The best forest camping near Cairo

·

In Cairo, if you’re after forest camping, you have over 670 spots to pick from—plenty tucked beneath tall trees and some right on the edge of quiet lakes. Average price per night is $10, with several options hitting that lowest price point. You’ll find showers, toilets, and pet-friendly sites at most locations. Popular activities here run from swimming and fishing to scrambling up limestone bluffs. Top picks include Wine Trail Wilderness (509 reviews), The Art Farm Women's Retreat (159 reviews), and Tall Tree Lake (36 reviews). Many campsites let you wake up to woodpeckers, sunbeams through the canopy, and the distant splash of a fish jumping. Bring layers—forest nights here can surprise you with a chill, even in summer.

97% (824) 30 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cairo

Wine Trail Wilderness

1. Wine Trail Wilderness

100%
(668)
45mi from Cairo · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
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 and believe all should enjoy this beautiful part of the country. LGBTQ are all welcome and accepted. We welcome all types of campers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
The Art Farm

2. The Art Farm

98%
(202)
22mi from Cairo · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. :)
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Ridge Camping Private

3. Ridge Camping Private

100%
(8)
21mi from Cairo · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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!!!!!!!!!!!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$10
 / night
Ferne Clyffe State Park

4. Ferne Clyffe State Park

100%
(1)
84 sites · Goreville, Illinois
There's secret treasure to be found here in the Land of Lincoln.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Fort Massac State Park

5. Fort Massac State Park

100%
(1)
52 sites · Metropolis, Illinois
Discover the origins of American life in Illinois' first state park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Twin Creek Cabins

6. Twin Creek Cabins

21mi from Cairo · 1 site · Tent, RV
Twin Creek Cabins — Charming Camp & Cabin Escape in Illinois 🌲 Discover a peaceful and scenic getaway at Twin Creek Cabins, a relaxed outdoor space perfect for tents, campers, and RVs near the heart of southern Illinois. Set beside open meadow and natural surroundings, this site offers a simple and nature‑focused experience where you can unwind around the fire, listen to birdsong, and enjoy the fresh country air. The property welcomes a range of camping styles — from tent camping and self‑contained trailers to RVs — with hot water, campfires, and a porta‑potty on site for convenience. Communal fire pits and open space make it easy to connect with friends or family around a classic outdoor campfire. Pets are welcome, and there’s plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Located just minutes from Carrier Mills, Pinckneyville, and Sparta, you’re within reach of local shops, restaurants, and outdoor stops. Whether you’re here for a short overnight or a longer stay exploring the Shawnee National Forest and nearby trails, Twin Creek Cabins offers a quiet basecamp with the comforts you need for a laid‑back countryside escape. Highlights: • Quiet rural setting ideal for unwinding • Hot water available • Campfires permitted • Pets welcome • Convenient to local towns and outdoor attractions Come for the nature, stay for the peace — and make memories by the fire under the stars.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$6
 / night
Tall Tree Lake

7. Tall Tree Lake

98%
(48)
35mi from Cairo · 62 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Little Texas Farm and Lodge

8. Little Texas Farm and Lodge

100%
(3)
35mi from Cairo · 1 site · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$160
 / night
Red Gate Farm, LLC

9. Red Gate Farm, LLC

92%
(12)
48mi from Cairo · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
Trail of Tears State Forest

10. Trail of Tears State Forest

14 sites · Alto Pass, Illinois
Hike, hunt, and horseback ride at this conservation area in southwestern Illinois.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Shawnee National Forest

11. Shawnee National Forest

94%
(27)
172 sites · Elizabethtown, Illinois
Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Giant City State Park

12. Giant City State Park

65 sites · Makanda, Illinois
Sandstone and forest converge for fantastic camping, climbing, and hiking in southern Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Dixon Springs State Park

13. Dixon Springs State Park

100%
(1)
23 sites · Simpson, Illinois
Rock your wilderness exploration at this geology-rich state park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Robyn M.’s Land

14. Robyn M.’s Land

89%
(9)
21mi from Cairo · 81 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Cozy Cabin

15. Cozy Cabin

36mi from Cairo · 1 site · Lodging
Relax with the whole family at this peaceful getaway! Nestled on 5 acres of woods, this cozy cabin has everything you need. It’s close to many wineries and hiking trails, and perfect for parents with students at SIUC—we’re only 20 minutes from Carbondale! Located right on the Shawnee Wine Trail. The cabin sleeps 6 comfortably, with a queen bed, a full bed, two twin beds, and a couch. Dogs are welcome (maximum of 2). Enjoy your morning coffee on the front porch, splash in the creek on the property, explore the woods, or gather around the outdoor fire pit for a cozy bonfire. This off-grid retreat runs on solar power and includes a fully functional kitchen and bathroom.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$104
 / night
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

16. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

214 sites · Gilbertsville, Kentucky
Discover Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park's natural splendor.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

In Cairo, if you’re after forest camping, you have over 670 spots to pick from—plenty tucked beneath tall trees and some right on the edge of quiet lakes. Average price per night is $10, with several options hitting that lowest price point. You’ll find showers, toilets, and pet-friendly sites at most locations. Popular activities here run from swimming and fishing to scrambling up limestone bluffs. Top picks include Wine Trail Wilderness (509 reviews), The Art Farm Women's Retreat (159 reviews), and Tall Tree Lake (36 reviews). Many campsites let you wake up to woodpeckers, sunbeams through the canopy, and the distant splash of a fish jumping. Bring layers—forest nights here can surprise you with a chill, even in summer.

97% (824) 30 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cairo

Wine Trail Wilderness

1. Wine Trail Wilderness

100%
(668)
45mi from Cairo · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
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 and believe all should enjoy this beautiful part of the country. LGBTQ are all welcome and accepted. We welcome all types of campers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
The Art Farm

2. The Art Farm

98%
(202)
22mi from Cairo · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. :)
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Ridge Camping Private

3. Ridge Camping Private

100%
(8)
21mi from Cairo · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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!!!!!!!!!!!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$10
 / night
Ferne Clyffe State Park

4. Ferne Clyffe State Park

100%
(1)
84 sites · Goreville, Illinois
There's secret treasure to be found here in the Land of Lincoln.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Fort Massac State Park

5. Fort Massac State Park

100%
(1)
52 sites · Metropolis, Illinois
Discover the origins of American life in Illinois' first state park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Twin Creek Cabins

6. Twin Creek Cabins

21mi from Cairo · 1 site · Tent, RV
Twin Creek Cabins — Charming Camp & Cabin Escape in Illinois 🌲 Discover a peaceful and scenic getaway at Twin Creek Cabins, a relaxed outdoor space perfect for tents, campers, and RVs near the heart of southern Illinois. Set beside open meadow and natural surroundings, this site offers a simple and nature‑focused experience where you can unwind around the fire, listen to birdsong, and enjoy the fresh country air. The property welcomes a range of camping styles — from tent camping and self‑contained trailers to RVs — with hot water, campfires, and a porta‑potty on site for convenience. Communal fire pits and open space make it easy to connect with friends or family around a classic outdoor campfire. Pets are welcome, and there’s plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Located just minutes from Carrier Mills, Pinckneyville, and Sparta, you’re within reach of local shops, restaurants, and outdoor stops. Whether you’re here for a short overnight or a longer stay exploring the Shawnee National Forest and nearby trails, Twin Creek Cabins offers a quiet basecamp with the comforts you need for a laid‑back countryside escape. Highlights: • Quiet rural setting ideal for unwinding • Hot water available • Campfires permitted • Pets welcome • Convenient to local towns and outdoor attractions Come for the nature, stay for the peace — and make memories by the fire under the stars.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$6
 / night
Tall Tree Lake

7. Tall Tree Lake

98%
(48)
35mi from Cairo · 62 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Little Texas Farm and Lodge

8. Little Texas Farm and Lodge

100%
(3)
35mi from Cairo · 1 site · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$160
 / night
Red Gate Farm, LLC

9. Red Gate Farm, LLC

92%
(12)
48mi from Cairo · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
Trail of Tears State Forest

10. Trail of Tears State Forest

14 sites · Alto Pass, Illinois
Hike, hunt, and horseback ride at this conservation area in southwestern Illinois.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Shawnee National Forest

11. Shawnee National Forest

94%
(27)
172 sites · Elizabethtown, Illinois
Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Giant City State Park

12. Giant City State Park

65 sites · Makanda, Illinois
Sandstone and forest converge for fantastic camping, climbing, and hiking in southern Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Dixon Springs State Park

13. Dixon Springs State Park

100%
(1)
23 sites · Simpson, Illinois
Rock your wilderness exploration at this geology-rich state park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Robyn M.’s Land

14. Robyn M.’s Land

89%
(9)
21mi from Cairo · 81 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Cozy Cabin

15. Cozy Cabin

36mi from Cairo · 1 site · Lodging
Relax with the whole family at this peaceful getaway! Nestled on 5 acres of woods, this cozy cabin has everything you need. It’s close to many wineries and hiking trails, and perfect for parents with students at SIUC—we’re only 20 minutes from Carbondale! Located right on the Shawnee Wine Trail. The cabin sleeps 6 comfortably, with a queen bed, a full bed, two twin beds, and a couch. Dogs are welcome (maximum of 2). Enjoy your morning coffee on the front porch, splash in the creek on the property, explore the woods, or gather around the outdoor fire pit for a cozy bonfire. This off-grid retreat runs on solar power and includes a fully functional kitchen and bathroom.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$104
 / night
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

16. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

214 sites · Gilbertsville, Kentucky
Discover Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park's natural splendor.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field