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45 campgrounds and RV Parks near Murphysboro, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Murphysboro, IL
Lake Murphysboro State Park
Murphysboro, IL (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(74 sites)
+5
Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina
Makanda, IL (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(105 sites)
+5
Blue Heron Marina and Campground
Carterville, IL (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
Horse Camp - Giant City State Park
Makanda, IL (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(24 sites)
+4
Four Seasons Campground
Herrin, IL (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(33 sites)
+4
Pyramid State Recreation Area
Pinckneyville, IL (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(54 sites)
+4
Trail Of Tears State Forest
Jonesboro, IL (19 miles away)
(20 sites)
+2
Marion Campground and RV Park
Marion, IL (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(58 sites)
+6
Lake Campalot
Percy, IL (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
Mississippi River - Trail of Tears State Park
Jackson, MO (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(19 sites)
+4
Goatey Goat Ranch RV Park and Campground
Perryville, MO (24 miles away)
Deer Ridge - Ferne Clyffe State Park
Goreville, IL (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(59 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Toilets Dump station Tables Showers Grills Firewood Hiking Playground Trails
Campgrounds near Murphysboro
Murphysboro sits in Jackson County in southern Illinois, minutes from the Shawnee National Forest and a cluster of state parks that anchor most RV trips to the region. The town works well as a base for families: it has grocery stores, fuel, and dump-station access, with campgrounds on multiple sides within a short drive.
The closest option is Lake Murphysboro State Park, immediately west of town on a small fishing lake. Southeast of Murphysboro, Giant City State Park offers a large Class A family campground plus a separate Horse Camp - Giant City State Park for equestrian users. Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina sits inside Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and adds boat rentals and a swim beach.
For bigger-water access, Blue Heron Marina and Campground is on the Crab Orchard Lake side of the refuge. North of the Big Muddy River, Pyramid State Recreation Area covers reclaimed mine land with dozens of small lakes and primitive camping areas, useful when the state park loops are full.
Things to do near Murphysboro
Hiking and rock scrambling drive most visits. Giant City State Park has sandstone bluffs and short family trails like Giant City Nature Trail and Post Oak, plus the twelve-mile Red Cedar backpacking loop with a halfway-point camp. The historic park lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, serves meals and works as a rainy-day stop.
On the water, Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina rents kayaks and canoes and has a swim beach, and the Crab Orchard Lake area near Blue Heron Marina and Campground allows larger boats. Fishing is productive for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.
Equestrian trips center on Horse Camp - Giant City State Park, which connects to a twelve-mile trail loop open May through October. Pyramid State Recreation Area adds waterfowl viewing and hunting seasons.
Camping spots and RV parks near Murphysboro, IL
Seasonal patterns in Murphysboro
- spring
March - May
68° / 45°F 112 mmWettest season; severe storms possible
- summer
June - August
88° / 65°F 89 mmHot and humid; weekend sites fill early
- fall
September - November
70° / 45°F 98 mmCool nights and peak fall color in October
- winter
December - February
45° / 25°F 79 mmCold; shower buildings closed at state parks
Peak season runs from Memorial Day through mid-October. Summers are hot and humid with regular afternoon thunderstorms, and weekend sites at Giant City State Park fill early. Spring brings dogwood and redbud bloom in April along with the wettest stretch of the year and occasional severe weather; trails can be muddy after storms.
Fall is the most reliable window for RV trips. October delivers cool nights, low humidity, and hardwood color across the Shawnee Hills, and reservation pressure eases on weekdays. Note that the Class A campground at Giant City State Park is closed during shotgun deer season in late November, and the shower building shuts down the day after that first shotgun season and reopens April 1.
Winter camping is limited but possible. Electric sites at Lake Murphysboro State Park and Pyramid State Recreation Area generally remain accessible in mild stretches, though shower buildings are closed and water may be shut off at spigots to prevent freezing.
How to book near Murphysboro
Illinois state park campgrounds, including Lake Murphysboro State Park, Giant City State Park, Horse Camp - Giant City State Park, and Pyramid State Recreation Area, are reserved through the state's ExploreMoreIL system at camp.exploremoreil.com. Reservations must be made at least three days before arrival, and stays are capped at fourteen nights within a thirty-day period. A portion of sites at Giant City State Park are walk-in only and registered on arrival through a self-registration drop box or the campground host.
Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina and Blue Heron Marina and Campground are privately operated concessions and take reservations directly with the operator. Holiday weekends and October color weekends book out earliest, so lock in dates well ahead for those windows.
What to expect
Sites at the state parks are wooded and often uneven, so bring leveling blocks. Class A sites at Giant City State Park offer electricity and access to water, showers, and a sanitary dump station for tent and trailer camping; there are no individual sewer hookups at the state park loops. Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina has some full-hookup sites plus a larger set of water and electric sites, with a dump station near the marina.
Quiet hours at Illinois state parks run overnight, and park gates typically close after dusk. Maximum stay is fourteen nights within a thirty-day period.
Cell coverage is generally usable on major carriers around Murphysboro but drops in the forested hollows of the Shawnee. Pets are allowed on leash. Firewood should be bought locally to avoid moving pests.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Murphysboro, IL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Murphysboro, IL?
Good news: RV rental in Murphysboro is one of the most affordable ways to explore Shawnee National Forest and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $90 to $130 per night, campervans run about $125 to $200, and larger Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $300 per night depending on age, size, and season. You can stretch your budget further by booking Sunday-through-Thursday nights, when many local hosts offer weekly discounts. Pro tip: filter by "Delivery" and have the RV dropped right at Lake Murphysboro State Park, so you save on fuel and skip the learning curve of towing.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.lakemurphysboro.htmlWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Murphysboro, Illinois?
For the vast majority of RV rentals in Murphysboro, your regular driver's license is all you need. Illinois ties license class to vehicle weight, but the travel trailers, campervans, and Class C motorhomes most renters book on RVezy come in well under the 16,000 pound threshold that would require an upgraded non-Commercial Driver's License (CDL). You'll also need to be 25 or older, and RVezy verifies your identification right in the app before pickup. Visiting from outside the United States? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home-country license and you're set to roll into Shawnee National Forest.
ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/drivers_license/classifications.htmlIs RV rental insurance and roadside assistance included for my Murphysboro trip?
Yes, every RV rental in Murphysboro booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance. The protection plan helps cover damage to the RV during your trip, and you choose the coverage level that fits your trip at checkout, so you stay in control. If you get a flat tire on Route 13 or run into trouble on a backroad near Pomona, one call gets help dispatched any time of day or night. That kind of safety net makes a first Shawnee Hills RV trip feel easy and confident.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat happens if I need to cancel my Murphysboro RV rental?
Booking an RV rental in Murphysboro is low-risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy, not the host. Every reservation includes a grace period after booking where you can get a full refund, and additional refund tiers apply based on how far ahead of your trip you cancel. If a host needs to cancel, RVezy works with you directly to provide a refund or rebooking credit. That means you can lock in your dates for Garden of the Gods or the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail today and still have flexibility if plans change. You will see the full policy details in your booking confirmation.
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 Murphysboro?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in Murphysboro is easy to find on RVezy. Use the "Pet-Friendly" filter on the search page and you'll see plenty of campervans and motorhomes whose owners welcome dogs. Once you're rolling, your pup has options too: Lake Murphysboro State Park allows leashed pets on trails and at campsites, and the trails around Little Grand Canyon and Pomona Natural Bridge in nearby Shawnee National Forest are dog-friendly as well. Pro tip: pack a long lead and a collapsible water bowl. Southern Illinois summers can be humid, and the wooded trails get warm quickly even under the tree canopy.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.lakemurphysboro.htmlCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Murphysboro?
Yes, RV delivery in Murphysboro is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-time renters. Many local hosts will tow or drive the RV to Lake Murphysboro State Park, Kinkaid Lake, or even a private driveway, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system. That means no learning to back up a 30-foot rig on day one. Delivery fees usually range from $2 to $5 per mile depending on the host, and some include a flat setup fee. Message the host through the listing to confirm the drop-off location and you can focus on the campfire, not logistics.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.lakemurphysboro.htmlHow far can I drive on a Murphysboro RV trip, and is unlimited mileage available?
You've got real range from Murphysboro, and yes, RV rental with unlimited mileage is available from select hosts on RVezy. Most hosts include 100 to 150 free miles per night, which is plenty for exploring Shawnee National Forest, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (about 25 miles east), and Garden of the Gods (about 70 miles east). Extra miles are typically $0.30 to $0.45 each. If you're planning a bigger loop to St. Louis (about 110 miles northwest) or Memphis (around 200 miles south), filter for unlimited mileage at the top of search results. Confirm the host's mileage policy on the listing page before booking so you can budget with confidence.
fs.usda.gov/shawneeWhere should I camp during my Murphysboro RV trip?
You are spoiled for choice on where to park an RV in Murphysboro. Lake Murphysboro State Park sits right outside town with electric sites near a quiet fishing lake. Giant City State Park in nearby Makanda has electric hookups, a sanitary dump station, and incredible sandstone bluff hiking just 20 minutes south. Kinkaid Lake offers lakefront sites in the Shawnee hills, and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge campgrounds near Carterville have hookup options too. For something quieter, Turkey Bayou Campground along the Big Muddy River is primitive and peaceful. Reserve Illinois state park sites early on the Camp Illinois portal.
camp.exploremoreil.com/When is the best time of year for RV camping in Murphysboro?
Spring and fall are the sweet spot for RV camping in Murphysboro. April through early June brings wildflowers, dogwood blooms, and daytime highs of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for hiking Little Grand Canyon. September through early November is even better in many locals' opinion: foliage in Shawnee National Forest peaks in mid-to-late October, mosquitoes are gone, and highs sit in the comfortable 60s and 70s. Summer (June to August) is warm and humid with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and frequent thunderstorms, so look for a rental with strong air conditioning. Winters are mild for the Midwest, with highs in the 40s, making short shoulder-season trips genuinely viable.
weather.gov/pah/I've never rented an RV before. How does the Murphysboro pickup process work?
First time renting an RV? You're in great company, and Murphysboro is a forgiving place to start. Every RVezy host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup: how to run the propane fridge, fill fresh water, dump the gray and black tanks, deploy the awning, and operate the generator if there is one. Most walkthroughs last 30 to 60 minutes, and you can record video on your phone for reference. Hosts also share their cell number so you can text questions from your campsite at Giant City or Kinkaid Lake. Local insider tip: ask your host to demo backing into a campsite before you leave, since the wooded loops at Lake Murphysboro State Park are tight.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.giantcity.htmlWhat if something breaks down during my RV trip in southern Illinois?
Take a deep breath: every RV rental in Murphysboro on RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection package. Whether it's a flat tire on Route 127, a dead battery at Pomona, or a slide-out that won't retract at Shawnee Forest Campground, one phone call gets a technician dispatched. For mechanical questions, your host is usually a quick text away too, since they know their rig better than anyone. Cell coverage can be patchy deep inside Shawnee National Forest, especially near LaRue-Pine Hills, so screenshot the roadside number before you head out. Most renters never need it, but knowing it's there makes the trip feel a lot lighter.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recarea/?recid=10590What are the best road trip destinations from Murphysboro?
An RV road trip from Murphysboro opens up the whole Mid-South. Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest is about 70 miles east (90 minutes) with iconic sandstone overlooks. Cave-In-Rock State Park on the Ohio River sits roughly 90 miles east. St. Louis and the Gateway Arch are about 110 miles northwest, perfect for a two-night urban detour. Memphis, Tennessee, with Beale Street and Graceland, is around 200 miles south on Interstate 57 and 55, an easy day's drive. Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is about 220 miles southeast. Hosts on RVezy can usually accommodate one-way or multi-stop trips; just message them through the listing to coordinate.
nps.gov/maca/index.htmHow much fuel will my Murphysboro RV trip use?
Budgeting fuel for a Murphysboro RV trip is straightforward. Campervans (Class B) average 18 to 22 miles per gallon, Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 miles per gallon, and larger Class A rigs run 6 to 10 miles per gallon. Travel trailers don't burn fuel themselves but typically drop your tow vehicle's mileage by 25 to 40 percent. Gas prices in Jackson County tend to run a few cents below the Illinois state average, and you'll find the cheapest pumps in Carbondale just east of town. Pro tip: a weekend loop through Shawnee National Forest covers maybe 150 to 200 miles total, so even a thirsty Class C only needs one fill-up.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far ahead should I book a campground near Murphysboro?
Book your campsite as soon as you book the RV, especially for the best campgrounds near Murphysboro. Illinois state park sites at Lake Murphysboro, Giant City, and Ferne Clyffe can be reserved up to six months in advance through the Camp Illinois portal (camp.exploremoreil.com), and peak weekends in October fill within hours of opening. Shawnee Forest Campground and Kinkaid Marina take direct reservations through their websites. Total solar eclipse anniversaries, Southern Illinois University football weekends, and the Murphysboro Apple Festival in mid-September all spike demand. Pro tip: midweek arrivals (Sunday through Wednesday) almost always have availability, even in peak season, and many sites are cheaper too.
camp.exploremoreil.com/What are driving conditions like around Murphysboro?
Driving an RV around Murphysboro is refreshingly easy compared to big-city rentals. Route 13 and Route 127 are wide, well-maintained, and connect the town to Carbondale, Kinkaid Lake, and Interstate 57. Inside Shawnee National Forest, you'll find some narrow, winding two-lane roads with low tree canopy, so a Class C or smaller campervan handles better than a 35-foot Class A on routes like the LaRue-Pine Hills road. Summer thunderstorms can roll in fast across the Mississippi River valley, so check the National Weather Service Paducah office forecast each morning. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk anywhere in Jackson County. Overall, traffic is light and parking lots at trailheads are RV-friendly.
idot.illinois.gov/travel-information/road-conditions.htmlWhat hookups and amenities do campgrounds near Murphysboro offer?
Campgrounds around Murphysboro are well-equipped for RV camping. Lake Murphysboro State Park offers Class A sites with electric and water, plus a sanitary dump station near the park entrance. Giant City State Park has electric hookups and a dump station too. Shawnee Forest Campground off Interstate 24 features full 30 and 50 amp hookups with sewer at every site. Kinkaid Marina provides electric and water at most lakeside sites. For fresh water fills between trips, the dump station at Giant City is open to day-users for a small fee. Most state park sites do not have sewer at the pad, so plan a mid-trip dump if you're staying more than three nights with a full crew.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.giantcity.htmlWhat features come standard in a motorhome rental in Murphysboro?
Motorhome rental in Murphysboro comes ready for adventure. Expect a queen bed, a kitchen with a propane stove, microwave, refrigerator and freezer, a wet or dry bathroom with shower and toilet, roof-mounted air conditioning, a furnace for cool nights, and seatbelts for everyone riding. Most Class C motorhomes sleep 4 to 6 with a convertible dinette and cab-over bunk, while travel trailers can sleep up to 8. Many RVezy hosts include a generator for off-grid stops at Turkey Bayou or dispersed sites in Shawnee National Forest, plus outdoor chairs, a coffee maker, and basic cookware. WiFi hotspots and TVs are common add-ons; check the listing amenities before booking.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Murphysboro,IllinoisWhat add-ons and options can I get with my Murphysboro RV rental?
RVezy hosts in Murphysboro offer thoughtful add-ons that make a family RV trip in Murphysboro much smoother. Popular options include bedding and linen packages ($30 to $75 per trip), kitchen kits with cookware and dishes ($25 to $50), generator use ($5 to $15 per hour beyond included time), bike racks, paddle boards, fire pits, and outdoor mats. Delivery and setup is the most-loved add-on, often $2 to $5 per mile from the host's location. Standard pickup is usually 1 to 3 PM with an 11 AM drop-off the last day. Mileage policies vary, so look at the listing's "Add-ons" section and message the host with any custom requests before booking.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.lakemurphysboro.htmlHow does payment and the security deposit work for an RV rental in Murphysboro?
Payment for your RV rental in Murphysboro is simple and secure through RVezy. You pay with a credit or debit card at the time of booking, with the trip cost, protection plan, and any add-ons clearly itemized. A refundable security deposit (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the rig) is placed as a hold on your card before pickup and released after drop-off, assuming no damage or extra cleaning. To avoid issues, take a quick video walk-around of the RV at pickup and drop-off, return it with the same fuel and propane levels, and dump the tanks if your agreement requires it. The security deposit is handled separately from the booking payment.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I take my Murphysboro RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, interstate travel is welcome on most RV rentals in Murphysboro. Popular cross-border loops include heading west into Missouri for St. Louis and the Ozarks, south into Kentucky and Tennessee for Land Between the Lakes and Memphis, or east into Indiana. Most RVezy hosts allow travel anywhere in the continental United States, and the standard protection plan applies across state lines. Trips into Canada may be allowed with advance host approval and possible insurance adjustments, so message the host before booking. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental, since insurance coverage does not extend there. Confirm your route in the booking message and the host will get you set up.
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