The camping region surrounding Olive Branch, Illinois sits at the southern tip of the state where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging 88°F from June through August and mild winters with average highs around 45°F. Camping sites in this region range from 320 to 680 feet in elevation, with most situated on terrain susceptible to seasonal flooding after heavy rain events.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Horseshoe Lake at Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area Campground offers unique cypress tree-filled waters for anglers. "Lake is more of a swamp with cypress trees, very pretty," notes Alison S., who stayed at the campground.
Hiking trails: The trail system at Trail of Tears State Park provides options for all skill levels. "Great for hiking! If you want an easy hike it's available but there are an abundance of intermediate trail and a beautiful quarry! Be sure to pay attention to trails because lack of trail markers," advises Livia W.
Mississippi River viewing: Several campgrounds offer river access points. "One of the best camping views of the mississippi river! The campsite overlooks the mighty mississippi river and oh what a view it is, watching tugboats move barges up and down," reports Chad H. from Trail of Tears State Park.
Small town exploration: Local communities near camping areas provide cultural experiences. "The town of Cairo is a ghost town but Ft. Defiance is worth seeing," mentions Alison S. from Horseshoe Lake.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Bean Ridge Pond Campground campers appreciate the secluded setting. "Small little pond with 2 primitive campsites. It's very quiet and peaceful," reports Dave N., who also noted wildlife sightings during his stay.
Star gazing conditions: Several campgrounds offer excellent night sky viewing. "Great dark sky viewing," notes Napunani about Trail of Tears State Park Campground, highlighting an aspect many urban visitors particularly enjoy.
Mature tree coverage: Giant City State Park Campground offers extensive shade. "There are plenty of trees for shade. Some sites are close together and some have more room in between them," explains Shana D., who visited during Easter weekend.
Wildlife encounters: The natural environment supports diverse wildlife viewing. "Saw a few deer during my stay," mentions Dave N. about his experience at Bean Ridge Pond Campground, a primitive camping area with no facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal water limitations: Water access varies throughout the year at campgrounds. "In late October there was no water, but several sites have full hook ups," reports Tod S. about Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Varying cell service: Network coverage changes significantly across the region. "No WiFi. 2 bars Verizon LTE," notes Napunani from Trail of Tears State Park, while other remote areas report no service at all.
Limited supplies nearby: The region has few shopping options. "There is not much around in the way of stores. We managed to find one small grocery store," warns Alison S. about the area around Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area Campground.
Train noise: Campers at several riverside campgrounds report railway disruptions. "Train goes next to campground and barges are loud when they come through on the river," mentions Tina C. about Trail of Tears State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Lake Boutin at Trail of Tears State Park offers family-friendly water activities. "Also a great sand beach water feature nearby at lake bouton. Some average length trails and a nice short trail for the littles," recommends Chad H.
Playground availability: Hinton RV Park provides basic facilities for children. The Landing Point RV Park has "an out dated swing set not in great shape" according to a camper identified as "its the Catalina wine mixer T."
Geocaching options: Some parks offer this family-friendly activity. "An added bonus...there are some really great geocaches in the park!!" shares Barbara L. about her experiences at Trail of Tears State Park.
Education opportunities: State parks often provide learning experiences. "The Visitor Center has small museum (no admission fee) on the Trail of Tears Native American tribal migration," notes Napunani.
Tips from RVers
Campsite leveling: Many RV sites require adjustment. "Site 6 not level side-to-side," reports Napunani about Trail of Tears State Park Campground, a common issue throughout the region.
Electrical connections: Shawnee Forest Campground has specific electrical considerations. "The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice," notes MickandKarla W.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds provide on-site dumping. "No sewer, there is a dump station down the road," explains marcella about Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area Campground.
Site privacy variations: RV parks in the region offer varying levels of site separation. "Sites are not well demarcated and grass lots," notes marcella about Horseshoe Lake, while Shawnee Forest Campground has "big sites for our 40ft fifth wheel" according to Tonya B.
