Campgrounds and RV parks near Jonesboro, IL

Jonesboro sits in Union County in Illinois's Shawnee Hills, giving RV travelers access to state forest and state park campgrounds within a short drive. Trail of Tears State Forest is situated in western Union County, five miles northwest of Jonesboro, and covers just over 5,000 acres. Giant City State Park and Ferne Clyffe State Park lie to the northeast and east, and Little Grassy Lake and the Mississippi River corridor add water-based options. Most public campgrounds in the area are managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Giant City has 85 Class A campsites that can be reserved online at ExploreMoreIL, plus a Class C walk-in area with 14 sites. Trail Of Tears State Forest offers rustic sites without hookups, while Horse Camp - Giant City State Park and Horse Camp - Ferne Clyffe State Park serve equestrian travelers with dedicated facilities. Renters should note that hookup availability varies. Trail Of Tears State Forest and the primitive loops at Ferne Clyffe have no electric or water at the sites, while Class A loops at Giant City and Ferne Clyffe do.

Illinois state park and state forest sites in this region are reserved through the state's ExploreMoreIL platform. Campsite reservations at Trail of Tears State Forest are available through the ExploreMoreIL website. The same system handles Class A sites at Giant City and reservable loops at Ferne Clyffe. Under standard IDNR policy, reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance and must be completed at least three days prior to the arrival date, and processing fees apply. Walk-up sites are handled through on-site self-registration or the campground host. Equestrian and group bookings often require a phone call. Group camp reservations at Ferne Clyffe are made by calling the park office at 618-995-2411. Backpack campers at Trail of Tears must pre-register with the site office at 618-833-4910.