Best Camping in and near Giant City State Park

75% (2 reviews)

Sandstone and forest converge for fantastic camping, climbing, and hiking in southern Illinois.

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Community favorites near Giant City State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Giant City State Park

Giant City Campground

65 sites · RVs, Tents In Giant City State Park

from

$8

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Giant City State Park

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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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(1)

Big Muddy Brewing

37 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.

Booked 49 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

Booked 51 times

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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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.

89%

(9)

Red Gate Farm, LLC

2 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Creal Springs, IL

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.

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(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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(5)

Robyn M.’s Land

81 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Tamms, IL

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(10)

Barbara W.’s Land

26 sites · Tents25 acres · Tunnel Hill, IL

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(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/.

Booked 6 times

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!

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(6)

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!

The best camping near Giant City State Park 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.