Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

Visited in the first half of March, so yes it was cold, and rain one of the nights, which I'm sure contributed a lot to there being only maybe five campsites occupied. Camp area was clean of trash and obstacles. Ground around spots is mostly pine needles and cones, not grass. Lots are close to level, minimal leveling blocks needed. Easy walking distance to the observation trail that is the highlight of this park. $10 per night fee is done via honor system dropbox at entrance to campground.

Hammock friendly established campsites, which are rare for IL, also accommodating for tents, campers, and RVs.

Water pump tastes pretty good, no electricity hook up, bathrooms are usually pretty clean and are emptied regularly, decent cell phone signal.

Very busy on Fridays and weekends. Too many people, mostly day hikers, mostly parents with loud children, who have no concern for nature. They park wherever they can squeeze their car, even if it's obstructing your campsite; they leave garbage and waste everywhere.

Recommend only visiting Monday thru Thursday (except during spring break and holiday weekends) in spring and autumn (when the air is getting colder). The bluffs are treacherous after rainfall, but the views are more stunning and your more likely to have them to yourself.

We loved our stay here.  The trails, the clean campsites, the peace, the views, the trees, the seclusion.  It is one of, if not our favorite places to camp now.  We hadn't even left and were discussing returning.  

There is no potable water on site.  That would be my only complaint.  There is some a few miles away, but other than that, there is not a single thing I would change about this campground.  Well worth the drive from nearly anywhere in my opinion.