- Giant City State Park
The best camping in Giant City State Park, IL
75% (2)
Sandstone and forest converge for fantastic camping, climbing, and hiking in southern Illinois.
The best camping in Giant City State Park, IL
75% (2)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Giant City State Park adventure.
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Brie
1 week ago
Tent
We had a nice time at Laura’s. Kindly showed us where everything was, was very respectful and we felt very safe there. The cats were adorable too!
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Sheldon
2 weeks ago
19 ft campervan
Laura’s camp space was great. Perfectly flat for our van and very quiet. We had a lovely evening.
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Alex
2 weeks ago
Tent
Even if you stay just one night to break up travel (as I did), I highly recommend the Art Farm. The spaciousness of the camp was a delight. I arrived at the property around 9 pm, and Laura graciously showed me a secluded site towards the back of the tract. The nearest camper was far away, and though it was mid-November when I stayed, I could still envision seclusion in a busier season. The land was well-maintained, and Laura offers a variety of camping spots. Paducah was also well worth seeing- a lovely town right along the Ohio River with several cool spots! I’ll be back!
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James
2 weeks ago
20 ft travel trailer
Great sites and great hosts! John was super helpful and accommodating, taught us how to play bocce ball on the court there, and even helped us with a maintenance issue on my camper. The grainzebo was awesome!!! Can't wait to go back.
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Wilson
3 weeks ago
17 ft travel trailer
With pets
Our experience at Wine Trail Wilderness was great despite plunging temperatures this past weekend. The roomy site allowed for our 2 young dogs to zoom around the field and the pavilion and outhouse were experiences of themselves. Jon was a great host and fun to talk to when he was walking his dog Norton. The location between 2 of our favorite wineries was a bonus. The scenery with the fall colors was beautiful to see. We can’t wait to come back. Becky and Wilson
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Frank
3 weeks ago
Tent
It was fantastic camping on Jon’s land he was the perfect host, very attentive and was willing to work with our schedule. It made for a great weekend of climbing at holy boulders… it’s like 15min from the boulders!
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Dom
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Genuinely the best experience I’ve had on HipCamp, AirBnB, anything. They are seriously the most accommodating, kind, humble, and helpful hosts I’ve ever had. I can’t say enough good about these two people. The cabin and the camping spots were so clean, well maintained, and roomy. The land is gorgeous. We will be back for sure.
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Kyle
3 weeks ago
19 ft pop-up camper
With pets
This is the third time I've stayed at WTW. It was the first time staying in the far away field and we loved it. Jon checked in and would deliver firewood (if needed). I'm sure we will be back!
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Jeff
3 weeks ago
23 ft travel trailer
Great place to stay. Nice view. Staff were very friendly.
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Bryson
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Beautiful campground with an awesome host! Will definitely stay again next time we are out this way!
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Elizabeth
November 2025
Tent
I loved camping on Laura's land! Porta-potty, shower, and hot tub are all near the site. It looks quiet, and the view across the field was lovely!
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Samantha
October 2025
10 ft travel trailer
With pets
This was a perfect primitive camp for us! The area had plenty of privacy with a beautiful scenery. Early mornings, next to the woods gave a good spot to drink some coffee and watch the wildlife. Easily accessible, and not far from town if you needed to make a quick trip.
Communication with Laura was friendly, quick and easy.
Definitely saving this spot for our next trip in the area:)
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Michael
October 2025
Tent
This was my second stay and for good reason. Jennifer is accommodating, friendly and the space is just great!
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Hayley
October 2025
16 ft car
Beautiful, private campsite that is right next to the national forest. We had a wonderful night here!
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Beth
October 2025
Tent
This is a lovely camp site near a small pond and a 5 minute walk to a new and very clean out house. Our camp hosts were very hospital, friendly and accommodating. They brought us lots of fire wood as it was pretty cold when we stayed there. We spent many hours around the large fire ring just talking and enjoying the quiet. We did not have clear skies so we weren't able to take advantage of the star gazing, but the area is free from light pollution and the nearby field would give you lots of space to star gaze. I highly recommend this site.
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Katrina
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Spent the weekend tent camping. It was perfect! The owners were great. The land is beautiful and very dog friendly. The porta potty was very clean. This will be one of my favorites. So peaceful.
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Molly
October 2025
Tent
With pets
John and Carla were amazing hosts. They lead us to our site on their 4-wheeler, and even gave us a wine opener to borrow after we forgot to bring one. The campsite had everything we needed and was super clean, level, and open yet wooded. They came by to check on us after the first night. We were able to order firewood and wine from them ahead of time so it was at the site when we got there. This was amazing because we are usually trying to find space in the truck for firewood. They also provide ice water in a 5 gallon jug which saved us some packing space. We came with two dogs so we asked for one of their more private sites and they delivered. Didn’t see any other campers the entire weekend. Location is awesome for a variety of activities. I would love to return with my coworkers and this would be a perfect spot for our yearly camping trip. We also noticed lots of materials staged around the property so it seems like they are planning some improvements to their already amazing place.
This wasn’t a problem for us but I wanted to mention as I know it can be a deal breaker for some. There was not a bathroom with running water, just a private privy in one of those little portable tents. It was cleaned and stocked and very much appreciated.
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Erin
October 2025
With kids
Loved our stay. Simple, clean, quiet. Exactly what we needed. We all slept so soundly.
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Samuel
October 2025
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
The area was very accessible and was set up in a really nice convenient way. Jon met us at the driveway, greeted us with a warm smile and helped us get our water situated. After that he assisted me getting the trailer leveled and ready to go and made sure we had firewood. On Saturday, he came and checked on us and he's an incredible host and this was one of the best trips we had. Being within walking distance of a winery and a very short drive to another one is amazing and it was so quiet. And for the record I've never seen anybody have a better portable toilet outside than at Jon's property (Plus the bocce ball court was amazing and we had a great time playing with some people we met there as well this weekend). Suffice to say, we will definitely come back and visit Jon again and for anybody who may want a really great camping experience there is none better than what Jon provides.
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Travis
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We love WTW! We camp here multiple times a year and it's always well deserving of the best in Illinois title! Everything is taken care of and we just get to setup camp and relax.
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Other options near Giant City State Park
The best camping in Giant City State Park, IL guide
Overview
About
Giant City State Park is a wooded wonderland with towering sandstone formations deep in the Shawnee National Forest of southern Illinois. Hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and rappelling are big draws, and the park’s central campground puts you in the heart of the action. Highlights include the sandstone bluffs of Giant City Streets, the park’s fern- and trillium-lined trails, and the Devils Standtable climbing area. The sole Giant City Campground features a number of tent campsites, 14 walk-in campsites, and access to the 1930s Giant City Lodge. Horseback riders can enjoy an equestrian camp and 12 miles of equestrian trails too.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Of the 85 Giant City campsites, 60 are reservable and 25 are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Reservations are seasonal and only available from April 1 to November 30. From December 1 to March 31, the campground remains open but all sites are first-come, first-served.
- Reservable sites can be booked 180 days in advance online or by calling (866) 716-6550.
- Get your reservations in order early for the peak season of Memorial Day to Labor Day.
When to go
Giant City State Park operates year-round, although the summer season is the most popular time for camping, with highs in the upper 80s and lows in the upper 60s. Spring visitors can enjoy an especially verdant forest with wildflowers, while autumn campers will be treated to a fall foliage transformation in the park’s oak and hickory trees. Winter visitors can expect nighttime temperatures at or below freezing from December to February, as well as some services to be shut off, including the campground showers.
Know before you go
- For services near the park, check out Carbondale, about a 15-minute drive north.
- If you’re not up for tent or RV camping, the Giant City Lodge offers cabin rentals. The lodge’s restaurant also has a famous fried chicken dinner.
- Giant City Stables operates within the park to offer guided trail rides and pony rides between March and November. They can be reached at (618)529-4110.
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