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47 campgrounds and RV Parks near Carbondale, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
47 campgrounds
3460 campsites
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Carbondale, IL
Blue Heron Marina and Campground
Carterville, IL (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina
Makanda, IL (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(105 sites)
+5
Lake Murphysboro State Park
Murphysboro, IL (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(74 sites)
+5
Horse Camp - Giant City State Park
Makanda, IL (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(24 sites)
+4
Four Seasons Campground
Herrin, IL (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(33 sites)
+4
Marion Campground and RV Park
Marion, IL (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(58 sites)
+6
Trail Of Tears State Forest
Jonesboro, IL (19 miles away)
(20 sites)
+2
Deer Ridge - Ferne Clyffe State Park
Goreville, IL (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(59 sites)
+6
Horse Camp - Ferne Clyffe State Park
Goreville, IL (19 miles away)
$$$$$
+4
Pyramid State Recreation Area
Pinckneyville, IL (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(54 sites)
+4
Mississippi River - Trail of Tears State Park
Jackson, MO (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(19 sites)
+4
EZ Camp - XXXL Storage
Benton, IL (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(5 sites)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Toilets Dump station Tables Showers Grills Firewood Hiking Playground Trails
Campgrounds near Carbondale, Illinois
Carbondale sits in southern Illinois at the northern edge of the Shawnee National Forest, with campgrounds spread across state parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife land, and privately run RV parks. Options within a short drive include Blue Heron Marina and Campground on Crab Orchard Lake inside the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, and the Horse Camp at Giant City State Park for riders traveling with stock. Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina, long a fixture on Little Grassy Lake within the same refuge, closed at the end of 2024 while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Army Corps of Engineers work on the aging dam and spillway.
West of town, Lake Murphysboro State Park offers a quieter lakeside campground managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Four Seasons Campground provides a private-park option with hookups for travelers who want amenities close to Carbondale, Southern Illinois University, and the wineries of the Shawnee Hills.
Most sites are within thirty minutes of downtown Carbondale, which makes it practical to base out of one campground and day-trip to trailheads, lakes, and small towns across Jackson and Williamson counties.
Things to do near Carbondale
The Shawnee National Forest anchors outdoor plans. Giant City State Park, immediately south of Carbondale, is known for sandstone bluffs, the Giant City Nature Trail, and a historic CCC-era lodge. Around Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, visitors paddle, fish, hike, bike, and watch for waterfowl and shorebirds along the Mississippi Flyway. Crab Orchard Lake covers roughly 7,000 acres and supports several boat ramps and marinas.
Families often combine a campground stay with visits to Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, Cedar Lake, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, and the Southern Illinois University campus. Anglers target largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish across the local reservoirs.
Camping spots and RV parks near Carbondale, IL
When to camp near Carbondale
- spring
March - May
68° / 45°F 112 mmWettest season; severe thunderstorms possible
- summer
June - August
88° / 65°F 89 mmHot and humid; book shaded lakeside sites early
- fall
September - November
70° / 45°F 98 mmPeak color mid-October; weekends fill fast
- winter
December - February
45° / 25°F 79 mmCold nights; many state park services reduced
Southern Illinois has a longer camping season than the rest of the state. Spring brings dogwood and redbud blooms across the Shawnee Hills, along with the region's heaviest rainfall and occasional severe thunderstorms. Trails can be muddy in March and early April, and creek crossings run high after storms.
Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon highs regularly in the upper twenties to low thirties Celsius. Lake swimming, paddling, and evening campfires define the season, and biting insects peak from June through August. Weekends around Independence Day and Labor Day book heavily at state park campgrounds.
Fall is the standout window. Cooler nights, lower humidity, and oak-hickory color through October and early November draw hikers and RV travelers. Winter camping is possible at some sites, though many state park loops reduce services and shower buildings close after the first hard freeze. Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina closed at the end of 2024 and the lake began a multi-year drawdown for dam repairs, so plan around Crab Orchard Lake, Devil's Kitchen Lake, and nearby state parks in the meantime.
How to book near Carbondale
Illinois state park campgrounds, including Lake Murphysboro State Park and the Horse Camp at Giant City State Park, are reserved through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources system at camp.exploremoreil.com. Reservations open on a rolling window up to 180 days ahead and must be booked at least three days before arrival. Popular loops fill early for spring and fall weekends.
Blue Heron Marina and Campground, inside Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, is bookable through Recreation.gov as well as directly with the concessionaire. Four Seasons Campground books directly with the private operator. For holiday weekends and the peak fall color window in mid to late October, book several weeks ahead and confirm hookup type, rig-length limits, and pet policies at the time of booking.
What to expect on-site
Sites range from full-hookup RV pads at private parks to electric-and-water or primitive loops at the state parks and refuge campgrounds. State park campgrounds typically offer vault or flush toilets, showers in season, potable water, dump stations, and picnic tables with fire rings. Cell service is inconsistent inside the Shawnee National Forest and around Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
Terrain is rolling and wooded, so many sites are shaded and uneven; leveling blocks are useful. Ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes are active from late spring through early fall, and raccoons regularly raid unsecured food. Black bears are not established in this part of Illinois.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Carbondale, IL
How much does an RV rental in Carbondale typically cost?
RV rental in Carbondale is one of the more affordable ways to explore the Shawnee National Forest region. On RVezy, you can generally find travel trailers from around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes around $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A motorhomes from $250 and up. For a cheap RV rental in Carbondale, book a pop-up or smaller travel trailer mid-week in spring or late fall, when rates drop compared to peak summer and SIU football weekends. Use the price filter on RVezy to sort by budget, and look for listings with generous or unlimited mileage to keep costs predictable. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead for fall foliage trips into the Shawnee Hills often locks in lower nightly rates before they climb.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Carbondale%2C%20IllinoisWhat do I need to rent an RV in Carbondale, Illinois?
Renting an RV in Carbondale is simple: you need to be at least 25 years old with a valid driver's license. No special RV endorsement or Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Illinois for personal motorhomes or travel trailers you'll find on RVezy. Visiting from outside the US? Bring your home-country license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English. ID verification happens right through the RVezy platform during booking, so there's no extra paperwork at pickup. Most first-time renters in Carbondale are surprised at how quick the process is, leaving more time to plan stops at Giant City State Park, Garden of the Gods, and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs the RV protected if something happens during my trip?
Yes, every RV rental in Carbondale booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can explore the back roads of southern Illinois with confidence. The protection plan covers eligible damage to the vehicle during your rental, and at checkout you can choose from different coverage levels to match your comfort zone. It is not traditional auto insurance, but it gives renters meaningful peace of mind, especially helpful when you're driving narrow forest roads near Little Grassy Lake or Cedar Lake. You choose your coverage level, not the host. If you're planning a longer Carbondale RV trip or it's your first time behind the wheel of a motorhome, you can select a higher-tier plan and relax into the adventure.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if my plans change? Can I cancel my Carbondale RV booking?
Yes. RVezy uses a clear, standardized cancellation policy that includes a money-back grace period right after you book, so reserving your Carbondale RV rental is low-risk. Refund amounts depend on how far in advance you cancel relative to your trip start date. Cancellation policies are set by RVezy, not by individual hosts, so you get consistent treatment no matter which listing you choose. If your dates shift, message your host first, many are happy to adjust if their calendar allows. Lock in your dates early, especially for fall color season in the Shawnee Hills, and travel with confidence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Carbondale RV trip?
Absolutely. Plenty of pet-friendly RV rental options in Carbondale are available, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see hosts who welcome four-legged co-pilots. Southern Illinois is a dream for dog owners: Giant City State Park allows leashed pets on most trails, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge has miles of pet-friendly paths, and the Touch of Nature area around Little Grassy Lake is great for shaded walks on hot days. Many local campgrounds, including Giant City Campground, welcome pets too. Pack a tick-prevention product, since the wooded Shawnee Hills are prime tick habitat from April through October. Message the host before booking to confirm any pet fees or size limits.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.giantcity.htmlCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Carbondale?
Yes, RV delivery in Carbondale is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it's a game changer if you're new to RVs or just don't want to drive a big rig. Many hosts will deliver and set up your RV directly at campgrounds like Crab Orchard Lake area sites, Giant City State Park, or a private property within a reasonable radius of Carbondale. They will level it, connect water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy to see which hosts offer it, and check their delivery radius and fee on the listing. It's perfect for families flying into Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA) in Marion or for SIU visitors who would rather skip the drive entirely.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Carbondale%2C%20IllinoisHow far can I drive on a Carbondale RV trip?
You have serious range from Carbondale. Most RVezy hosts include a daily mileage allowance (commonly 100 to 150 miles per day), and many offer unlimited mileage packages or affordable add-on miles, perfect for a multi-stop Carbondale RV trip. Popular drives from Carbondale: Garden of the Gods is about 55 miles east (around 1 hr 15 min), Cave-in-Rock State Park is roughly 75 miles southeast (about 1 hr 45 min), Paducah, Kentucky is about 60 miles south (around 1 hr 10 min), St. Louis is around 100 miles northwest (about 2 hours), and Nashville, Tennessee is about 220 miles southeast (around 3.5 hours). Check the mileage policy on each listing before booking, and message the host if you're planning a longer loop so they can quote you the best rate.
fs.usda.gov/shawneeWhere are the best campgrounds near Carbondale to park an RV?
You are spoiled for choice. Some of the best campgrounds near Carbondale include: Crab Orchard Campground (within Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, with hookups and lakeside sites just minutes from town), Giant City State Park Campground (electric hookups, shaded sites, and access to incredible sandstone bluffs), Little Grassy Campground (south of Carbondale, with electric hookups and a general store), Lake Murphysboro State Park (quiet, lakeside, great for fishing), and Ferne Clyffe State Park near Goreville (waterfalls and easy I-24 access). Reserve state park sites through Camp.ExploreMoreIL.com and federal sites through Recreation.gov. Waterfront sites at Little Grassy and Crab Orchard go fast for summer weekends, so book 3 to 6 months out.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.giantcity.htmlWhen is the best time to visit Carbondale in an RV?
The sweet spot for RV camping in Carbondale is mid-April through late May and again from mid-September through early November. Spring brings wildflowers, dogwoods, and daytime highs in the comfortable 65 to 78 F range, ideal for hiking at Giant City. Fall is arguably the showstopper, with Shawnee National Forest foliage peaking in mid-to-late October and crisp 55 to 72 F days. Summer (June through August) is hot and humid with highs near 87 to 90 F and frequent thunderstorms, but it is prime time for swimming at Cedar Lake or Kinkaid Lake. Winters are chilly with January lows around 26 F, but RV trips are still doable with the right setup. Avoid SIU graduation and home football weekends if you want quieter campgrounds.
weather.gov/pah/I've never driven an RV. Will I be okay renting one in Carbondale?
Yes, first time renting an RV in Carbondale is easier than most people expect. Every RVezy host provides a hands-on walkthrough at pickup, covering everything from leveling and hookups to dumping tanks and operating the awning, so you are not figuring it out alone. Southern Illinois is also forgiving terrain: rolling hills, well-maintained state highways like Route 13 and I-57, and plenty of wide pull-through campsites. If you are nervous about driving, start with a smaller Class C motorhome or campervan rental in Carbondale, or book delivery and skip the drive entirely. RVezy customer support and roadside assistance are a quick call away. Most renters tell us they feel confident within the first hour on the road.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/categories/360002007034-For-RentersWhat happens if something goes wrong with the RV on my trip?
You are never stranded. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, covering tire issues, lockouts, battery jumps, and mechanical breakdowns anywhere your Carbondale RV trip takes you. If you are deep in the Shawnee National Forest with spotty cell service, drive to a nearby ridge or town like Makanda, Murphysboro, or Marion to get a signal, then call the number provided in your booking confirmation. Your host is also typically reachable through the RVezy app for quick questions about quirks of their specific RV. Screenshot the roadside assistance number before you leave Carbondale, and snap a photo of the campground address sign at check-in so you can share precise location info if needed.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take a Carbondale RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, crossing state lines within the US is fine and one of the joys of an RV road trip from Carbondale. You are perfectly positioned: Kentucky is about 40 minutes south, Missouri is about an hour west, and Tennessee, Indiana, and Arkansas are all within a day's drive. Many renters loop down to Land Between the Lakes (Kentucky and Tennessee) or up to St. Louis. Cross-border travel into Canada is generally not supported on US-based RVezy bookings because insurance and protection coverage do not extend internationally, so plan your route within the US. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. For US interstate travel, keep your rental agreement and ID handy and enjoy the open road.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on a Carbondale RV trip?
Fuel is one of the biggest variables, but it is manageable. Expect a Class C motorhome to get 8 to 12 miles per gallon (mpg), a Class B campervan 15 to 20 mpg, and a travel trailer's tow vehicle 10 to 14 mpg. Illinois gas prices typically run a bit above the national average; around Carbondale you will usually find fuel near or just under the state average at stations along Route 13 and I-57. For a 4-night trip with day drives to Garden of the Gods, Cedar Lake, and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail (about 250 to 350 total miles), plan on roughly $90 to $180 in fuel for a typical Class C. Fuel up in Marion or Carbondale rather than smaller villages near the forest, where prices tend to climb.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Carbondale?
Book early and breathe easy. For peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day, plus October weekends for fall color), reserve campgrounds 3 to 6 months ahead, especially waterfront sites at Crab Orchard Lake, Little Grassy Lake, and Giant City State Park. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov, while Illinois state parks use the Illinois DNR reservation system at Camp.ExploreMoreIL.com. Mid-week spring and late fall stays often have plenty of last-minute availability. If your dream site is booked, set up an alert on Recreation.gov, cancellations are common 7 to 14 days before peak weekends. Many RVezy hosts can also suggest their favorite spots based on the size of your rig.
dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/camping.htmlWhat are driving conditions like around Carbondale?
Driving an RV around Carbondale is genuinely beginner-friendly. The main routes (Route 13, Route 51, I-57, and I-24) are wide, well-maintained, and rarely congested outside SIU game days. You will encounter some rolling hills and curvy sections once you head into the Shawnee Hills toward Garden of the Gods or Bell Smith Springs, so take it slow on grades and use lower gears descending. Summer brings occasional fast-moving thunderstorms; pull over at a safe spot if visibility drops. Winter can deliver ice or light snow from December through February, so check road conditions on Illinois DOT's Getting Around Illinois site before heading out. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk, especially on rural county roads near Makanda and Cobden. Otherwise, it is relaxed, scenic driving.
gettingaroundillinois.com/What amenities should I expect at campgrounds near Carbondale?
Most developed campgrounds near Carbondale offer a comfortable setup for any RV rental. Crab Orchard Campground and Little Grassy Campground have electric hookups (30/50 amp at many sites), flush toilets, hot showers, and dump stations, with full hookups at select sites. Giant City State Park provides electric hookups with a centralized dump station. Dixon Springs and Ferne Clyffe state parks offer electric hookups plus dump stations, and Dixon Springs is well known for its swimming pool. For dumping and refilling water on travel days, the Marion KOA and Little Grassy area both welcome non-guests for a small fee. Cell service can be spotty deeper into the Shawnee National Forest, so download offline maps in town before heading out.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.dixonsprings.htmlWhat amenities come with a typical RV rental in Carbondale?
Most RVs you'll rent in Carbondale come well-equipped and ready for the road. Expect comfortable beds (queen or king in larger units, plus convertible dinettes), a kitchen with fridge, freezer, stove, and microwave, a full bathroom with toilet and shower, climate control with air conditioning and furnace, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many motorhome rental Carbondale listings also include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, and generator for boondocking. Wi-Fi varies by host, some include a mobile hotspot, especially helpful since Shawnee National Forest cell service is patchy. Class B campervans are more compact but still include the essentials. Check each listing's amenity list and message the host if you need specific gear like a kids' booster seat or bike rack.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Carbondale%2C%20IllinoisWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
RVezy hosts in Carbondale offer plenty of add-ons to customize your trip. Common options include linens and kitchen kits (often $30 to $75), camp chairs and outdoor rugs, generators, bikes, kayaks, portable grills, and even kids' sleeping bags. Many hosts also offer delivery and setup for a flat fee or per-mile rate within a set radius of Carbondale; popular drop-off points include Crab Orchard Lake area campgrounds, Giant City State Park, and Little Grassy Lake. Mileage policies vary: some include 100 to 150 free miles per day, others offer unlimited mileage. Pickup is typically late morning to early afternoon, with drop-off the following morning to give hosts time to clean and prep for the next guest. Confirm exact times and any extras through the RVezy message thread before your trip.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Carbondale%2C%20IllinoisHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and secure. When you book your RV rental in Carbondale, you pay through the RVezy platform with a major credit or debit card, no cash exchanged with the host. A refundable security deposit is pre-authorized on your card before your trip starts (the amount is shown on the listing and in your booking summary) and is released after the host confirms the RV was returned in good condition, typically within a few days of drop-off. To avoid any deposit issues, do a walkaround with the host at pickup and drop-off, snap a few photos, refill fuel and propane to the level noted at pickup, and dump tanks if your rental agreement requires it. Transparent and simple.
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