Top 10 Scenic Campgrounds in Southern Illinois




Southern Illinois is known for its beautiful, diverse scenery including sparkling lakes, rock formations, and majestic ancient trees. Everyone should experience camping in Southern Illinois at least once to take in the beauty. Here are the top 10 scenic campgrounds in Southern Illinois.


Double M Campground, Junction, IL
Located in the majestic Shawnee National Forest, Double M Campground offers something for all campers from full hookups to a primitive camp area. This gorgeous campground borders Shawnee National Forest and offers direct trail access into the park. They also have cabins, which are available year-round, horse stalls, and even a restaurant.


Hayes Canyon Campground, Eddyville, IL
Hayes Canyon Campground is tucked away in beautiful Southern Illinois, just outside Eddyville and adjacent to Shawnee National Forest. Come here to rent a cabin or one of the 32 nightly campsites surrounded by majestic trees. This family-owned campground also offers ample horse accommodations and is ideally located near trails.


Arrowhead Lake Campground, Johnston City, IL
Located next to a 30-acre lake with crystal-clear water, Arrowhead Lake Campground is a serene campground offering 66 campsites for both RVs and tents. This campground also provides many modern conveniences such as a laundromat, bathhouse, and Wifi for campers. Their on-site general store provides a glimpse into the past with a potbelly stove. Arrowhead Lake Campground also offers discounts for Veterans, seniors, and campers staying longer than seven days.


Whittington Woods is an RV-only campground tucked in a beautiful wooded area, yet minutes from entertainment and attractions. Rent their newly-constructed cabin or hook your rig up (both 30 and 50 amp). This beautiful campground offers so many amenities including a store, swimming pool, pavilion with picnic tables, playground, laundry facility, basketball, shower facilities, and more.


Ideal for fishing and boating, Little Grassy Lake Campground is located in the beautiful Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. This gorgeous campground offers 1,000 acres of clear waters and 31 miles of rocky shoreline, making it the most scenic lake campground in Southern Illinois. They offer full hook-up, tent, and group camping with many amenities including indoor restrooms/showers, dump station, picnic tables with fire rings, general store, and more. You can also rent canoes, kayak, pontoons, and boats on-site.


Get away from the hustle and bustle at Devil’s Backbone Park Campground. Located along the beautiful Mississippi River, this recreational-friendly campground is owned by friendly, accommodating people who charge very reasonable camping rates. There’s plenty of picnic areas plus a convenience store approximately one hour away.


Pharaoh Campground, Herod, IL
If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful campground in a serene location, head to Pharaoh Campground. Located near Garden of the Gods, this scenic campground offers large campsites and beautiful views of rock formations. They have vault bathrooms, but otherwise no other amenities. Pharaoh Campground only charges $10 per day, making it an affordable rustic campsite.


Oak Point Campground, Golconda, IL
Oak Point Campground is another beautiful spot located in Shawnee National Forest. Camping, hiking, swimming, and other recreational activities are available here, making it a destination of families. The campsites here are large and well-maintained plus the hosts are friendly and accommodating.


Gun Creek Campground, Ewing Township, IL
Recognized by campers as one of the best campgrounds in Southern Illinois, Gun Creek Campground is the perfect spot for making memories. This beautiful, spacious campground is by a lake with plenty of nearby picnic areas, a playground, and recreational activities. Gun Creek Campground is ideal for families, reunions, or just a quiet weekend with nature.


Boulder Campground, Carlyle, IL
Nearby Illinois’ largest man-made lake, Boulder Campground offers over 80 campsites on the shoreline with lake views. Home to an abundance of wildlife, this gorgeous campground is ideal for connecting with nature. This campground offer picnic areas, modern amenities, and plenty of water sports on the lake.


What is your favorite campground in Southern Illinois?

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