🌝 2024 Solar eclipse: Book now for 4/8

The best camping near Trail of Tears State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Trail of Tears adventure.

Hike, hunt, and horseback ride at this conservation area in southwestern Illinois.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Trail of Tears State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Trail of Tears State Forest

Booked 43 times

Pond Ridge Adventure

50 sites ¡ Tents50 acres ¡ Murphysboro, IL
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 animal.Learn more about this land:Mostly suitable for Rv with generators and self contained units
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$50
 / night
100%
(439)

Wine Trail Wilderness

11 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
100%
(3)

Ridge Camping Private

34 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres ¡ Mill Creek, IL
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!!!!!!!!!!! We're hosting a festival from April 4-9, so ticket prices have changed. Each site accommodates only two people during these dates. All other attendees must purchase tickets through our website: https://willowspringscampground.com/event/willow-springs-awakening-eclipse-festival/.
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$10
 / night
100%
(3)

Robyn M.’s Land

81 sites ¡ RVs, Tents42 acres ¡ Tamms, IL
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$20
 / night
100%
(22)

Community of Faith Church-Eclipse

82 sites ¡ RVs15 acres ¡ Marion, IL
Our church sits on approximtely 15 acres of open property. Community of Faith is a non-denominational protestant church. Services are held on Sunday at 10am in the Sanctuary. The church's Boy Scout troop is in charge of the camping and will be there to assist guests as needed. The property has large open grassy areas with access to 3 outdoor flushing restroom facilities, a pavilion and a fire pit. Campers are welcome to camp right on the property, vehicles allowed at camp site (subject to ground moisture levels) otherwise parking areas are very close by. Plenty of room for campers to spread out and enjoy their own space. Campers would need to bring their own equipment, tables, chairs, etc. Property is located at the intersection of Rt 148 and Rt 13 on the outskirts of Marion IL. It is minutes away from numerous shopping and food conveniences.
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$40
 / night
Booked 29 times

Tall Tree Lake

38 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
100%
(1)

Ruff Neck Campsite

30 sites ¡ TentsCarbondale , IL
Located in Southern Illinois, home to the Saluki. Ruff Neck Campsite offers a great location just 2 miles from Walker's Bluff, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (Shawnee Forest), and town amenities. The campsite is a great place to see the wildlife and if you are lucky, catch a glimps of the Bald Eagle 🦅Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent at the Ruff Neck Campsite. Located 2 miles from Walker's Bluff, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, and town with eateries.
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from 
$150
 / night
100%
(1)

Big Muddy Brewing

22 sites ¡ RVs, Tents3 acres ¡ Murphysboro, IL
Big Muddy Brewing - Dead Center For 2024 Total Eclipse "The Great Gig In The Sky". Camping that week includes Free Shuttle Bus to Pond Ridge Adventure Campground (Eclipse Overflow Camping) plus local restaurants and attractions, Friday Night: Adlar Planetarium Presentations including Star Gazing , Music Saturday & Sunday By The Ivas John Band & The Monolithic Pink Floyd Night Show. Big Muddy's 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 Flatbread pizzas, Chicago dogs, Italian beef subs, Bavarian pretzels & more. Check our Facebook page for a schedule of events.
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$25
 / night
100%
(1)

Hicks Haven Campsite

10 sites ¡ RVs, Tents300 acres ¡ Jonesboro, IL
Part of my property has been in my family for over 60 years. Our farm has grown to its current 300 acres in the last 20 years. The farm is our home where we enjoy privacy and natures beauty. Learn more about this land: Camping spots available for the Solar Eclipse 2024 from April 6 through April 9. Only 15 min. from Bald Knob Cross and Makanda, IL, 30 minutes from Carbondale, IL and close by Shawnee National Forest and State Parks. Camping Spaces are mostly 30 ft x 60 ft. Spaces are marked so campers can choose from available campsites upon arrival. Campers must be self-contained. Tents are welcomed. Grass Surface with No potable water, electrical hookups, or dump services. Porta-potties are available. Feel free to enjoy the community campfire, whereas wood is provided. Bring your lawn chairs and telescopes. Along with a fishing pole to fish in the nearby pond. Beautiful easy access outdoor secluded camping, near the small towns of Anna-Jonesboro and Cobden, IL. Located nearby is the Blue Boar, Dixie BBQ, Brickhouse Grill, Iron Whisk, and other restaurants to enjoy. Hicks Haven is located in the heart of Southern Illinois Wine Trail. There are several award winning wineries in our area. At least a dozen wineries are as close as 5 to 30 minutes from the campsite. Several lakes are in the area and Parks with easy and rough terrain hiking paths. Just minutes away in Jonesboro is the Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds which is home of one of the Lincoln/Douglas Debates. There are bluffs in the Shawnee National Forest Trail of Tears and plenty of other trails and parks just a short drive away.
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$150
 / night
Booked 5 times

Solar Eclipse 2024 Campsites

98 sites ¡ RVs, Tents30 acres ¡ Ava, IL
Front and Outback Spots available- RV, campers, and tents are welcome First come, first serve 30 X 60 Camp Spots for Campers and RV's - $125 per night 30 X 30 Camp Spots for Tents- $100 per night. ( Send a message and we'll give you discount code) Available in fenced in and gated area 1 mile away from town in country setting 24/7 surveillance Beautiful sunset view 5 acre pond- No swimming, No fishing No hook up (No water, electric, or sewer) Dumpster is available for garbage Water on premise, provide own holding tank Porta Potty available Very accommodating Bring your gators to drive to town to eat at crazy Joe's fish house, or have fun at Kinkaid Lake, or go back roading, the options are endless. Half a mile from Sharp Rock Falls Campground, with a 150 permanent campers year around
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$125
 / night
100%
(4)

The Ridge

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents80 acres ¡ Scott City, MO
Nestled atop a serene ridge in a lush, wooded area lies this tranquil property. Turkeys roam freely, alongside an array of other wildlife, making this 60-acre oasis their home. A private lake with a charming dock adds to the allure of this secluded retreat. Accessible via a gravel road just a stone's throw away from Interstate I55, this location is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, the air is filled with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. The peaceful atmosphere invites visitors to relax and recharge, away from the noise and distractions of the city. Whether you prefer to spend your days fishing on the lake, hiking through the woods, or simply lounging on the dock with a good book, this tranquil oasis offers something for everyone. Come unwind, unplug, and bask in the beauty of nature at this idyllic getaway.
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$10
 / night
98%
(107)

The Art Farm Women's Retreat

67 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres ¡ Paducah, KY
The Art Farm is women owned. The farm is 34 acres of rolling farmland, woods and pasture. We are surrounded by woodland and farmland 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. Native land of Chickasaw, Quapaw and Osage nations. LGBTQ friendly. :)
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$35
 / night

The best camping near Trail of Tears State Forest guide

Overview

About

Walk or trot along 22 miles of trails in this 5,000-acre wood. This state forest is situated in western Union County 5 miles northwest of Jonesboro. Get into the woods at any time of year thanks to well-marked trails and plenty of trees.

Explore a nature preserve and a state-run tree nursery. Trek over rugged hillsides at the Ozark Hills Nature Preserve. This area contains some of the most varied terrains in Illinois.

Just west of this forest lies the Mississippi River as it churns towards the Ohio River near Cairo. The river helps birds as they migrate through the area. Binoculars come in handy for spotting birds, foxes, coyotes, and chipmunks. Keep your eyes peeled for a multitude of adorable flying squirrels.

Visit this forest in fall time for resplendent colors. Peak times are often in early to mid-October. Spring creates blooms of wildflowers in the prairie portions of the park.

Reserve one of 19 campsites here. Fourteen are for RVs, while five have rustic shelters.

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