Best Campgrounds near Makanda, IL

Camping near Makanda, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails are beautiful, and not too crowded," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
• Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Gun Creek. A camper shared, "Excellent park but many sites aren’t flat. Not all have water, septic. Clean facilities."
• Sightseeing: Visit the scenic overlooks at Trail of Tears State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Unobstructed view of the Mississippi River," perfect for photography enthusiasts.

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. One visitor at Hawn State Park Campground said, "The park was very clean and family-friendly."
• Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of the campground hosts. A reviewer at Shawnee Forest Campground mentioned, "The staff are very friendly and helpful."
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers often highlight the tranquility of the area. A visitor at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs said, "It was a great spot. Very quiet and peaceful."

What you should know

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jackson Falls, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "The bathroom was stocked with TP but you will want to bring hand sanitizer or water."
• Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground warned, "The sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during holiday weekends."
• Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A camper at Jackson Falls mentioned, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long and just a little bumpy."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Shawnee Forest Campground, which has been described as "very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Giant City State Park Campground enjoyed the "playground and the hiking trails, which were perfect for our young children."
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "We had a peaceful stay with a view of the water!"

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Levels: Not all sites are flat. A visitor at Gun Creek noted, "Not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water."
• Book in Advance: Many campgrounds require reservations. A camper at South Sandusky Campground said, "All campsites are reservable but reserved campsites are not marked on the post when you arrive."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have everything you need. A visitor at Pine Ridge mentioned, "The toilets were very clean for vault toilets, but there are no showers."

Camping near Makanda, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!