The best camping near Dixon Springs State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Dixon Springs adventure.

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Rock your wilderness exploration at this geology-rich state park.

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Community favorites near Dixon Springs State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Dixon Springs State Park

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Dixon Springs Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents In Dixon Springs State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Dixon Springs State Park

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Temple Hill Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Golconda, IL

This is a 2 acre campsite with views of a creek. Optimal views of the total solar eclipse are available here. Shawnee Forest is conveniently located close by. This campsite is 7 miles from interstate 24. This is a Permaculture Homestead. Tours could be available to see the animals and regenerative farming

Rock Hole Meadow

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Stonefort, IL

We are in the process of cleaning up and improving our campsites!!! We will be back and up and running soon!!!! Nestled on an 8-acre rural property, we are in the process of transforming into a permanent primitive campground. New to Hipcamp and hosting, we offer a rural escape for witnessing the 2024 Solar Eclipse without breaking the bank on expensive hotel rooms in town. Committed to environmental stewardship, we prioritize eco-conscious practices such as reusing, recycling, and promoting the growth of native plant species. Each visit to our campground contributes to our mission of preserving this land for future generations. Our property boasts a spacious meadow, ideal for eclipse viewing, along with three wooded campsites equipped with fire pits. Accessible via a short walk from the designated parking area, the wooded campsites are clearly marked for your convenience. For eclipse viewing, we provide three dispersed primitive/car camping spots in the meadow. Please note that the meadow may become muddy during this season, so exercise caution when selecting your camping area. Additionally, a communal fire pit is available for those camping in the meadow. Facilities include a porta-potty with no running water, with plans for future construction of bathrooms and showers. Conveniently located just 5 minutes from Carrier Mills, Illinois, you can easily stock up on any necessities during your stay.

Booked 51 times

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.

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Little Texas Farm and Lodge

1 site · Lodging600 acres · Grantsburg, IL

Located in the Southern Illinois Ozarks, this lodge and 600 acres are part of the Cache River Drainage area, an area recognized internationally as being ecologically unique. The Barn is located atop a limestone bluff; the property includes upland flora, wetland wildlife, row-crop fields, and has access on 2 sides to the Shawnee National Forest. Conveniently located to participate in the natural opportunities of S. Illinois.Learn more about this land:Bring the hot dogs and the beans, but leave the sleeping bag and tent behind. At Little Texas, you will spend your down-time in a 1600 foot, 3 BR, 3 bath lodge located 2/3 mile off the closest gravel road. Little Texas is a place for those who love the isolation of camping but also the amenities of a lodge/home. Full kitchen. Sleeps 8. Step outside for a view of the yard, the working windmill, the fields, trees, and the pond. Test your skill at sorting constellations from the spectacular array of stars. Located in Southernmost Illinois, the property sits on a limestone outcrop of the Ozarks which extend from Arkansas and Missouri across S. Illinois into westernmost Kentucky. Bordered on 2 sides by the 260,000 acre Shawnee National Forest, nature is literally just outside the door. When the hiker sits still, nature comes alive: deer, turkey, raccoons, skunks, beavers, and lots of birds.

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Hidden Bluff Primitive Camp

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Grantsburg, IL

Perfect for Tent, Car or Backpack primitive camping, you can sleep under the stars, sit by the campfire, and view the beauty of nature on a gorgeous 5 acre woodland property located at the edge of the Shawnee National Forest. Nestled between Herron Pond, Cave Creek, Little Black Slough, and Mermet Swamps, Cache River State Nature Area, Ferne Cliff State Park, Sampsons Mountain, Lake Glendale, Little Grand Canyon, Dixon Springs State Park, Jackson Falls, Tunnel Hill State Trail, Dutchman Lake, Garden of the Gods, Burden Falls, Lake of Egypt, Giant City State Park, Cave-in-Rock State Park, and Belle Smith Springs, there is no shortage of beautiful scenery, great hiking, repelling, picnicking, boating, hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, and botanic wonders! It is also located between the Southern Illinois and Shawnee Hills Wine Trails.

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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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Wildlife & Superman Camp

30 sites · RVs10 acres · Metropolis, IL

This was once a 40 acre farm, it is now a 10 acre farm with lots of space. It includes 2 ponds and sits next door to nature preserve. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent or small rv, camper, etc. Bring your fishing pole! Only 7 minutes from town. Metropolis is home to Superman, Fort Massac State Park and Harrah's Casino. Also, right across the Ohio River is Paducah, KY. We have plenty of wildlife being next door to IL Dept of Conservation. Please call me at 618.638.8323 to discuss your stay

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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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Sonny Hills

4 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. Large great room, with native sandstone fireplace and nice views of private lake and hills. Hot tub. Fire pit. $85.00 for two people, each additional $20.00, $65.00 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. Shade or sunny areas. Pets and service dogs welcome with reservations, Must be dog friendly (owner has 5 Irish Wolfhounds on property) and must show proof of vaccinations upon registering. 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 and no children under 12 around the p All above activities are done at your own risk.ond without parental supervision.

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Red Gate Farm, LLC

2 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Creal Springs, IL

Welcome to Red Gate Farm, LLC, a farm with a vision! We previously ran a very successful Hipcamp site at our previous property, but completely relocated and are starting fresh! We purchased 50 acres of GORGEOUS timbered property, with rolling forested hills, several creeks, trees towering over 100 feet tall, and abundant wildlife. It's absolutely perfect for Hipcamp! Building a new farm (and Hipcamp program) from scratch takes time--years even, but we decided now is as a good a time as any to share our beautiful timber with Hipcampers looking for some peace and privacy. While the site itself will be groomed and set up as listed, the surrounding grass won't be perfectly green yet, there will still be a lot of dead-wood and natural debris around the sites, and trails are a bit rough and uneven. If you can overlook the "rustic" aspects though, and enjoy the beauty of the peace and quiet of just enjoying nature, as it has sat unmanaged for roughly 50 years around the sites, then you are likely to love every moment! If you desire more adventure than just hanging around and enjoying nature, be sure to check out the additional experiences we offer here on the farm, as well as the entire surrounding area. Southern IL is made up of the Shawnee National Forest and multiple state parks and recreational areas. You can find a wide variety of activities to keep you busy! Even the local towns have much to offer, whether you enjoy fine dining, casual restaurants, antique shopping, or a nice theater production.

Booked 4 times

BS Ranch

43 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Stonefort, IL

One night booking is allowed. BS Ranch is offering boon docking camping during the Solar Eclipse. Escape the crowded campgrounds and enjoy serenity and nature. We have some hiking on our property as well with trails within 1-2 miles from our ranch. Sand Cave, Trigg Tower, Jackson Falls, Lusk Creek, Burden Falls, Bell Smith Springs Falls to name a few of the must see sites. Our beautiful ranch is located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, come and explore all of its beautiful 289,000 acres nestled in Southern Illinois. It features beautiful oak-hickory forests, wetlands, lush canyons, razorback ridges and unique geological features like The Garden of the Gods. There are miles of hiking, bicycling and equestrian trails, kayaking, canoeing and a rare convergence of six natural ecological regions with a diversity of plant and animal species. We are centrally located between the Shawnee Forest, Little Lusk Wilderness, Bay Creek Wilderness, Burden Fall Wilderness and Garden of the Gods Wilderness. Pets must be on a leash at all times please and No Pit Bulls Allowed.

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Barbara W.’s Land

26 sites · Tents25 acres · Tunnel Hill, IL

The best camping near Dixon Springs State Park guide

Overview

About

Walk on a giant block of rock that dropped 200 feet along a fault line in Pope County. Weave in and out of gray rock formations, over shallow streams, and through a unique canyon. Use the campground here as a headquarters for fishing at nearby Hidden Springs.

Hike on 2.7 miles of trails through this cozy park. Get up close and personal to the rock formations that jut out from gigantic boulders. Ghost Dance Canyon takes its name from the boulders that dot the landscape along the creek. Splash around in the water as you walk among these human-like forms.

Swim at the pool and 45-foot water slide during the summer. It's not quite the same as the relaxing mineral baths from the late 1800s. However, towering oaks, elms, and birch trees provide shade on a hot day.

A dozen RV campsites have electricity. Another eight sites are for tents only. Cabins and a group camp accommodate youth groups and organizations.