Best Camping in and near Giant City State Park

75% (2 reviews)

Sandstone and forest converge for fantastic camping, climbing, and hiking in southern Illinois.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Giant City State Park

Giant City Campground

65 sites · RVs, Tents In Giant City State Park

from

$8

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Giant City State Park

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Wine Trail Wilderness

16 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Pomona, IL

The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa". Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest. It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy. Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes. We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit. We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience.

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(11)

The Ridge

6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Scott City, MO

Nestled atop a serene ridge in a lush, wooded area lies this tranquil property. Turkeys roam freely, alongside an array of other wildlife, making this 60-acre oasis their home. A private lake with a charming dock adds to the allure of this secluded retreat. Accessible via a gravel road just a stone's throw away from Interstate I55, this location is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, the air is filled with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. The peaceful atmosphere invites visitors to relax and recharge, away from the noise and distractions of the city. Whether you prefer to spend your days fishing on the lake, hiking through the woods, or simply lounging on the dock with a good book, this tranquil oasis offers something for everyone. Come unwind, unplug, and bask in the beauty of nature at this idyllic getaway.

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(10)

Sonny Hills

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents70 acres · Eddyville, IL

70 acres adjoining the Shawnee National Forest area with hiking trails and water activities. Close to Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Pounds Hollow, Belle Smith Springs, Lusk Creek and other trails. Cabin-2BR -1 Q, 1 K/1BA sleeps 4- possible 5, with Heating/ac, full kitchen with microwave and refrigerator, coffee pot, grill, laundry, NO INTERNET. Kitchen is stocked with coffee, creamer, sugar, cooking oil. Large great room, with native sandstone fireplace and nice views of private lake and hills.. Fire pit. Free firewood. $85.00 per night, $60.00 cleaning fee Primitive tent camping sites available. RV pads for self-contained campers . One Electric space available with notice. Water available from spigot and hose. No sewer. Porta-Potty on premises. No showers. Shade or sunny areas. Pets and service dogs welcome with reservations. Must be dog friendly (owner has 5 Irish Wolfhounds, and one small mix breed that runs the place). Dogs must have proof of vaccinations. Creeks, hills, hiking trails, and private pond full of bluegill, crappie, and bass. Kayaks, paddleboards canoe and boat. NO lifeguard on duty. Life preservers/jackets must be worn when around the pond. All above activities are done at your own risk, children must be supervised.

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(141)

The Art Farm Women's Retreat

54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres · Paducah, KY

The farm is women owned and operated. This 34 acres of rolling farmland, woods and pasture is surrounded by farmland and woodlands on all sides. Enjoy nature. Watch wildlife. Listen to the birds singing. You will often see deer in the evenings. Walk or drive to the main residence to enjoy the pool, hot tub and hot outdoor shower. (5 minute walk or 1 minute drive) We have a few dedicated women's campouts each year, and some art-making workshops, retreats, and quilting weekends, too. Other times we are open and inclusive of all. Native land of Chickasaw, Quapaw and Osage nations. LGBTQ friendly. :)

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(23)

Big Muddy Brewing

42 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Murphysboro, IL

Big Muddy Brewing is a production craft brewery and taproom offering over 25 beers on tap. Our taproom has beer tastings, pints and growlers as well as wine and craft spirits. We also have plenty of packaged beer to go. Our kitchen has Bavarian pretzels, Flatbread pizzas and more. Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, minutes from the Shawnee National Forest, Kinkaid Lake, Murphysboro State Park & Southern Illinois University. Check our Facebook page for schedule of music and events.

Conant Crossing

2 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Pinckneyville, IL

Discover Conant Crossing, conveniently located across the street from Pyramid State Park. Just 11 minutes from Pinckneyville, IL, and 19 minutes from Sparta, IL, our site offers adjoining lots with 50 amp electric and potable county water hook-ups. Enjoy a common, covered picnic area with two picnic tables, fire pits, and electric access. Please note, we do not have wastewater dump facilities, but there is a Porta-Potty near the sites. A pond with fish is just a few hundred feet away, perfect for a relaxing day by the water. WE HAVE NO WASTEWATER DUMP FACILITIES. Pyramid State Park has a dump station and there is a $5 dump fee(cash through the drop slot).

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(2)

Crystal Springs

1 site · RV10 acres · De Soto, IL

Learn more about this land: This is the premiere swimming hole in S Il. We have a rope swing, and high dive. We have friends from Idaho who have come back to visit. You won't know until you've seen it. No hook-ups just a place to park for the RV. Large enough for class A. Plenty of turn around room. Very quiet and private.

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(25)

Barbara W.’s Land

26 sites · Tents25 acres · Tunnel Hill, IL

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Ridge Camping Private

34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Mill Creek, IL

You will hike to your private primitive destination. We ask that you please have an above ground firepit! Explore the property and enjoy a private stay!!!!!!!!!!! We're hosting a festival from April 4-9, so ticket prices have changed. Each site accommodates only two people during these dates. All other attendees must purchase tickets through our website: https://willowspringscampground.com/event/willow-springs-awakening-eclipse-festival/.

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(33)

Pond Ridge Adventure

35 sites · Tents50 acres · Murphysboro, IL

We have 50 acres located in Southern Illinois 4 miles south of Murphysboro connected to 100 acres of Shawnee National forest.We set up a small family primitive campground for our family to enjoy every evening we ride our utv over from our house and watch the wildlife there are deer turkeys bobcats and many other small animal.Learn more about this land:Mostly suitable for Rv with generators and self contained units

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(30)

Tall Tree Lake

62 sites · RVs, Tents220 acres · Buncombe, IL

We are a 220 acre family owned and operated campground in the middle of the Shawnee National forest. We love providing a safe, beautiful, peaceful, and central location for people to enjoy our beautiful area. Fishing and hiking are welcomed for all of our guests! Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Close proximity to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, and only a 10 minute drive from I-24.

86%

(7)

Robyn M.’s Land

81 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Tamms, IL

The best camping near Giant City State Park guide

Overview

About

Giant City State Park is a wooded wonderland with towering sandstone formations deep in the Shawnee National Forest of southern Illinois. Hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and rappelling are big draws, and the park’s central campground puts you in the heart of the action. Highlights include the sandstone bluffs of Giant City Streets, the park’s fern- and trillium-lined trails, and the Devils Standtable climbing area. The sole Giant City Campground features a number of tent campsites, 14 walk-in campsites, and access to the 1930s Giant City Lodge. Horseback riders can enjoy an equestrian camp and 12 miles of equestrian trails too.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Of the 85 Giant City campsites, 60 are reservable and 25 are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations are seasonal and only available from April 1 to November 30. From December 1 to March 31, the campground remains open but all sites are first-come, first-served.
Reservable sites can be booked 180 days in advance online or by calling (866) 716-6550.
Get your reservations in order early for the peak season of Memorial Day to Labor Day.

When to go

Giant City State Park operates year-round, although the summer season is the most popular time for camping, with highs in the upper 80s and lows in the upper 60s. Spring visitors can enjoy an especially verdant forest with wildflowers, while autumn campers will be treated to a fall foliage transformation in the park’s oak and hickory trees. Winter visitors can expect nighttime temperatures at or below freezing from December to February, as well as some services to be shut off, including the campground showers.

Know before you go

For services near the park, check out Carbondale, about a 15-minute drive north.
If you’re not up for tent or RV camping, the Giant City Lodge offers cabin rentals. The lodge’s restaurant also has a famous fried chicken dinner.
Giant City Stables operates within the park to offer guided trail rides and pony rides between March and November. They can be reached at (618)529-4110.