The best forest camping near Carbondale

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Looking for a forest camping experience near Carbondale, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 740 options to choose from in the Carbondale area, you'll find the perfect campsite for your outdoor adventure. Explore popular campsites like Spring Lake Ranch (522 reviews), Wine Trail Wilderness (291 reviews), and Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews). Plus, you'll enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, pet-friendly sites, and showers. Get ready for a camping experience filled with snow sports, wildlife watching, and hiking. With an average price of $25 per night and options as low as $10, Hipcamp has the perfect forest camping getaway for you!

95% (788)

Top-rated campgrounds

Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

1. Wine Trail Wilderness

100%
(666)
9.6mi from Carbondale · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · Pomona, IL
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Sonny Hills

3. Sonny Hills

100%
(77)
42mi from Carbondale · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Eddyville, IL
We live on 70 secluded acres adjoining the Shawnee National Forest area with some hiking opportunities, woods and water activities that we would love to share with you. Close to Garden of the Gods (10 min), RimRock, Pounds Hollow, Belle Smith Springs, Lusk Creek and other trails. We are in the middle of the Shawnee surrounded by trees, our own lake, you can hike around and walk the land in solitude, yet we are only 25 minutes to Harrisburg. The closest grocery/merchandise store is only 5 minutes away. Cabin-2BR -1 Q, 1 K/1BA sleeps 4- possible 5, huge foot stool/table makes small bed. Completely modernized, with Heating/ac, full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator, coffee pot, grill, laundry, NO INTERNET. Fully equipped Kitchen with all cooking utensils, crock pot, toasters, dual flex brew coffeemaker, plates, silverware, as well as coffee, creamer, sugar, cooking oil, aluminum foil, and condiments. Large great room, with native sandstone fireplace, that has been converted to gas for easy lighting. Back deck has beautiful views of the lake and hills. Enjoy the large front porch that adjoins the back deck and wraps around 3/4 of the cabin. Secluded, private, Fire pit. Free firewood. Plenty of DVD's, and games. 2 night minimum. Tent and RV camping sites: Shade and sunny areas available. RV pads for self-contained campers. One Electric space available. Water available from spigot and hose. No sewer. Porta-Potty on premises. No showers. No Internet. It is HIGHLY suggested that campers arrive at dusk or before sunset. Quiet hour starts at 10:00 pm. The drive is not lit, and the camp area also has no lights (better to see the stars). Contact us if arrival before nightfall is not possible and we can help guide you to the areas. Pets and service dogs welcome with notice. All dogs and people Must be dog friendly (owner has 5 Irish Wolfhounds, and one small mix breed that runs the place). Dogs must have proof of vaccinations. Creeks, hills, hiking trails, and private pond full of bluegill and bass. Kayaks, paddleboards, canoe and boat for your use. NO lifeguard on duty. Life preservers/jackets must be worn when around the pond. All above activities are done at your own risk, children must be supervised.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Cabin in the woods

7. Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting

100%
(10)
36mi from Carbondale · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$41
 / night
Lake Perry Campground

8. Lake Perry Campground

79%
(14)
46mi from Carbondale · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · Perryville, MO
Lake Perry Campground was established in July, 2024. We are located just outside the main gates of Lake Perry. Lake Perry is a private, gated, lake community that is only accessible by lot owners and their guests. Lake Perry Campground offers 17 full hookup sites consisting of public water, 70 amp electric, and public sewer. 9 sites are pull through lots that are 25' wide x 35' long, and 8 back-in lots ranging from 25-60' wide and 30-100' long. Two buddy lots (camper & tent) are available as well. We also have 1 tent lot with 20 amp electric and water. Completed in August 2025, is a 30' x 50' pavilion with restrooms (2 toilets) and (1) floor to ceiling tile shower in each restroom. A tankless hot water heater was installed for endless hot water. A seasonal bar & grill operates on the weekends and sometimes more serving canned beer, mixed drinks, premium wines, and adult slushy drinks such as the nearly famous Perrywacker. There is Starlink wifi and an ice vending machine on-site 24/7. Also available late winter/early spring 2026 is a 400 square foot studio cabin featuring a 12x16 deck, bedroom, full kitchen, full bath, and a kitchenette/bar. (Sleeps 4) We are 5 miles from Mark Twain national Forest, as well as multiple conservation areas with creek access. Several wineries are nearby through scenic backroads. (Charleville, Twin Oaks, Sand Creek). Bring your SXS's for days of backroad riding that spans 4 counties (Perry, Ste Genevieve, Madison, and Bollinger). Check out the featured post on our Facebook page for an extensive list of nearby attractions.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$19
 / night
Barn and the windmill in August

13. Little Texas Farm and Lodge

100%
(3)
39mi from Carbondale · 1 site · Lodging · Grantsburg, IL
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$160
 / night

Looking for a forest camping experience near Carbondale, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 740 options to choose from in the Carbondale area, you'll find the perfect campsite for your outdoor adventure. Explore popular campsites like Spring Lake Ranch (522 reviews), Wine Trail Wilderness (291 reviews), and Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews). Plus, you'll enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, pet-friendly sites, and showers. Get ready for a camping experience filled with snow sports, wildlife watching, and hiking. With an average price of $25 per night and options as low as $10, Hipcamp has the perfect forest camping getaway for you!

95% (788)

Top-rated campgrounds

Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

1. Wine Trail Wilderness

100%
(666)
9.6mi from Carbondale · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · Pomona, IL
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Sonny Hills

3. Sonny Hills

100%
(77)
42mi from Carbondale · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Eddyville, IL
We live on 70 secluded acres adjoining the Shawnee National Forest area with some hiking opportunities, woods and water activities that we would love to share with you. Close to Garden of the Gods (10 min), RimRock, Pounds Hollow, Belle Smith Springs, Lusk Creek and other trails. We are in the middle of the Shawnee surrounded by trees, our own lake, you can hike around and walk the land in solitude, yet we are only 25 minutes to Harrisburg. The closest grocery/merchandise store is only 5 minutes away. Cabin-2BR -1 Q, 1 K/1BA sleeps 4- possible 5, huge foot stool/table makes small bed. Completely modernized, with Heating/ac, full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator, coffee pot, grill, laundry, NO INTERNET. Fully equipped Kitchen with all cooking utensils, crock pot, toasters, dual flex brew coffeemaker, plates, silverware, as well as coffee, creamer, sugar, cooking oil, aluminum foil, and condiments. Large great room, with native sandstone fireplace, that has been converted to gas for easy lighting. Back deck has beautiful views of the lake and hills. Enjoy the large front porch that adjoins the back deck and wraps around 3/4 of the cabin. Secluded, private, Fire pit. Free firewood. Plenty of DVD's, and games. 2 night minimum. Tent and RV camping sites: Shade and sunny areas available. RV pads for self-contained campers. One Electric space available. Water available from spigot and hose. No sewer. Porta-Potty on premises. No showers. No Internet. It is HIGHLY suggested that campers arrive at dusk or before sunset. Quiet hour starts at 10:00 pm. The drive is not lit, and the camp area also has no lights (better to see the stars). Contact us if arrival before nightfall is not possible and we can help guide you to the areas. Pets and service dogs welcome with notice. All dogs and people Must be dog friendly (owner has 5 Irish Wolfhounds, and one small mix breed that runs the place). Dogs must have proof of vaccinations. Creeks, hills, hiking trails, and private pond full of bluegill and bass. Kayaks, paddleboards, canoe and boat for your use. NO lifeguard on duty. Life preservers/jackets must be worn when around the pond. All above activities are done at your own risk, children must be supervised.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Cabin in the woods

7. Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting

100%
(10)
36mi from Carbondale · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$41
 / night
Lake Perry Campground

8. Lake Perry Campground

79%
(14)
46mi from Carbondale · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · Perryville, MO
Lake Perry Campground was established in July, 2024. We are located just outside the main gates of Lake Perry. Lake Perry is a private, gated, lake community that is only accessible by lot owners and their guests. Lake Perry Campground offers 17 full hookup sites consisting of public water, 70 amp electric, and public sewer. 9 sites are pull through lots that are 25' wide x 35' long, and 8 back-in lots ranging from 25-60' wide and 30-100' long. Two buddy lots (camper & tent) are available as well. We also have 1 tent lot with 20 amp electric and water. Completed in August 2025, is a 30' x 50' pavilion with restrooms (2 toilets) and (1) floor to ceiling tile shower in each restroom. A tankless hot water heater was installed for endless hot water. A seasonal bar & grill operates on the weekends and sometimes more serving canned beer, mixed drinks, premium wines, and adult slushy drinks such as the nearly famous Perrywacker. There is Starlink wifi and an ice vending machine on-site 24/7. Also available late winter/early spring 2026 is a 400 square foot studio cabin featuring a 12x16 deck, bedroom, full kitchen, full bath, and a kitchenette/bar. (Sleeps 4) We are 5 miles from Mark Twain national Forest, as well as multiple conservation areas with creek access. Several wineries are nearby through scenic backroads. (Charleville, Twin Oaks, Sand Creek). Bring your SXS's for days of backroad riding that spans 4 counties (Perry, Ste Genevieve, Madison, and Bollinger). Check out the featured post on our Facebook page for an extensive list of nearby attractions.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$19
 / night
Barn and the windmill in August

13. Little Texas Farm and Lodge

100%
(3)
39mi from Carbondale · 1 site · Lodging · Grantsburg, IL
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$160
 / night

Camper favorites near Carbondale

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Carbondale

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