Campgrounds and RV parks near Rosiclare, IL

Rosiclare sits on the Ohio River in Hardin County, southern Illinois, at the southern edge of the Shawnee National Forest. It is the most populous incorporated place in Hardin County, with a population of 980 according to the 2020 United States Census. The setting puts RV travelers within a short drive of river bluffs, sandstone rock formations, and hardwood forest trails. The closest developed park is Cave-in-rock State Park, roughly a dozen miles east along the river. On the scenic north side of the park are camping accommodations with 34 Class A sites and 25 Class B/S tent sites. Within a 25 mile radius are the popular USDA attractions of Garden of the Gods, Pounds Hollow Recreational Area, Rim Rock Trails and Tower Rock Recreational Area, and the park contains two established hiking trails of moderate difficulty plus numerous unmarked trails. Further inland, private campgrounds such as Double M Campground and Bear Branch Campgrounds serve equestrian and RV travelers exploring the Shawnee. Birdsville RV and Campground and Birdsville Riverside RV Park sit across the Ohio River in Kentucky, reachable via the Cave-in-Rock ferry.

Reservation systems vary widely in this area, so plan campground by campground. Cave-In-Rock State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis without a reservation system, so the best chance at securing a site is to arrive early in the day, especially during peak seasons, and weekdays typically have more availability than weekends. Double M Campground takes advance reservations for overnight sites but has cutoffs. It does not take reservations with arrival dates within 5 days, though drive ins are welcome. Primitive and tent camping is given out on a first-come, first-serve basis only. For private parks like Birdsville RV and Campground, Birdsville Riverside RV Park, and Bear Branch Campgrounds, contact the campground directly to confirm site type, hookups, and hold policies. Federal campgrounds inside Shawnee National Forest are first-come, first-serve, with no reservations accepted, and are usually open from April 1 through December 15.