The best camping near Marion with wildlife watching

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Looking to immerse yourself in nature while wildlife watching near Marion, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp, where you'll find over 770 options specifically tailored to your wildlife watching preferences. With options as low as $5 per night, you can choose from a wide range of campsites that offer stunning views and opportunities to spot local wildlife. Some of the top campsites, like Wine Trail Wilderness (291 reviews), Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews), and Grove On Top Possum Hill (95 reviews), are highly recommended by fellow campers. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and trash facilities. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also enjoy activities like snow sports, biking, and off-roading (OHV). So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable wildlife watching experience!

98% (938)

Top-rated campgrounds

Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

1. Wine Trail Wilderness

100%
(666)
25mi from Marion · 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

6. Sonny Hills

100%
(77)
27mi from Marion · 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
Barn and the windmill in August

15. Little Texas Farm and Lodge

100%
(3)
29mi from Marion · 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 to immerse yourself in nature while wildlife watching near Marion, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp, where you'll find over 770 options specifically tailored to your wildlife watching preferences. With options as low as $5 per night, you can choose from a wide range of campsites that offer stunning views and opportunities to spot local wildlife. Some of the top campsites, like Wine Trail Wilderness (291 reviews), Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews), and Grove On Top Possum Hill (95 reviews), are highly recommended by fellow campers. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and trash facilities. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also enjoy activities like snow sports, biking, and off-roading (OHV). So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable wildlife watching experience!

98% (938)

Top-rated campgrounds

Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

1. Wine Trail Wilderness

100%
(666)
25mi from Marion · 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

6. Sonny Hills

100%
(77)
27mi from Marion · 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
Barn and the windmill in August

15. Little Texas Farm and Lodge

100%
(3)
29mi from Marion · 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

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