The best cave campgrounds in Illinois

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking to explore the cave-filled terrain of Illinois? We've got you covered with over 200 camping options specifically tailored to your cave-loving heart. From majestic caves to secluded hideouts, you'll find the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature. And with an average price per night of just $20, you won't break the bank. Check out our top campsites, like Heron House (6 reviews), Hicks Haven (1 review), and Robyn M.'s Land (1 review), to get a taste of what our community loves. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like pet-friendly spaces, showers, and trash facilities. And if you're up for some adventure, nearby historic sites, whitewater paddling, and biking trails are waiting for you. So why wait? Start planning your cave camping getaway in Illinois today!

96% (26)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking to explore the cave-filled terrain of Illinois? We've got you covered with over 200 camping options specifically tailored to your cave-loving heart. From majestic caves to secluded hideouts, you'll find the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature. And with an average price per night of just $20, you won't break the bank. Check out our top campsites, like Heron House (6 reviews), Hicks Haven (1 review), and Robyn M.'s Land (1 review), to get a taste of what our community loves. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like pet-friendly spaces, showers, and trash facilities. And if you're up for some adventure, nearby historic sites, whitewater paddling, and biking trails are waiting for you. So why wait? Start planning your cave camping getaway in Illinois today!

96% (26)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting

100%

(10)

4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Stonefort, 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. ATTENTION- I allow animals, but they are NOT ALLOWED ON THE FURNITURE! If you let your animals on the couch/bed I will charge an extra fee for professional cleaning. Bring a dog bed/ cat bed etc.

2. Robyn M.’s Land

89%

(9)

81 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tamms, IL

3. RWH Farm

100%

(15)

16 sites · Tents, Lodging · Stockton, IL

Rich history in this property. A section of land was purchased from the railroad in 1866. The farm was established in 1872. The rest of the property was purchased land from neighboring farms as the family grew. Our family has seen six generations born and raised on this land in the past 150 years. American Indian tribes use the land for their burial ground ceremonies. Elders from a Wisconsin tribe came to the farm through the 1960s to trek the land and perform a ceremony to honor their ancestors. Many arrow heads were found in the fields of the land. The American Indians told stories of how the little spring fed creek running through our land was a small river flowing towards the Apple River which flows into the Mississippi River. The Apple river is located one mile north of the farm. In 2001, the land hosted a small budget film crew for the scenes and setting of the 2002 film “Stray dogs” with Genevieve Turner. Camping under the stars surrounded by trees with the sounds of nature. Spotting variety of wildlife. Watching the most spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and the moon rising over the hills. Classified as “D” for dry camping or boondocking. Upgrades will be made available with interest. For more info about how to check out campendium.com. There isn’t any swimming or fishing available at the campsites. There is fishing in the apple river. There is a private lake three miles north of the sites - we offer passes for a fee for fishing and swimming at the beach or pool.

4. Shawnee National Forest

94%

(27)

172 sites · Elizabethtown, Illinois

Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Mississippi Palisades State Park

100%

(3)

241 sites · Savanna, Illinois

See the mighty Mississippi River from a unique vantage point at this state park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Ferne Clyffe State Park

100%

(1)

84 sites · Goreville, Illinois

There's secret treasure to be found here in the Land of Lincoln.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

7. Argyle Lake State Park

112 sites · Colchester, Illinois

Fall in love with fishing at this lake in western Illinois.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

8. Beaver Dam State Park

100%

(1)

76 sites · Chesterfield, Illinois

With such different ecosystems (we’re talking farmland, open fields, woodlands, lake, and a marsh) wrapped up in one park, Beaver Dam is the place to go see a vast variety of plants and animals. Hike any of the trails and have fun trying to keep count of all the creatures you see! Bring your bow and arrows to the archery range, or spend your time hunting the area. Getting the winter blues? Beaver Dam is open and ready for ice skaters or cross country skiers. Don’t just take our word for it, get down here!

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

9. Morrison-Rockwood State Park

100%

(1)

59 sites · Morrison, Illinois

Enjoy a quiet lakeside retreat just two and a half hours west of Chicago.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds in Illinois

100%

(4)

Lake Glendale Campground

59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

100%

(3)

Mississippi Palisades Campground

241 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi Palisades State Park

100%

(3)

Jackson Falls Campground

1 site · in Shawnee National Forest

100%

(1)

Ferne Clyffe Campground

36 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ferne Clyffe State Park

100%

(1)

Morrison-Rockwood Campground

59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morrison-Rockwood State Park

100%

(1)

Bell Smith Springs Campground

21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

100%

(1)

Johnson Creek Campground

20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

100%

(1)

Big Oak Campground

17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Argyle Lake State Park

100%

(1)

Beaver Dam Campground

76 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaver Dam State Park

96%

(14)

Garden of the Gods Campground

12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

Deer Ridge Campground

23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ferne Clyffe State Park

Turkey Ridge Campground

12 sites · in Ferne Clyffe State Park

Stories from the community

Hayley

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting

Beautiful, private campsite that is right next to the national forest. We had a wonderful night here!

Beth

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting

This is a lovely camp site near a small pond and a 5 minute walk to a new and very clean out house. Our camp hosts were very hospital, friendly and accommodating. They brought us lots of fire wood as it was pretty cold when we stayed there. We spent many hours around the large fire ring just talking and enjoying the quiet. We did not have clear skies so we weren't able to take advantage of the star gazing, but the area is free from light pollution and the nearby field would give you lots of space to star gaze. I highly recommend this site.

T

Tim

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting

Amazing location and hospitality! Great hosts and feels like you have the National Forest and all its wonder to yourselves.

Brenda

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to RWH Farm

We really enjoyed staying at Joan’s and jean’s! The farmhouse has everything you need games, basketball, a full stocked kitchen! We enjoyed being in a rural area and looking at the stars. Joan and Jean were super nice and helpful with everything. We enjoyed seeing the cows so close! And teddy the dog who hanged out with us and was super friendly and adorable 🥰

New parking pad and side walk for your convenience

A

Antoine

August 2025

Group trip

1 night at RWH Farm

We loved our stay at this peaceful countryside ranch! The setting was absolutely gorgeous, with rolling fields and farm animals adding to the charm. The fully renovated ranch was cozy, comfortable, and beautifully maintained, blending modern amenities with a quaint, rustic feel. We came to stargaze for the Perseid meteor shower, and the clear, dark skies made for an unforgettable night under the stars. It was the perfect spot to relax, unplug, and enjoy the quiet. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a serene getaway.