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 State Forest adventure.

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

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Community favorites near Trail of Tears State Forest

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 Trail of Tears State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Trail of Tears State Forest

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Sonny Hills

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents70 acres · Eddyville, IL
GREAT for enjoying the beautiful fall colors of Southern Illinois. 70 secluded acres adjoining the Shawnee National Forest area with hiking trails, woods and water activities. Close to Garden of the Gods (10 min), RimRock, Pounds Hollow, Belle Smith Springs, Lusk Creek and other trails. We are in the middle of the Shawnee surrounded by trees, our own lake, you can hike around and walk the land in solitude, yet, we are only 25 minutes to Harrisburg. The closest grocery/merchandise store is only 5 minutes away. Cabin-2BR -1 Q, 1 K/1BA sleeps 4- possible 5, Completely modernized, with Heating/ac, full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator, coffee pot, grill, laundry, NO INTERNET. Kitchen is fully equipped with all cooking utensils, crock pot, toasters, dual flex brew coffeemaker, plates and all utensils, as well as with coffee, creamer, sugar, cooking oil, aluminum foil, and condiments. Large great room, with native sandstone fireplace, that has been converted to gas for easy lighting. Hot Tub on the large back deck with nice views of private lake and hills. Enjoy the large front porch that adjoins the deck and wraps around 3/4 of the cabin. Secluded, private, Fire pit. Free firewood. $115.00 per night for two people, Discount for weekday stay. 2 night minimum. Tent and RV camping sites available. RV pads for self-contained campers. One Electric space available. Water available from spigot and hose. No sewer. Porta-Potty on premises. No showers. No Internet. It is suggested that campers arrive at or before sunset. The drive is not lit, and the camp area also has no lights. Shade or sunny areas. Pets and service dogs welcome with notice. Must be dog friendly (owner has 5 Irish Wolfhounds, and one small mix breed that runs the place). Dogs must have proof of vaccinations. Creeks, hills, hiking trails, and private pond full of bluegill and bass. Kayaks, paddleboards, canoe and boat. NO lifeguard on duty. Life preservers/jackets must be worn when around the pond. All above activities are done at your own risk, children must be supervised.
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$14.96
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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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$50
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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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$75
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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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$7
 / 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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