The best cave campgrounds near Carbondale, Illinois

Looking to experience the great outdoors in the United States near Carbondale, Illinois? Hipcamp has over 200 camping options available that cater to your cave exploration preference. With options as low as $20 per night, you'll find the perfect spot to satisfy your adventurous spirit. Check out top campsites like Hagood Farms and Trails (37 reviews), Heron House (6 reviews), and Hicks Haven (1 review). Enjoy popular amenities such as toilets, campfires, and trash disposal, while engaging in activities like exploring historic sites, surfing, and fishing. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable camping experience!

94% (17)

Top-rated campgrounds near Carbondale

Looking to experience the great outdoors in the United States near Carbondale, Illinois? Hipcamp has over 200 camping options available that cater to your cave exploration preference. With options as low as $20 per night, you'll find the perfect spot to satisfy your adventurous spirit. Check out top campsites like Hagood Farms and Trails (37 reviews), Heron House (6 reviews), and Hicks Haven (1 review). Enjoy popular amenities such as toilets, campfires, and trash disposal, while engaging in activities like exploring historic sites, surfing, and fishing. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable camping experience!

94% (17)

Top-rated campgrounds near Carbondale

1. Robyn M.’s Land

89%

(9)

29mi from Carbondale · 81 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

2. Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting

100%

(10)

36mi from Carbondale · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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.

3. Shawnee National Forest

94%

(27)

172 sites · Elizabethtown, Illinois

Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

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

Public campgrounds near Carbondale

100%

(1)

Johnson Creek Campground

18mi from Carbondale · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

Pine Hills Campground

18mi from Carbondale · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

Turkey Ridge Campground

19mi from Carbondale · 12 sites · in Ferne Clyffe State Park

Backpack Campground

19mi from Carbondale · 12 sites · in Ferne Clyffe State Park

Deer Ridge Campground

19mi from Carbondale · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ferne Clyffe State Park

Equestrian Campground

19mi from Carbondale · 1 site · in Ferne Clyffe State Park

100%

(3)

Jackson Falls Campground

33mi from Carbondale · 1 site · in Shawnee National Forest

100%

(1)

Bell Smith Springs Campground

34mi from Carbondale · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

100%

(4)

Lake Glendale Campground

37mi from Carbondale · 59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

96%

(14)

Garden of the Gods Campground

47mi from Carbondale · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

100%

(1)

Ferne Clyffe Campground

49mi from Carbondale · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ferne Clyffe State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp 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.