The best camping near Cave-In-Rock State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cave-In-Rock adventure.

Explore a unique cave formation that looks like a giant poked a hole in a rock.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Cave-In-Rock State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Cave-In-Rock State Park

Cave-In-Rock Campground

59 sites · RVs, Tents In Cave-In-Rock State Park

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$10

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Top-rated campgrounds near Cave-In-Rock State Park

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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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Watson's Rivercamp Retreat

6 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Evansville, IN

Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, this primitive camp is ideal for nearby fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming! Our unique location offers a picturesque view of downtown Evansville and Dutch’s Island. Set in a no-wake zone, the shallow beachy island also serves as a barrier from the river channel creating calm lake-like waters. We are located only 0.2mi from Dogtown boat ramp and 300ft from Nu Plaza marina. Biking, walking/hiking trails, local park, and pool nearby. On our property, we allow our campers the flexibility to pick their own perfect spot to camp. There are large mature trees that offer plenty of shade and flat ground for an easy setup. Each site has a firepit, picnic table, and nearby trash can. A firewood bundle is included and complimentary smores packages upon request. Our property features 2 communal areas each with a fire pit, charcoal grill, tables, chairs, and lights. There is access to electric power strips and water hoses in each communal area. Kayaks are available to registered campers only first come, first serve. Price is $25 or a single kayak, $50 for a tandem. Includes lifejackets. We look forward to having you!

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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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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Ande's Place 148 Green Rd, Kuttawa

2 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Kuttawa, KY

Learn more about this land:Rolling Hills and wide-open spaces. Primitive to (6) full-service (water, sewer, and 120, 30, or 50 amp electric) camping, located on 60 acres of rolling hills and timber just a few minutes walk to Lake Barkley in beautiful Kentucky. Wooded areas with plenty of room to enjoy yourselves without being on top of your neighbors. Our address is 148 Green Rd. Kuttawa, KY 42055. NOTE: Our primitive tent sites are $20 per night and our Full hook-up sites are $29. Please call us to verify availability before booking!

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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.

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The Creekside JeWeL

10 sites · Tents73 acres · Eddyville, KY

Learn more about this land: 73 acres of secluded rolling hills located on Lake Barkley/Eddy Creek. Lots of woods, meadows, and creekside camping available. Fishing, wildlife, shooting (please note firearm rules) hunting, ATV riding, kayaking, canoeing, boating, or nothing at all ! All groups are welcome at this sportsmans recreational au natural Hipcamp!

Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting

1 site · RV, Tent65 acres · Eddyville, IL

Experience unparalleled privacy, seclusion, and the soothing sounds of nature during your stay in this expansive and distinctive retreat. Unlike any other private property in the vicinity, our land boasts an array of natural features including ponds, waterfalls, cliffs, bluffs, fields, forests, trails, and creeks scattered throughout. With several trails branching out in all directions into the Shawnee National Forest, exploration opportunities abound. Each of our spacious campsites is thoughtfully designed to afford maximum privacy, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed retreat into nature. Just a short 5-10 minute drive down the road, Burden Falls awaits, offering a scenic natural wonder to explore. The Garden of the Gods, another iconic attraction, is a mere 15-20 minute drive away, inviting you to marvel at its breathtaking rock formations and panoramic vistas. For added convenience and indulgence, homemade breakfast and lunch sandwiches are available upon request, allowing you to savor delicious meals without the hassle of preparation. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and indulge in the ultimate retreat experience at our unique property.

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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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

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Calliman Stables Campgrounds

15 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Waverly, KY

We are just normal people who love where we live. We ride horses right on the road, and just move to the side when a vehicle comes. We do what we want, and are who we are. Our values include a very deep faith and church on Sunday morning. We were born and raised Catholic, and Catholic is what we’ll stay. We don’t care what religion you are, we’re all living for the same God regardless of the church we attend, or don’t attend for that matter! You’ll know exactly what type of people we are when you leave, and we hope you’ll be so glad you came. We’ll feel blessed to have you!Learn more about this land:Too often we find ourselves so busy and overwhelmed trying to fulfill the obligations on today’s schedule as we search for a pen to jot down tomorrow’s commitments. Take a break, we’ll offer you the experience your looking for. Maybe it’s just the sound of no sound. You wonder what it’s like to sip your coffee as you walk to the barn on a quiet morning to check on the horses? Bring the golf cart or Ranger if your not big on walking. It’s your time to spend, so spend it however you want. Calliman is operated by Allison, a wife and mother to five girls. Surrounding the exterior edges of the land are the homes of Brock and Jennifer and their three children, Allison’s mother and father, Billy and Susie the landowners of Calliman Stables, and Allison’s family of seven! The barn, located in the near center of the farm is home away from home everyday. Most times we’re at the barn to care for the horses, but sometimes we’re there to saddle up and ride the horses. We have plenty of room, so bring yours too if you have them. We will gladly show you around, but you may enjoy exploring the acreage and showing yourself around, and we completely respect that! Your gonna love it here, but you’ll have to leave it so that you’ll appreciate it when you come back!

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.

The best camping near Cave-In-Rock State Park guide

Overview

About

Travel into Illinois and proceed south, almost to where Illinois meets Indiana and Kentucky. Stop when you see the beautiful limestone cliffs overlooking the Ohio River. A majestic, 55-foot-wide cave stands watch over the water in a large rectangular boulder. Native Americans used the cave, and so did river pirates in the late 1700s.

Hiking trails around the cave let you imagine what life was like 200 years ago. The Ohio River was a major shipping lane. Boats would come down the river headed to New Orleans. Wooden cargo rafts eventually gave way to steamboats with their white plumes of smoke.

Relax after a fun day of exploring at the on-site restaurant. The lodge serves Southern-style dishes for hearty appetites. Sit back and watch the anglers in the river below after your meal.

Sleep in scenic campgrounds on the north end of the park. Choose from 34 RV sites and 25 rustic tent sites. Use your campsite as a headquarters for traveling to Garden of the Gods Recreation Area.