLots of space would stay again
LegendSite 64 was a bit difficult to back into but very level once you get in. I think it has some of the best views in the campground. Lots of other campers had their boats moored along the shoreline, they were camping across the street in the shade. I had fun paddle boarding with the little dog in the inlet right off this campsite. This is a large campground with lots of activities, but I didn’t do any. We stayed right at the campsite. Land between the lakes it’s a beautiful historic area to explore as well. We did not use the bathroom since they were not close to our site, so I can’t comment on that.
LegendStayed in site 64 which had great views. Pad was level but a little difficult to back into because of one small tree. Not much shade on this site and it can get HOT! Did not use the bathrooms as they weren’t very close. So I can’t comment on that. I had a fun time paddle boarding in the little inlet right off this campsite. Lots of other campers had their boats moored along the shoreline. They were staying across the street. All in all I would say this is a nice campground and I would come back. There seem to be lots of amenities for the kiddos. Also, land between the lakes is a beautiful historic place to explore and this would be a good base camp for that.
LegendUnique campground in that it is on a former golf course. Has the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths! The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus. Super convenient to 24 but not too close that it is loud. There is no playground or pool. The sites are loose gravel and not level front to back, so you need to unhook. No biggie. It's a pleasant place overall. The camp host is a sweet older woman.
ScoutIf I was in any other spot this would probably be a 4/5, but spot 56 has a crazy lake view and is on the tip of an outlook with pretty nice privacy!
GuideThere seems to be someone living there, and some fishermen were abit loud .. overall we loved it though.
ScoutWe stayed in rv campground. The spot we chose had a beautiful view! The layout is a bit strange as some firepits are next to power source. Some sights are on top of one another. The
GuideWe came on Memorial Day weekend, almost backed out due to rain but very glad we didn’t. We stayed in the basic campground, spot 50. There was hardly anyone else here. Spot was secluded and quiet. There’s a short hiking trail down to the lake, fun walk through nature in the area. Beautiful look out over the Mississippi River. Park ranger drove through the campsite around 9:30pm, I really liked that, made it feel safer. Had a cute furry friend make a visit a few times during the night. Didn’t catch any fish in the lake but we probably didn’t bring the right bait. Very enjoyable experience, bathrooms were extremely clean. Only downside was the shower house being closed. Really recommend this spot!
Camping near Simpson, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.
Camping near Simpson, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Simpson, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near Simpson, IL and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Simpson, IL is Shawnee Forest Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 34 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Simpson, IL.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Simpson, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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