The best forest campgrounds near Cairo, Illinois

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

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

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.

2. The Art Farm

98%

(201)

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. :)

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!!!!!!!!!!!

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

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

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.

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.

8. 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.

9. Robyn M.’s Land

89%

(9)

21mi from Cairo · 81 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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

11. Shawnee National Forest

94%

(27)

172 sites · Elizabethtown, Illinois

Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

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

13. Dixon Springs State Park

100%

(1)

23 sites · Simpson, Illinois

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

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

14. 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.

15. 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.

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

View from picnic table at Hickory Ridge Winery. Stunning winter landscape, but very warm day.

Jackie

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

We've stayed here several times. Continues getting better. Although the star of the show this time was star-gazing during 65 degree weather the day after Christmas! Thx again Jon for wonderful place to stay.

A

Adam

2 weeks ago

13 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Jon and Carla were wonderful hosts. Jon had everything we could want and more! We had a lovely stay. Would definitely book again.

Grainzebo II and Bocce Court with 30 Amp electric Hook-Up. Close to Outhouse.

J

James

November 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Great sites and great hosts! John was super helpful and accommodating, taught us how to play bocce ball on the court there, and even helped us with a maintenance issue on my camper. The grainzebo was awesome!!! Can't wait to go back.

Wilson

November 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Our experience at Wine Trail Wilderness was great despite plunging temperatures this past weekend. The roomy site allowed for our 2 young dogs to zoom around the field and the pavilion and outhouse were experiences of themselves. Jon was a great host and fun to talk to when he was walking his dog Norton. The location between 2 of our favorite wineries was a bonus. The scenery with the fall colors was beautiful to see. We can’t wait to come back. Becky and Wilson

Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

F

Frank

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Wine Trail Wilderness

It was fantastic camping on Jon’s land he was the perfect host, very attentive and was willing to work with our schedule. It made for a great weekend of climbing at holy boulders… it’s like 15min from the boulders!

Kyle

November 2025

19 ft pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Wine Trail Wilderness

This is the third time I've stayed at WTW. It was the first time staying in the far away field and we loved it. Jon checked in and would deliver firewood (if needed). I'm sure we will be back!

B

Bryson

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Beautiful campground with an awesome host! Will definitely stay again next time we are out this way!

Glamping Tent Platform (seen here without tent) tucked into the edge of the Meditation Woods. Privacy. Serenity. Peace.

S

Samantha

October 2025

10 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Art Farm

This was a perfect primitive camp for us! The area had plenty of privacy with a beautiful scenery. Early mornings, next to the woods gave a good spot to drink some coffee and watch the wildlife. Easily accessible, and not far from town if you needed to make a quick trip. Communication with Laura was friendly, quick and easy. Definitely saving this spot for our next trip in the area:)

M

Molly

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

John and Carla were amazing hosts. They lead us to our site on their 4-wheeler, and even gave us a wine opener to borrow after we forgot to bring one. The campsite had everything we needed and was super clean, level, and open yet wooded. They came by to check on us after the first night. We were able to order firewood and wine from them ahead of time so it was at the site when we got there. This was amazing because we are usually trying to find space in the truck for firewood. They also provide ice water in a 5 gallon jug which saved us some packing space. We came with two dogs so we asked for one of their more private sites and they delivered. Didn’t see any other campers the entire weekend. Location is awesome for a variety of activities. I would love to return with my coworkers and this would be a perfect spot for our yearly camping trip. We also noticed lots of materials staged around the property so it seems like they are planning some improvements to their already amazing place. This wasn’t a problem for us but I wanted to mention as I know it can be a deal breaker for some. There was not a bathroom with running water, just a private privy in one of those little portable tents. It was cleaned and stocked and very much appreciated.

S

Samuel

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

The area was very accessible and was set up in a really nice convenient way. Jon met us at the driveway, greeted us with a warm smile and helped us get our water situated. After that he assisted me getting the trailer leveled and ready to go and made sure we had firewood. On Saturday, he came and checked on us and he's an incredible host and this was one of the best trips we had. Being within walking distance of a winery and a very short drive to another one is amazing and it was so quiet. And for the record I've never seen anybody have a better portable toilet outside than at Jon's property (Plus the bocce ball court was amazing and we had a great time playing with some people we met there as well this weekend). Suffice to say, we will definitely come back and visit Jon again and for anybody who may want a really great camping experience there is none better than what Jon provides.

Travis

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

We love WTW! We camp here multiple times a year and it's always well deserving of the best in Illinois title! Everything is taken care of and we just get to setup camp and relax.

M

Mimi

October 2025

12 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

wine Trail wilderness was perfectly situated on Hickory Ridge Road close to two wineries! It was my first time to the wine trail in Shawnee national Forest and certainly there’s a lot to offer! Looking forward to going back!! Wine Trail wilderness was perfectly situated on Hickory Ridge Road close to two wineries! It was my first time to the wine trail in Shawnee national Forest and certainly there’s a lot to offer! Looking forward to going back JON was extremely accommodating and his land was ideal For hip camp travelers! Thank you WTW !

K

Kari

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

I enjoyed the evening on Jon's land. He was very helpful amd the site was beautiful! He had a big jug of ice water ready at the site too! There was a ready fire pit, but I chose not to have a fire since I was exhausted and wanted to sleep and get an early start the next day.

p

patrick

October 2025

4 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

We had a great time camping here. Jon was a great host. Checked on us every day. The campground was private. the other guests were very friendly. The trails nearby were very scenic. Would recommend it to any of my friends. We will camp here again I hope.

Kate & Austin

October 2025

19 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Excellent communication from the hosts! Very nice and accommodating people!

S

Spence

October 2025

33 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

what you see online is what you get… Absolutely fantastic! John was awesome, the property is awesome. Secluded in a great back to nature. . I will be back with friends.

P

Paul

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Wine Trail Wilderness

Great spot, great location, wonderful host. What more can I say. We came for Snake Road, Little Grand Canyon, Wine Trail and Vulture Fest. Central location for all of the above!

J

Jenny

October 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Wine Trail Wilderness

Wonderful camping area with extras! The sites are well maintained with cold water waiting, firewood ready upon request, picnic tables and a table and chairs. It’s like an all inclusive resort of primitive camping! My family and I really enjoyed playing bocce ball and were very thankful for the owner of the property to come take the time to teach us how to play. It is also in a great location for visiting hiking trails and climbing areas. Thanks for having us!

Kate

October 2025

24 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Enjoyed my RV stay and our host’s hospitality. Jon was a great host who is working hard to make his property a nice place for guests. Well located to explore the Wine trial or western Shawnee hiking/biking.

S

Stephanie

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Jon was a fantastic host and made sure we had everything we needed. The site was spacious and beautiful. Highly recommend!