Reservations are available at Shawnee Forest Campground, a full-hookup RV-friendly property in camping near Vienna that sits just off the interstate and runs $40 per night year-round. The campground was converted from a golf course in 2016, and that origin shapes nearly everything about the layout: wide-open grassy sites with gravel pads, former cart paths now used as paved walking and biking trails, and very little natural shade on most sites. New trees have been planted, but campers should expect sun exposure on the majority of sites. Pull-through sites accommodate rigs up to 50 feet, with 50/30/20-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups available.
The site quality varies noticeably across the property. Several reviewers mention that sites in the upper 26-50 area tend to offer more space and better positioning, so it's worth asking for a specific site at check-in rather than accepting whatever is assigned first. Sites are gravel and not level front-to-back, which means RVers will need to unhook to level up. "Lots of green space, not many trees for shade," as Ashley H. puts it. The bathhouses include washers and dryers, air conditioning, and have drawn consistent praise for cleanliness across multiple visits and seasons.
Highway noise is a recurring mention in reviews. The campground sits close enough to the interstate to be convenient, but that proximity means road noise carries into the sites, particularly at night. Cell coverage runs about two bars on Verizon for most visitors, and the campground-provided WiFi gets mixed reports. A small lake and two ponds are on-site for catch-and-release fishing, and paved loop trails around the property give dogs and kids room to move. No playground or pool is available.
The location works well as a base for exploring Shawnee National Forest, with Little Grand Canyon and Garden of the Gods within day-trip range. Groceries and restaurants are limited in Vienna itself. Anna, Marion, and Harrisburg are the nearest towns with fuller services. Nearby Cedar Lake Campground provides an alternative for campers who prioritize tree cover and water access over hookup infrastructure.
The campground stays open through winter, and at least one reviewer confirmed the shower facilities were operational during a November stay. Book ahead for holiday weekends, and if you're in an RV, request a site in the upper section of the property when you call.
Description
Located in the Middle of Southern Illinois just Off I-24 it is a great place to stay while you explore all the the Shawnee Forest. From Giant City to Garden of the Gods. The Tunnel Hill bike trail is a half mile away and Cache River is just down the road. We have 60 Full Hook up sites. Large pull through sites up to 120 feet long. We have Shower Houses and Laundry Facilities. Our Campground is Open Year Round.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsShawnee Forest Campground is located in Illinois near Vienna
Address
1800 State Route 146 East
Vienna, IL 62995
Coordinates
37.41436479 N
88.86523536 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 8/7/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 8/7/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 24 min from Paducah, KY
- 58 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 46 min from Evansville, IN
- 2 hrs 5 min from Owensboro, KY













































