The best campgrounds near Centralia, Illinois with hiking

Centralia packs over 1,200 hiking-focused campsites into a region known for its forested trails and easy access to the Kaskaskia River. You’ll find sites for as low as $10 a night, with an average hovering around $20. Top picks include Tranquillity (41 reviews), a favorite for its quiet woods and stargazing; The Back 20 (26 reviews), where you can stretch your legs on private trails; and Crystal Springs (4 reviews), offering a remote feel just minutes from town. Most campgrounds allow campfires, showers, and pets. Fishing, wildlife-watching, and even horseback riding round out your downtime. If you’re after woodsy walks with easy access to creature comforts, Centralia delivers.

87% (8)

Top-rated campgrounds

Centralia packs over 1,200 hiking-focused campsites into a region known for its forested trails and easy access to the Kaskaskia River. You’ll find sites for as low as $10 a night, with an average hovering around $20. Top picks include Tranquillity (41 reviews), a favorite for its quiet woods and stargazing; The Back 20 (26 reviews), where you can stretch your legs on private trails; and Crystal Springs (4 reviews), offering a remote feel just minutes from town. Most campgrounds allow campfires, showers, and pets. Fishing, wildlife-watching, and even horseback riding round out your downtime. If you’re after woodsy walks with easy access to creature comforts, Centralia delivers.

87% (8)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Middle Eden

83%

(6)

49mi from Centralia · 2 sites · Tents · Fairview Heights, IL

Escape to Our 16-Acre Permaculture Paradise Nestled among majestic oaks, pecans, apples, hazelnuts, mulberries, and black/honey locusts, our developing agroforestry biome recreates the breathtaking pre-Columbian oak-hickory savanna. We’re passionate about sharing this regenerative haven with fellow nature lovers. Private Campsites with Thoughtful Amenities Each site features an established campfire ring and complimentary firewood—perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. Sites are a scenic 300–500 ft walk from parking (depending on your chosen spot). Secure Parking Note Parking is on a quiet dead-end road monitored by security cameras. It’s not secluded, so we don’t recommend car camping. Book now and immerse yourself in a living food forest—where camping meets ecological restoration.

2. Crystal Springs

90%

(5)

50mi from Centralia · 1 site · RV · De Soto, IL

Learn more about this land: No hook-ups just a place to park for the RV. Large enough for class A. Plenty of turn around room. Very quiet and private.

3. Archway RV Park

17mi from Centralia · 24 sites · Mount Vernon, IL

At Archway RV Park, we pride ourselves on creating a unique family-oriented atmosphere where every guest is treated like one of our own. From the moment you step onto our grounds, you’ll be welcomed by our friendly staff, dedicated to ensuring your stay is as enjoyable and comfortable as possible after a long journey. Our park is conveniently open year-round and easily accessible from the Interstate, making it a perfect stop for travelers. We offer spacious, level, full-hookup pull-through sites that are designed to accommodate big rigs. Pet lovers will appreciate our pet-friendly policy, and for your convenience, we also provide propane for sale on-site. In addition to RV sites, we feature cozy cabins, exciting glamper pods, and rental campers, catering to a variety of camping preferences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, Archway RV Park is the ideal destination. Come visit us and discover why you’ll love your stay!

4. Carlyle Lake

100%

(1)

310 sites · Carlyle, Illinois

This vast lake with an abundance of wind is prime real estate for sailing, fishing and birding.

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5. Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

100%

(2)

366 sites · Carlyle, Illinois

Visit now because Eldon Hazlet could easily become the next hotspot of Illinois environmental adventure. With its open fields, breezy lakeside views, and expansive collection of wildlife, the largest park in Illinois is no less than a treasure. Partake in your favorite pastimes or try something new! Set sail on the lake, have a romantic picnic, take a dip in the pool: the options are endless! There’s nothing quite so relaxing as breathing in the fresh air at Eldon Hazlet.

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6. Whittington Woods Campground

33mi from Centralia · 127 sites · Whittington, IL

Experience the charm of our year-round campground, where nature meets comfort and community. Our unique location offers easy access to a variety of local attractions, including antique shopping, the Benton Country Club, the Corner Dance Hall, and the Mitchell Museum, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration. To ensure a seamless stay, please confirm your reservation by phone. Simply provide us with your contact number and a suitable time for us to reach out and finalize your booking. Our campground features a well-stocked store and a newly renovated swimming pool, complete with three spacious concrete steps for easy entry and exit. For larger gatherings, our expansive pavilion is perfect for family reunions, group events, or rallies, equipped with several picnic tables and a cozy fire pit for evening gatherings. Enjoy the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and comfortable amenities at our campground!

7. Washington County State Recreational Area

100%

(1)

39 sites · Nashville, Illinois

Echoed by mourning dove calls that reverberate through the dew-licked pines and dotting the county's sun-kissed hillsides, Washington County State Recreational Area is teeming with fauna. This near-fifteen-hundred-acre ecological oasis is nestled just four miles from Nashville in southern Illinois―a far cry from it’s adjacent concrete jungles, aside from the skyscraper-like pines. And, criss crossed by the area’s two small creeks, Washington County State Recreational Area is inundated with well-populated, stable populations of largemouth bass and other like-sized game fish. Even if you’re not a fan of dancing bobbers, you’ll find situational ecstasy while dining under one of the park’s lake-hugging picnic pavilions, bathed in sunset yellows―and, let's face it, everyone’s a fan of solar acrobatics paired with well-made egg salad.

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8. Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

55 sites · Kinmundy, Illinois

Land your limit of largemouth bass, bluegill or crappie at this well-stocked, beautiful lake.

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9. Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

69 sites · Johnsonville, Illinois

At Sam Dale Lake, drink in all the beauty found in the gently rolling hills, lush woods, and shimmering waters. This place is certainly not short of recreational adventures, offering a bit of fishing, picnicking, and all around camp vibes. You may run into the critters that call this place home—owls, turkey, beaver, and deer that roam about the timber and brushy fields like they own the place (well, they kinda do). Undoubtedly, the best part about this place is the 194 acre lake that boasts 5 miles of sandy shoreline trials. There are also a few secluded ponds scattered about that are prime for fishing and relaxing. The camp sites here are nicely tucked away in a wooded and much more secluded section of the park, giving you the natural privacy you are in need of without taking you too far away from all the lakeside action.

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10. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

33 sites · Ina, Illinois

See what Rend Lake is all about at this state park in southern Illinois.

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11. Rend Lake

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(2)

101 sites · West City, Illinois

Enjoy lake access, forests, and family-friendly camping at this classic Southern Illinois getaway.

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12. Pyramid State Recreation Area

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(4)

68 sites · Pinckneyville, Illinois

Besides the rad name inherited from an old coal mine, Pyramid State Recreation Area’s 19,701 acres makes it the largest state recreation area in all of Illinois. There are also more than 500 acres of lakes on the property, ranging from a meager 0.1 acres to a substantial 276 acres. That bad boy is known as Super Lake and is held in high regard by anglers seeking largemouth bass and bluegill. Lost Lake (a hike-in lake) and some other small lakes contain a hybrid of green sunfish/bluegill. Land lovers can take advantage of 16.5 miles of foot, horse and mountain bike trails where you’re bound to encounter a sampling of the wildlife that includes songbirds, deer, squirrels, beavers, rabbits, turkeys, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, weasels, minks, woodchucks and waterfowl. Future plans are in place to add even more trails to the park.

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13. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

135 sites · Ramsey, Illinois

With its rolling hills and timbered shoreline, Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area has become a popular spot for relaxation and recreation. Visitors enjoy quiet strolls in the forest, secluded picnicking, as well as more energetic activities.Fishing is huge here, so the lake is managed by draw-downs and stocking. Some species found are largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappie. Hit up the concession stand for supplies. Other popular pastimes include hunting (dove, pheasant, quail, deer) and winter sports like fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating. There’s even a 13-mile designated snowmobile trail.

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Public campgrounds near Centralia

Coles Creek Recreation Area and Campground

12mi from Centralia · 119 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carlyle Lake

Boulder Campground

13mi from Centralia · 82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carlyle Lake

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(1)

Dam West Recreation Area and Campground

15mi from Centralia · 109 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carlyle Lake

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(2)

Illini Campground

15mi from Centralia · 366 sites · Tents, RVs · in Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

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(1)

Washington County Campground

21mi from Centralia · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Washington County State Recreational Area

Stephen A. Forbes Campground

24mi from Centralia · 55 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

Sam Dale Lake Campground

29mi from Centralia · 69 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

Wayne Fitzgerrell Campground

31mi from Centralia · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area

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(2)

Gun Creek Campground

32mi from Centralia · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rend Lake

Dale Miller Youth Campground

35mi from Centralia · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Rend Lake

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(4)

Pyramid Campground

37mi from Centralia · 68 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pyramid State Recreation Area

Hickory Grove

44mi from Centralia · 45 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

Stories from the community

A

Adrian

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Middle Eden

Such a beautiful place! Safe and secure! I enjoyed being welcomed by the sweetest dog, she lead me right where to set up for the night. Waking up on a beautiful piece of land with sheep, chickens, fluffy sweet doggo, it was such a fun and much needed experience. 10/10 highly recommend!!

S

Samuel

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Middle Eden

BEAUTIFUL property. Owner is super nice and they love sharing the property that they have built. 10/10 would recommend!

T

Thunder

May 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Crystal Springs

Camping as Scott's property was awesome! The campsite was secluded, quiet, and peaceful. Finding the campsite was a little hard but luckily Scott was extremely responsive and helpful when I called him to locate the campsite. If you're looking for a peaceful campsite, Scott's place is it! Would definitely come back here