When most people think about camping, they usually picture mountains or the Pacific Northwest. But honestly, Illinois has some of the top spots for tent campers, too. From peaceful forests to rock formations, this state offers a perfect mix of nature without the crowds or high prices.
If you’re interested in tent camping near Shawnee National Forest — one of the best areas in Illinois for nature lovers — you’re in luck. Several great campgrounds welcome tents and small trailers, and all of them offer easy access to hiking trails, lakes, and some amazing scenery.
Read on to learn more!
Top 5 Tent Campgrounds in Illinois Near Shawnee National Forest
- Pharaoh’s Campground
Pharaoh’s Campground is a cozy little spot right inside the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. It’s perfect if you want to wake up just steps away from some of Illinois’s best rock formations. There are 12 sites, and they’re first come, first served. So it’s kind of a laid-back, casual vibe out there. It’s mainly for tents but small trailers can fit too — just no hookups for RVs.
What you’ll find here are accessible campsites, toilets, picnic tables, and fresh drinking water. And with only $10 a night, it’s easy on the wallet. Just a heads up: weekends in summer fill up quickly, so if you can, try to come during the week. The nearest town, Herod, is just 5 miles away if you need anything.
Highlights of the area:
- Super close to Garden of the Gods — some of the best views in Illinois.
- Quiet, small, and perfect for people wanting a simple camping trip.
- Great for hiking and spotting local wildlife right outside your tent.
If you are interested in hunting, check out our blog on How Do You Plan a Hunting Trip to the Shawnee National Forest?
- Pine Ridge Campground
Just a short drive from Pharaoh’s, Pine Ridge Campground is near Pounds Hollow Lake — a 25-acre lake that’s perfect for swimming, fishing, or just relaxing. This campground has electric and non-electric sites, so whether you want to keep it simple or have a little extra comfort, you’re covered.
Pine Ridge is open from mid-March to mid-December. It’s $10 a night, and just like Pharaoh’s, the spots are first come, first served. The campground offers toilets, picnic tables, drinking water, and some accessible sites, which makes it a good option for families.
Highlights:
- Lakeside fun right near your campsite.
- Options for electric hookups if you want them.
- There are many nearby trails for hiking and exploring.
- Redbud Campground
If you’re all about hiking, Redbud Campground in Bell Smith Springs is a fantastic choice. This campground is tucked away in a beautiful area with rocky streams, cliffs, and a ton of native plants. It’s quiet and feels a little more wild compared to some other campgrounds.
There are 21 sites, no reservations — just show up and grab a spot for $10 a night. The best part? You get direct access to eight miles of hiking trails that lead to spots like Devil’s Backbone and Boulder Falls. It’s great for campers who wish to explore nature during the day and relax by the campfire at night.
Highlights of the place:
- Several scenic hiking trails right from your tent.
- Beautiful streams and natural rock formations.
- Less crowded for you to enjoy the quiet.
- Pine Hills Campground
If you want to get away from it all, Pine Hills Campground is a more remote spot surrounded by pine trees. It doesn’t have water or electric hookups, so it’s perfect if you want a true back-to-nature experience.
There are 13 sites here, all first-come, first-served, and $10 a night. Again, you can find a nearby bluff that offers amazing views over LaRue Swamp and the Mississippi River floodplain — a great spot to watch a sunset.
Highlights of the place:
- Remote, peaceful, and great for relaxing
- Amazing views from the bluff nearby.
- Quiet enough to really get away from city life.
- Trail of Tears Campground
For something a little different, check out the Trail of Tears State Forest. It’s near unique places like Little Grand Canyon and Pomona Natural Bridge, so you get some interesting spots to explore. This campground even has some sites with log shelters if you want a bit more protection from the elements. Standard sites are just $8 a night, and the shelters are $25. Group camping is also an option here.
Keep in mind that some roads close in winter and early spring, but you can still hike into camp.
Highlights:
- Close to some famous natural landmarks.
- Log shelters for a bit of extra comfort.
- Great for car camping and backpacking.
The bottom line
Honestly, Illinois doesn’t get the credit it deserves as a camping destination. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, swimming, or just sitting by a campfire under the stars, camping here is a chance to slow down and soak in nature. If you’re looking for the best places to tent camp in Illinois, these campgrounds are a great place to start. It’s an experience you’ll want to come back to — at least once in your life.
So, pack your tent, grab your gear, and see what makes Illinois such a special place for camping.
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