The best camping near Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area adventure.

50% (1 reviews)
50% (1 reviews)

Land your limit of largemouth bass, bluegill or crappie at this well-stocked, beautiful lake.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

  • The Back 20
  • The Back 20
  • The Back 20
100%
(32)

The Back 20

129 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!
Pets
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from 
$20
 / night
  • Shooting House 2
  • Shooting House 2
  • Shooting House 2
100%
(3)

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.
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from 
$50
 / night
  • Bubba J's RV Park
  • Bubba J's RV Park
  • Bubba J's RV Park
100%
(3)

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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from 
$42
 / night
  • Harmony Hill Acres
  • Harmony Hill Acres
  • Harmony Hill Acres
98%
(27)

Harmony Hill Acres

35 sites · RVs, Tents18 acres · Centralia, IL
Ranch lands of a prior Horse Ranch at the edge of town is conveniently located. Most of the property is pasture area but plenty of yard for tent camping and LOTS of space for those who want to pitch a tent in the pastures. We have small goats, chickens, and turkeys on-site (please do not enter barn or animal pens). There are no hookups for water or power, but we can accommodate some use of water from our spigots. We live about 2 miles from our local lake, which has boat access and paddling access. The beautiful view of sunsets and sunrises are spectacular more times than not. We host large herd of deer traveling and sometimes bedding down in our pastures, so be sure to watch early mornings for them to be on the move. We are very close to town, but the 18-acre site brings a serene aspect to the grounds. ***WE ARE BRINGING IN A PORTA-POTTY OR 2 FOR THE TENT CAMPERS OVER THE WEEKEND OF 4/6/24 SOLAR ECLIPSE. WE ALSO HAVE A COTTAGE KITCHEN AND WILL HAVE A FEW BREAKFAST ITEMS, BREADS, AND SWEET BREADS FOR ORDER.
Pets
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from 
$20
 / night
  • From the kitchen towards the back/main entrance and parking area.
  • Weekly studio cottage @Carlyle Lake
  • From the kitchen towards the back/main entrance and parking area.
Saved 11 times

Weekly studio cottage @Carlyle Lake

3 sites · Lodging1 acre · Carlyle, IL
This property is next to historic Clark Cemetery. It is in a community that primarily belongs to boat club members who access the Boulder boat launch. Although this small community is in the quiet countryside, there is a train that passes through the area periodically that I find pleasant and I hope you will too. Carlyle Lake surrounds this community and supplies the local communities municipal water systems. Most residents are here throughout the entire boating season (early spring through late fall), although there are some that are here year round. The studio cottage is the oldest in the community, as most cottages here belong to RV'ers. I'm hoping to rent out an additional 3 bedroom lake house next to the studio cottage that accommodates up to 8 in the coming year or so.Learn more about this land:This is an open floor plan studio cottage with two twins, full kitchen and 3/4 bath (shower without bathtub), toilet and sink. This has 2 new beds, 2 TV's, 2 small dressers, new dining and living room furniture (except futon) and all new linens. Nightly is no longer available due to hiring out cleaning people. The porch is covered and about the same size as the whole house! Please park directly behind the cottage. You pull in on Clark Cemetery Rd and follow the turn to the left and then right. You will see the basketball hoop at the end of the drive and turn left to pull up to the studio cottage. This is available monthly at $2,000/month. All stays are minimum 7 days. You may stay less than 7 days, but must pay the 7 day rate minimum. Ex: 1-7 days is $700, 8+ days are $800, 900, etc. 28 days or more is $2000 minimum plus the continued discount for 30+ days.
Pets
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from 
$100
 / night
  • Bennett branch creek
  • Bennett branch creek
  • Bennett branch creek

Bennett branch creek

1 site · RV, Tent180 acres · Sumner, IL
With 80 acres of forest, 100 acres of farmland, a creek, a fishing pond and outdoor sculptures, it offers a diverse range of activities for visitors. The limited hiking trails and primitive sites add to the natural feel of the place. The beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife will surely attract nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. I'm planning for the property to evolve into an art park and campground that fosters community, building, and collaboration among artists and nature enthusiasts. It will be a space where creativity and appreciation for nature come together, offering a platform for artists to showcase their work in harmony with the surrounding environment. This vision aims to create a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates the intersection of art and nature. Local attractions within 5 mile radius include Red Hill state park, Red Hill raceway, Berryville winery and Ironside bar. Currently there are no showers or toilets for public use on the property but plans are in place to accommodate in the future .
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from 
$24
 / night
  • Wild Honeysuckle Farm
  • Wild Honeysuckle Farm
  • Wild Honeysuckle Farm
100%
(6)

Wild Honeysuckle Farm

36 sites · Tents40 acres · Dahlgren, IL
Welcome to our yard, the prime location for observing the 2024 solar eclipse! Situated directly in the path for the 3-4 minute mark of this extraordinary event, our space promises an unparalleled view of nature's majestic spectacle. We offer tent camping accommodations for those bringing their own tents, or you can bring your own blankets for those who prefer to lay out under the vast open sky. Please note that access to our home or buildings is not available, ensuring an authentic outdoor experience. For your convenience, we provide an outdoor faucet for basic needs. However, kindly note that we do not permit RVs or campers on the premises. Not suitable for children under 16 years of age. Only 2 campers per campsite. Must send ID and be pre-approved prior to booking. Prepare to be awestruck as you witness the breathtaking beauty of the solar eclipse from our tranquil yard. Secure your front-row seat to this celestial phenomenon by booking your stay now!
Potable water
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from 
$100
 / night
Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

  • Camp Lakewood Campground
  • Camp Lakewood Campground
  • Camp Lakewood Campground
94%
(9)

Camp Lakewood Campground

58 sites · RVs10 acres · Effingham, IL
Welcome to Camp Lakewood Campground! We are your premier Campground in Effingham, Illinois. We are proudly family-owned and operated by Kiefer Campgrounds. Kiefer Campgrounds are part of a collection of parks that spare no expense to ensure your stay with us is nothing less than the BEST! We are ideally located within 1 mile of I-70 and I-57, and we are open year round. We are also golf-cart friendly. Please visit www.camplakewoodcampground.com or give us a call at 217-342-1111 for more details.
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from 
$51
 / night
  • The Quiet Countryside
  • The Quiet Countryside
  • The Quiet Countryside
99%
(54)

The Quiet Countryside

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Vandalia, IL
Easy access for campers located by a pond. Great for fishing and relaxing! 30 AMP electric hookup, can accommodate water fill up and sewer dump. There is a covered pavilion with picnic table and chairs. There is a grill and a fire pit. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway you will love it here! Located close to the interstate. Plenty of restaurants near by and Vandalia lake is 8 minutes from campsite.
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from 
$30
 / night
  • MC Lodging
  • MC Lodging
  • MC Lodging
95%
(20)

MC Lodging

15 sites · RVs15 acres · Vernon, IL
MC Lodging is located on 15 acres. We have 29 sites with full hookup at each site. We are open year round. Our campground has a nice pond with some nice size fish. We have a pavilion with a laundromat and a shower house. We also have a playground for kids.if you’re looking for a nice secluded getaway, you have found it ❤️
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from 
$30
 / night

The best camping near Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Set your inner conservationist free with at least an overnight stay at Oak Ridge Campground. Seclusion-seekers find 10 walk-in tent sites with views of the beautiful lake. Surrounded by shady oaks and rolling hills, the 585-acre lake is a hub of activity. Sport fisherman land largemouth bass that are stocked annually. Boaters find easy lake access with two ramps and a beautiful marina, complete with restaurant.

Boasting 3,100 acres of oak-hickory forest, this state park was named for biologist Stephen A. Forbes. Four established nature trails give hiking enthusiasts a bounty of natural wonders to explore. A 15-mile horse trail circles the lake, taking the rider on a panoramic eye-candy excursion. Swimmers and picnickers flock to the 200-foot sand beach at Rocky Point.

Tent dwellers enjoy a campground separate from the 115-site campground for RVs and campers. An equestrian campground with 21 electrical sites and a cabin that sleeps six ensures everyone has a comfy place to stay.

Top parks near Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

Elephant Rocks State Park
Lincoln State Park
Giant City State Park
Meramec Caverns
Chain O'Lakes State Park
Mounds State Park
Tishomingo State Park
Blue Mound State Park

Top cities near Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

St Louis
Cape Girardeau
Carbondale
Bloomington
Chicago
Cincinnati
Indianapolis
Louisville

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