Camping near Carbondale with wildlife watching
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97% (649 reviews)
- Carbondale
97% (649 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Carbondale
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top campgrounds near Carbondale with wildlife watching
100%
(15)
Sonny Hills
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents70 acres · Eddyville, IL
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 with trees, lake, hiking trails and 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 stocked; plates and all utensils, as well as with coffee, creamer, sugar, cooking oil, aluminum foil, and condiments. Large great room, with native sandstone fireplace and nice views of private lake and hills. Large back porch, Secluded, private, Fire pit. Free firewood. $85.00 per night, $60.00 cleaning fee
Primitive tent 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.
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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$15
/ night
100%
(508)
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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$30
/ night
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(4)
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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$10
/ night
97%
(32)
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
100%
(31)
The Back 20
128 sites · Tents2 acres · Mount Vernon, IL
Discover the beauty of nature on our 20-acre property, where primitive tent sites await your peaceful retreat. Embrace the simplicity of a camping experience with contained fires and the companionship of your pets, all while enjoying the serene rural setting.
For those who enjoy fishing, hiking trails, and being away from city lights, our location offers the perfect backdrop. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside and make lasting memories surrounded by the beauty of nature.
There is no running water at this site but fresh running is available approximately one mile away.
We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable stay, and if you have any further questions or inquiries, please feel free to reach out. Your peaceful and scenic escape awaits!
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$20
/ night
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(30)
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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$32
/ night
99%
(34)
Deaf Barefoot Melange Farm
4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Eldorado, IL
Off the Historic Goshen Trail that runs from mid-Illinois thru here to Alton, IL which is close to St.Louis,MO. Oldest house on the trail. 1922 farmhouse but homestead older than that.Learn more about this land:Tent or small camper welcome. Peaceful, farm work around you, fresh eggs available and friendly farmers. Firewood can be found in piles around the farm. Very quiet, wildlife crossings and lots of berries to pick.
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$30
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Booked 1 time
SI Happy Place
5 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Vienna, IL
I have a few acres cleared with short cut grass now, 3 basket Frisbee and I use the base of the baskets for golf. Small walking areas for now. In the center of the Shawnee National Forest areas. 18 acres total but not all cut short now. Friendly area. I can offer camp fires and maybe a bon fire. See my pics.
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$19
/ night
86%
(7)
Robyn M.’s Land
81 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Tamms, IL
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$20
/ night
98%
(33)
Pond Ridge Adventure
35 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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$30
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(5)
Total Eclipse Camp, Commerce, MO
30 sites · RVs4 acres · Commerce, MO
The Village of Commerce is located halfway between St.Louis and Memphis. Commerce has an unobstructed view of the Mississippi without a levee. This location will have approximately 4 minutes of totality for the April 8, 2024 eclipse. There is public access to the Mississippi for fishing and exploring.
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$50
/ night
92%
(12)
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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$25
/ night
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Camping near Carbondale with wildlife watching guide
Overview
Looking to go camping near Carbondale, Illinois? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 600 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your accommodation preference, whether it's a tent, RV, or cabin. Explore the beautiful outdoors and enjoy activities like swimming, off-roading, and surfing. And don't worry about amenities, popular campsites like Four Creeks Campground, The Art Farm Women's Retreat, and Cinco de Mayo Campground offer amenities like showers and toilets. With an average price per night of $25 and options as low as $5, camping has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and start planning your camping adventure now!
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