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55 campgrounds and RV Parks near Goreville, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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Best campgrounds near Goreville, IL
Deer Ridge - Ferne Clyffe State Park
Goreville, IL (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(59 sites)
+6
Horse Camp - Ferne Clyffe State Park
Goreville, IL (2 miles away)
$$$$$
+4
Cedar Lake Campground
Vienna, IL (10 miles away)
Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina
Makanda, IL (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(105 sites)
+5
Shawnee Forest Campground
Vienna, IL (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
+6
Horse Camp - Giant City State Park
Makanda, IL (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(24 sites)
+4
Marion Campground and RV Park
Marion, IL (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(58 sites)
+6
Blue Heron Marina and Campground
Carterville, IL (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
Main Brothers Campground
Illinois (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(19 sites)
Four Seasons Campground
Herrin, IL (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(33 sites)
+4
Bear Branch Campgrounds
Illinois (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
+8
Dixon Springs State Park
Golconda, IL (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(49 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Toilets Dump station Tables Showers Grills Playground Trails Firewood Hiking
Camping near Goreville, Illinois
Goreville sits in Johnson County in southern Illinois, roughly one mile north of Ferne Clyffe State Park and inside the broader Shawnee National Forest region. The village is easily reached from Interstate 24 and Interstate 57, which makes it a practical base for RV travelers heading into the Shawnee Hills. Marion is about twelve miles north and offers full-service groceries, fuel, and big-box stores for restocking.
Most camping traffic in the area centers on Ferne Clyffe State Park, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The park is known for sandstone bluffs, seasonal waterfalls, and a network of hiking trails. Deer Ridge - Ferne Clyffe State Park is the main modern campground, and Horse Camp - Ferne Clyffe State Park serves riders using the equestrian trails.
Private options fill in the gaps for travelers who want full hookups. Marion Campground and RV Park, Shawnee Forest Campground, and Cedar Lake Campground all sit within a short drive of Goreville and cater to larger rigs, with reasonable access to Tunnel Hill State Trail, Garden of the Gods, and Bell Smith Springs.
Things to do around Goreville
Hiking is the headline activity. Trails at Ferne Clyffe include the Big Rocky Hollow trail, which leads to a tall seasonal waterfall, plus routes past Hawks' Cave and the shoreline loop around Ferne Clyffe Lake. The park is also a sport-climbing destination, with routes at Cedar Bluff, Rebman Trail, and Boat Rock, totaling up to 150 routes for a range of skill levels.
The 16-acre Ferne Clyffe Lake is open to bank fishing, but boating and swimming are prohibited. Anglers target largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and redear. Many visitors pair a park day with a ride on the Tunnel Hill State Trail, a rails-to-trails route that passes through several tunnels and trestles.
Day trips reach farther into Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the Gods, Bell Smith Springs, and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail are all within roughly an hour.
Camping spots and RV parks near Goreville, IL
Seasons and when to visit
- spring
March - May
64° / 46°F 115 mmWet and green; waterfalls flow and trails can be muddy.
- summer
June - August
86° / 66°F 95 mmHot and humid; book Deer Ridge reservable sites early.
- fall
September - November
68° / 46°F 80 mmPeak color mid-October; hunters active by mid-November.
- winter
December - February
45° / 28°F 85 mmCool and quiet; occasional snow, seasonal services closed.
Spring and fall are the most comfortable windows for RV travel around Goreville. Wildflowers and stronger creek flow make the waterfall trails at Ferne Clyffe worth chasing from March through May, though spring is the wettest stretch and campground roads can be muddy. Fall color typically peaks from mid-October into early November, and sites go quiet after leaf drop.
Summer is hot and humid, with July highs averaging near 88°F and heat indices often well above that. Shade at Deer Ridge helps, and nearby swimming holes at Bell Smith Springs and Lake Glendale give families a place to cool off. Reservable sites at Deer Ridge should be booked well in advance for summer weekends and holidays.
Winters are cool and generally mild by Midwest standards, with occasional snow between January and March. The park stays open for camping year round, though shower buildings and other services are seasonal. Deer hunters use the park heavily in mid-November, so expect quiet evenings and busier day-use areas during firearm seasons.
How to book
State-park sites at Ferne Clyffe are handled through the Illinois DNR system. Reservable campsites can be booked online through ExploreMoreIL, generally up to 180 days ahead and no later than three days before arrival. Deer Ridge is a Class A facility with gravel pads, electricity, showers, flush toilets, and a sanitary dump station, and it has both reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Turkey Ridge is first-come, first-served only.
Group camp reservations are made by calling the park office at 618-995-2411. Equestrian sites at Horse Camp - Ferne Clyffe State Park can be arranged through the same office.
Private campgrounds handle their own reservations directly. Marion Campground and RV Park, Shawnee Forest Campground, and Cedar Lake Campground all take bookings by phone or through their websites, and full-hookup pull-through sites should be reserved early for summer weekends.
What to expect on the ground
Ferne Clyffe does not have a staffed visitor center; the campground host and entrance kiosk typically supply park maps and trail information. Cell service is workable in Goreville and along the interstates but drops off inside deeper Shawnee forest areas.
Deer Ridge sites have gravel pads, 30 amp electric, picnic tables, and cooking grills. There are no sewer hookups at the state park, so plan a dump-station stop on the way out. Water spigots are limited and shower buildings are seasonal, with reviewers noting variable water pressure.
Goreville itself is small. A handful of stores and restaurants cover basics, and Marion, about twelve miles north, has a Walmart and larger supermarkets for bigger resupply runs. Keep food secured against raccoons and expect quiet nights with strong stargazing on clear evenings.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Goreville, IL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Goreville, IL?
RV rental in Goreville is one of the best values in southern Illinois, with most travel trailers starting around $80 to $150 per night and Class C motorhomes typically running $175 to $275 per night. Because Goreville sits in Johnson County rather than a major metro, you'll generally pay less than a Chicago or St. Louis pickup. To score a cheap RV rental in Goreville, look at midweek dates, shoulder-season trips in April or October, and listings with included generator hours. Pro tip: Ferne Clyffe State Park campsites are just $20 to $35 per night, so your overall trip budget stays remarkably friendly compared to most U.S. destinations.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.ferneclyffe.htmlWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Goreville, IL?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Illinois, even for a large Class A motorhome. The state does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any special RV endorsement for personal-use recreational vehicles. On RVezy, you must be at least 25 years old, and your ID is verified securely through the platform during checkout. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you're set. Most first-time renters in Goreville are surprised how quick the approval process is, often the same day you book.
ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/drivers_license/home.htmlIs my Goreville RV rental protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RVezy booking in Goreville automatically includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can explore the Shawnee Hills with real peace of mind. You choose your protection tier during checkout (not the host), and it covers most damage to the RV during your trip. While this isn't traditional auto insurance, it provides serious financial protection if a tree branch dings the roof at Ferne Clyffe or a tire blows on I-24. Pro tip: select your protection level early so you can focus on enjoying the waterfalls and limestone bluffs of the Shawnee Hills, not paperwork.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy for an RV rental in Goreville?
Booking is genuinely low-risk. RVezy (not the host) sets the cancellation policy for every Goreville RV rental, and the details are shown to you during checkout and in your RVezy account, not on the listing page. Refund eligibility depends on factors like how far out you cancel and whether extenuating circumstances such as severe weather affect your trip, which matters in southern Illinois where spring storms can roll through. If a host ever cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or provides travel credit. Pro tip: book early to secure the best rigs for Shawnee National Forest weekends, knowing the cancellation terms are clearly laid out before you confirm.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Goreville?
Absolutely, and Goreville is a fantastic dog destination. Plenty of hosts offer pet-friendly RV rental in Goreville, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see them instantly. Ferne Clyffe State Park welcomes leashed dogs on all its hiking trails, including the popular Big Rocky Hollow Trail to the seasonal waterfall, and the campground itself is pet-friendly. The Tunnel Hill State Trail, which runs through nearby Vienna and Tunnel Hill, is another leash-friendly favorite with shaded crushed-limestone paths. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee and bring a tie-out, since most southern Illinois campsites require pets to stay leashed at camp.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.ferneclyffe.htmlCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Goreville?
Yes, RV delivery in Goreville is one of the easiest ways to start a trip, especially if it's your first time renting an RV. Many RVezy hosts in the region will drive the rig directly to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Lake of Egypt, or a private property, level it, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system before they leave. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy to see hosts who offer it, with delivery fees typically based on mileage from their home base. Pro tip: book delivery to Deer Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe and you can skip the towing learning curve entirely and just enjoy the bluffs.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/park.ferneclyffe.htmlHow far can I drive on a Goreville RV trip, and is unlimited mileage available?
You'll have plenty of range for a great Goreville RV trip. Each host sets their own mileage policy, with daily allowances commonly between 100 and 200 miles, and RV rental with unlimited mileage is also available from select hosts, just filter for it on RVezy. From Goreville you're 30 miles to Carbondale, 60 miles to Paducah, KY, about 120 miles to Nashville, TN, and roughly 150 miles to St. Louis, MO. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in Shawnee National Forest is an easy 50-mile day trip. Pro tip: ask your host about a custom mileage package if you're planning a longer RV road trip from Goreville along the Ohio River.
fs.usda.gov/shawneeWhere are the best campgrounds near Goreville, IL?
You're spoiled for choice. The best campgrounds near Goreville start right in town with Ferne Clyffe State Park's Deer Ridge Campground, a Class A facility with electric hookups, showers, and a dump station just one mile south of Goreville on IL-37. Lake of Egypt Campground, about 15 minutes north, offers full hookups and lake access. Camp Cadiz in Shawnee National Forest, near Karbers Ridge, is a peaceful primitive option closer to Garden of the Gods. Vienna's Tunnel Hill State Trail campground area is great if you're cycling. Pro tip: book Deer Ridge sites at camp.exploremoreil.com up to six months ahead for fall color weekends in mid-October, which sell out fast.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/park.ferneclyffe.htmlWhen is the best time to rent an RV in Goreville, IL?
Goreville is a true four-season destination, but the sweet spots are mid-April to early June and mid-September through early November. Spring brings the Big Rocky Hollow waterfall to full flow and wildflowers across Ferne Clyffe's 2,430 acres, with daytime highs in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit. Fall delivers stunning Shawnee Hills foliage and crisp 50 to 70 degree days, ideal for hiking and Shawnee Hills Wine Trail tasting. Summer (June through August) gets hot and humid at 85 to 95 degrees with afternoon thunderstorms, while winter dips to 25 to 45 degrees. Pro tip: target the last two weekends of October for peak color, when motorhome rental in Goreville books up first.
weather.gov/pah/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be ready to drive one in Goreville?
You'll be in great hands. Every RVezy host gives a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through driving, leveling, propane, water, the awning, and dumping tanks, so first time renting an RV in Goreville feels far less intimidating than people expect. Goreville is a small Johnson County town with wide, low-traffic roads and easy access to I-24, which makes it a near-perfect place to get comfortable behind the wheel. A campervan rental in Goreville is a great pick if you'd rather start with something smaller. Pro tip: do a short practice loop on IL-37 toward Vienna before heading deeper into the Shawnee.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if I break down during my Goreville RV trip?
You're never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so if you get a flat on I-24, a dead battery at Ferne Clyffe, or a lockout at Lake of Egypt, help is one phone call away. Coverage typically includes towing, tire changes, jump-starts, and fuel delivery. Your host is also usually nearby and happy to troubleshoot small issues, and RVezy's support team is available before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: save the roadside number in your phone before you leave the driveway, and snap a photo of the RV's VIN so you can share it quickly if needed.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhere can I take an RV road trip from Goreville?
Goreville is an underrated launch pad. Popular RV road trip from Goreville routes include Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock in Shawnee National Forest (about 50 miles east), Cave-in-Rock State Park along the Ohio River (60 miles), Paducah, KY (60 miles), Nashville, TN (about 2.5 hours), and St. Louis Gateway Arch (roughly 2.5 hours). Mexico is not allowed on RVezy rentals because insurance won't follow you across that border, but cross-state travel into Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Indiana is generally fine, just confirm with your host. Pro tip: pair Cave-in-Rock with the free Ohio River ferry to Kentucky for a memorable mini-loop.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recarea/?recid=10676What kind of fuel mileage and gas budget should I expect?
Realistic numbers help you plan. A Class C motorhome rental in Goreville typically gets 8 to 12 miles per gallon, a Class A averages 6 to 10 mpg, and a truck pulling a travel trailer lands around 10 to 14 mpg. Campervan rental in Goreville is the most efficient option at 16 to 20 mpg. Southern Illinois gas prices usually run a bit below the national average, with stations in Goreville, Marion, and Vienna along I-24 being convenient fill-ups. For a 4-night trip with roughly 300 miles of driving in a Class C, budget about $120 to $180 in fuel. Pro tip: top off at the Marion exits where prices are typically lowest in the region.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far ahead should I book a campground for RV camping in Goreville?
Book early and breathe easy. Reservable sites in Ferne Clyffe's North Loop at Deer Ridge open through the Illinois DNR's ExploreMoreIL system up to six months in advance, and they fill quickly for Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and peak fall color weekends in mid-to-late October. The South Loop (sites 1 through 23) is first-come, first-served, so arrive by Thursday afternoon for a holiday weekend. After November 1, the entire campground switches to first-come, first-served with payment at the on-site kiosk. Pro tip: for RV camping in Goreville during fall foliage, lock in a North Loop 50-amp site (4, 6, 18, 32, 36, 38, 47, or 48) the day the reservation window opens.
camp.exploremoreil.com/What are the local driving conditions like around Goreville?
Driving around Goreville is genuinely easy compared to most U.S. destinations. The town sits right off Interstate 24, with light traffic and flat-to-rolling terrain heading toward Vienna and Marion. The Shawnee Hills get curvier and steeper as you head east toward Garden of the Gods, with some narrow forest roads, so take it slow and avoid the smallest backroads in a Class A. Winter ice storms (December through February) can briefly close routes, and summer afternoon thunderstorms can drop heavy rain. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk year-round. Pro tip: when leaving Ferne Clyffe, head north on IL-37 toward I-24 rather than the smaller county roads south.
idot.illinois.gov/travel-information.htmlWhat amenities do campgrounds near Goreville offer for RVs?
You'll find solid infrastructure for your rig. Deer Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park has 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups, potable water hydrants scattered across the loops, a dump station with potable water fill, flush toilets, and seasonal shower facilities. Lake of Egypt area campgrounds offer full hookups (water, electric, sewer at the site). Most sites include a picnic table, fire ring, and gravel pad. Cell service is decent on Verizon and AT&T but spotty deep in the bluffs. Pro tip: top off fresh water at Deer Ridge's dump-station fill before heading to any of the primitive Shawnee National Forest sites like Camp Cadiz or Pine Ridge, where hookups aren't available.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/park.ferneclyffe.htmlWhat features and amenities come with RVs rented in Goreville?
Expect a real home on wheels. Most RVs available for rent in Goreville sleep 4 to 8 people and come with a queen or king bed, dinette and/or sofa that converts to a bed, a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), a wet or dry bathroom with shower and toilet, air conditioning, propane furnace, and seatbelts for travel. Many include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, and outdoor awning, and a growing number now offer onboard generators, solar, and Wi-Fi hotspots. Listings spell out exactly what's included. Pro tip: for summer RV camping in Goreville, prioritize a rig with a generator or 50-amp service so the AC runs comfortably through 90-plus degree Shawnee afternoons.
fs.usda.gov/shawneeWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts make it easy to customize your trip. Popular add-ons for a Goreville RV rental include delivery and setup (often priced per mile from the host's home base), generator hour packages, linen and kitchen kits, camp chairs, bikes for the nearby Tunnel Hill State Trail, and portable grills. Pickup is usually at the host's address, with a 30 to 60-minute walkthrough included, and many hosts offer flexible afternoon pickup and morning return windows. Mileage policies vary by listing, so check before booking. Pro tip: bundle delivery plus a generator package if you're heading to Camp Cadiz or any boondocking spot in Shawnee National Forest where hookups don't exist.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Goreville%2C%20IllinoisHow does payment and the security deposit work for a Goreville RV rental?
Payment is simple and fully handled inside RVezy, so no cash, checks, or third-party transfers ever change hands. You pay securely through the platform with a credit or debit card when you book, and a separate refundable security deposit is placed as a hold on your card shortly before pickup. The hold is released after your trip wraps up, assuming the RV comes back in the condition it left. Deposit amounts vary by rig and are shown on the listing before you book. Pro tip: take date-stamped photos and a quick walk-around video at both pickup and drop-off in Goreville so any questions about the deposit are easy to resolve.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksIs winter RV camping near Goreville possible?
Yes, and it's a quiet, beautiful secret. Ferne Clyffe State Park stays open year-round for camping, switching to first-come, first-served with kiosk payment after November 1, so you can absolutely enjoy a winter RV trip near Goreville. Daytime temperatures typically run 35 to 50 degrees, with overnight lows in the 20s and occasional dips below freezing, so look for a rental with a heated underbelly, enclosed tanks, and a working propane furnace. Shore-power 30-amp sites at Deer Ridge let you run a small electric heater as backup. Pro tip: message your host about winterization details before booking, and keep a 25-foot heated drinking-water hose on your packing list for stress-free hookups.
weather.gov/pah/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Nashville, TNIndianapolis, INSt. Louis, MOEllettsville, INPleasant View, TNBargersville, INBrooklyn, INClarksville, TNShackle Island, TNOak Grove, KYRobertsville, MOO'Fallon, ILMt. Juliet, TNWatertown, TNSmyrna, TNHendersonville, TNEureka, MOFranklin, TNGallatin, TNPortland, TNBrentwood, MOPotosi, MOGreencastle, INEffingham, IL