Lakeside camping near Cape Girardeau with fishing
See how the Mississippi River shaped the landscapes and culture of this Missouri city.
98% (496 reviews)
- Cape Girardeau
98% (496 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Cape Girardeau
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Dog-friendly getaways
8 top lakeside campgrounds near Cape Girardeau with fishing
100%
(466)
Wine Trail Wilderness
16 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · 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.
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$30
/ night
86%
(7)
Robyn M.’s Land
81 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Tamms, IL
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$20
/ night
100%
(30)
Tall Tree Lake
62 sites · RVs, Tents220 acres · Buncombe, IL
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.
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$32
/ night
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(4)
Broken Paddle Lake
9 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Zalma, MO
If you love fishing and being outdoors. This spot is for you. The Bass, Crappie and large Bluegill are awaiting your catch. You can keep your catch and cook fresh for your dinner.
There is a dock to hang out on flat surface for camping and RV.
Enjoy your time away from the everyday hustle and bustle.
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$50
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(11)
Heron House Total Eclipse Camping
20 sites · Tents3 acres · Murphysboro, IL
2024 Total Eclipse Camping in the Path of Totality and Longest Duration
Four minutes and six seconds of totality!
Pitch your tent in the path of totality at the edge of Kinkaid Lake and the Shawnee Forest. Campsites have shade and views of open skies for the eclipse. Immerse yourself in the experience at the edge of a lake away from light pollution. The entire eclipse will last over 2 hours, start to finish.
Additional attractions and amenities are detailed below. We look forward to hosting you!
Heron House Campground is in the path of totality and just a few miles from the point of greatest duration. This listing is for 1 of a handful of sites that can be booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
Heron House is located a few miles northwest of Murphysboro at the edge of Kinkaid Lake and the Shawnee National Forest in the Illinois Ozarks (away from city lights). It is gorgeous country!
Here the skies are dark, the laughs are belly-deep, the wildlife is boisterous, and deep breaths of contentment live among the breezes in the bluffs.
Heron House is a relaxing camping environment with friendly hosts.
$90 per camper per day, tents only. Campsites are available April 6-April 11. There will be numerous events taking place in the region. 3-night minimum. Feel free to participate in all of them or simply kick back and enjoy the serenity of springtime at the edge of a lake in the Shawnee National Forest.
Campsites have shade trees and access to uninhibited views (open skies for the eclipse). The night skies are stunning here. Heron House also has a shaded porch that campers are welcome to sit and enjoy a cold beverage on. :) Campsites will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Attractions and Amenities:
~Multiple gorgeous hiking trails—from easy to rigorous—and biking opportunities close by
~Owners/hosts on-site
~Walking distance to restaurant, bar, laundry (coin), showers, and convenience shop
~Kinkaid Lake Spillway is the area’s most beautiful “swimming hole” and can be accessed by car (6-min. drive) or boat
~Fishing docks and lake within walking distance
~Beautiful lakeside and sunset strolls
~Scads of wineries and breweries in the area, including the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
~Parking on-site (one standard-size parking place per campsite)
~Award-winning restaurants nearby, including 17th Street Barbecue, three-time World Grand Champions
~Science and history museums (adult and kid-friendly)
~The area is a nature lover’s paradise, surrounded by national forest and state parks and stunning beauty.
Campers have access to shared, serviced toilet facilities and hand-washing stations that meet county code. Laundry (coin) and shower facilities are located within walking distance. Potable water, dumpster for trash, and a large, in-the-ground, shared campfire pit for campers to share. Campers are very welcome to bring self-sustaining cooking/campfire equipment as long as it is in a contained unit that is raised off of the ground. In other words, no fires or dig pits on/in the ground. Thanks!
A power-strip station is available for campers to share to charge mobile phones, laptops, and tablets; these are the only electronic devices that can be charged at the power station, so please be sure to have adequate batteries or charging equipment for other devices. For the courtesy of others, gas-powered generators are not permitted, and power is not available on-site for electric generators.
Please note that each individual camper must sign a release of liability (guardians sign for minors). If the release has not been signed before arrival, it must be signed upon arrival. Please note that refunds will not be granted, including for refusal to sign the release on the part of any camper in the party.
Free coffee in the morning for early risers from 6 a.m. 'til it's gone—and free treats in the evening for after-supper snackers ('til they're gone). :)
We look forward to hosting your magnificent stay in Southernmost Illinois for the 2024 Total Eclipse!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
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from
$80
/ night
100%
(3)
Eclipse Camping-Kinkaid Lake ILOzrk
8 sites · Tents3 acres · Murphysboro, IL
This property is currently operating at the following Hipcamp link, where you can read reviews, see additional photos, and book: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/illinois-heron-house-total-eclipse-camping-306yh9ml
2024 Total Eclipse Camping in the Path of Totality and Longest Duration
Four minutes and six seconds of totality!
Immerse yourself in the experience at the edge of a lake away from light pollution. The entire eclipse will last over 2 hours, start to finish.
Pitch your tent in the path of totality at the edge of Kinkaid Lake and the Shawnee Forest. Campsites have shade and views of open skies for the eclipse.
Additional attractions and amenities are detailed below.
We look forward to hosting you!
Heron House Campground is in the path of totality and just a few miles from the point of greatest duration.
This listing is for 1 of a handful of sites that can be booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
Heron House is located 5 ½ miles northwest of Murphysboro at the edge of Kinkaid Lake and the Shawnee National Forest in the Illinois Ozarks (away from city lights).
It is gorgeous country! Here the skies are dark, the laughs are belly-deep, the wildlife is boisterous, and deep breaths of contentment live among the breezes in the bluffs. Heron House Family Campground is registered as an approved campground with the local health department (Jackson County).
Heron House is a relaxing camping environment with friendly hosts.
Campsites are available April 4-April 9.
3-night minimum
$90 per camper per day, tents only
Payment and signed release of liability for the individual making the reservation are due at the time of reservation.
Campsites have shade trees and access to uninhibited views (open skies for the eclipse). The night skies are stunning here. Heron House also has a shaded porch that campers are welcome to sit and enjoy a cold beverage on. :) Campsites will be booked in the order that payment and releases are received.
Attractions and Amenities:
•Multiple gorgeous hiking trails--from easy to rigorous--and biking opportunities close by (hosts have additional information)
•Walking distance to Kinkaid Lake and Marina, which has a restaurant, bar, laundry, showers, and convenience shop
•Kinkaid Lake Spillway is the area’s most beautiful “swimming hole” and can be accessed by car (6-min. drive) or boat
•Fishing docks and lake within walking distance
•Beautiful lakeside and sunset strolls
•Owners/hosts on-site
•Wineries nearby (by car); firewood available for purchase on-site
•Parking on-site (one standard-size parking place per campsite)
•Award-winning restaurants nearby, including 17th Street Barbecue, three-time World Grand Champions
•Science and history museums (adult and kid-friendly)
•The area is a nature lover’s paradise, surrounded by national forest and state parks and stunning beauty
Campers have access to shared, serviced toilet facilities and hand-washing stations that meet county code. Laundry (coin) and shower facilities are located within walking distance at the local marina. Potable water, dumpster for trash, and a large, in-the-ground, shared campfire pit for campers to share. Campers are very welcome to bring self-sustaining cooking/campfire equipment as long as it is in a contained unit that is raised off of the ground. In other words, no fires or dig pits on/in the ground. Thanks!
A power-strip station is available for campers to share to charge mobile phones, laptops, and tablets; these are the only electronic devices that can be charged at the power station, so please be sure to have adequate batteries or charging equipment for other devices. For the courtesy of others, gas-powered generators are not permitted, and power is not available on-site for electric generators.
Reservations will be secured once payment and release for the individual whose name is on the reservation have been received, but please note that each individual camper must sign a release of liability (guardians sign for minors). If the release has not been signed before arrival, it must be signed upon arrival. Please note that refunds will not be granted, including for refusal to sign the release on the part of any camper in the party.
Free coffee in the morning for early risers from 6 a.m. 'til it's gone, and free treats in the evening for after-supper snackers ('til they're gone). :)
We look forward to hosting your magnificent stay in Southernmost Illinois for the 2024 Total Eclipse!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$90
/ night
99%
(83)
Monarch Hill Vineyard
18 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Ste. Genevieve, MO
Welcome to Monarch Hill! Tucked away in the hills of Ste. Genevieve County, we enjoy watching the sun rise and set over our secluded pastures and vineyards.
Our hilltop sites offer an open area with fire rings and picnic tables, great for groups or social butterflies. These offer well water at the nearby barn for drinking and showering.
The Seclusion sites are private escapes for those who want to immerse themselves in the sounds of nature. Take in the chirps of frogs, birds and crickets at these isolated sites.
We offer a complimentary wood basket with every booking, and have additional fire-building supplies available. Be sure to check out our experiences to make the most of your stay, and don't forget to reserve a s'more kit!
*** April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse ***
We are excited to be located in the best viewing path for this year's total eclipse! We will be preparing additional sites as needed for this weekend, so if we are fully booked check back soon or message us to reserve a spot. More information to come as we approach the date.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$50
/ night
Vogt Farm
3 sites · Tents4 acres · Carterville, IL
Multiple tent spots available! Nestled in the heart of southern Illinois, our property offers a picturesque setting with a wildlife refuge, lakes, waterfalls, and proximity to top wineries. Explore the beauty of the Shawnee National Forest through stunning hiking and biking trails or satisfy your adventurous side with ATV parks for mud enthusiasts. Take in the iconic Bald Knob Cross, enjoy riverside activities, indulge in hunting and fishing, or unwind with a round of golf. Our property caters to a variety of interests, ensuring there's something for everyone in the breathtaking landscape of southern Illinois. Need to get reservation in ASAP the spot's will fill quickly $100 deposit required we accept cash app and chime or ask for a different payment method.
Campsite RULES
A liability waiver must be signed at arrival
420 friendly, drinking is permitted belligerent will not be accepted.
Porta potty will be accessible, firewood will be available for campfires.
Trash cans will be provided.
We ask for all campers to respect the property owners and your fellow camper
No pets allowed sorry. We do have dogs on our property and are very friendly but will be managed during the event.
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$500
/ night
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Lakeside camping near Cape Girardeau with fishing guide
Overview
As the Mississippi River makes a slow roll from St. Louis to the Missouri Bootheel, it crosses through the historic town of Cape Girardeau. Once a trading post on the frontier, Cape, as locals call it, offers a relaxed travel experience. Take a stroll through Old Town Cape to find restaurants and shops in historic buildings, some covered with colorful murals, or ponder the grandness of the Mississippi at Riverfront Park. Campers will find private RV parks in Cape and the nearby town of Jackson. Full hookups, free wifi, and other amenities are available. Public campgrounds offer sites for both tents and RVs, with scenic views and varied hookups.
Where to go
Trail of Tears State Park
Trail of Tears State Park commemorates the solemn history of the forced relocation of the Cherokee tribe in the mid-1800s. The visitor center shares details of this piece of the park’s story, as well as the unique geology and geography. Prominent lookouts offer prime views of the Mississippi River. Hike trails through the woodlands and along the waters. Fish, boat, or paddle in “The Big Muddy” or the clearer waters of Lake Boutin. Or, camp alongside the lake or river. Basic, electric, and full hookup sites are available, some with water views.
Shawnee National Forest
West of Cape Girardeau, Shawnee National Forest offers outdoor recreation and camping in Illinois’s only national forest, which offers a 250,000-acre natural playground with woodlands, prairies, waterways, and waterfalls to explore. Nine campgrounds are found across Southern Illinois. Pine Hills Campground is the closest to Cape and has primitive sites for both tents and RVs.
Giant City State Park
Deep in Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park is just under an hour northeast of Cape Girardeau. Named for the massive sandstone bluffs that rise like skyscrapers over the woodlands, this state park is a recreational haven, offering hiking trails, horseback riding, archery, rock climbing, and more. The Giant City Campground has tent and RV sites nestled in the trees, offering partial hookups. Other accommodations include an onsite lodge and cabins, including rustic, historic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
When to go
As the spring weather warms, the great outdoors begin to beckon, with peeping leaves and wildflowers, making this a pleasant time for camping in Cape Girardeau. The temperatures reach their peaks, sometimes in the 90s or above, in summer, as humidity seeps into the region. Fall is a scenic time to visit, with colorful leaves and pleasant temperatures. Missouri winters are generally cold, with bursts of freezing temps and snow and ice, meaning campers should be weather aware.
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