The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Thebes. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Thebes campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Thebes, IL. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"PRO
Senior discount saving $6
Able to reserve on-line 365 days prior to arriving
Very friendly and helpful camp host
Unobstructed view of the Mississippi River
Great dark sky viewing
No highway"
"As close to camping next to the Mississippi river as you can get"
"There are a couple of loop trails and we walked one of them. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon. The locals use the area for fishing and walking and it was somewhat busy in the afternoon."
"Sites are only a few miles from our house, we use it to test out new gear (hammocks)
General Watkins has a good amount of ponds (great fishing) and has a few good walking/ small hiking trails."
"There are only two camp site at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow."
"Lake is more of a swamp with cypress trees, very pretty. Showers dated but clean. They are multiple stalls.
Of note, there is not much around in the way of stores."
"Water park close by (5 minute drive) that was great for the kids on a hot day. Camping spots was all nice and level. looked like all the spots was full hook ups."
"There is a big grassy area in the middle of the loop of wanting to play games and run around."
"There was a public paved walking trail along the back of the CG, which was very nice to walk the dogs. There was also a 2 acre fishing pond for CG residents to use."
$20 - $125 / night
"Surrounded by greenery, this is the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and reconnect. Book your stay and come back here to leave them some love!"
"Our only hiccup was we passed it first time driving by so look closely for the entrance. Veterans discount. We would 100% stay again if we needed to."
"This little RV Park is not far off the highway and it was easy to find. Staff was nice and friendly. Each space has full hookups and its own picnic table."
"There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here."
"Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.
All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information."
GuideNice spot on the lake. Nice staff. Lots of Geese. 1 washer washer and dryer, need $4 dollar in quarters to do full cycle.
GuideBe sure to make sure you set the correct location into GPS. We ended up at the wrong location at first try.
Scout🌳 Highlights
Welcome & Hospitality Newly opened in October 2020 and family-run by Rick & Glenda Wilson, guests often highlight their warm, friendly service . One reviewer said:
> “Owners and staff all super friendly, engaging and kind.”
Campground Quality Features include full hookups (30/50 amp, water, sewer), gravel pull-through sites for big rigs (up to ~43 ft), free WiFi, dump station, propane fill, fire pits, picnic tables, laundry, and a shower house .
On‑site Country Store & Deli A notable perk is the store with fresh deli items and daily lunch specials—particularly Friday catfish dinners—plus occasional breakfast on Saturdays .
⭐ Guest Reviews Snapshot
Mick & Karla (30 Mar 2025)
Booked same-day, chose pull-through site, enjoyed 40 psi water, decent WiFi/cell service.
Friendly staff and solid amenities, though gravel/dirt sites got dusty or muddy depending on weather.
Road noise from nearby I‑57 noted. Felt $40/night was a bit high.
CatTrailzz (24 Jul 2024)
Quiet despite being near the freeway. Loves the deli (noting salads and pulled pork).
Clean facilities, new shower room.
Plans to stay again.
QueenMartell (16 Mar 2024)
Friendly check-in, excellent service.
Accommodated a 43 ft fifth wheel with ease.
Highly recommends, loves the Friday catfish.
Other reviewers (Kitty, Kyla D, Tergeo)
Consistently mention friendly owners, clean/gravel sites, good common areas, and a strong likelihood to return .
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros 👎 Cons
Warm, personal service Sites are gravel/dirt—can be dusty or muddy Full hookups and big‑rig friendly Road noise from I‑57 On-site deli with fresh food & catfish dinners Wi-Fi and cell coverage are serviceable but not exceptional Clean shower/laundry facilities Price (~$39–40/night) might be a bit high for basic amenities
Summary
Magnolia Campground is a great overnight or short-term stop if you’re looking for friendly hospitality, solid basic RV hookups, and the novelty of a country store with good food in southeast Missouri. It’s particularly suited for large RVs, travelers who enjoy a welcoming vibe, and those who appreciate a Friday catfish dinner. It’s not a destination resort, so if you're seeking plush amenities or a quiet nature getaway, plan accordingly.
Bottom Line
If you're rolling through with an RV and want a hassle-free, friendly, quick stay with full hookups and good food, Magnolia is a solid choice. For longer stays, be prepared for gravel underfoot and some road noise—but clean facilities and warm hosts might still make it worth it.
If you'd like help booking, directions, or comparisons to nearby campgrounds, just let me know!
TravelerMy husband and I loved this place. It was easy to find just off the interstate. Nice level sites, friendly staff. We had some issues and needed an extra day last minute and we're able to stay on until things got fixed. Plenty of things close in the area.
LegendUnique campground in that it is on a former golf course. Has the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths! The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus. Super convenient to 24 but not too close that it is loud. There is no playground or pool. The sites are loose gravel and not level front to back, so you need to unhook. No biggie. It's a pleasant place overall. The camp host is a sweet older woman.
GuideThere seems to be someone living there, and some fishermen were abit loud .. overall we loved it though.
ScoutWe stayed in rv campground. The spot we chose had a beautiful view! The layout is a bit strange as some firepits are next to power source. Some sights are on top of one another. The
GuideWe came on Memorial Day weekend, almost backed out due to rain but very glad we didn’t. We stayed in the basic campground, spot 50. There was hardly anyone else here. Spot was secluded and quiet. There’s a short hiking trail down to the lake, fun walk through nature in the area. Beautiful look out over the Mississippi River. Park ranger drove through the campsite around 9:30pm, I really liked that, made it feel safer. Had a cute furry friend make a visit a few times during the night. Didn’t catch any fish in the lake but we probably didn’t bring the right bait. Very enjoyable experience, bathrooms were extremely clean. Only downside was the shower house being closed. Really recommend this spot!
ScoutConvenient, clean, trails from Campground.
Camping near Thebes, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping around Thebes, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the amenities and plan accordingly!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Thebes, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 91 campgrounds and RV parks near Thebes, IL and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thebes, IL is Trail of Tears State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 20 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Thebes, IL.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Thebes, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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