RV campgrounds near Stonefort, Illinois serve as convenient bases for exploring the Shawnee National Forest and surrounding attractions. The region sits at elevations ranging from 400-600 feet above sea level, with the forest's sandstone bluffs and outcroppings creating distinctive landscapes. Summer temperatures frequently reach the 90s with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for most visitors.
What to do
Hiking Garden of the Gods: Within 30 minutes of Stonefort, this area offers unique sandstone formations and panoramic views. Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground provides convenient access. "The formations are amazing!! We love to hike here in the fall when it's cooler outside and when the leaves are changing it's absolutely beautiful. The views are some of the best around," notes a visitor.
Water activities: Venture River Water Park is located near camping options for summer fun. Venture River RV park is adjacent to the water attractions. "The facilities are great, but you can tell it is a very new campground by the lack of mature trees for shade. Fortunately, we were not at camp during the heat of the day," explains one camper.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access. At Cypress Lakes RV Park, "Has a little Lake in it to fish. Not far off the interstate makes it handy. Very popular spot," according to one review.
What campers like
Riverside views: Several campgrounds offer waterfront sites with barge-watching opportunities. Birdsville Riverside RV Park sits directly on the Ohio River. "Our campsite was right on the river bank. We enjoyed a quiet and relaxing stay at this wonderful park. Watching the barges go up and down the river along with an occasional recreational boat or 2," shares one reviewer.
Convenient highway access: Many RV parks position themselves strategically for travelers. Paducah RV Park & Campground offers "Quick full hook up pull through, with Great sky views, country feel and a common outdoor area near lake" and is "Convenient to I-24" according to visitor feedback.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events for guests. At Cypress Lakes RV Park, "Lots of fun activities on Holiday weekends throughout the summer season" and "Very busy with activities. Great if you have kids."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds prioritize privacy while others maximize capacity. Marion Campground & RV Park has "Graveled Sites are close together. Very loud from constant campers in and out, I57, and a train." Another review noted, "The sites are very close together with no privacy."
Seasonal limitations: Weather affects amenities and access. "We camped in the backcountry along the River to River trail adjacent to Garden of the Gods. The camping area we found was great, about 7 miles down the River to River trail, but there was poison ivy everywhere along the trail which made for a stressful hike."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. At Marion Campground, "We have AT&T and had full bars (we have a booster which may have contributed to strong signal)."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Marion Campground provides "Small playground and an unfenced dog area," while Cypress Lakes has "a nice playground for the kids. Also has many activities for the kids."
Activity planning: Family-oriented campgrounds often schedule events. "We would stay again and bring the cousins to play at the water park," suggests one camper at Venture River RV Park.
Cooling options: Summer heat requires planning. Hayes Canyon Campground offers "luxurious crowded but nice campsites older stalls cabins available great trails and maps available store and cowboy church."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose sites based on your specific needs. Duck Creek RV Park offers "Long and level gravel site with full hookups. WIFI worked OK but cable TV was fuzzy."
Hookup configurations: Understanding power options helps with planning. At Birdsville Riverside RV Park, "Sites alternated pull in and back in sharing water and electric pedestals. Lots of space on door side of TT."
Advanced planning: Some campgrounds have limited availability. At Pharoah Campground, "Only downside is that there are only 12 sites, and they are first come, first serve... so you might want to have a second option on a weekend."
