Best Campgrounds near Thebes, IL

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.

What to do:

• Hiking: Check out the trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One visitor said, "The hiking trails are beautiful, and not too crowded." This is a great spot for both beginners and experienced hikers.
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Little Grassy Lake Campground is perfect. A reviewer mentioned, "The lake is quiet and clean. A nice hidden gem for fishing."
• Exploring History: Visit Columbus-Belmont State Park for a dose of history. One camper noted, "Such a beautiful area, very quiet, and if you love history this is the spot for you!"

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. At Shawnee Forest Campground, a visitor said, "The camp was clean and well maintained."
• Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff. A reviewer at Giant City State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful."
• Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Turkey Ridge Campground. One guest shared, "The sites are of moderate size on the interior, and are more spread out on the perimeter."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Turkey Bayou Campground, have minimal services. A camper noted, "Nobody here. Bring a fishing pole. No services except a porta potty."
• Tight Spaces: At Trail of Tears State Park Campground, some sites are close together. One reviewer mentioned, "Sites that back to the river are very close to each other."
• Seasonal Availability: Be aware that some campgrounds, like Little Grassy Lake Campground, are only open from April to October. A visitor said, "We loved the location of this campground."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Giant City State Park Campground that offer hiking and family-friendly trails. A family shared, "We found several short but gorgeous hiking trails, which was perfect for our young children."
• Check for Pet Policies: If you're bringing pets, Shawnee Forest Campground allows pets. One camper mentioned, "We came to this campsite with my boyfriend and our two dogs."
• Look for Amenities: Campgrounds like Hinton RV Park have clean bathrooms and laundry facilities, which can be a lifesaver for families. A visitor said, "The bathrooms only have one shower and toilet, but they are super clean."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify site sizes at places like Hilltop Campground. One RV traveler noted, "Nice campground, clean, safe, and right off the interstate."
• Plan for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds, like Trail of Tears State Park Campground, have narrow roads. A reviewer mentioned, "Narrow roads with tight curves made for a bit of a challenge."
• Bring Cash: Many campgrounds, including Hilltop Campground, are cash-only. One camper advised, "Heads up, CASH ONLY."

Camping around Thebes, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the amenities and plan accordingly!