The best camping near Lake Murphysboro State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Murphysboro State Park adventure.

Camp like a star at this lake and forested wilderness area in southern Illinois.

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Community favorites near Lake Murphysboro State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lake Murphysboro State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Murphysboro 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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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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Kaskaskia River Camping & RV Park

41 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · New Athens, IL

Welcome to the Village of New Athens RV Park! We sincerely appreciate your choice to stay with us. As you settle in, we're thrilled to invite you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our campgrounds and the warmth of our community. Our park offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. You'll find convenient water hookups and sewer connections, along with waterfront views that promise a serene and picturesque experience. Embrace the outdoors at our picnic area and explore the surrounding landscapes, as we happily welcome pets, making your stay pet-friendly. For the adventurous souls, we have hike and bike campsites, providing opportunities for thrilling exploration on our gravel roads. Should you require any essentials during your stay, rest assured, we have gasoline available nearby. And as the evening settles in, gather around the fire pit, where cherished memories are created, fostering camaraderie among fellow travelers. While you're here, don't miss out on the various activities we offer. Cast a line and indulge in the art of fishing, or take to the waters for a boating adventure that promises to be both invigorating and unforgettable. Once again, thank you for being our guest. We look forward to making your time with us truly memorable as you embrace the wonders of our Village of New Athens RV Park. Happy exploring!

Lake Perry Campground

28 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Perryville, MO

Lake Perry Campground was established in July, 2024. We are located just outside the main gates of Lake Perry. Lake Perry is a private, gated, lake community that is only accessible by lot owners and their guests. Lake Perry Campground offers 16 full hookup (water, 70 amp electric, and sewer) camping/RV sites that include 8 pull through lots that are 25'wide x 40' long, and 8 back-in lots ranging from 25-30' wide and 30-70' long. Two buddy lots (camper & tent) are available as well. We also have 2 tent lots with 20amp electric and water. We have an ice vending machine on-site 24/7. Starting fall of 2024, we will start construction of a 30'x50' covered pavilion with restrooms and shower houses along with a full bar serving canned beer, craft draft beer, mixed drinks, premium wines, and adult slushy drinks such as the nearly famous Perrywacker (8 liquors). Also available late fall/early winter 2024 is a 400 square foot studio cabin featuring a 12x12 deck, bedroom, full kitchen, full bath, and a kitchenette/bar. (Sleeps 4) We are 5 miles from Mark Twain national Forest, as well as multiple conservation areas with creek access. Several wineries are nearby through scenic backroads. (Charleville, Chaumette, Twin Oaks, Sand Creek). Bring your SXS's for days of backroad riding that spans 4 counties (Perry, Ste Genevieve, Madison, and Bollinger). Check out the featured post on our Facebook page for an extensive list of nearby attractions.

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Big Muddy Brewing

42 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Murphysboro, IL

Big Muddy Brewing is 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 Bavarian pretzels, Flatbread pizzas and more. Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, minutes from the Shawnee National Forest, Kinkaid Lake, Murphysboro State Park & Southern Illinois University. Check our Facebook page for schedule of music and events.

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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.

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Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents65 acres · Eddyville, IL

Experience unparalleled privacy, seclusion, and the soothing sounds of nature during your stay in this expansive and distinctive retreat. Unlike any other private property in the vicinity, our land boasts an array of natural features including ponds, waterfalls, cliffs, bluffs, fields, forests, trails, and creeks scattered throughout. With several trails branching out in all directions into the Shawnee National Forest, exploration opportunities abound. Each of our spacious campsites is thoughtfully designed to afford maximum privacy, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed retreat into nature. Just a short 5-10 minute drive down the road, Burden Falls awaits, offering a scenic natural wonder to explore. The Garden of the Gods, another iconic attraction, is a mere 15-20 minute drive away, inviting you to marvel at its breathtaking rock formations and panoramic vistas. For added convenience and indulgence, homemade breakfast and lunch sandwiches are available upon request, allowing you to savor delicious meals without the hassle of preparation. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and indulge in the ultimate retreat experience at our unique property.

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Ridge Camping Private

34 sites · 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!!!!!!!!!!!

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Sycamore Springs Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Fredericktown, MO

The campsite sits alongside the Castor River, offering electric hookups at 5 sites for campers. There is day pass availability as well as 5 Tent camping sites. Enjoy outdoor adventures just minutes away, at the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River, located south of Route J, eight miles east of Fredericktown.

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Bubba J's RV Park

13 sites · RVs3 acres · Nason, IL

Welcome to Bubba J's RV Park. 85' + Pull Throughs with FULL hookups - 20/30/50 Amp Electric - year-round water (bring a pressure regulator, our water pressure is great!)- 4" sewer. Huge clean restrooms (sorry, no showers). Each site has a picnic table and fire pit (firewood NOT provided so please bring your own).

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Camp Ondessonk

9 sites · Tents983 acres · Ozark, IL

Operating since 1959, Camp Ondessonk is a non-profit youth camp on 983 acres of beautiful wooded property adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest. Guests have access to several miles of paved road for walking and cycling, 15 miles of on-site hiking and biking trails, and access to a huge network of public Shawnee National Forest trails including the River-to-River Trail. Our property is home to the tallest free-falling waterfall in Illinois, Cedar Falls, as well as rock bottom creeks, canyons, prairies, forests, and hills. Detailed trail maps of our property and the surrounding area are available. Guests are welcome to stroll the grounds, observe our horses grazing in the pastures, enjoy views of our lakes and forests, or relax by the campfire. Stop by the Camp Store at the Trading Post to purchase Ondessonk apparel, souvenirs, or essential items. To schedule a guided hike, boating, archery, or horseback riding program, or test yourself on our high challenge course or climbing wall, contact Ondessonk staff for program availability and more information. The Camp Kitchen can prepare certain meals for you; contact us for meal availability and more information.

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Shooting House 2

3 sites · Lodging, RVs70 acres · Mount Vernon, IL

Peacefully secluded and nestled in a private wooded setting with fully graveled spots and available power this location has several miles of atv and hiking trails and is loaded with wildlife. If fishing is your thing don't forget your fishing poles! This is also a fantastic spot for finding old bottles and jars. For an additional fee there will also be horse and buggy rides to show you some key historical points along the Goshen Trail.

The best camping near Lake Murphysboro State Park guide

Overview

About

Majestic rolling hills and dense woods surround star-shaped Lake Murphysboro in southern Illinois. Stroll among water, woods, and wilderness.

See the wild orchids that grow in wooded areas. Discover yellow lady's slipper, purple fringeless, twayblade, puttyroot, and coralroot for splashes of natural color. View flowers at almost any time, because these orchids bloom throughout the year. Fall time is particularly lovely thanks to color-changing foliage.

Relax in the shade near the shores of the lake, because trees come right up to the water. Cast your line for largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie. Anglers note the fishing for channel cats and largemouth bass is excellent.

Explore the area along a 3-mile designated trail. Several offshoots of the main trail criss-cross the entire park. Set up a base camp before driving to nearby Kinkaid Lake and the Mississippi River. This lake has 54 electrical 20 rustic sites.