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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(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

98%

(33)

Pond Ridge Adventure

50 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

92%

(12)

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.

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(5)

Ruff Neck Campsite

30 sites · TentsCarbondale , IL

Located in Southern Illinois, home to the Saluki. Ruff Neck Campsite offers a great location just 2 miles from Walker's Bluff, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (Shawnee Forest), and town amenities. The campsite is a great place to see the wildlife and if you are lucky, catch a glimps of the Bald Eagle 🦅Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent at the Ruff Neck Campsite. Located 2 miles from Walker's Bluff, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, and town with eateries.

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(4)

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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(20)

Big Muddy Brewing

37 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Murphysboro, IL

Big Muddy Brewing - Dead Center For 2024 Total Eclipse "The Great Gig In The Sky". Camping that week includes Free Shuttle Bus to Pond Ridge Adventure Campground (Eclipse Overflow Camping) plus local restaurants and attractions, Friday Night: Adlar Planetarium Presentations including Star Gazing , Music Saturday & Sunday By The Ivas John Band & The Monolithic Pink Floyd Night Show. Big Muddy's 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 Flatbread pizzas, Chicago dogs, Italian beef subs, Bavarian pretzels & more. Check our Facebook page for a schedule of events.

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(6)

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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(24)

Barbara W.’s Land

26 sites · Tents25 acres · Tunnel Hill, IL

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(3)

Swallowdale farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents65 acres · Carbondale, IL

50 acres of private land close to Carbondale. Primitive campsites in woods. Less than 2 miles from downtown Carbondale. Southern Illinois university as well as wine trails and natural land formation and lakes. It’s the perfect area for nature lovers. We are working to get improvements to the campsites and will update as we accomplish this

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(116)

Riverview Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Grand Chain, 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.