95% (1.1K) • 1,056 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near East Cape Girardeau
Ridge Camping Private
1. Ridge Camping Private
100%
(10)
12mi from East Cape Girardeau · 33 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!!!!!!!!!!!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Robyn M.’s Land
2. Robyn M.’s Land
90%
(10)
12mi from East Cape Girardeau · 80 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Wine Trail Wilderness
3. Wine Trail Wilderness
100%
(690)
25mi from East Cape Girardeau · 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Trail of Tears State Park
4. Trail of Tears State Park
100%
(1)
State park 11mi from East Cape Girardeau · 52 sites
River landscapes, recreation, and history abound at this park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Trail of Tears State Forest
5. Trail of Tears State Forest
State forest 17mi from East Cape Girardeau · 14 sites
Hike, hunt, and horseback ride at this conservation area in southwestern Illinois.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Grand Chain Vineyards
6. Grand Chain Vineyards
92%
(19)
28mi from East Cape Girardeau · 23 sites · Tents, RVs
The RV Resort at Grand Chain Vineyards features 25 full-hookup pull-thru campsites nestled in the center of Grand Chain Vineyards overlooking the Ohio River. Grand Chain Vineyards is a 60+ acre estate of rolling hills and vineyards overlooking the beautiful Ohio River with on-site Winery, RV Resort, Event Venue, Cabins & Rooms, and Restaurant "Due South" BBQ & Grill.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Pond Ridge Adventure
7. Pond Ridge Adventure
98%
(33)
30mi from East Cape Girardeau · 35 sites
We have 50 acres located in Southern Illinois 4 miles south of Murphysboro connected to 100 acres of Shawnee National forest.We set up a small family primitive campground for our family to enjoy every evening we ride our utv over from our house and watch the wildlife there are deer turkeys bobcats and many other small animals.There are several lakes just 15 minutes away kinkade spillway is a popular place to hike and swim and little Grand Canyon is an awesome spot
Learn more about this land:
Mostly suitable for Rv with generators and self contained units
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch
8. Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch
100%
(13)
31mi from East Cape Girardeau · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
We have five campsites in 135 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch. Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly). If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around!
This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands.
The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers!
We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Tall Tree Lake
9. Tall Tree Lake
98%
(48)
33mi from East Cape Girardeau · 7 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Shawnee National Forest
10. Shawnee National Forest
95%
(30)
National forest 62mi from East Cape Girardeau · 172 sites
Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Giant City State Park
11. Giant City State Park
83%
(3)
State park 27mi from East Cape Girardeau · 65 sites
Sandstone and forest converge for fantastic camping, climbing, and hiking in southern Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ferne Clyffe State Park
12. Ferne Clyffe State Park
100%
(1)
State park 32mi from East Cape Girardeau · 84 sites
There's secret treasure to be found here in the Land of Lincoln.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Murphysboro State Park
13. Lake Murphysboro State Park
State park 34mi from East Cape Girardeau · 61 sites
Camp like a star at this lake and forested wilderness area in southern Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Big Muddy Brewing
14. Big Muddy Brewing
96%
(47)
35mi from East Cape Girardeau · 42 sites · Tents, RVs
Big Muddy Brewing is a production craft brewery and taproom offering over 25 beers on tap. Our taproom has beer tastings, pints and growlers as well as wine and craft spirits. We also have plenty of packaged beer to go.
Our kitchen has Bavarian pretzels, Flatbread pizzas and more.
Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, minutes from the Shawnee National Forest, Kinkaid Lake, Murphysboro State Park & Southern Illinois University.
Check our Facebook page for schedule of music and events.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sycamore Springs Campground
15. Sycamore Springs Campground
96%
(110)
42mi from East Cape Girardeau · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
The campsite sits alongside the Castor River, offering electric hookups at 5 sites as well as 5 primitive tent sites. Enjoy outdoor adventures just minutes away, at the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River, located south of Route J, eight miles east of Fredericktown.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The Art Farm
16. The Art Farm
98%
(212)
43mi from East Cape Girardeau · 24 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. :)
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Red Gate Farm, LLC
17. Red Gate Farm, LLC
92%
(12)
43mi from East Cape Girardeau · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Fredrock Waterfront Glampground
18. Fredrock Waterfront Glampground
99%
(64)
48mi from East Cape Girardeau · 1 site
Fredrock is a small privately owned glampground on crystal clear 12mile Creek.
It is located about 15 minutes from the nearest town on 33 beautiful acres.
Enjoy one of the 7 themed stays or bring your own RV and stay in one of only 5 RV spots.
It is just a few minutes walk to 12 Mile Creek which runs through the property.
Enjoy the beautiful bluffs, shut-ins, gravel river beds and crystal clear water. Swimming, hiking, stargazing, and horseshoes are all available at Fredrock!
Pets
Full hookups
Commerce, MO
19. Commerce, MO
100%
(6)
9.6mi from East Cape Girardeau · 4 sites
The Village of Commerce is located halfway between St.Louis and Memphis. Commerce has an unobstructed view of the Mississippi without a levee.
Twin Creek Cabins
20. Twin Creek Cabins
12mi from East Cape Girardeau · 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.
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Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
K
Katherine
6 days ago
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
Perfect camping spot! Jon was welcoming to our family and pup. We got in late and Jon set a fire so our small one wasn’t cold. Much appreciated! Instead of a packed campsite, we had room to spread out. We will be back again.
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W
Wade
1 week ago
Tent
What a delightful place a.d wonderful hosts! I chose primitive camping, because that was the only available, I look forward to having a peek in the cabins! Secluded, yet close to the things that are needed
Beautiful landscape, plenty of space, quiet, stars, a hot outdoor shower. What a treat. I would stay again when in the area.
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J
Jeremy
1 week ago
Tent
Amazing piece of land. It was really serene! Grateful for Jon and his family for sharing it with me. The little details they put into each site and location is a testament to why they are recognized as a top Hipcamp location!
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C
Colette Y.
1 week ago
16 ft campervan
The property itself was breathtaking, with rolling Fields and numerous places to sit down and appreciate the beauty of nature. I was extremely excited to see a hot water shower outside which I will be recreating at my house!
I was in my campervan and felt safe and pleased to utilize clean port-o-lets.
The host was delightful as well.
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M
Mom's
2 weeks ago
Tent
What a beautiful place! Thanks for welcoming me and letting me share property on my journey. Will be back. The sweet kitty kept me company while I packed up.
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C
Cailin
2 weeks ago
Tent
We always have the best time at Jon’s place! Practically had the place to ourselves. Jon is great about checking in and getting you anything you need for a good time! We will be back as always!!
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L
Lori
2 weeks ago
29 ft travel trailer
We were delighted with this campsite. It was a gorgeous location. Peaceful. Easy pull through site. No leveling needed. Dogs were relaxed as they were able to stretch out after a long drive.
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Zinnia
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Great experience at Jon's place, he went above and beyond to make us comfortable, bathroom was very clean and the bocce court was very fun to have for the kids.
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Adam
2 weeks ago
Tent
Jon was very welcoming and we appreciated the water he left out for us. The surrounding area was beautiful and campsite was perfectly tucked away for quiet and relaxation. Would highly recommend 10/10!
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L
Lyn
3 weeks ago
20 ft travel trailer
This is a super basic camp spot. Great for a quick overnight. What made this an absolute must stop is the owner, the staff, and patrons, of the brewery. The food and drinks are insane! I hope I get a chance to stay again!
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D
Dorine
3 weeks ago
Tent
The animals are all friendly and well cared for. I felt free to roam around and I took some photos. Plenty of room to walk around. There is a store with fresh fresh fresh from the farm items, its only open on Saturday but as a guest you might be able to still purchase milk, eggs, ice cream and meats.
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L
Leo
3 weeks ago
17 ft travel trailer
Campsite excellent! Restaurant on-site was delicious. Disappointed with winery. It was closed.
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D
Donna
April 2026
Tent
With pets
Nice to have electric in the middle of nowhere! Nice location and pretty area.
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Allison
April 2026
40 ft Class A
Stopped by while traveling through - great little spot to get some rest.
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Alicia
April 2026
Tent
Group trip
The road coming out was beautiful! Loved the land we camped on and the Grainzebo was awesome!
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Ryan
April 2026
22 ft travel trailer
Wine trail wilderness delivered again and never disappoints. Thanks Jon for another great stay
Ryan and Tanya
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Nathan
April 2026
27 ft travel trailer
With pets
This place is Awesome! If you’re into camping 5 yards from the river then this is the place for you. We camped here on Easter weekend so we had the entire place to ourselves. Harless was a great host and went out of his way to make sure we were safe and comfortable. There was a 3.5” rain in the middle the night and he was right there the next morning to warn us about the river rising and made sure we were safe. We ended up hooking up and leaving for the day to have lunch and antiquing and returned after the river went down to finish out the weekend. He even offered to refund our $ for the inconvenience! That’s one thing we love about booking through Hipcamp; you meet some of the nicest people and the camps are usually superior than any State Park or Forestry campground. We will be returning to this one.
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Dawn
April 2026
18 ft campervan
I had the most peaceful night here. Laura has an unbelievably beautiful piece of property! There is so much space to find a spot or roam around. The cabins are adorable and there is an outdoor shower. I would definitely recommend this Hipcamp to anyone!
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Gary
April 2026
22 ft campervan
It was a great experience the first time, so we came back. The hosts are warm and welcoming, and we love hiking through the fields with our dogs. It is a little off the beaten path but worth the drive. Quiet and private. If you are driving between the Southeast and the Midwest or the Northwest, this is a great place to stop.
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J
Jason
March 2026
Tent
With pets
Down stream from Castor River Shut-Ins sits this secluded yet easily accessible campground. It is right on the water which is clean and has good fishing. It's very quiet at night with almost no light pollution for stargazers. The sunshine hits the camp area for essentially the entire day. It's a good place to catch some rays! 10/10 would recommend. The owner is friendly and accommodating as well!
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