123 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Southern Illinois around Stonefort features diverse camping opportunities within the Shawnee National Forest and surrounding public lands. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs provides spacious tent and RV sites with basic amenities including pit toilets and fire rings, operating from March through mid-December. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area offers year-round camping with drinking water and electric hookups, situated near dramatic sandstone formations. Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground serves as a specialized equestrian facility with high lines for horses and full hookup options. Lake Glendale Recreation Area and Ferne Clyffe State Park round out the options with shaded sites and water access.
Many campgrounds in this region have limited or no cell service, requiring advance planning. According to one camper at Camp Cadiz, visitors should "fill your gas tank up and your food locker or you will be driving back out a ways to refill." Gravel forest roads are common, sometimes generating dust that can affect campsites positioned too close to roadways. Water availability varies significantly between locations, with some campgrounds like Jackson Falls requiring campers to bring their own drinking water. Spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable camping conditions, while summer brings higher humidity. Hunting seasons, particularly turkey season in spring, can suddenly increase campground occupancy.
The unique geology of the area distinguishes camping experiences from typical Illinois landscapes. One visitor noted that Ferne Clyffe State Park is "situated on a limestone bluff which is cut by a small rivulet and some seasonal small waterfalls." Campers frequently mention the sandstone formations, particularly at Garden of the Gods, as a highlight. Weekday camping generally provides more solitude, with one reviewer noting, "By Saturday morning all but 5 sites had cleared out and we had the place nearly to ourselves for the rest of the stay." Water-based recreation opportunities exist at several locations, with Lake Glendale offering "a nearby beach available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails." The region serves well as a base camp for exploring attractions including Cave in Rock State Park and the Ohio River.
"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
"This is a stunning but small campground on top of a crazy high ridge surrounded by cliffs. I had no idea landscapes like this existed in Illinois and was pleasantly surprised."
"Two of the reviews are not the Illinois subject area but of somewhere in the western US."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."
"Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"Ill Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods and Trail of Tears segments on ATT cell service was spotty but I drove to Dixon Springs SP where there was a cell tower."
from $12 - $44 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Address: 50 Barger Rd, Stonefort, IL.
Little Lusk is the most Spacious and beautiful equestrian campground in southern IL. Bring your horses, or just come and camp and stay in the lodge. ""I will be back next time I'm near shawnee."
from $30 / night
TravelerI believe this is one of the best campgrounds I've been to. It is safe friendly, theres laundry, lp fill, close to rend lake, 20 mins from walmart, a great place to relax and visit, vacation, whatever you like.
GuideCampground was quiet and peaceful when I was there. Numerous trails within the park and I had them to myself while out hiking.
GuideWe arrived at 7 picked a spot in the fcfs area and were surprised that it was almost empty. We got a premium site on the water, with no other campers in sight. The website says the reservation areas were full but that was not true, you have to book 4 days in advance. The camp host was great! It will be on my list of places to overnight in the future. But the lake is beautiful and you could spend multiple days there if you wanted!
TravelerSuper Long Gravel road, decently groomed though, otherwise no complaints. This place is clean, picnic tables and fire rings at every site. Nice pond. Tether ball. Horse shoe pit. Cell Service isn’t too bad. And when you factor in that this place is completely taken care of by volunteers you come to appreciate how clean and well taken care of it is even more. Good free camp spot if you’re passing through or even if you need a little remote weekend away.
GuidePaved roads and campsites. Convenient to the interstate but removed enough to be peaceful. Beautiful sunset at the lake. Bathhouse is outdated but functional.
ScoutNice place clean and quiet Water pressure is only about 30 to 35 psi that is a little week. People were very nice and helpful . We added another day to our stay and they were very accommodating we would stay here again
GuideGreat time, fun place nice crew, clean restrooms
ScoutVery family oriented place to camp and adventure with the kiddos
GuideMet up with some family at this campground had a nice time. Everything was clean. The bathrooms were magnificently clean at the South Sandusky in Rend Lake. The lake was nice. There was lots of trees very very nice campground.
Camping opportunities near Stonefort, Illinois cover diverse terrain within Shawnee National Forest, situated on weathered bedrock dating back 300 million years. Elevations range from 350 to 1,064 feet across the region, creating microclimates that affect individual camping areas. Winter temperatures typically hover between 25-45°F while summer brings sustained heat with daily highs regularly exceeding 90°F during July and August.
Trail exploration: 3-mile Lake Glendale hike: Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers a comprehensive trail system circling the entire lake. "There is an easy 3 mile hike around the lake and is easily accessed directly from a number of the sites," notes one visitor who appreciated the lake trail's accessibility.
Natural swimming holes: spring and summer only: The clear pools at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs provide cooling relief during hot months. According to a camper, "Just around the corner (or down the trail at the start of camp) is a network of hiking trails. They scurry around cliffs, falls and ravines. We found small pools perfect for a summer dip."
Rock formations and climbing: expert required: Jackson Falls features unique sandstone bluffs popular with experienced climbers. A visitor explained, "This place is popular with climbers, but I'm not one and had a rough time locating this place. The roads weren't marked the same way they are on the website's map, and the trailheads are confusing as well."
Privacy in primitive areas: non-electric sites: The secluded tent camping areas at Turkey Ridge Campground provide more natural camping experiences. "Spots are pretty dam close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to. We stayed for 1 night at the Turkey Ridge, so we stayed closer to the parking. Was only 1 other group camping on a Wednesday," explains one camper who found midweek solitude.
Night sky viewing: minimal light pollution: Rural locations like Pharoah Campground deliver exceptional stargazing opportunities. As one camper described their experience: "The rock formations are surreal and shoulder season is so quiet! We will be back as the hiking is awesome."
Wildlife observation: spring and fall peak seasons: Deer Ridge Campground offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor shared: "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!"
Campsite conditions: ground cover varies: Many campsites contain problematic plant species. At Jackson Falls, a camper warned: "Bring everything you need, there is no water source and bring lots of wood. We scavenged wood from the hills around but ultimately had to leave and purchase wood."
Seasonal water levels: check before arrival: Stream and waterfall flow varies dramatically by season. One visitor to Lake Glendale noted: "We went during a dry spell and there was no running water at the falls! Still had a blast there though!"
First-come basis: weekday arrival recommended: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak periods. A camper at Redbud Campground explained: "There are a few vault toilets scattered around that are ok but not the best we've seen. A hand pump for water is near the garbage cans. We found plenty of empty sites but people were starting to fill them in. I imagine it might get full for the weekend."
Playground access: limited availability: Shawnee Forest Campground offers one of the better play areas. One visitor noted its unique layout: "Unique campground in that it is on a former golf course. Has the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths!"
Water safety: supervision essential: Swimming areas exist but conditions vary. At Oak Point, one family mentioned: "We were the only campers in our loop for the entire stay. This is a very clean, well maintained campground, the hosts were very friendly and helpful."
Bug preparation: comprehensive protection needed: Insect issues affect all local campgrounds. A family camping at Bell Smith Springs reported: "Great hiking and great camp site. No shower but the springs offer a refreshing soak after a long day of hiking. Water is easily accessible and clean. Definitely lots of ticks but you're in nature so it's a given."
Road access: scout ahead for larger rigs: Gravel roads with steep sections challenge larger vehicles in many locations. At Jackson Falls, one RVer advised: "We run a 28ft RV and were able to cross the first water wash without problem. We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading."
Site leveling: blocks required: Most campgrounds feature uneven terrain. An RVer at Dixon Springs State Park reported: "Our reserved site #6 was so sloped for our 24' C class that we had to give up on it and move to a vacant more level spot."
Hookup limitations: prepare for self-sufficiency: Full hookups are rare at campsites near Stonefort, Illinois. An experienced RVer shared about Oak Point: "Spacious, clean open campground with little privacy. Well kept bathrooms and water pumps throughout."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Stonefort, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Stonefort, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Stonefort, IL and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Stonefort, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stonefort, IL is Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs with a 4.6-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Stonefort, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Stonefort, IL.
What parks are near Stonefort, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Stonefort, IL that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.
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