The Mississippi River Meets the Ohio River Region of the Middle Mississippi River Valley offers campers a wide range of opportunities. Excellent full service public campgrounds in State Parks can be found at Giant City State Park and Lake Murphysboro in Illinois, Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri, and Columbus-Belmont State Park in Kentucky. Other public sites including natural areas offer a range of services ranging from Class A facilities to primitive camping opportunities. There are also a number of private campgrounds throughout the region.
Page 1 of 2
Giant City State Park
235 Giant City Road
Makanda, IL
618-457-4836
Giant City State Park get its name from unique Makanda sandstone features that have been cut by water for centuries to create narrow “streets” between stone “buildings” giving rise to the sense that the area is a city populated by giants. Other features at the park include hiking, picnicking, hunting and fishing, rock climbing and rappelling, horseback riding, camping, and lodging and dining. Giant City has 85 campsites in its Class A Campground which provides water, electricity, showers and sanitary facilities for tent and trailer camping. A Class C camping area with 14 walk-in sites at the south end of the family campground is available for those who prefer a more primitive setting.
Trail of Tears State Park
429 Moccasin Springs
Jackson, MO
573-290-5268
Trail of Tears State Park is a memorial to the members of the Cherokee tribe that lost their lives during their forced relocation in the winter of 1838-39. The peaceful, serene setting and the abundance of recreational opportunities of the 3,415-acre park are in sharp contrast to the tragic history that gives the park its name. The park preserves the native woodlands much as they appeared to the Cherokee. The park offers fishing, swimming, hiking, backpacking, and equestrian pursuits. Campsites with electrical hookups and electricity and sewer hookups are located in a campground near the river. The park’s numerous trails offer opportunities for primitive camping.
Columbus-Belmont State Park
350 Park Road
Columbus, KY
270-677-2327
Columbus-Belmont State Park’s offers a river cliff campground with 38 sites, utility hookups and grills. A central service building offers rest rooms, showers, and laundry facilities. WiFi available. Pets are allowed if restrained. The campground is open year round, water available, but not to each site in winter. In addition, two rental camping trailers and a log cabin rental are available by calling the park directly. Each trailer has kitchen, bath, and sleeps six. The log cabin sleeps two and renter uses campground facilities.
Lake Murphysboro State Park
52 Cinder Hill Drive
Murphysboro, IL
618-684-2867
Beautiful rolling hills and woods surround star-shaped Lake Murphysboro and provide a wonderful backdrop for boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and hiking. Fishing is one of the primary attractions at this 1,022-acre state park. There are 54 trailer sites that are equipped with electricity and 20 Class B tent sites. There are three Class A handicapped sites and one Class B/S handicapped site available.
Devil's Backbone Park
Park Road
Grand Tower, IL
618-684-6192
Devil's Backbone is an unusual limestone ridge that runs for about one-half mile along the eastern shore of the Mississippi River at Grand Tower. Devil's Backbone Park is located at the northern edge of the community of Grand Tower. It offers RV camping, playgrounds, picnic facilities, and a shower house. The Park offers an excellent view of Tower Rock. a landmark geological formation in the Mississippi River.
Horseshoe Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
Illinois Route 3
Miller City, IL
618-776-5689
Horseshoe Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area is a 10,200 acre area that includes a 2,400 acre shallow oxbow lake located seven miles north of Cairo. Visitors may be reminded of the Deep South with the abundance of bald cypress, tupelo gum, swamp cottonwood trees, and wild lotus. The site offers fishing, wildlife viewing, and hunting opportunities. There are 38 Class A camping sites with electricity and showers, 40 Class B/E camping sites with electricity only, and 10 Class C sites.
Trail of Tears State Forest
3240 State Forest Road
Jonesboro, IL
618-833-4910
Trail of Tears State Forest is one of five Illinois' state forests. The Forest consists of just over 5,000 acres and lies within the southern section of the Illinois’ Ozark Hills region, one of the most rugged landscapes in Illinois. During the 1930s a Civilian Conservation Corps camp operated in the Forest constructing many of the stonework stabilization walls and log stone shelters within the picnic area and along the Forest roads. The park offers both Class C (tent camping with vehicle access) and Class D (backpack) camping sites.
Cedar Lake
Cedar Creek Road
Carbondale, IL
618-549-8441
Oak Grove Cabins and Walnut Grove Cabins provide 5 private vacation cabins in Southern Illinois to accommodate your getaway to nature. Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest but just minutes south of Carbondale providing the perfect location to enjoy everything that Southern Illinois has to offer.
