Forest camping near Carbondale
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96% (516 reviews)
- Carbondale
96% (516 reviews)
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12 top forest campgrounds near Carbondale
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(456)
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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from
$30
/ night
Booked 49 times
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
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$50
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100%
(9)
Heron House Total Eclipse Camping
20 sites · Tents3 acres · Murphysboro, IL
2024 Total Eclipse Camping in the Path of Totality and Longest Duration
Four minutes and six seconds of totality!
Pitch your tent in the path of totality at the edge of Kinkaid Lake and the Shawnee Forest. Campsites have shade and views of open skies for the eclipse. Immerse yourself in the experience at the edge of a lake away from light pollution. The entire eclipse will last over 2 hours, start to finish.
Additional attractions and amenities are detailed below. We look forward to hosting you!
Heron House Campground is in the path of totality and just a few miles from the point of greatest duration. This listing is for 1 of a handful of sites that can be booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
Heron House is located a few miles northwest of Murphysboro at the edge of Kinkaid Lake and the Shawnee National Forest in the Illinois Ozarks (away from city lights). It is gorgeous country!
Here the skies are dark, the laughs are belly-deep, the wildlife is boisterous, and deep breaths of contentment live among the breezes in the bluffs.
Heron House is a relaxing camping environment with friendly hosts.
$90 per camper per day, tents only. Campsites are available April 6-April 11. There will be numerous events taking place in the region. 3-night minimum. Feel free to participate in all of them or simply kick back and enjoy the serenity of springtime at the edge of a lake in the Shawnee National Forest.
Campsites have shade trees and access to uninhibited views (open skies for the eclipse). The night skies are stunning here. Heron House also has a shaded porch that campers are welcome to sit and enjoy a cold beverage on. :) Campsites will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Attractions and Amenities:
~Multiple gorgeous hiking trails—from easy to rigorous—and biking opportunities close by
~Owners/hosts on-site
~Walking distance to restaurant, bar, laundry (coin), showers, and convenience shop
~Kinkaid Lake Spillway is the area’s most beautiful “swimming hole” and can be accessed by car (6-min. drive) or boat
~Fishing docks and lake within walking distance
~Beautiful lakeside and sunset strolls
~Scads of wineries and breweries in the area, including the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
~Parking on-site (one standard-size parking place per campsite)
~Award-winning restaurants nearby, including 17th Street Barbecue, three-time World Grand Champions
~Science and history museums (adult and kid-friendly)
~The area is a nature lover’s paradise, surrounded by national forest and state parks and stunning beauty.
Campers have access to shared, serviced toilet facilities and hand-washing stations that meet county code. Laundry (coin) and shower facilities are located within walking distance. Potable water, dumpster for trash, and a large, in-the-ground, shared campfire pit for campers to share. Campers are very welcome to bring self-sustaining cooking/campfire equipment as long as it is in a contained unit that is raised off of the ground. In other words, no fires or dig pits on/in the ground. Thanks!
A power-strip station is available for campers to share to charge mobile phones, laptops, and tablets; these are the only electronic devices that can be charged at the power station, so please be sure to have adequate batteries or charging equipment for other devices. For the courtesy of others, gas-powered generators are not permitted, and power is not available on-site for electric generators.
Please note that each individual camper must sign a release of liability (guardians sign for minors). If the release has not been signed before arrival, it must be signed upon arrival. Please note that refunds will not be granted, including for refusal to sign the release on the part of any camper in the party.
Free coffee in the morning for early risers from 6 a.m. 'til it's gone—and free treats in the evening for after-supper snackers ('til they're gone). :)
We look forward to hosting your magnificent stay in Southernmost Illinois for the 2024 Total Eclipse!
Potable water
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$80
/ night
Booked 6 times
Eclipse Camping-Kinkaid Lake ILOzrk
8 sites · Tents3 acres · Murphysboro, IL
This property is currently operating at the following Hipcamp link, where you can read reviews, see additional photos, and book: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/illinois-heron-house-total-eclipse-camping-306yh9ml
2024 Total Eclipse Camping in the Path of Totality and Longest Duration
Four minutes and six seconds of totality!
Immerse yourself in the experience at the edge of a lake away from light pollution. The entire eclipse will last over 2 hours, start to finish.
Pitch your tent in the path of totality at the edge of Kinkaid Lake and the Shawnee Forest. Campsites have shade and views of open skies for the eclipse.
Additional attractions and amenities are detailed below.
We look forward to hosting you!
Heron House Campground is in the path of totality and just a few miles from the point of greatest duration.
This listing is for 1 of a handful of sites that can be booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
Heron House is located 5 ½ miles northwest of Murphysboro at the edge of Kinkaid Lake and the Shawnee National Forest in the Illinois Ozarks (away from city lights).
It is gorgeous country! Here the skies are dark, the laughs are belly-deep, the wildlife is boisterous, and deep breaths of contentment live among the breezes in the bluffs. Heron House Family Campground is registered as an approved campground with the local health department (Jackson County).
Heron House is a relaxing camping environment with friendly hosts.
Campsites are available April 4-April 9.
3-night minimum
$90 per camper per day, tents only
Payment and signed release of liability for the individual making the reservation are due at the time of reservation.
Campsites have shade trees and access to uninhibited views (open skies for the eclipse). The night skies are stunning here. Heron House also has a shaded porch that campers are welcome to sit and enjoy a cold beverage on. :) Campsites will be booked in the order that payment and releases are received.
Attractions and Amenities:
•Multiple gorgeous hiking trails--from easy to rigorous--and biking opportunities close by (hosts have additional information)
•Walking distance to Kinkaid Lake and Marina, which has a restaurant, bar, laundry, showers, and convenience shop
•Kinkaid Lake Spillway is the area’s most beautiful “swimming hole” and can be accessed by car (6-min. drive) or boat
•Fishing docks and lake within walking distance
•Beautiful lakeside and sunset strolls
•Owners/hosts on-site
•Wineries nearby (by car); firewood available for purchase on-site
•Parking on-site (one standard-size parking place per campsite)
•Award-winning restaurants nearby, including 17th Street Barbecue, three-time World Grand Champions
•Science and history museums (adult and kid-friendly)
•The area is a nature lover’s paradise, surrounded by national forest and state parks and stunning beauty
Campers have access to shared, serviced toilet facilities and hand-washing stations that meet county code. Laundry (coin) and shower facilities are located within walking distance at the local marina. Potable water, dumpster for trash, and a large, in-the-ground, shared campfire pit for campers to share. Campers are very welcome to bring self-sustaining cooking/campfire equipment as long as it is in a contained unit that is raised off of the ground. In other words, no fires or dig pits on/in the ground. Thanks!
A power-strip station is available for campers to share to charge mobile phones, laptops, and tablets; these are the only electronic devices that can be charged at the power station, so please be sure to have adequate batteries or charging equipment for other devices. For the courtesy of others, gas-powered generators are not permitted, and power is not available on-site for electric generators.
Reservations will be secured once payment and release for the individual whose name is on the reservation have been received, but please note that each individual camper must sign a release of liability (guardians sign for minors). If the release has not been signed before arrival, it must be signed upon arrival. Please note that refunds will not be granted, including for refusal to sign the release on the part of any camper in the party.
Free coffee in the morning for early risers from 6 a.m. 'til it's gone, and free treats in the evening for after-supper snackers ('til they're gone). :)
We look forward to hosting your magnificent stay in Southernmost Illinois for the 2024 Total Eclipse!
Potable water
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from
$90
/ night
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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$32
/ night
89%
(9)
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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$25
/ night
100%
(5)
Robyn M.’s Land
81 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Tamms, IL
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$20
/ night
Vogt Farm
3 sites · Tents4 acres · Carterville, IL
Multiple tent spots available! Nestled in the heart of southern Illinois, our property offers a picturesque setting with a wildlife refuge, lakes, waterfalls, and proximity to top wineries. Explore the beauty of the Shawnee National Forest through stunning hiking and biking trails or satisfy your adventurous side with ATV parks for mud enthusiasts. Take in the iconic Bald Knob Cross, enjoy riverside activities, indulge in hunting and fishing, or unwind with a round of golf. Our property caters to a variety of interests, ensuring there's something for everyone in the breathtaking landscape of southern Illinois. Need to get reservation in ASAP the spot's will fill quickly $100 deposit required we accept cash app and chime or ask for a different payment method.
Campsite RULES
A liability waiver must be signed at arrival
420 friendly, drinking is permitted belligerent will not be accepted.
Porta potty will be accessible, firewood will be available for campfires.
Trash cans will be provided.
We ask for all campers to respect the property owners and your fellow camper
No pets allowed sorry. We do have dogs on our property and are very friendly but will be managed during the event.
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$500
/ night
100%
(3)
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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$10
/ night
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.
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$20
/ night
100%
(1)
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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$30
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97%
(30)
Camp Ondessonk
9 sites · Tents983 acres · Ozark, IL
Operating since 1959, Camp Ondessonk is a non-profit youth camp on 983 acres of beautiful wooded property adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest. Guests have access to several miles of paved road for walking and cycling, 15 miles of on-site hiking and biking trails, and access to a huge network of public Shawnee National Forest trails including the River-to-River Trail. Our property is home to the tallest free-falling waterfall in Illinois, Cedar Falls, as well as rock bottom creeks, canyons, prairies, forests, and hills. Detailed trail maps of our property and the surrounding area are available. Guests are welcome to stroll the grounds, observe our horses grazing in the pastures, enjoy views of our lakes and forests, or relax by the campfire. Stop by the Camp Store at the Trading Post to purchase Ondessonk apparel, souvenirs, or essential items. To schedule a guided hike, boating, archery, or horseback riding program, or test yourself on our high challenge course or climbing wall, contact Ondessonk staff for program availability and more information. The Camp Kitchen can prepare certain meals for you; contact us for meal availability and more information.
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$7
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Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Forest camping near Carbondale guide
Overview
Looking for a forest camping experience near Carbondale, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 740 options to choose from in the Carbondale area, you'll find the perfect campsite for your outdoor adventure. Explore popular campsites like Spring Lake Ranch (522 reviews), Wine Trail Wilderness (291 reviews), and Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews). Plus, you'll enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, pet-friendly sites, and showers. Get ready for a camping experience filled with snow sports, wildlife watching, and hiking. With an average price of $25 per night and options as low as $10, Hipcamp has the perfect forest camping getaway for you!
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